Hair Glossary

Back in the late 1990s dull, dry, lifeless hair caused by over drying was sometimes known as blow-dryer-itis. It also become known as blo-frying, especially in the naturally textured hair community.

Some quick hints to prevent blow dryer damage when you must skip air drying include, but aren't limited to:

1. Blot as much water from hair as possible before blow drying.

2. Always use a heat protection spray, oil or similar product as a last step in leave-in styling cocktail to protect hair.

3. Blow dry hair on the slowest and coolest setting possible on the blow dryer.

4. Use a concentrator attachment when available to control air flow.

5. Always keep the blow-dryer moving instead of allowing it to direct air to just one continuous spot.

6. Point the nozzle down the hair shaft from roots to ends to keep hair smooth and to avoid the fried, frazzled “electric-shock effect.”

7. If/when drying hair upside down, start drying at the nape of the neck, move on to the sides drying the crown last since there is a tendency to over dry that area of the head.

8. Allow hair to completely dry and cool before utilizing a hot iron.

9. Protect hair with one tiny drop of serum or similar product raked through hair to seal in moisture and block out frizz.

10. Only blow dry when absolutely necessary. When possible either air dry partially or fully, use a long finger diffuser or a hood/bonnet dryer to protect strands.

11. Keep hair hydrated and conditioned at all time to minimize blow-dryer-itis.