The Effect of Blow-Dryers on Black Women's Hair

In the right hands, blow-dryers can turn ho-hum hair into attention-grabbing hair. Black women's hair, since it is more fragile, takes special care, but the effects of blow-drying can be just as striking.

Natural Vs. Chemically Treated

Blow-drying black women's hair works on either natural or chemically treated hair. The point is not to stress your hair by over-processing it. Whether your hair has been colored, straightened or is all natural, you want to avoid turning it into dry, brittle hair.

Preparation

Whether your hair is short or long, comb through it and separate it into sections prior to blow-drying. Work through the hair with a shampoo comb or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working through to the roots. If you use a blow-dryer with a comb attachment, or use a wide-tooth comb while blow-drying your hair, you can move your head quickly and efficiently. The less time spent blow-drying your hair, the less the risk of heat damage.

Heat Settings

Since black women's hair is more fragile, blow-dryers should be set on low or medium-low heat. Dryness and breakage can occur when the dryer is too hot.

Effects

Blow-dryers can add style and sheen to black women's hair. A blow-dryer that uses a comb attachment straightens and smooths your hair. If you prefer to wear your hair with its natural curl, blow dry your hair without a comb attachment.

Keep It Clean

Never blow-dry dirty hair, since this will cause damage and hair loss. Make sure your hair is clean and conditioned or oiled before turning on the blow-dryer.

Resources

• Caring for Afro-American Hair