Why Does My Hair Take All Day to Dry?

Believe it or not, how long it takes your hair to dry can be a combination of several factors including the way you handle your hair while it's damp and the type of hair you have. Here are some tips to help you streamline the drying process and achieve smoother, less frizzy hair.

Proper Drying Techniques

When your hair is not soaking wet, it's best to wrap it in a towel and gently smooth the towel over it, rather than rubbing it vigorously. This helps to absorb excess water without causing tangles. Start by using a hairdryer on a medium heat setting at your hair roots, only. Using a wide-toothed comb, separate the lengths of your hair to make it easier to dry. Smooth the ends of your hair with your hands or a soft brush. This method will make your hair dry a little faster and make styling a breeze. Combining the drying and styling process can make your routine more efficient and enjoyable.

Understanding Hair Porosity

Your hair's porosity can significantly impact how quickly it dries and holds onto moisture. There are three types of hair porosity: low, medium, and high. Testing your hair porosity is simple—simply place a strand of your hair in a cup of water:

If it floats, your hair has low porosity. These hairs typically dry quickly after a wash but can be too frizzy. If it sinks to the middle, you have medium porosity. This is the best type of hair as it absorbs ingredients from oils well and takes an average amount of time to dry after washing. If it sinks to the bottom, your hair has high porosity. This means it takes longer to absorb oils and moisture, and it dries more slowly after washing.

Managing Thick Hair

If you have thick hair, you might be applying too much conditioner. Excessive product can weigh down your hair, causing it to take longer to dry. Opt for lightweight conditioners and apply them gently, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair rather than the roots. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and avoid rubbing as much as possible. If you want to speed up the process, let your hair air-dry whenever possible. For more serious cases, using a blow dryer can help, but try to minimize the time you use it to avoid over-drying and frizz. Allowing the sun and wind to dry your hair can also be beneficial. Simply lift your hair and move it around to expose as much surface area to the elements as possible.

Curly and Long Hair

If you have curly or long hair, the process of drying can also be challenging. Letting the sun and wind do the work can be very effective. Lift your hair and move it around to expose as much of the wet strands to the air and sunlight. A hair dryer can be useful, but using it for an extended period can add more frizz and damage to your hair. Combining the natural drying methods with a gentle hairdryer can provide a good balance.

If you have questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask. With these tips, you'll be able to love your hair more and get it to look its best. Your hair deserves the beautiful care it should receive.