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Is blow-drying damaging your hair during the monsoon? An expert says the real culprit is something else
Should you switch to air-drying instead of blow-drying in the monsoon? An expert clears up the debate and explains which one is better.
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During the monsoon, our hair tends to become frizzy and dry. And that is the reason, for years, many of us have been told that air drying is the gentler, healthier choice for our hair. It sounds intuitive: less heat must mean less damage. But as hair science continues to evolve, we are learning that the relationship between water, hair health, and drying is far more nuanced.
In fact, prolonged exposure to water can place hair under significant stress. During the monsoon season, when humidity levels are high and drying times are considerably longer, the effects can become even more pronounced.
Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Aesthetic Dermatologist, explains, “Monsoon creates the ideal conditions for scalp build-up, dandruff and irritation, yet most people remain focused on managing frizz rather than addressing what lies beneath”.
She further says, "Healthy-looking hair begins with a healthy scalp. Cleansing regularly based on your scalp's specific needs, avoiding prolonged dampness and never sleeping with wet hair or tying it up while still damp are the most meaningful habits you can build this season."
The Hidden Problem with Air Drying
Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet. When strands absorb water, they swell. The longer hair remains saturated, the longer it stays in this weakened state. Research examining different drying methods has shown that prolonged wetness can contribute to structural stress within the hair fibre, while carefully controlled blow drying can reduce the duration of this vulnerable period.
Blow Drying Is Not the Villain - Excessive Heat Is
Rob Smith, Senior Principal Scientist at Dyson, shares, “One of the biggest misconceptions in haircare is that all blow drying is damaging. The reality is more nuanced”. He further says that prolonged exposure to high heat can weaken the hair, reduce moisture content and contribute to breakage. However, controlled airflow and moderate temperatures can help dry hair efficiently while limiting unnecessary heat exposure.
According to Smith, “The concern is not drying itself but exposing hair to excessively high temperatures for prolonged periods. In other words, the goal should not be to avoid drying your hair; it should be to dry your hair intelligently”.
He also mentions that rather than relying on extreme temperatures, the goal should be to dry parts of hair at lower temperatures that can dry hair quickly.
“For consumers navigating India's monsoon season, this can make a tangible difference”, Smith says. Faster drying means less time spent with water-swollen hair fibres. Controlled airflow means improved comfort and manageability. And styling during drying can help create smoother, longer-lasting results, even in challenging humidity.
Tips on taming monsoon hair using a blow dryer
- Frizz: Smooth flyaways without extra heat. There are flyaway attachments available with most of the hair dryers and multi-stylers that smooth stray hair using precision airflow for a sleek finish without additional heat.
- Scalp issues: Humidity, sweat and excess oil can lead to scalp build-up and irritation. Cleanse your scalp based on its needs to keep it healthy and comfortable. Rather than avoiding frequent washes, cleanse your scalp based on its needs to keep it healthy and comfortable.
- Loss of shape and style: For those seeking sleek finishes, smooth blowouts or defined curls, there are hair dryers designed to style while drying, reducing the need for multiple tools.
- Extended drying times: There are hair dryers that use high-velocity airflow to dry hair quickly, while intelligent heat control helps protect against extreme heat exposure.
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(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
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