Blow drying my natural hair is something that I do sparingly. When I used to get relaxers, I also used to get Dominican blowouts as well. Just the thought of that much heat on my hair makes me cringe.
If you’re not familiar, a Dominican blowout is when the stylist uses a round bristle brush and a high-temperature blow dryer* with a nozzle attachment so that the extreme heat can focus on every small section of your hair and scalp.
They are essentially applying the extreme heat all around your head up and down, back and forth, until your hair is bone straight. And then they follow that with flat ironing your whole head to make it extra straight.
Now, as a natural who is terrified of heat damage and losing my curl pattern, I shy away from any and all types of heat.
However, I have really thick hair, which often times means my hair will not completely dry overnight with air alone. Or, if I want to do a dry twist out or any other dry style. So when I do have to blow dry my hair, here are a few routine staples:
1. Let the hair air dry 80-90%
Most of the time I do my hair on Sunday mornings. I’ve learned that I like to tackle my hair first thing in the morning, instead of at night or in the middle of the day.
This is not only for convenience, but because I am basically giving my hair 24 hours to air dry, versus 8, if I wait to do my hair at night.
I will wash, and condition my hair like normal, and then detangle it, and let it freely hang or put it in a high loose pineapple. By the time night time rolls around, it’s mostly dry, and I don’t have to use the blowdryer very long.
2. Low setting
Just like when you are flat ironing your hair, low setting while blow drying is key. Granted, it may take longer to completely dry, but at least you don’t have to worry about losing curl pattern or damaging your hair in the process.
3. Heat Protectant
A good heat protectant* is key. On top of the first two tips, you should always be using a heat protectant* whenever you put any type of heat to your hair.
Apply your desired brand onto your hair BEFORE you begin, and go from there. Also, you can apply another coat after blowdrying, before flat ironing.
Also, remember- using heat is a treat for you, not your hair!
