The damage created by the heat to the hair are now well known . In this context, it is generally recommended to avoid the electric hair dryer and prefer natural drying in the open air . However a recent dermatological study ( published in the " Annals of Dermatology ' *) , from Korea concluded that drying with a hair dryer under certain conditions would be better because it is less damaging to the hair . Let us try to see a little clearer on one and the other method:
According to the observations of the study mentioned, the regular high temperature drying of hair would be damaging to the hair with gaps and cracks appearing in the outer layer of the cuticle after 30 days. But this is not the case with a low-temperature drying , performed at a distance of 15 cm from the hair , which does not severely damages the cuticle in this manner. Furthermore, it would avoid damage to the internal cuticle that is noted with drying in the open air . Overall, it would be less damaging to the hair.
To better understand the phenomenon, we must know that the cuticle of a hair consists of “scales" on its outer surface that covers it and protect , also includes several other layers. Its deepest inner layer , immediately before reaching the cortex (which corresponds to the internal structure of the hair ) is the complex of Cell Membrane Complex or membranoproliferative Cellular (CMC) also called " intercellular cement ". From my research, it is a "glue" of lipids (oily substances) and protein.
It keeps the cuticle and acts as adhesive layer with the cortex ( the internal structure of the hair ) also .
Upon drying in the open air may take some time , it appears that this water affects internal cement .
The scientists therefore believe that it is this prolonged time, during which the hair remains longer wet, which is responsible.
In other words, the longer your hair remains wet, as this cement may be damaged, under the effect of the tension caused by the pressure of the stagnant water in the fiber.
The hair is thereby weakened.
Once the CMC is hit, the cuticle can “sever " and may have a rough surface can lead to fork or breakage.
The electric drying makes it possible to remove water faster and avoid prolonged adverse swelling.
This conclusion remains surprising from what we previously knew that the effects of the heat.
The scientific community reminds one study on this issue cannot therefore be authoritative and needs to be corroborated by other research.
Secondly, the use of the hair dryer still more likely to cause surface damage.
My opinion on this study:
As a loyal practitioner drying in the open air ( and not suffering too much through the application of a moisturizing conditioner that counterbalances I think the negative effects of water ), I think not pass the electric drying that has always caused surprises the few times I used it ( to the hairdresser in general! ) :
Swelling unmanageable, electric hair and ill-defined curls.
The study will also not precise on what type of hair the experiment was conducted ( straight hair or other ? ) Or the type of shampoo and conditioner possible (presumably there was not ) .
However, what seems certain is that prolonged water contact on the hair it is prejudicial effect (I had already talked about the harmful effects of water in general on the hair) .
The solution for this seems to be of two kinds: wring maximum hair after rinsing in the bottom allowing the head position "drain" to the maximum.
Then, use an ultra-absorbent pad which will allow to further remove water and thus accelerate the natural drying process.
Reminder: do not rub it "vigorously" the towel on his unfortunate hair, but are applied all along lengths and top pressures.
Operation repeated several times or uses two towels when one is too soaked...
If your hair does not worry too much hairdryer and have no tendency to frizz, you can finish drying with a hair dryer on low temperature mode (add an extra first protective layer on your hair, even if we know they are not optimal, it's still better than nothing!). To get a good hair dryer now, you can read this article -
best hair dryer reviews
Finally, try where possible, to space the "aquatic" sessions, which will preserve all the hair fiber.
