Is it ok for men to use hair dryers?

When it comes to hair care, a lot of guys wonder if using a hair dryer is the right move. The simple answer is yes! Using a hair dryer can be a game-changer for your styling routine.

Whether you’re trying to add volume, shape, dry your hair or just get that perfect look, a hair dryer can help you achieve it. If you’re not using one yet… here’s everything you need to know about why you should use a hair dryer and how to do it right. Your days of simply towel-drying and about to be long gone.

Why Men Should Use Hair Dryers

Hair dryers are an important part of the hair-styling process. They do much more than simply dry your hair. They provide the foundation upon which you can shape your hair to your desired style. By using heat, hair dryers open the cuticles of your hair, allowing you to shape it in ways that air drying simply can’t achieve. And styling products often react differently when styled using heated drying, allowing you to achieve better more natural-looking styles.

Pros of using a hair dryer

  1. Straighten Your Hair: If you have curly or wavy hair and want a straighter look, a hair dryer can help. When used with a round brush, the heat from the dryer helps to temporarily alter the structure of your hair, making it straighter and reducing frizz and flyaways.
  2. Shape Your Hair: Hair dryers can help you mould your hair into a larger variety of styles by locking in the shape. Wet hair combined with the heat makes your hair more pliable, allowing you to reshape your hair to achieve anything from sleek styles to messy casual looks.
  3. Add Volume and Fullness: For men with thin or flat hair, hair dryers are a game-changer. Wet hair adds shine, can hair reduce volume and gives the appearance of thinner hair. Using a blow dryer can lift your hair at the roots, giving you the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. By drying your hair while lifting it with your fingers or a brush, you can create a voluminous look that lasts.
  4. Foundation for Styling: A misconception about hair dryers is that their sole purpose is to dry your hair. In reality, a hair dryer a a great tool to lay down the groundwork for styling. Once your hair is dried and shaped with a blow dryer, it’s much easier to maintain your desired look throughout the day. Additionally, there are certain products (prestylers) that work best when you apply to towel-dried hair before blow drying and others that work best in dry hair. So using a hair dryer can help you get the most out of your styling products. Additionally, because of the shape using a hair dryer can add, I find I’m also able to apply less product to achieve my desired styles.
  5. Health benefits: if you live in a cooler country or climate, drying your hair can help protect your head from cold air. Going out in the cold with wet hair can cause your scalp to cool faster, which can lead to feeling even colder and potentially cause headaches and muscle tension for some people.
  6. Prevents damage: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage. If you use it gently on medium to low heat, it can reduce the risk of damage from the heat of the hair dryer and the fragility of wet hair.

 

Tips for Using a Blow Dryer on Men’s Hair

While using a blow dryer is straightforward, a few tips can help you get the best results and maintain the health of your hair.

  1. Use a Heat Protectant: Before using a hair dryer, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair. This helps to minimize heat damage and keeps your hair healthy. Heat protectants create a barrier that reduces moisture loss, ensuring your hair remains hydrated. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won’t weigh your hair down but will provide a protective barrier. Some styling products have built-in heat protection like Blumaan Original Styling Meraki or you can get dedicated heat protection products that just offer heat protection like TRESemme’s Heat Spray. I have used both individually and together, and they have helped to keep my hair healthy.
  2. Use the right hair styling products: Using the right styling products can significantly enhance the effects of a hair dryer. Here are some of the best types of products to consider:
    1. Styling Cream: For men with thicker hair who want to smooth out frizz and achieve a polished look, a styling cream can help. It provides hold and texture without making your hair stiff, like Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream.
    2. Texturizing or thickening Spray: If you’re looking for a natural, messy look, a texturizing spray can give your hair some grip and definition. Spray it on damp hair before drying, then use your hands to scrunch and style. In my experience thickening tonics, like AVEDA Thickening Tonic, offer a more natural and textured look, with the added bonus of adding more hold and making your hair look fuller
    3. Hair Paste, Clay or Pomade: These days, most products indicate directions to either apply before blow-drying or after blow-drying, using a small amount of product to set your style in place. Some great products to help add hold and keep your hair looking great all day are Shear Revival Northern Lights Matte Hair Styling Paste and Acadian Matte Clay Pomade, or for a bit more shine Firsthand Supply All-Purpose Hair Pomade.
  3. Don’t Overuse High Heat Settings: High heat can be tempting, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, constant exposure to high temperatures can damage your hair and dry out your scalp. Start with a lower heat setting and increase as needed.
  4. Use a Nozzle Attachment: A nozzle attachment helps to concentrate the airflow, making it easier to control and direct. This is particularly useful for creating specific styles and ensuring a more controlled and even application of heat.
  5. Dry in Sections: For better control and styling, dry your hair in sections. This method allows you to focus on one area at a time, making the process more manageable and effective.
  6. Finish with Cool Air: Most hair dryers come with a cool shot button. Once you’ve achieved your desired style, use the cool setting to lock it in place. Cool air helps to close the cuticles and lock in the shape, giving your hair a more finished look.

 

Are there any side effects for men using a hairdryer?

While hair dryers are incredibly useful for styling, excessive exposure to heat can lead to several issues impacting your hair or scalp health.

Why You Shouldn’t Always Use a Hair Dryer

  1. Heat Damage: Continuous use of a hair dryer on high heat can weaken the hair shaft, leading to split ends, breakage, and overall dullness. To minimize heat damage, use a heat protectant, keep the dryer moving to avoid concentrating heat in one spot, and reduce the heat where possible.
  2. Dry Scalp: Excessive use of hair dryers can dry out your scalp, leading to flakiness, itching, and dandruff. If you notice your scalp becoming dry, consider taking a break from heat styling and allowing your hair to air dry periodically.

 

Conclusion

To recap, it is fine for men to use hair dryers. They offer a wide range of benefits, from creating volume to helping achieve the perfect style. However, like any tool, they need to be used sensibly and in moderation. Following the right tips, using the best products, and taking the necessary precautions, can you enjoy the benefits of using a hair dryer and reduce the risks. So, go ahead and give a hair dryer a try… Who knows, it may quickly become a key part of your grooming arsenal!

Recommended Hair Dryers

Technically any could work, however, not all are equal, and some are definitely better than others.

If budget is no issue, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is a popular favourite, with fair drying speeds that require lower heat. Click here to find it on Amazon.

But if you’re just starting out and want to try something a bit cheaper, there is plenty of options like the Infinitpro by Conair. Click here to explore best-selling hair dryers on Amazon under $100.

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the difference between hair dryers and blow dryers?

None. They are the same thing, however, some countries and regions refer to them differently.