The Do’s and Don’ts of Blow-Drying with David Cruz

Hey, hair lovers! Let's talk about blow-drying. When it comes to hair styling, blow-drying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the job done. And while it might sound like a no-brainer, the truth is that it's a delicate dance between perfectly-styled locks and a full-blown hair damage disaster, which many of us have probably (and unfortunately) experienced at least once in our hair journeys. And on the flip side of that, you've probably also experienced some of the best blowouts your hair has ever seen at the salon, leaving you to wonder how you can achieve such a gorgeous blowout at home without damaging your hair! Well, worry no more because we’ve got all the do's and don'ts of blow-drying + the best products to use from one of our Colorproof Ambassadors and celebrity hairstylist David Cruz who recently shared some of the secrets to achieving a flawless blowout with Mane Addicts in an article entitled, "Are Blow Dryers Really That Bad For Your Hair? We Asked The Experts." We're excited to pass more of his advice along to you! With David's expert tips, you'll be able to master the art of blow-drying in no time and achieve gorgeous, healthy styles without sacrificing the health of your hair. So get ready to elevate your hair game and blow-dry your way to styling perfection! 

• Do: Prepare Your Hair for Your Desired Look

Before reaching for that blow dryer, prepping your hair is key! David recommends using Colorproof’s Volume Blow Dry Spray, Essential Leave-In, or Plush Locks Leave-In Smooth to create a perfect foundation for blow-drying and ensure you're ready for the next step. In fact, the Plush Locks Leave-In Smooth is one of David’s favorites because "it provides intense conditioning with some control, and its humidity-resistant formula tames and protects against frizz." He also loves how it "reduces blow dry time, provides a silk-like finish, delivers heat protection and provides amazing shine and finish!" 

As far as a shampoo and conditioner duo that’s great for helping prep the hair, Baobab Shampoo + Baobab Conditioner are fantastic to use before blow-drying because their vegan, sulfate-free formulas strengthen the hair and restore hydration. Packed with fortifying ingredients such as Baobab (provides moisture and prevents breakage), Squalene (mimics skin’s natural oils to boost hydration and enhance shine) and Camellia Oil (reduces friction and smooths hair’s cuticles), these moisturizing properties will help prevent any over-drying and damage to your locks. Yes, please! 

• Do: Use a Good Quality Blow Dryer

Investing in a high-quality hair dryer is *essential* for maintaining your hair's health. David suggests the Harry Josh Pro Tools or Dyson brand, which both offer advanced temperature control and maximum heat protection. "While this is a matter of personal preference, I like a dryer that is lightweight and has more options for 'heat/cool' and speed settings," he says. Remember, it's not just about spending the money on a high-end product, it’s about finding a tool that will give your hair a beautiful finish while heavily reducing the time it’s exposed to heat.

• Do: Choose the Right Brush

Choosing a brush that works with your hair type is essential to achieving the perfect blowout! David prefers a boar bristle brush because he finds that "metal brushes get too hot and can, at worst, cause damage and at best, make the hair too flat. You should hold your dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Start at a high speed and high temperature, and as your hair begins to dry, gradually reduce the heat. This will help you avoid over-drying and damage to your hair. To add volume and body, try turning your hair upside down as you finish blow drying. This will give your hair more lift and bounce." One of David's go-to products for a big blowout is "Super Plump Whipped Mousse...It is an ultra-rich formula that makes the hair look incredibly rich and lush and leaves the hair feeling amazing." 

• Don't: Over-Dry Your Hair

Overdrying your hair can be one of the most damaging effects of blow-drying. David explains that "a blow dryer is a tool like any other, and how you use it makes all the difference. Proper use of one isn't damaging, but over-drying is bad for your hair." So, if you hear your hair crackling or if it feels super dry, you’ve gone too far! You can avoid this by starting with a lower heat setting and gradually increasing it until your hair is fully dry. 

• Don't: Forget Heat Protection

Heat-protectant products are crucial when it comes to protecting your hair from blow-drying damage. Even if you’re using a high-quality blow dryer, it’s still important to protect your hair from heat by using products that will ensure it stays shiny and healthy while styling with heat. But if you haven't been doing this, don't fret! When asked what product he thinks is best for damaged hair treatment, David suggested the Baobab Recovery Treatment Spray as a product that not only provides heat protection but also helps repair! He explained that "when you need to save your hair, try using a product like Baobab Recovery Treatment Spray. It seals hair’s cuticle preventing moisture loss. It also strengthens, fortifies and repairs leaving hair softer, smoother and more manageable with incredible shine. Moisture is your best friend!" Baobab to the rescue 💚

• Don't: Blow-Dry Wet Hair

We all know the phrase, "Patience is a virtue," and it couldn't be more true when talking about styling hair with hot tools! Did you know that blow-drying your hair while it's still very wet can cause a lot of damage and actually takes longer to dry? Ideally, you should let your hair dry partially (air-dry for 30-40 minutes) before reaching for that blow dryer because this will reduce the amount of time that your hair is exposed to heat, resulting in healthier and shinier hair. We know it can be hard to wait sometimes but trust us, your hair will thank you later!  

Achieving a salon-worthy blowout at home can seem daunting, but following these expert tips and implementing the right haircare products into your blowout routine can make all the difference in the world! So go ahead, grab that blow dryer with confidence and create the fabulous looks you desire!

Xx,

Colorproof