Drying your hair can become a dilemma when dealing with a sensitive scalp. Easily irritated, it requires special care. Here are all our tips for drying your hair without causing itching or irritation when you have a sensitive scalp.
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Sensitive Scalp: How to Dry Your Hair?
Summary
- Air drying: why not when you have short hair
- Using a hairdryer for drying: to be used in moderation
- Towel drying: the method that requires gentleness and attention
Published July 27, 2023,
updated on January 27, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
3 min read
Air drying: why not when you have short hair.
Air drying is one of the most recommended drying methods for a sensitive scalp. Indeed, it is a technique gentle for the scalp as it requires neither heat nor friction. However, air drying your hair can be quite time-consuming depending on the length of the hair. When you have short hair, it's convenient but it can become burdensome when it's longer.
Furthermore, while air-drying long hair is beneficial for an irritated scalp, it is somewhat less favored by the hair fibers themselves. Indeed, a wet hair strand is significantly heavier than a dry one, which leads to stress and tension on the fiber. Additionally, water can penetrate the cuticles, causing them to swell and crack.
Using a hairdryer for drying: to be used in moderation.
Using a hairdryer is a common method for drying hair. The hot air emitted allows for very rapid drying by evaporating water molecules. However, this method is the most likely todamage the scalp and irritate it. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for those with sensitive scalps.
However, in winter or when time is short, it is possible to resort to this, provided that certain precautions are taken. First and foremost, adjust your hairdryer and select the lowest temperature. Also, make sure to hold your device at least 20 centimeters away from your scalp. To optimize its protection, it is also recommended to use hair care products before drying. Indeed, it is advisable to apply a moisturizing serum or a protective oil before drying your hair.
Towel drying: the method that requires gentleness and attention.
The towel is an essential accessory in a bathroom. Used for both skin and hair, it requires specific characteristics when dealing with a sensitive scalp. Opt for microfiber towels which are often softer, fluffier, and more comfortable. Once you have your towel in hand, it is important to apply the right techniques to avoid irritating your sensitive scalp.
Remove excess water : after shampooing, hair fibers are saturated with water, making them more fragile and vulnerable. Therefore, it's important to start by removing the excess water from your hair by gently squeezing them between your hands. However, avoid wringing them out to prevent damage.
Press-dry your hair : Next, dry your hair from roots to tips by applying gentle pressure on the strands using a microfiber towel. Be careful not to rub them to avoid creating frizz.
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