Hair - Bleach - Hair Color

Blow-Drying Bleached Hair: Why You Shouldn’t

To blow-dry or not to blow-dry: find the answer for bleached hair here.

Written by Danish Bodycare
Can I Blow Dry My Hair After Bleaching It

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Bleaching your hair can lead to dryness and brittleness, which makes styling more challenging.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology blow drying bleached hair on high heat can cause extra harm.

So, can you blow-dry your bleached hair?

In this article, we take a closer look at the relationship between bleaching and blow drying. We also provide tips for minimizing damage and keeping your hair healthy.

Can I Blow Dry My Hair After Bleaching It?

Yes, you can blow dry your hair after bleaching it.

But, you must take some precautions when using heat-styling tools like a blow dryer on bleached hair.

Bleaching can weaken and damage your hair. It also makes it more susceptible to breakage, frizz, and dryness. This is why it is important to know the right way and the best time to blow dry your hair after bleaching.

How Long to Wait Before Blow Drying Bleached Hair

You should wait at least a day or two after bleaching your hair before using a blow dryer. This gives your hair some time to recover and regain some of its lost strength and suppleness.

During this time, keep your hair away from direct heat and excessive manipulation. This minimizes further damage.

When using a blow dryer on your bleached hair, always remember to:

  • Use a heat protectant spray or serum before blow drying.
  • Use a low heat setting on your blow dryer.
  • Avoid concentrating the heat on one spot for too long.
  • Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to reduce the risk of breakage.
  • Use a diffuser attachment. The diffuser distributes the heat evenly and prevents excessive heat exposure on fragile locks.

Does Blow Drying Damage Your Hair After Bleaching?

Does Blow Drying Damage Your Hair After Bleaching

Yes, blow-drying can damage your hair after bleaching.

Bleaching already weakens your hair, and the heat from a blow dryer might worsen the damage. It’s better to let your hair air-dry, as this is gentler on your locks.

But if you must blow-dry, use a low heat setting and keep the dryer at a safe distance from your hair. Additionally, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize the impact.

How Heat Affects Bleached Hair

Bleaching your hair can make it more fragile and sensitive to heat.

When you use heat-styling tools like a blow dryer, you’re exposing your hair to potential damage. Too much heat can break the bonds in your hair, leading to breakage, frizz, and dryness.

Be gentle with your bleached hair. When you need to blow dry it, use a lower heat setting and hold the dryer at a safe distance. This helps to avoid applying direct heat on your hair, minimizing damage.

Protecting your hair starts before heat styling. Always use a heat protectant spray when blow-drying. It locks in moisture and shields your hair from damage.

Key Factors to Consider Before Blow-Drying Bleached Hair

Key Factors to Consider Before Blow-Drying Bleached Hair

Here are some key factors to consider before blow-drying bleached hair:

  • Hair texture and type
  • Current hair condition
  • Professional advice

Hair Texture and Type

Your hair texture and type are important factors when deciding whether to blow-dry your hair after bleaching it.

Different hair types react to heat and chemicals in different ways. For example, fine hair is more prone to damage than thicker, coarser hair. Consider your hair type and density before applying heat.

Current Hair Condition

Before blow-drying your bleached hair, assess its current condition.

If your hair feels dry, brittle, or damaged after bleaching, it might be best to avoid blow-drying it. Blow drying could further damage your hair.

Instead, use a microfiber towel to pat it dry and let it air dry the natural way.

Treat your hair with deep conditioning treatments, such as a yogurt hair mask or brown sugar and coconut oil mask. They restore your hair’s hydration and prevent further damage.

Professional Advice

Lastly, it’s always good to seek professional advice.

This is especially the case after a chemical treatment like bleaching. Speak with your hairstylist or a hair care expert for personalized guidance.

Talk with them whether to blow-dry your hair after bleaching. Asks them about the best ways to protect your hair and care for it. They can offer recommendations based on your hair type, condition, and desired style.

When to Blow Dry Bleached Hair

When it comes to blow-drying bleached hair, it’s important to wait at least 48 hours.

This gives your hair time to recover and stay healthy. During this waiting time, be gentle with your hair and use a heat protectant when you do blow-dry. Also, choose the lowest heat setting to avoid harming your hair.

Here are some situations when you may want to blow dry your bleached hair:

  • For styling purposes
  • For hair treatments
  • In cold weather

For Styling Purposes

It’s okay to blow dry your hair after bleaching for styling purposes.

But be gentle and use a cooler setting on your hair dryer. Bleached hair can be fragile. Avoid high heat settings and apply a heat protectant before styling.

Consider alternative styling methods that don’t require heat, such as braids or twists. They reduce damage to your hair.

For Hair Treatments

If you’re applying a hair treatment or a deep conditioning mask after bleaching, rinse it out and dry your hair completely.

In this case, you can blow dry your hair on a cool setting to avoid causing more stress to your hair.

In Cold Weather

In cold weather, avoid going outside with wet hair because it can freeze and break.

If you just bleached your hair and need to go out, use a blow dryer on a cooler setting to dry it before heading outside.

Use a heat protectant and don’t over-dry your hair, as this can also cause damage.

Better Alternatives to Blow Drying Bleached Hair

Here are some alternatives to blow-drying bleached hair that can help reduce damage:

  • Air drying
  • Towel drying
  • Diffusing
  • Low-heat hairstyling

Air Drying

One great alternative for blow-drying your hair after bleaching is air drying.

  • Squeeze excess water from your hair using your hands.
  • Comb through your locks with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles.
  • Let your hair dry by leaving it down or in loose braids. It might take longer to dry than usual due to the bleach.
  • Be patient and avoid touching your hair too much during the drying process.

Towel Drying

Another option is towel drying.

  • Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or use an old t-shirt. These materials are gentle on your hair and reduce frizz.
  • Press the towel against your hair to absorb moisture.
  • Do not rub it as this can cause damage.
  • Leave the towel on for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove it and comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb.

Diffusing

If you have curls or wavy hair, diffusing might be a better option for you.

A diffuser is an attachment for your hairdryer that disperses air over a larger area. It dries your hair more evenly and without causing frizz.

  • Set your hairdryer to a low heat setting.
  • Cup sections of your hair into the diffuser.
  • Move it around your head until your hair is dry.

Low-Heat Hairstyling

For those who still prefer using some heat, try low-heat hairstyling.

Many hair tools have adjustable temperature settings. So opt for the lowest possible heat when styling your bleached hair.

Examples of low-heat styling include flat irons or curling wands at a low temperature. Use heat-protectant products before styling to avoid damage.

Here are some more alternatives to blow-drying your bleached hair. Each option comes with its own benefits, allowing you to choose what best fits your hair type, condition, and lifestyle.

Alternatives to Blow DryingDescription
Air DryingSqueeze out the extra water, comb your hair, and let it dry on its own.
Towel DryingUse a soft towel or an old t-shirt to press out the water. Don’t rub your hair because it might get damaged.
DiffusingIf your hair is curly or wavy, use a diffuser. It spreads the air around your hair for even drying and helps avoid frizz.
Low-Heat HairstylingUse your styling tools on the lowest heat. Don’t forget to put on a heat-protectant first.
PloppingThis is good for curly or wavy hair. Wrap your hair in a cotton t-shirt or soft towel to help absorb water, make your curls pop, and keep frizz down.
Using a Hair WrapLike towel drying, but you use a special hair wrap. Hair wraps are super absorbent and help keep your hair smooth.
Protective StylingBraids, twists, and buns can help your hair dry without heat and stop it from tangling.
Utilizing Hair Serums or Leave-In ConditionersThese products help untangle and protect your hair while it dries, reducing damage and frizz.

How to Prevent Heat Damage to Bleached Hair

To keep your bleached hair healthy and looking good, it’s important to avoid heat damage.

Use a heat protectant before styling, and opt for lower heat settings on your styling tools. Whenever possible, embrace air-drying and limit the frequency of heat styling. Invest in high-quality tools and avoid applying direct heat to the delicate roots.

Here are some tips on how to prevent heat damage to bleached hair:

  • Never style damp hair
  • Use a heat protectant
  • Find optimal heat settings
  • Section hair
  • Use cool shot

Never Style Damp Hair

Before using any heat styling tools, dry your hair completely.

Styling damp hair can cause more damage due to the combination of heat and water. Let your hair air dry or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to remove the moisture before styling.

Use a Heat Protectant

Protecting your hair from heat damage is essential, especially after bleaching. Apply a heat-protectant product to your hair before using any styling tools.

These products shield your hair from the heat, lock in your hair color, and prevent frizz. They work like sunscreen for your hair, keeping it healthy and hydrated.

Find Optimal Heat Settings

Not all hair types can handle extreme heat. To prevent damage, find the right temperature setting for your hair.

If you have thin or fragile hair, use a lower temperature setting. Thicker hair may need higher heat, but try to keep the temperature as low as possible to reduce damage.

Section Hair

Divide your hair into sections before using heat styling tools to prevent damage.

This process allows for even heat distribution. It also reduces the exposure time of each section to heat.

Don’t apply heat to the same area many times, which could cause further damage to your bleached hair.

Use Cool Shot

Some hairdryers come with a cool shot feature. This feature locks in your hairstyle and reduces heat damage.

After styling your hair, use this feature to blast your hair with cool air. This seals in the style without causing further damage. It also reduces frizz and maintains your hair color.

Other Things to Avoid After Hair Bleaching

Here are some other things to avoid after hair bleaching:

  • Washing immediately
  • Harsh chemicals
  • Chlorine and saltwater
  • Over-brushing

Washing Immediately

Do not wash your hair for the first 48-72 hours after bleaching it.

This gives your hair time to seal in its new color since the cuticles remain open for longer due to the volatile bleaching process. It gives your hair time to adjust and helps prevent damage and dryness.

Harsh Chemicals

After bleaching your hair, avoid shampoos or conditioners containing harsh chemicals.

Chemicals like sulfates and parabens strip your hair of its natural oils and make it even drier.

Instead, opt for gentle, nourishing products that are free from harsh ingredients. They restore your hair’s health and moisture.

Chlorine and Salt Water

For the first few weeks after bleaching, stay away from chlorinated pools and salt water.

The chlorine in pool water can cause blonde hair to turn green. Saltwater strips your hair of its new color and causes it to lose its vibrancy.

To protect your locks, wear a swim cap in the water or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.

Over-Brushing

Be mindful of over-brushing your hair. Too much brushing can cause breakage and tangles in your already fragile hair.

Instead, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. This keeps your hair smoother, stronger, and less prone to breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you blow dry newly bleached hair?

Yes, you can blow dry your newly bleached hair, but it’s essential to be gentle with it. When blow-drying, use a low heat setting. Keep the dryer at a distance to minimize the potential for further damage. Bleached hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so be cautious when styling it.

Is it better to blow dry or air dry bleached hair?

Air drying is generally better for bleached hair since it minimizes the risk of heat damage. But, if you need to blow dry your hair, use a heat protectant spray and a low heat setting. If possible, allow your hair to air dry before using a hairdryer. This reduces the amount of heat exposure.

Does blow-drying speed up bleaching?

Blow drying does not speed up the bleaching process itself. Bleaching is a chemical reaction that occurs when applying bleach to your hair. The processing time depends on the bleach strength and your hair’s condition. Blow-drying after rinsing out the bleach can help your hair dry faster. This may lead to quicker styling.

How should I dry bleached hair?

When drying bleached hair, it’s crucial to be gentle. Ideally, you should let your hair air dry as much as possible. Squeeze out excess water with a soft towel, being careful not to rub or cause friction. If you need to use a hairdryer, apply a heat protectant spray, and use a low heat setting. It’s also good to use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair. These hair styling tools detangle your hair while minimizing breakage.

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Danish Bodycare

The Danish Bodycare editorial staff consists of beauty experts, hairstylists, makeup artists, and models with years of experience in the personal care space.