The Right Way to Use Hair Dryers Without Damaging Your Hair: Tips by Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist Florian Hurel

MUMBAI: Florian Hurel, a renowned name in beauty and hairstyling, styled accomplished Bollywood celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mira Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Yami Gautam who is the owns  'The Florian Hurel hair Couture and Spa' in Mumbai’s Walkeshwar and Bandra gives tips about how hair drying and styling hair has become easy tool and if its regular use harmful and what are the correct way to use it. Let’s find out some tips by him

Excessive use of hair dryers at any age can lead to hair damage, as the high heat can strip away essential moisture and proteins from the strands leading to hair becoming brittle and prone to breakage. These devices strip the scalp of its natural oils, resulting in a parched, irritated scalp prone to dandruff.

Hair dryers or blow dryers are gadgets that give off warm or cold air to dry wet hair faster after a shower. Hairdryers help hair look voluminous and also style the hair by using heat to curl or straighten the hair strands. But always choose a hair dryer with adjustable heat speed and cold settings, Renowned French Hair and Makeup Artist Florian Hurel, based in Mumbai, says, “Blow drying can be a game-changer for your look, but it can also be a slow sabotage if you’re not mindful. I consider hair as a delicate fabric. When selecting a dryer, always consider the wattage. Higher wattage means faster drying, but it can also lead to higher heat, which isn’t always your best friend. Go for something powerful, but not scorching. And here’s my golden rule: always start with a low heat setting and build up if necessary.”

Point the nozzle down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Once mostly dry, use the cool setting for a polished finish. Add a light serum or oil for extra shine and frizz control. To prevent damage, limit heat styling. Blow-dry only when needed, and allow your hair to air-dry partially. Hot vs cool drying Each hot and cool drying method has advantages and disadvantages depending on your hair type, styling needs, and time constraints. “Heat is like a double-edged sword; it can make your hair more malleable, but if overused, it strips moisture, causing long-term damage, dullness, and split ends. Cold drying, is hair’s gentle caretaker. It doesn’t give you that immediate style transformation, but it’s fantastic for finishing off a blowout or adding shine without any extra heat, essential for keeping your hair healthy and well-balanced,” explains Hurel.

Blow drying has always been the tried-and-true method, but hot air brushes have earned their place. They’re perfect for people who want volume and bounce without juggling a brush and dryer. It’s an all-in-one solution for someone who wants ease and efficiency. “What’s brilliant about these tools is that they distribute heat more evenly because you’re styling and drying at the same time. The brush glides through hair while adding volume at the roots and smoothing the ends. Use it on slightly damp hair rather than soaking wet. It gives you more control and ensures the results last longer. Plus, less direct heat means less risk of damage” says Hurel.