Washing your hair isn’t the most fun beauty task in our daily routine, but there are things we can do to quicken the process.
If you want to know how long does it take for hair to dry, keep on reading to find out the answer, plus some recommendations on how to get your hair to dry faster when you step out of the shower, with minimal heat damage.
Why does it take a long time for our hair to dry?
Our hair is made up of 90% keratin proteins. Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that helps protect our hair from damage.
Our hair also contains sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in our scalp. Sebum helps to keep our hair moisturized and healthy.
However, when our hair gets wet, the water causes the keratin proteins to swell. This swelling makes it difficult for the sebum to reach the surface of our hair shafts. As a result, it takes longer for our hair to dry.
The water can also wash away some of the natural oils that protect our hair. This can make our hair more vulnerable to damage and breakage.
What factors can affect how long our hair takes to dry?
There are a few factors that can affect how long it takes for our hair to dry. The first is the type of hair we have.
Those with thicker hair often find that it takes longer for their hair to dry than those with thinner hair. This is because the thicker hair shafts take longer to absorb the water.
Another factor is the length of our hair. Longer hair will obviously take longer to dry than shorter hair. This is because the longer hair has more surface area that needs to be dried.
Finally, the weather can also play a role in how long it takes for our hair to dry. Humid weather can make it harder for our hair to dry, as the humidity prevents the water from evaporating from our hair shafts.
Using a heavy shampoo, can also add time to how long your hair takes to dry.
What happens to the hair cuticle when our hair is wet?
When our hair is wet, the hair cuticle, or outermost layer of the hair shaft, absorbs water and swells.
This causes the cuticle to open up and the hair to become more vulnerable to damage. Wet hair is more susceptible to tangles and breakage.
That’s why it’s good to be extra careful when brushing or styling wet hair.
Using a wide-toothed comb or brush with soft bristles can help minimize damage. The wide-toothed comb will not put too much tension on the hair, thus reducing potential damage.
It’s best to avoid using heat tools on wet hair, as this can weaken the strands.
If you must use heat, be sure to use a low setting and protect your hair with a product designed for heat-styling.
How long does it take for hair to dry?
The length of time it takes for hair to dry can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of hair, climate, and air humidity.
Generally speaking, straight/fine hair types will take shorter amount of time than thick/curly hair types.
That being said, in most climates with average humidity levels, it usually takes about 30-45 minutes for any type of head of hair to completely dry after a shower or washing.
However, more humid climates can prolong that time significantly and could take anywhere from 1-2 hours for your tresses to be fully dried out.
For instance if you’re at the beach on a hot summer day with high humidity levels, it may seem like your strand never want to get completely dry.
Even blow drying can extend the amount of time needed until every strand is dry depending on how thick or curly your mane is.
Dryers also require frequent maintenance and cleaning since they tend to accumulate dirt residue which reduces their efficiency over time.
There are special treatments that one can use such as leave-in conditioners or thermal protectors before blowdrying their hair which will help reduce the drying process so be mindful when making product selections suited best for your needs.
How long does it take for hair to dry with a hair dryer?
If you have fine or thin hair that is only shoulder length and are using high heat with a large round brush for styling, then you could expect the process to take about 10-15 minutes.
On the other hand, if you have thick and curly hair that is closer to waist-length or longer, then you may need up to 25 minutes with an ionic dryer set on low heat while using short strokes and less added tension from a brush.
It’s important not too use too much heat as this can damage your locks as well as leaving them frizzy. If you are in a rush, try finger combing from roots through ends before drying which will help avoid tangles and reduce time spent blow-drying.
How damaging is it to towel dry our wet hair?
Towel drying your hair after a shower can be damaging to your hair if done improperly.
When towels are roughly rubbed against the wet strands, it causes friction and irritation which can strip it of its natural oils.
This can leave the hair looking dry and frizzy, or worst of all – lead to split ends. It’s best to blot your hair with the towel rather than rubbing and vigorously squeezing it out.
After that, gently squeeze each strand from root to tip prior to letting it air dry. If you find this method time consuming, there’s no harm in using a blow dryer on a low heat setting while periodically spritzing the hair with water-based hairspray to help lock in moisture and give a smooth finish to your locks.
How does the porosity of our hair affect how long it takes to dry?
Our hair’s porosity can also affect how long it takes to dry. Those with high porosity hair often find that their hair dries faster, as the hair shafts are more open and able to absorb the water quickly.
On the other hand, those with low porosity hair often find that their hair takes longer to dry, as the hair shafts are more closed and take longer to absorb the water.
If you’re not sure what your hair’s porosity is, you can do a simple test at home. Take a strand of your clean, dry hair and place it in a bowl of water.
If your hair sinks, then you have low porosity hair. If it floats, then you have high porosity hair. If it sinks and then floats, then you have medium porosity hair.
Knowing your hair’s porosity can help you to choose the best products and styling methods for your hair type. It can also help you to understand why your hair dries the way it does.
Which haircare products can speed up the hair drying process?
There are a few hair care products that can help to speed up the hair drying process. These include leave-in conditioners, detangling sprays, and anti-frizz hair serums.
Leave-in conditioner can help to protect your damp hair from damage as it dries. Detangling sprays can help to prevent knots and tangles from forming as your hair dries. You can let your hair dry naturally, and these styling products will help your hair to dry frizz-free.
Anti-frizz hair serums can help to smooth down your hair and make it easier to style once it’s dry.
When styling your hair, split your hair into sections with section clips to make it quicker to dry each section of hair strands.
Using these products can help to speed up the drying process and make your hair easier to manage, as well as keeping your healthy hair happy.
How can low hair porosity and hair type influence why our hair takes forever to dry?
Hair porosity and type can significantly affect our hair’s ability to absorb and retain water. Hair with low porosity has a cuticle layer that is tightly closed, making it much harder for moisture to penetrate the shaft and reach the cortex.
As a result, our hair takes much longer to dry. Certain hair types and natural texture also help contribute to why our hair takes forever to dry, and how frizzy our hair is.
For instance, thick or coily hair textures tend to take longer periods of time in order for them to become completely dry because of all their twists and turns.
Which can make it difficult for air flow and heat from a blowdryer or natural sunlight exposure to reach evenly throughout each strand of the entire head of hair.
Having a hairstyle like a protective style, such as braids or twists often come with dampness trapped inside due to being tucked away behind multiple layers which affects how long it will take for your hair to become completely dry.
How can you wrap your hair to quicken your hair’s drying time?
Wrapping your hair is one of the quickest and easiest ways to speed up hair drying time.
Many hair stylists recommend investing in a hair towel made of microfiber, as this type of fabric wicks the moisture away from the hair shaft very quickly due to its soft texture.
After showering, use the hair towel to gently squeeze out excess water before loosely wrapping your hair up in it.
Then, leave your hair wrapped in the hair towel for a few minutes until you notice that your hair is slightly damp but not wet anymore.
You can use a hairdryer at low heat or let your hair air-dry naturally. With this method, your hair will dry faster than if left exposed to air after washing.
Why does hair takes so long to air dry naturally?
Air drying is a great way to give your hairstyles some time away from damaging styling tools and chemicals, but it takes surprisingly longer than expected to dry naturally.
Our scalp generally produces more oil than other areas of our bodies, so our hair consists of heavier molecules which take a little more time to absorb all the moisture.
Using towel scrubbing for rough drying, can actually damage the water-resistant layer that forms the outside of each strand, resulting in longer drying times.
It’s not uncommon for wet hair to still be damp after 30 minutes or even an hour – a clear demonstration that breathing and nature needs its own time.
Can a microfiber towel help with drying our hair quicker?
Yes, a microfiber towel can help with drying our damp hair quicker. Microfiber towels are made of thin, tightly-woven fibers that are less likely to cause frizz and can be more absorbent than traditional regular towels, or paper towels.
When used correctly, they can help to absorb water from wet hair more quickly, resulting in less drying time.
Microfiber towels can also help to reduce damage from heat styling by absorbing excess moisture before it has a chance to cause split ends or breakage.
As a result, using a microfiber towel can be a helpful way to reduce the amount of time spent drying your damp hair and minimize the risk of damage, as it soaks up excess water.
You can find a turban towel, with you can twist, and fix on the top of your hair, so the microfiber towel can absorb as much excess water as possible, as you get your makeup ready, and your hair ends up being damp hair instead of soaking wet hair.
Just make sure you hang up your towel in the bathroom, when you’ve finished, so it can dry thoroughly, ready for your next use. You can also buy a microfiber brush, which performs a similar function.
Is it damaging to let our hair air dry naturally?
For many people, air drying their hair is the most convenient way to dry it. However, there is some debate about whether air drying is actually good for your hair.
Some experts believe that air drying can damage your hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.
They argue that the dampness of your hair, makes it much more vulnerable to damage. As a result, they recommend using a blow dryer on a low or moderate setting.
However, other experts believe that air drying is perfectly fine and that blow drying can actually be more damaging.
They point out that blow dryers can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your hair. If you feel like air drying is damaging it, then switch to blow drying on a low setting. Otherwise, feel free to let your hair air dry naturally.
How damaging is it to use a hairdryer?
Hairdryers use heat to speed up the evaporation of water from wet hair. While this can be a quick and convenient way to dry your hair, it can also be damaging. Excessive heat can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
It can also strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz. If you use a hairdryer on a regular basis, use one with adjustable heat settings.
This way, you can avoid using excessive heat that could damage your hair. Using a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment can help to minimize damage by spreading the heat more evenly.
If you use a hairdryer on a high setting, it’s essential to hold it at least six inches away from your hair.
Holding it too close can cause the heat to damage your hair. Overall, hairdryers can be damaging if used improperly. However, as long as you use a low setting and hold it at a distance, you can minimize the damage.
What is hair plopping and what are the benefits?
When it comes to washing your hair, there are a number of different techniques that you can use to achieve the best results.
One of the latest trends is known as hair plopping. So, what is hair plopping? Put simply, it is a method of drying your hair that involves wrapping it in a towel or cotton t-shirt.
This helps to absorb moisture and prevents your porous hair from frizzing up as it dries.
There are a number of benefits to using this technique, including the fact that it is much gentler on your hair than using a hairdryer.
It also helps to preserve your natural curls and gives them more definition. It’s particularly popular amongst the curly girl method community, and a great way to protect the waves and curls of your hair, so try plopping today.
Can hair texture affect how long it takes for the hair to dry?
Yes, hair texture can affect how long it takes for the hair to dry. People with thicker, coarser hair typically take longer to dry their hair than those with thinner, finer hair.
This is because thicker hair has more strands and each strand is heavier, so it takes longer for the water to evaporate.
People with curly hair or wavy hair often take longer to dry their hair than those with straight hair.
This is because curly hair or wavy hairs can trap moisture inside them, making it take longer for the water to evaporate. If you have thick, curly, or wavy hair, you may want to consider using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
Summary
How long does it take for hair to dry? It depends on the thickness and texture of your hair, as well as whether you air dry or use a hairdryer.
People with thicker, coarser hair typically take longer to dry their hair than those with thinner, finer hair.
People with curly or wavy hair often take longer to dry their hair than those with straight hair.
If you have thick, curly, or wavy hair, you may want to consider using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer, or using a microfiber towel to absorb excess water.
So the answer to how long does hair take to dry, depends on multiple factors, and your climate, as well as the condition of your hair.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!