Question about blowdrying.....

"I`ve tried to skip the blowdrying, but if I don`t blowdry, my hair is completely lifeless and limp."

I pile my hair on top of my head - loose twist in a bun - and let it dry, I end up with body without the damage.

"I also frost my hair, and I`m so sick of pulling it throungh that cap."

Oh I can`t imagine!! I have mine highlighted but by foil. My oldest sister has long curly hair and they frost her`s by foil also.

trix

Try airdrying your hair until it is just slightly damp. Then blowdry it. This way you get the finished look of a blowdry without putting the heat on your hair for a really long time, which can lead to very dry damaged hair. When the hair is wet put on a straightening serum like John Frieda`s Frizz Ease to eliminate any frizziness.

Hi,

I have a couple of methods I use where I use my blow dryer for a marginal amount of drying.

I do the trick that Trix does where I twist my wet hair up into a fat bun, clip it with a claw clip and then let it air dry. I live in Dallas where it is mostly warm all year and so it is not a problem. I know in the winter climates it could be difficult going out with wet hair.

Another trick I use is to towel blot my hair well, pick all my hair straight out, bend over at the waist and blow dry undernead with the air flow directed from the ends to the roots. This ruffles up the hair shaft and gives it fullness and lift. I use a cool/cold air temperature.

I also scrunch as I blowdry. This gives me definition to my waves. Then I take the hair that is about 40% dry and loosely braid it, wrap it up and clip. About 2 hours later when I let it down I have magnificent waves and no damage to my hair.

I also apply a light detangler or leave in conditioner anytime I blowdry my hair to protect it. I also never use heat but always use a cool setting which protects the hair even more.

Finally, I will blow dry my hair about 25% dry, put 4-6 of the 2 strand braids in it and then let it air dry. When I undo the hair I have kinky waves. It gives me fullness and lift without heavy heat tools. I never use curling irons except for special events.

Hope that helps.

Best wishes,
Karen

Thanks Karen. My hair is only collar length and it`s in those darned pesky layers, so it`s impossible for me to pile it on top of my head. I have tried the blowdryer trick, and I can get great body from that, but I`m really trying to get the hair in good shape and am wanting to leave off the dryer. Last night, I applied Frizz Ease and smoothed the back with the dryer, that is after it was already almost completely air dry. That helped that back tremendously. It`s really choppy and looks pretty rough. Then I flipped my head over and shot the air to the rest of it, concentrating on the roots. Worked like a charm.....

My hair is sooooooo stick straight and in those layers, so I HAVE to use a curling iron. I just barely run it through though, just to give it some shape. I`m trying to go long, so I am really wanting to get it into good shape. Thanks for the tips....Meg

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meg originally wrote:

Reply to message: 21.1169.1

Thanks Karen. My hair is only collar length and it's in those darned pesky layers, so it's impossible for me to pile it on top of my head. I have tried the blowdryer trick, and I can get great body from that, but I'm really trying to get the hair in good shape and am wanting to leave off the dryer. Last night, I applied Frizz Ease and smoothed the back with the dryer, that is after it was already almost completely air dry. That helped that back tremendously. It's really choppy and looks pretty rough. Then I flipped my head over and shot the air to the rest of it, concentrating on the roots. Worked like a charm.....

My hair is sooooooo stick straight and in those layers, so I HAVE to use a curling iron. I just barely run it through though, just to give it some shape. I'm trying to go long, so I am really wanting to get it into good shape. Thanks for the tips....Meg

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Hi Meg,

I understand about layers growing out. Arghh.

I think your current style is a good trick. I also think that as long as you concentrate on using the curling iron as little as possible you are on the right path.

Thank you very much for all your great posts and for being willing to share your tips with all of us.

Best wishes,
Karen

One final question for KAREN:

Hey Karen,

What do you think Jennifer Anniston (Pitt) did with her hair when it was super long. Rumor has it that its naturally wavy, but it was straight as a board during Friends. Did they blow it dry? Wouldn`t that be damaging, day after day?
I can see why it was almost always wavy on her own time (too much hassle to dry that straight own your own!!)
Thanks for your wisdom!
Pam

Meg,
your not posting too much. In fact, I`m laughing because you sound just like me! Thank God I`m not the only one who obsesses about her hair!!
Pam
P.S. I`m in similar grow-out situation, hang in there!