Washing your hair should be a refreshing part of your routine, not a time-consuming chore. However, if you constantly find yourself wondering, “Why Does My Hair Take So Long To Dry?”, you’re not alone. Spending excessive time waiting for your hair to air dry or being stuck using a hair dryer can be frustrating. It might even lead you to consider washing your hair less frequently, just to avoid the hassle.
“Most of my clients with curly hair tend to avoid wash day because of the slow drying process,” notes Tiffany Minyon, a specialist in curly hair and hairstylist. This sentiment is echoed by many who struggle with lengthy drying times.
To understand why your hair might be taking an eternity to dry and, more importantly, what you can do about it, we’ve consulted with experts. We spoke with Minyon, alongside hairstylist Leigh Hardges, and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, to get to the bottom of slow hair drying and discover effective ways to expedite the process.
Read on to uncover the reasons behind your hair’s slow drying time and learn practical tips to dry your hair faster.
Unpacking the Mystery: Why Your Hair Dries Slowly
Several factors can contribute to prolonged hair drying times. While you may already be aware if your hair is generally thick or thin, other characteristics play a significant role. Let’s delve into the common reasons why your hair might be taking longer than expected to dry.
The Thickness Factor
One of the most straightforward reasons for slow hair drying is hair thickness. Thicker hair strands are simply larger in diameter compared to thin hair strands. This increased mass means each strand holds more water and naturally requires more time to air dry or be blow-dried. Think of it like comparing drying a thick towel versus a thin washcloth – the thicker item will always take longer.
Low Porosity Hair: Holding Onto Moisture
Hair porosity, which refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, is another crucial factor. High porosity hair, with a more open cuticle layer, tends to dry quickly because water can easily enter and exit the hair shaft. Conversely, low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it resistant to water absorption and, consequently, slower to release moisture.
“Low porosity hair takes forever to dry,” explains Hardges. “These strands are coarser, meaning they have a larger diameter, and they really hold onto water.” The tightly packed cuticle layers prevent water from evaporating quickly, leading to extended drying times.
Curl Pattern and Coily Hair Textures
If you have curly or coily hair, you’ve likely noticed it takes longer to dry than straight or wavy hair. Minyon explains that airflow from a blow dryer can easily pass through straight to wavy hair strands. However, curls and coils have a different structure. “Curls and coils have circular movements that create twists and turns in the hair strands, slowing down the airflow,” she says. This intricate structure obstructs air circulation, trapping moisture within the curls and extending drying time.
Hair Density: Strand Count Matters
Density refers to how many hair strands you have per square inch of your scalp. You might perceive your hair as thick due to its volume, but it could actually be dense hair composed of finer strands. High-density hair, even if the individual strands are thin, will take longer to dry. “Very dense hair takes a really long time to dry because there are so many strands per square inch, and it doesn’t get much air,” Hardges clarifies. The sheer volume of hair in a dense head of hair reduces airflow and increases drying time.
Surprisingly, Healthy Hair Can Take Longer to Dry
Interestingly, slow-drying hair can actually be a sign of healthy hair. Damaged hair, with an open or lifted cuticle layer, tends to dry faster because it loses moisture more rapidly. “When hair is damaged, the cuticle on the outer skin layer may come opened, contributing to more rapid drying of the hair as compared to slower drying that occurs when the hair is healthy,” explains Dr. Zeichner. Healthy hair, with a closed and intact cuticle, retains moisture effectively, leading to slower drying.
Hydration Levels and Product Buildup
The amount of water remaining in your hair after washing and the products you apply also influence drying time. “The amount of water and product applied to the hair can affect drying time,” Minyon points out. If your hair is still heavily saturated when you begin drying, it will naturally take longer. Similarly, heavy product application can create a barrier, trapping moisture and prolonging drying.
Dr. Zeichner adds, “Your hair dries as water evaporates from the surface of the hairs. The rate at which the hair dries depends on how much residual water is left on the hair shaft after getting out of the shower,” and the overall condition of the hair itself.
However, remember that slower drying can be a positive indicator. “Slow drying is actually a sign of healthy hair,” Minyon reassures. “Well-moisturized hair holds curls better.”
Speeding Up the Process: Tips for Faster Hair Drying
Now that you understand the reasons behind your hair’s slow drying time, you’re likely eager to learn how to accelerate the process. Fortunately, several effective strategies can help you dry your hair more quickly.
Saturate and Shape for Curls and Coils
This tip is particularly beneficial for those with curly and coily hair. While it might seem counterintuitive, ensuring your hair is thoroughly wet before applying styling products is key. “Ensure the curls are thoroughly saturated with water before applying products,” Minyon recommends. Then, shaping your curls while they are wet can also improve drying time and definition. “Spread the products evenly using techniques like prayer hands, scrunching, or finger-curling methods for better curl definition.” This technique helps distribute product evenly and encourages curl clumping, which can reduce drying time.
Air Dry Strategically Before Heat Styling
If you have longer hair, allowing it to air dry for a while before using heat tools like a diffuser or blow dryer can significantly cut down on overall drying time. “Allow mid-length to longer curls to air dry until they are slightly damp before using a diffuser,” advises Minyon. “This helps keep curl pattern and structure.” Air drying removes a significant amount of initial water, reducing the workload for heat styling and minimizing heat exposure.
Utilize Quick-Dry Sprays
Quick-dry sprays are specifically formulated to speed up hair drying. Hardges endorses their effectiveness, stating, “There are a ton of quick-dry products to help the hair dry faster, and yes, they really work.” These sprays typically contain ingredients that help to evaporate water more quickly without dehydrating the hair.
Choose the Right Towel and Towel Drying Technique
Dr. Zeichner emphasizes gentle handling when towel drying, “When your hair is more wet, it is more fragile,” so he recommends gently patting down your hair with a towel rather than aggressively rubbing it. Aggressive towel drying can cause friction and damage, especially to wet hair.
Moreover, the type of towel you use makes a significant difference. Switching to a microfiber towel can drastically reduce drying time compared to a standard cotton towel. Hardges highlights the benefits of the right towel, “Hair can also be dried faster using a cotton t-shirt or specialty towels suited to absorb moisture and prevent frizz,” she says. Microfiber and cotton t-shirts are gentler on the hair cuticle and more absorbent than traditional towels, leading to faster and healthier drying.
Embrace Patience and Gentle Drying
Finally, remember that slow-drying hair is not necessarily a negative trait. While you can employ strategies to speed up the process, understanding that your hair might naturally take longer to dry is important. “Slower drying indicates healthier hair, while quick drying might be signs of porous or slightly damaged hair,” Minyon explains. “Patience is key when blow drying curls and coils. For healthy curls, I say yes to the gentle drying process for the best results.” Gentle drying methods, even if they take longer, are often better for maintaining hair health in the long run.
The Takeaway Message
Your individual hair type is the primary determinant of its drying time, influenced by factors like porosity, density, thickness, and curl pattern. As Minyon summarizes, “fine hair with low density tends to dry more quickly, while thicker hair with medium to high density takes longer to dry.” The more slow-drying characteristics your hair possesses, the longer it will naturally take to dry.
You can effectively expedite the drying process by optimizing product application, using quick-dry sprays, selecting the appropriate towel material, and incorporating air drying before heat styling. These adjustments can contribute to a more efficient and less time-consuming wash day routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Why does my hair take so long to dry?
Hair drying time is influenced by factors such as its initial wetness, product usage, hair health, texture (thickness, porosity, curl pattern), and length.
– Does conditioner make your hair dry faster?
Potentially, yes! Dr. Zeichner suggests, “When the hair is treated with a conditioner, a water repellant seal is deposited onto the surface of the hair, which many feel can help speed up the rate of drying.” This water-repelling effect can aid in faster evaporation.
– Does curly hair take longer to dry?
Yes, curly hair typically takes longer to dry than straight or wavy hair. Minyon clarifies that the twists and turns in curls and coils impede airflow from a blow dryer, slowing down the drying process.
