Do Guys Really Use A Hairdryer?

Do guys really use a hairdryer to blow dry their hair?  I've had that question asked of me on multiple occasions and the answer is a resounding Yes.  Do most guys use a hairdryer?  No.  Most guys don't know why they would need one, nor are they comfortable using one.  I hope that I can explain why a hair dryer is a great tool for your styling toolbox.

Why Would I Need A Hair Dryer?

"I get out of the shower, towel dry my hair, and add some hair product to it.  My hair is short enough and as long as I use the right product, my hair stays in place."

The biggest problem with the statement above is about "using the right product".  Typically when guys use this statement, they're using the wrong product and probably too much of it!  Using product to control your hair will only result in your hair falling to where it naturally wants to go. Your hair has typically been trained, through years of styling it, to fall in a certain way and the best way to get your hair to stop falling in that direction is to use a hair dryer.

As your hair is drying it is starting to set into place.  By using a hair dryer, along with a brush, your setting your hair in place where you want it to go.  When the hair is dry, regardless of which product you put in it, the hair will naturally want to fall back into the general shape of where you had blow dried it.   This allows you to use less product to achieve the hold and shine that you desire.  Using less product will make sure your hair product lasts longer and will save you money in the long run. 

In addition, when using pomade or hair paste, the product functions best when the hair is dry. The products adhere more easily and evenly when there is no extra moisture.  So using a hair dryer for a minute or two before styling can prevent that extra greasiness or uneven product application.

How Do I Use One?

1. To start, your hair needs to be damp.  Not wet, but damp.  This is usually achieved by towel drying it.  If it's too wet, you'll risk damaging your hair with too much heat to dry it.  
2. Spray your hair with a heat protectant spray. (this isn't required, but recommended to limit the damage from the heat)
3. Using a brush, shape your hair in the direction in which you will be styling it.  
4. At the same time, dry the hair being brushed from root to tip. 
5. Continue to brush and blow dry until your hair is completely dry.  

• Keep the hair dryer at the coolest setting to limit damage.
• Blast your hair with the "Cold" setting at the end to add a bit extra volume and set your hair.  
• If you hair is not getting the volume or shape that you need from blow drying your hair, you may need to add a pre-styling product before you blow dry. I'd recommend the Sculpting Clay from our styling line.  

What Do I Do Next?

After the hair is dry, it should be shaped, generally, where it needs to be for the style you're trying to achieve.   All you have to do is add your styling product of choice to your hair.  For most cases, an extreme hold product isn't needed any more and you won't need to add a bunch of product.  Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, usually a dime to nickle size amount will be enough.