Do Hair Dryers Cause Hair Loss – Facts vs. Fiction

Most people use a blow dryer or a hair dryer to save their time. So, would saving a little time could cost you your hair?

The relationship between hair loss and the use of hair dryers, is a common topic discussed by many individuals. Especially since most of them use dryers on a daily basis. So if you have been wondering whether hair dryers cause hair loss, then you have come to the right place.

Do hair dryers cause hair loss? Hair dryers will not contribute to hair loss directly. However the heat generated by the hair dryers could strip away the natural oils and the moisture in your hair and as a result, the hair would become dry and dull. This could cause hair breakage and increased hair fall.

In this article I will discuss how hair dryers could damage your hair and give you a few suggestions on how to use it safely.

How hair dryers damage your hair

Blow dryers or hair dryers generate heat to dry your hair off. Too much heat is bad for your hair. Heat can strip away the natural oils and moisture from your hair.

When the hair loses its natural oils and moisture, it will become dry and dull. Therefore the hair will break more easily.

A research study done by a group of individuals states that the heat from hair dryers will damage the hair cuticles, which is the outermost part of the hair shaft. This will make hair weaker and cause hair breakage.

Most people, in common believe that the heat from the dryers will affect the hair only. This is only half true.

Yes the heat generated by the dryers could damage the scalp more than the hair itself. The heat generated from the dryers and holding the dryer closer to the scalp could damage the fatty lipid layer in the scalp which protects the scalp from dust and dirt particles from penetrating the skin.

This could cause scalp irritation and even lead to scalp infections in severe cases. The damage to the scalp can be more serious than damage to the hair. This is since, the scalp should be healthy for new hair to grow properly.

Is the damage temporary

Hair loss from dryers is not permanent, given that hair follicles are not damaged.

The hair loss could be permanent if the hair follicles die or get damaged. The hair follicles have their own life cycle and die with time. There are various opinions on what kills hair follicles, but fortunately the heat from hair dryers is not one of them.

There are various factors which will cause hair loss. The exact reason for the hair loss could only be judged by a trained professional or a doctor. 

However, if you are using a hair dryer on a daily basis, then you can be at the risk of damaging your hair, rather than loosing it permanently.

How to use hair dryers safely

Hair dryers can and will generate a lot of heat. Pick a hair dryer which allows you to adjust the heat. Set it to medium temperature so that the heat generated would be moderate.

The other fact is that, do not hold your dryer closer to the scalp and the hair roots. This increases the risk of damage to your hair and the scalp. The closer the heat source is, the more the damage is.

Further do not stick to a specific spot for too long. Move the hair dryer slowly along the hair upwards and downwards. This will reduce the damage caused and prevent a single spot in your head from being overheated. 

Should you use hair dryer every day

Hair dryers have been a part of the daily routine of most employed women with long hair. This is understandable.

However, the daily use of hair dryers can cause more damage relative to a person who uses the dryer for a couple of days a week. This is since, our skin cells need time to recover from any kind of damage. 

If you do not give enough time to recover, then the hair and the scalp will be more damaged, which could even be permanent in severe scenarios. Give your head some days off from the dryer. So that the cells can recover.

Therefore, in my opinion, I would advise you to not to use a hair dryer every day.

If you have long hair and have a busy schedule in the morning, then plan your day. Make time to have a shower and allow it to air dry naturally. Use a dry and clean towel to soak away the water from your hair. This will remove most water from your hair.

Do not wrap the towel around the head, since it can cause hair tangling and slow down the hair drying process.

Should you see a doctor

The hair damage due to dryers is not severe enough to create visible bald spots in your head. If there are any visible spots, then that could be due to an underlying health condition or genetics. In such situations, it is always advisable to consult your doctor at the earliest convenience.

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