If you already have a good hair dryer, you just need to know how to get the best out of it. Most of us use this essential styling tool several times a week, so we need to make sure we are using it properly. Here are our tips.
 
Before you even begin drying your hair, start by towel-drying it. It’s no use trying to use it on sopping-wet hair. The more you towel-dry your hair, the more protected it will be from the heat of your hair dryer. “To do this, roll a towel around your hair and pat dry. Don’t rub it. If you have thick hair, try gathering it together and twisting it before wrapping a towel round it.”
 
Ideally you should start by drying your hair upside down. This is so that the bottom sections of your hair (at the nape of the neck) are not forgotten. Otherwise, only the top of your hair will be dried. “Dry your hair with your head upside-down. This adds volume, lifting the roots. We also advise following this with a diffuser if you have curly hair.”
 
If you are styling your hair, think about shaping it as you dry. Use your fingers to style before you use a brush. “If you want to wear your hair to one side, guide your hair using your hand. If you plan on straightening it afterwards, pull your hair downwards using your fingers. This will save you time and make your hair easier to work with.”
 
As for the speed of your hair dryer, use the highest setting when blasting off your hair to begin with, then lower the setting when your hair starts to dry. If you’re after straight hair, use the strongest setting to really relax your hair. “Remember to attach the nozzle to the end of your hair dryer. This helps channel the air and makes styling with a brush easier as it allows you to direct the air more precisely.”
 
Our tip: Always dry your hair in the direction it grows. In other words from the roots to the ends. And always hold the hair dryer parallel to your hair.