Stop. Rubbing. Your. Hair. With a towel. You are not trying to start a campfire. That aggressive rubbing breaks the hair shaft and creates frizz that looks like you’ve been electrocuted by a hairdryer.
Instead, gently squeeze the water out with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Yes, an old T-shirt. Your hair will be so confused by the softness that it will behave just to thank you. Let it air-dry 80% of the way before you even think about touching a blow dryer.
Heat Tools: The Devil’s Accessories
If you use a straightener or curling iron every day, you are literally cooking your hair. Heat styling is the leading cause of dry, angry hair. You wouldn’t iron a silk blouse on high, so don’t iron your head on high.
Use a heat protectant spray—not the cheap one that smells like burning plastic. And turn the heat down to medium. If your straightener can sear a steak, it’s too hot for your hair. Aim for 300°F, not 450°F. Your hair is not a pizza.
