Why Does Your Hair Take So Long to Dry?

Does your hair take forever to dry? Are you frustrated by the constant blow-drying? The good news is, you’re not alone—and there are plenty of steps you can take to speed up the process.

We spoke to some celebrity hairstylists to find out why some hair types take so long to dry, and gleaned their tips and tricks for speeding up the process. Read on to discover the secret behind fast-drying hair and say goodbye to those long blow-drying hours!

Why do some hair types take longer to dry?

“There are a number of factors in hair structure and texture that can cause hair to take longer to dry,” says De Leon. “One of the main factors is porosity—high-porosity hair absorbs and holds more water, which causes hair to take longer to dry.” Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture, and high-porosity hair tends to have gaps and holes in the cuticle, allowing it to absorb water quickly and retain it longer.

Another important factor is hair density. “Hair that is thicker and more tightly packed will take longer to dry because there are more hairs for the water to evaporate,” explains the hairstylist. Hair density refers to the number of individual hairs on your head, and the more hairs you have, the longer it takes for the water to evaporate, simply because there is more surface area to cover.

Hair texture also plays a role. Curly and kinky hair textures often take longer to dry than straight hair due to the shape of the hair strands, which can retain moisture. “Curly and kinky hair creates more surface area for water to cling to, which slows down the drying process,” says De Leon.

Hair health is another important factor. Damaged or over-processed hair can absorb and retain more water. “When hair is damaged, the cuticle—the outermost layer of the hair shaft—can be lifted or broken, allowing more water to penetrate and become trapped within the hair,” says De Leon. This can be the result of excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, all of which reduce the integrity of the hair and its ability to release moisture effectively.

How does hair porosity affect blow drying time?

If you’ve heard the term hair porosity but don’t really understand what it means, let us help you simplify things. Hair porosity measures how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture and is determined by the condition of the hair’s cuticle.

High porosity hair has a raised or damaged cuticle, often due to chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental factors. This hair type absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as quickly. “If your hair has high porosity, it will dry out faster because it can’t hold as much water,” says Gutterman.

Medium porosity hair, also known as normal porosity, has a balanced cuticle structure that allows it to absorb and retain moisture effectively. Hair typically dries at an average rate.

“Low porosity hair means that the hair is too tight, which prevents moisture from reaching the hair shaft and wicking it away,” says Kimble. “When hair doesn’t absorb moisture well, it affects how the hair reacts to heat and blow-drying. As a result, low porosity hair tends to take longer to dry because moisture has a harder time evaporating.”

What role do hair care products play in hair drying time?

The right combination of products is crucial to reducing blow-drying time. “Some hair care products are designed to help hair dry faster, while others are designed to protect hair,” Kimble explains. Products designed to moisturize or add shine often contain ingredients that attract and retain moisture, which can lengthen the drying process. On the other hand, using lightweight, water-based products can help hair dry faster by not weighing it down with added moisture.

Understanding these factors can help you tweak your hair care routine to improve your blow-drying time, the stylist explains. For example, incorporating porosity-reducing products, like no-rinse conditioners and serums, can help seal the hair cuticle, reducing the amount of water your hair retains. “I always recommend using a no-rinse conditioner and a texturizing product when blow-drying,” Gutterman adds. “This helps maintain the style and helps the product absorb into the hair shaft, helping the water evaporate faster. My current combination is All About Curls Bond Building Anti-Breakage Spray for heat protection. It adds light moisture and hold without weighing down hair. I also like the added Bumble and Bumble Hair Thickening Spray—a perfect pair for the ideal blow dry!”

Does hair length and thickness affect longer blow drying times?

Short answer: Absolutely. “Longer hair has more surface area, which means there is more water to evaporate,” says De Leon. “Thicker hair, especially thick hair, has more strands, each holding water. This combination increases the total time it takes for hair to dry completely.”

How to dry hair faster

Our experts ensure that the right hair care methods and techniques can help your hair dry faster. These methods will save you time and protect your hair from damage.

Use a no-rinse conditioner or a detangling conditioner: “Using a no-rinse or detangling conditioner can shorten your blow-drying time by smoothing the hair cuticle and minimizing tangles,” explains De Leon. These products help water slide off your hair more easily, reducing your overall blow-drying time. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your hair down.

Soak, do not rub: Gently blotting your hair with a microfiber towel or old T-shirt can remove excess water without causing frizz or damage. Unlike regular towels, which can be rough and create friction, microfiber towels are gentle and highly absorbent, effectively absorbing water while preserving your hair’s natural texture. “You want to make sure the towel is completely dry before you start blow-drying,” says Gutterman.

Invest in the right hair dryer: “Not all hair dryers are created equal,” says De Leon. “Investing in a high-quality hair dryer with advanced technology can make a significant difference in drying time and the health of your hair.” Dyson Supersonic Nural Uses intelligent temperature control to ensure hair is not exposed to extreme temperatures, reducing the risk of heat damage. The digital motor and powerful design allow for fast drying without compromising the health of your hair. In addition, Dyson Supersonic Nural There are different attachments to suit different hair types and textures, making this a versatile tool for efficient and safe hair drying.”

Divide your hair into sections: Drying your hair in sections ensures that the air can reach all parts of your hair more effectively. Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties, and work on one section at a time. This technique speeds up the drying process and creates a smoother, shinier finish. “Also, before you brush your hair in circles, if you use one, you can use your hands to dry your hair. Lifting your hair up and moving it around and focusing on drying the roots first, then the mid-lengths to the ends, can also help speed up drying time,” Gutterman explains.

Use the correct hair drying technique: Make sure you use a nozzle that focuses the airflow and a medium heat setting to avoid damaging your hair. Start by blow-drying your hair to remove most of the moisture before sectioning your hair for a more focused blow-dry. For faster results, keep the dryer moving and keep a consistent distance from your hair to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot. Hold the dryer at a downward angle to help smooth the cuticle and add shine.

Use heat protectant: Spraying a heat protectant spray on your hair before blow-drying can protect your hair from heat damage while also helping it dry faster. These products create a protective layer over your hair that protects it from high temperatures and can help seal in moisture.