“A MAN WITHOUT A BEARD IS LIKE A LION WITHOUT A MANE.” - SOMEONE AWESOME

Can Blow Drying Your Beard Cause Damage?

Every beard is unique. Some are easy to maintain, while others can be quite unruly. Often, men need more than just beard grooming products to keep their facial hair in top shape. But is blow drying your beard safe, or does it cause damage? Let’s find out.

Many men avoid using hair dryers on their beards, fearing it might cause damage. To get to the bottom of this, we did some research.

The Blow Dryer Debate

A blow dryer is a great tool for drying and styling your beard. However, they have been traditionally associated with femininity and, more importantly, with causing hair damage. At Mo Bros, we believe in taking care of ourselves, our mental health, and our beards without worrying about such stereotypes. Here’s what we discovered about blow drying beard hair.

Heat Damage: Myth or Reality?

When hair is exposed to high temperatures, it can become brittle, rough, and discolored. However, a study by the Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology found that while hair dryers cause more surface damage than natural drying, using a hair dryer at a distance of 15 cm (6 inches) with continuous motion causes less damage than letting hair dry naturally.

The Surprising Findings

Wet hair weighs down strands and adds pressure to the follicles. Prolonged exposure to water increases Cell Membrane Complex (CMC) damage. Therefore, quicker evaporation of water from your hair and beard reduces tension on the follicles. The study compared natural drying with blow drying at different temperatures and distances. The conclusion? Blow drying at a low temperature, 15 cm away from your beard, is optimal and causes the least damage.

Blow Drying Your Beard Safely

Contrary to popular belief, you can safely use a hair dryer on your beard if done correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Beard: Use beard wash and conditioner 2-3 times a week to avoid overuse, which can damage hair.

2. Pat Dry: Gently pat your beard dry; never rub, as it can cause damage.

3. Pre-Blow Dry Product: Some prefer applying beard oil and combing it through before blow drying. Test to see what works best for you.

4. Blow Dry Technique: Set the hair dryer to the lowest setting, keep it 6 inches away, and move it continuously over the beard. Use a comb or brush to help straighten the beard as you dry.

5. Post-Dry Styling: Once dry, apply beard balm or your preferred styling product and brush through to evenly distribute.

Explore More

If you found this information helpful and want to learn more about beard care, check out our other blog posts:

1. [Beard Comb or Brush? What Should I Use?]

2. [Daily Beard Care Routine Tips]

3. [How to Make Your Beard Soft?]

4. [My Beard Is Itching: Here's How to Fix It]

5. [How I Tame My Coarse Beard]

By following these tips, you can keep your beard looking its best without the fear of causing damage.