1. Introduction
In daily life, a hair dryer is almost a must-have tool for everyone after washing their hair. However, many people still have misunderstandings about the use of the “cold air button”. Correctly mastering the switch between cold air and hot air can not only effectively protect the hair quality, but also improve the styling effect. This article will analyze the scientific principles and practical skills of the cold air button in a structured way.
2. The mechanism of action of hot and cold air
1. Hot air: fast hair drying and styling
- Accelerate moisture evaporation: Hot air can quickly remove moisture from the hair and shorten the drying time, which is suitable for people who are short of time or need to style quickly.
- Improve plasticity: High temperature opens the hair scales, making the hair soft and easy to comb and style[1][2].
2. Cold air: Locking the style and protecting the hair quality
- Styling effect: After hot air shaping, cold air helps the hair scales close, fixes the hairstyle, and makes the style more durable[2][3][4].
- Reduce damage: Cold air is gentle and will not damage the hair structure. It is suitable for people with fragile hair or those who want natural and smooth hair[1][5].
3. Scientific hair drying process
1. Preliminary treatment after shampooing
- Gently press the hair with a towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid rubbing it hard to reduce damage to the hair scales[5][2].
2. Dry in sections
- 70% dry: First use warm or hot air to blow the hair until it is 70% dry. Keep the air dryer at a proper distance from the hair to avoid high temperature blowing directly on the scalp.
- Comb and smooth hair: Use a wide-tooth comb to comb the hair and process it in sections to prevent tangles.
3. Cold air setting
- Switch to the cold air setting and blow from the roots to the ends of the hair along the direction of hair growth to help the hair scales close and improve the gloss and smoothness of the hair[1][4].
- For hairstyles that require styling, cold air can fix the hairstyle after styling and prolong its durability[2][3].
4. Common misunderstandings and precautions
1. Using only hot air can easily damage hair
- Long-term high temperature hair drying can cause hair to become dry, split, brittle, and hair scales to be damaged, and hair quality to deteriorate[6][5][2].
2. Cold air is not a panacea
- Although cold air is gentle, using cold air alone to dry hair is slow and has limited styling effects. It is more suitable to be used with hot air[7][8].
3. Natural air drying is not the best
- Although natural air drying can reduce heat damage, the scalp is easily affected by cold when the hair is wet, and the hair scales are open, which can easily damage the hair quality due to friction. This is especially important in cold seasons[6][5].
5. Practical suggestions
- Reasonable distribution of hot and cold air: Use hot air first and then cold air, which can both dry the hair efficiently and protect the hair quality.
- Keep a proper distance: Keep the hair dryer 15-20 cm away from the hair to avoid local overheating.
- Avoid frequent high temperatures: Reduce the frequency of using hot air, especially at the ends of the hair.
- Regular care: Combine with conditioners, hair masks and other products to improve the toughness and luster of hair.
Hair care is a delicate art. Making good use of the cold air button of the hair dryer can not only protect the health of the hair, but also make the shape poetic and picturesque. Every time you blow dry your hair, it is a gentle carving of your own temperament.
“True beauty lies not in the momentary brilliance, but in the meticulous care accumulated over time.”
——Lin Qingxuan’s brushwork
References
[1][6][5][2][3]
[1] https://www.sohu.com/a/473624859_120171266
[2] https://www.sohu.com/a/737561848_121117482
[3] http://m.jiguo.com/article/article/68516.html
[4] https://www.sohu.com/n/479165214/
[5] https://m.cqn.com.cn/ms/content/2025-03/12/content_9096642.htm
[6] https://style.cctv.com/2025/03/07/ARTIytjFdkG2OKZv8UhrPRQT250307.shtml
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/Haircare/comments/rp77p6/is_using_the_cold_setting_on_a_hair_dryer/?tl=zh-hans
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/HaircareScience/comments/5pmzce/are_there_noticeable_differences_between_using_a/?tl=zh-hans
