Can You Blow Dry Hair Extensions? A Step-by-Step Guide

Hair extensions allow you to instantly achieve longer, thicker locks. But caring for extensions requires some special considerations. An important question many extension wearers have is: can you blow dry hair extensions?

The short answer is yes, you can safely blow dry human hair and synthetic hair extensions. However, there are certain techniques you’ll need to use to avoid damage.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about properly blow drying extensions to keep them looking beautiful.

Overview of Drying Extensions

Letting extensions air dry is not recommended. Wet hair is fragile and prone to tangling and matting. Blow drying is the fastest, safest way to dry extensions and style them just the way you want.

You’ll need to take care not to over-dry or use excessively high heat when blow drying extensions. With the proper methods, blow drying can leave extensions smooth, detangled, and ready to wear.

Can You Blow Dry Human Hair Extensions?

High-quality human hair extensions can be blow dried just like your natural hair. Here are some tips:

• Always use a heat protectant spray or cream first to prevent damage from the hot air.

• Dry extensions on a medium or low heat setting between 150-180°F. Excessive heat risks damage.

• Concentrate the airflow on the roots first to dry extension bonds/attachment points faster.

• Keep the dryer 6-12 inches from the hair to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot.

• Work in sections and use a paddle brush to smooth extensions as you dry them.

• Finish with a cool air blast to seal the cuticle and boost shine.

As long as you follow these precautions, frequently blow drying will not harm human hair extensions.

Blow Drying Synthetic Hair Extensions

Can you blow dry synthetic extensions? You can, but with greater care. Synthetic hair is made from plastic fibers that can melt under high temperatures.

Here are tips for safely blow drying synthetic extensions:

• Always use the cool or low heat setting below 120°F.

• Keep the dryer moving constantly to avoid overheating the fibers.

• Don’t concentrate heat on one section for too long.

• Only use a soft paddle brush on synthetic hair when drying.

• Allow the extensions to fully cool before styling to avoid damage.

Synthetic extensions can only tolerate minimal heat. Air drying is gentler, but blow drying on cool is okay occasionally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blow Drying Extensions

Follow these steps every time you wash extensions to safely dry and style them:

1. Detangle and Apply Product

Before drying, always gently brush out extensions with a wide-tooth comb. Be careful not to pull or snag the hair. Use leave-in conditioner and detangler to make combing easier if needed.

Lightly mist extensions with a thermal protectant. Concentrate on mid-lengths and ends to protect from heat damage.

2. Section Extensions and Hair

Part clean, conditioned extensions into multiple sections. Use clips to keep sections separated as you work.

It’s also wise to section out your natural hair and dry extensions separately. This allows you to effectively dry the roots and points of attachment.

3. Dry Roots and Bonds First

Aim the dryer at the root area where bonds or other attachment methods affix extensions to your natural hair.

Concentrate airflow here first to fully dry the bases. This helps prevent matting and knots under wet extension pieces later.

4. Dry Each Section

Working one section at a time, use a paddle brush to smooth extensions as you dry them with moving airflow. Always keep the dryer 6-12 inches back to avoid concentrated heat.

If using a diffuser attachment, hover it over (don’t press it onto) each section to gently dry.

Run the dryer over each section for 2-4 minutes until completely dry before moving to the next section.

5. Finish With Cool Air

When every section is completely dry, blast extensions with cool air for 30 seconds. This seals the cuticle for shine and smoothness. The cool shot also “sets” the hair to help any blow out style last longer.

Avoid drying extensions completely straight. Leave some bend to allow for easier styling with hot tools.

Tips for Blow Drying Extensions

• Dry extensions before your natural hair. This prevents bonds/clips from getting tangled in wet hair.

• Point the dryer nozzle downwards while drying to smooth the cuticle flat.

• Wrap sections around a round brush to get more volume and bend.

• If air drying, braid damp extensions first to prevent tangling as they dry.

• Add a few drops of hair serum to the ends to prevent dryness from frequent heat styling.

Mistakes to Avoid

To keep extensions looking beautiful when blow drying, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t rub or twist wet extensions with a towel. This causes frizz and damage.

• Don’t aggressively brush through damp extensions. Only comb gently with conditioner.

• Don’t overlap or layer wet extension pieces. Dry each section separately.

• Don’t blow dry on the highest heat setting. Medium heat is ideal for extensions.

• Don’t let bonds or clips get tangled in other hair while blow drying.

When to Let Extensions Air Dry

While blow drying is best, air drying extensions occasionally won’t harm them. Some good times to air dry include:

• After washing extensions before bed. Braid damp hair overnight.

• On non-humid days when hair will dry faster.

• If you don’t need to style or wear extensions out that day.

• When giving extensions a break from heat styling.

Just be cautious air drying extensions often. Allowing them to remain wet for too long can breed bacteria and cause matting.

Ask Your Stylist for Guidance

Caring for extensions requires diligence. Our salon experts can teach you specialized techniques for washing, drying, brushing and styling extensions. We’ll help you maintain the beautiful, natural-looking hair you want!

Next appointment, ask us any questions you have about properly taking care of your extensions at home. We’re happy to share our pro tips and product recommendations. With the right products and methods, your extensions will stay gorgeous and damage-free.