Recently, I received some hair drying tips that I thought were interesting. In fact, they sent me to my bathroom to check on whether I was doing the right things! Mostly yes, a few not so much. I’ll come back at the end of the article with my thoughts.
The following recommendations are from Danielle Louise, a hair styling expert from the Fresha website that’s provides information and booking for salons in key markets throughout the world.
What the Cool-Down Button on Your Hair Dryer Is Really For, and 6 Other Styling Secrets Your Salon Knows
Most of us use our hair dryers every week — yet few know what that mysterious cool-shot button actually does. According to stylists on Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, we’re making simple tool mistakes that quietly ruin our hair’s health and shine.
Danielle Louise, professional hairstylist and Fresha partner, says the cool-shot button is one of the most misunderstood features in hair care — and skipping it could be why your style never lasts.
“The cool setting isn’t just for comfort, it’s what ‘sets’ your style,” says Danielle. “That final cold blast seals the cuticle, adds shine and keeps your blow-dry smooth for hours. Think of it like a topcoat on your nails, it locks everything in.”
7 Hair Tool Truths That Might Surprise You
The cool-shot button matters more than you think.
That quick burst of cold air locks in shape, tames frizz and boosts shine. Without it, your style drops as soon as you leave the house.
Straightening damp hair is a recipe for damage.
Hair should be completely dry before heat styling. “If you hear sizzling, you’re literally cooking your hair from the inside,” says Danielle.
Turn down the temperature.
Fine or bleached hair shouldn’t go above 180°C (356°F); only coarse textures need 200°C+ (392°F). “High heat doesn’t mean sleeker — just faster damage.”
Always use the dryer nozzle.
That little plastic concentrator isn’t optional — it focuses airflow, smooths strands and stops ends from frying.
Apply heat protection on nearly-dry hair, not soaking wet.
Most sprays are designed for 70–80% dry hair. “If you use them straight from the shower, they can’t coat each strand properly,” she adds.
Clean your hair dryer’s filter monthly.
Dust build-up makes dryers overheat, which can singe hair and shorten the tool’s lifespan.
Let your tools cool before putting them away.
Throwing hot straighteners into drawers melts wiring and causes early failure — something stylists say they see far too often.
“You don’t need salon-grade equipment to get salon results,” says Danielle Louise on Fresha. “It’s how you use it. Once clients learn the little things — like cooling their style or lowering the heat — their hair starts looking healthier almost overnight.”
My Hair Drying Behavior
I guess my drying behavior is a mixed bag.
Tips that I follow:
- I try to make sure my hair is fully dried before I use my straightener. In fact, even after putting away my dryer, I have gone back and finished drying spots that still feel wet.
- I try not to use hotter temperatures after frying my hair about 8 years ago. Although my Dyson dryer doesn’t give the actual temperatures of the settings, I stick to the second setting rather than using the third setting. My flatiron temperature is not “settable”. It’s capped below 400°F.
- I always use the nozzle on my hairdryer.
- I always let my hair tools cool down before putting them away. I’m concerned that something in my closet could catch fire if the tools are too hot.
Tips that I don’t necessarily follow:
- Honestly, I have only used the “cool-shot” button on my hairdryer on a hot day to cool myself down! I didn’t know that cool dryer temperatures set my style. If I were to use it, I would have to straighten my hair first and then go back to my hairdryer to use the cool shot. Not sure I’m up for it.
- I spray on It’s A 10 Leave-In Conditioner after my hair is towel dried and before I dry it with the blower. It’s not soaking wet, but it may not be 70-80% dry either.
- I do not clean my hair dryer’s filter monthly. I only use my dryer 4-5 times a month, and not enough hair builds up in the filter during that time period. I try to remember to check and clean the filter probably every 4-6 months.
How about you? Which tips do you do and which do you ignore? Or which do you agree with and which don’t you agree with?
