Can Hair Extensions Air Dry? Everything You Need to Know
One of the most common questions we receive at Yovanka Loria Extensions is: “Can hair extensions be left to air dry, or do they need to be blow-dried after every wash?” So, let’s set the record straight. With most hair extension brands, air drying is not recommended or practical. But there are exceptions to the rule.
Yovanka Loria Extensions can be air dried (and we encourage it) as it can help extend their longevity and maintain their appearance.
The type of hair extensions you have and where they came from will determine whether air drying is an option. Let’s break down when it’s okay to let your extensions air dry and when you’ll need to reach for the hairdryer.
What Types of Hair Extensions Can Air Dry?
If you’re wearing micro ring, nano ring, or weft hair extensions, you can usually let your extensions dry naturally, as the bonds in these types of extensions aren’t as affected by water. However, if you have fusion bonds (keratin bond extensions) or tape-in extensions, air drying is a hard no. Why Can’t I Let Tape-In or Fusion Bond Extensions Air Dry? Keratin bond extensions or “k tips” and tape-in extensions rely on adhesive bonds to attach to your natural hair. These types of bonds can weaken and break down if left damp for too long, compromising the longevity and security of your extensions. Water weakens the bond: Leaving glue-based extensions damp for too long can break down the adhesive, causing slippage or even detachment. Heat helps set the bonds: To fully dry and secure the adhesive, it’s important to use a blow dryer, but avoid high heat directly on the bonds. A cool or low setting ensures they stay intact.How Long Should Hair Extensions Take to Dry?
Who has the time (or patience) to wait several hours for their hair to dry!? Not us… But not all hair extensions are created equal when it comes to drying time. The origin and how the hair has been processed can affect how fast the hair dries and therefore how practical it is to let it air dry. Many brands use Indian or Slavic hair, which can be coarser and denser, taking up to three times longer to dry. At Yovanka Loria Extensions, we work exclusively with raw Asian hair, known for its finer texture. This hair is processed using a unique, low-impact colouring method, which preserves its natural integrity and allows it to dry significantly faster—often in under an hour. Poorly processed hair such as hair that has been treated with silicone not only takes longer to dry but also looks unnatural and can be brittle and dull after a few washes.The Best Way to Air Dry Extensions
If you have micro ring, nano ring, or weft extensions, air drying can be a great way to reduce heat exposure, give your hair a break from heat styling and maintain the health of both your natural hair and extensions. Here’s how to air-dry your extensions the right way.- Brush Before Drying: After washing, gently towel-dry your hair and make sure to brush through with a suitable hair extension brush.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat with a microfiber towel to remove excess water without causing frizz.
- Position properly: Part your hair as you usually would and ensure its sitting comfortably. Avoid lying down or relaxing against a surface, as this can cause tangling and disturbance to the bonds due to friction.
- Run fingers through regularly: Throughout the drying process, regularly run your fingers through your hair and bonds to keep them tidy and tangle-free. This step is crucial to prevent any matting while your extensions dry naturally.
The 80/20 method
Sometimes you just don’t have the time to let your hair dry naturally, or you still want that salon look without the heat. We’ll let you in on a little secret…the 80/20 method/- Air Dry Up to 80%: Let your hair air dry until about 80% dry, then switch to a blow dryer to finish the process.
- Blow Dry the Last 20%: Focus on the roots and bonds with a cool setting to ensure they’re fully dry.
- Finish with Heat Styling (Optional): For extra smoothness, finish with a low-heat straightener or curling iron. Always apply a heat protectant, like our Thermal Protection Serum.
Never Air Dry Extensions Overnight
No matter which type of hair extensions you wear, air drying overnight is a no-go. Slightly damp or wet extensions can lead to tangling and matting, which can shorten the lifespan of your extensions. No matter how tired you are…your hair must be completely dry before heading to bed.Blow Drying: When It’s Necessary
While air drying is a great way to reduce heat exposure, there are situations where blow drying is essential:- Seal the cuticle: Blow drying helps smooth and seal the hair’s cuticle layer, ensuring a polished, manageable finish.
- Strengthen bonds: For micro-tied wefts, drying the bonds on a low-heat setting is crucial for maintaining their security.
