Should I Blow Dry My Hair Before Braiding?

We aren’t the only ones who love braided hair. Braids offer endless styling possibilities to match your every mood and vibe.

However, the prep you apply to your strands before braiding is crucial; maintaining your hair’s integrity is a must.

There are thousands of braiding techniques and patterns that are suitable for each hair type.

When preparing for braids, hair type and texture need to be considered, as one braiding technique may not be suitable for a specific hair type/texture.

We constantly search for ways to make our manicures last longer, as well as our makeup, so why not our hair?

That’s where hair prep comes into play. It includes blow-drying, deep conditioning, heat styling, and anything else in our arsenal that prolongs the life of our hairstyles.

So, should you blow-dry your hair before braiding?

Blow-drying your hair before braiding is a personal preference at the end of the day. However, your hair’s characteristics can tell you whether blow-drying your hair before braiding is beneficial.

Regardless of whether you blow-dry your hair before braiding, each step of your hair prep routine must be designed to care for and preserve the integrity of your strands.

So if you’re interested in finding out which choice is best, follow along!

Blow Drying And Braiding For Every Hair Type

Not every braid will work for every hair type, and with that lies the answer to whether you should blow-dry your hair.

Blow-drying your hair before braiding is usually a step in a hair prep routine for individuals who have type 3 curly and type 4 coily hair.

Curly/Coily hair types and Straight/Wavy hair types can have completely different textures, follicles, and needs when it comes to braiding, especially.

The way you prep braids for straight hair is drastically different from how you prep them for coily hair.

Braids for straight and wavy hair are also entirely different from braids for curly and coily hair.

Let’s break down each hair type, decode its needs, what braids suit your hair type best, and if it’s necessary for you to blow-dry your hair.

1. Straight And Wavy Hair

Should you blow-dry your hair before braiding if you have straight or wavy hair?

Well, it’s all up to personal preference or what outcome you are hoping for.

Keep in mind that fine hair is weaker when it’s wet, but heat styling can also cause damage.

Straight and wavy hair types can hold different braid styles than curly and coily hair.

For example, if an individual with straight hair opted for a style suited to coily hair, such as box braids or cornrows, they risk their hair breaking from its weight.

Those types of braids add extra pressure and weight that straight, wavy, and fine hair can’t withstand for long periods.

Instead, they should opt for other braids that are better suited to their hair type, such as French, Dutch, mermaid, or three-strand braids.

These braids are less stressful on the scalp and don’t require much prep.

So do you blow-dry your hair? If you love a sleek, smooth finish, use your favorite heat protectant to avoid damaging your strands, then blow-dry your hair.

Blow-drying isn’t necessary to achieve a smooth finish with these types of braids.

Every hairdresser will recommend listening to what your hair is telling you.

Air-drying is also a viable option if you style your hair in braids to reduce heat exposure.

Wavy hair can be tricky because it’s often between curly and wavy.

Sometimes wavy hair can act similarly to curly hair, which may indicate your hair needs.

Regardless, it’s still best to avoid natural protective styles.

The texture of your hair can also indicate whether you should blow-dry your hair.

For example, if you have a wavy hair type that is prone to frizz and has a few curly pieces, blow-drying your hair before braiding can help keep flyaways at bay.

In addition, consider your hair’s current health. Is it heat-damaged, colored, or chemically treated?

In this case, it’s recommended to cut back on heat styling as much as possible, or to use a heat protectant when you do choose to blow-dry.

2. Curly And Coily Hair

Blow-drying hair before braids can affect curly and coily hair more than straight and wavy hair.

While it’s a widely debated topic, it’s up to you, your hair, and your hairdresser to assess what your hair can handle to achieve the best results.

One thing is for sure, and that’s never to braid your hair while it’s wet.

Multiple sources also state that adding a nourishing cream to your curls when they are 80% dry can improve your braids with an extra boost of hydration.

This is crucial, especially if you choose not to blow-dry your hair.

Curly and coily hair types can opt for natural protective styles like cornrows or box braids because the follicles are usually coarse, strong, and can handle the weight without snapping off.

However, is it necessary to blow-dry your curls before braids?

This is up to your own preference, but for some, choosing not to can result in hair that is too heavy to braid successfully, so we recommend blow-drying.

We Value Beauty states that no matter whether you choose to blow-dry your hair or not, it’s essential to have a proper hair routine to prep for braids. They list the following:

Fix Current Issues (does your hair feel weak? Ex: add a protein treatment)
Wash Your Hair
Condition & Deep Condition
Detangle Your Hair

The most important takeaway is to listen to your hair; it will tell you everything it needs. Blow-drying isn’t frowned upon.

However, if you don’t protect your curls from heat, it can cause further damage, whether you braid your hair or not.

The best way to blow-dry your hair before braids is to use a high-quality heat protectant.

This styling product should not only protect you from your hot tools but also from the sun’s UV rays. In addition, your curls will also thank you for it.

To Blow Dry Or Not To Blow Dry?

A better question to ask is, when shouldn’t you blow-dry your hair before braiding?

The last thing anyone wants to do is damage their curls further with heat, especially when it’s unnecessary.

If your hair is damaged, you might be better off air-drying it.

However, dry and damaged locks still need nourishment.

High-quality styling products like curl creams or deep-conditioning masks will be your best friends for prep before braiding.

This includes all kinds of damage, like color or chemically treated damage, heat damage, lack of protein, dry/stiff hair, you name it.

As your hair’s health improves, you can gradually work your way back to being able to blow-dry for braids.

If your hair is healthy and you use a heat protectant, by all means, blow-dry your hair.

For some individuals, blow-drying their hair saves time and effort, or it provides a smoother finish.

If you have a special event like a wedding or party, blow-drying your hair a day before your braids helps ensure your hair is thoroughly cooled, dry, and ready to be braided.

In addition, you won’t have to worry if you have excess water, which will add to the weight pulling at your scalp.