using a hair dryer in cold settings or the cool shot mode can have certain benefits for hair health. While heat is often necessary for drying hair, cooler temperatures can contribute to maintaining healthier hair under certain circumstances:
Sealing the Hair Cuticles: Cold air or the cool shot setting can be used at the end of a styling session to help seal the hair cuticles. When the cuticles are sealed, the hair appears smoother and shinier.
Reducing Heat Damage: Excessive heat exposure can cause damage to the hair, such as drying it out, causing frizz, or leading to split ends. The cool shot can be used to minimize heat damage, especially for those who frequently use high heat settings during styling.
Setting Hairstyles: Using cool air to set a hairstyle after heat styling helps the hair maintain the desired shape for a longer duration. It's often used in conjunction with hot air for heat styling to ensure the style sets in place.
Scalp Comfort: After exposure to heat, a burst of cool air can provide relief to the scalp and reduce discomfort from the warmth caused by the hair dryer.
Increasing Shine: Cold air can smooth the hair cuticles, allowing light to reflect off the hair more evenly, resulting in shinier hair.
It's important to note that using cold settings or the cool shot mode doesn't dry the hair; it rather finishes and sets the style while offering a respite from the heat. Moreover, while it offers certain benefits, the primary drying process usually requires warm air to effectively remove moisture from the hair.
Combining different temperature settings during the styling process and finishing with a cool shot can aid in minimizing heat damage and maintaining healthier hair. However, moderation and proper techniques are crucial to prevent excessive exposure to heat or cold and to avoid over-drying or damaging the hair.