Why hairdryers have a cold setting despite being rarely used

Let’s face it - a good hairdryer is one tool that no girl could live without.

But a button on the electronic device that we always seem to ignore is the cold setting.

Seems counterintuitive, right? Why would you want to blast your locks with cool air when you’re trying to dry them?

Well, hold on to your seats, because have we got some surprising news for you.

Panther Media GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Although using hot air obviously helps to speed up the drying process, it can damage hair and cause your carefully styled ‘do to lose its shape throughout the day.

Even if you’re using heat protectant products, full-scale heat can leave your hair looking frazzled - especially those with thin and fragile locks.

But while it seems like a bizarre option to choose this setting, by using cooler air, the style stays in for longer and also controls frizz, leading to healthier looking hair.

Drying your hair solely on this control will take a long time, so a general rule to follow should be to use a heated setting that is appropriate for your hair type, and to dry it about 80% of the way.

Then, when your hair is just a little bit damp, finishing it off on the colder setting will help to define its shine - similar to the way rinsing your conditioner out with cool water works.

Wanuttapong suwannasilp / Alamy Stock Photo

If you want to go a step further to utilise this well-kept secret, experts also recommend using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. This will help to evenly distribute the cooler air to a wider area, helping to keep the style in place for hours.

And if you want to ditch the straighteners - or, heaven forbid, you end up in a situation without access to them - then this magical setting could even be the answer to your prayers.

Simply use a roller brush to comb through your hair while blow drying it with the cooler air, and then lock in your look by using a styling product at the end.

So if you’re looking for the secret to getting those 'just stepped out the salon' locks from the comfort of your own home, try this handy hack next time it’s hair wash day - we promise you’ll never look back.

Topics: Hair, Beauty

Sophie Cockerham