Is blow-drying damaging your hair during the monsoon? An expert argues the real culprit is something else

Is blow-drying damaging your hair during the monsoon? An expert argues the real culprit is something else

Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Overview
Overview

Shweta’s core expertise spans makeup, skincare, hair care, and holistic health and fitness. She specialises in in-depth beauty product reviews, ingredient analysis, skincare routines, and evidence-based wellness advice. Known for her analytical and data-driven approach, she relies on verified sources, dermatological insights, and expert consultations to ensure credibility. Her field experience includes interviewing Bollywood celebrities, beauty and makeup professionals, tracking consumer trends, and simplifying the top picks. Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet. When strands absorb water, they swell. The longer hair remains saturated, the longer it stays in this weakened state. Research examining different drying methods has shown that prolonged wetness can contribute to structural stress within the hair fibre, while carefully controlled blow drying can reduce the duration of this vulnerable period. Faster drying means less time spent with water-swollen hair fibres. Controlled airflow means improved comfort and manageability. And styling during drying can help create smoother, longer-lasting results, even in challenging humidity.

“For consumers navigating India’s monsoon season, this can make a tangible difference”, Smith says.