Yes, you should always curl dry hair.
It is crucial to ensure that your hair is completely dry before using a curling iron or any other hot styling tool. Applying heat to wet hair can cause significant damage because:
- The hair cuticle is open and vulnerable when wet.
- Heat from curling irons and other hot tools directly affects the hair.
- Using heat on wet hair leads to increased damage.
Why Dry Hair is Essential Before Curling
Here's a breakdown of why using a curling iron on dry hair is essential:
| Condition | Hair Cuticle | Risk of Damage | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Hair | Open and exposed | High | Low - Curling is difficult and often unsuccessful |
| Dry Hair | Closed and protected | Lower | High - Curling is much easier and holds better |
The reference material provided states that "Your hair should always be completely dry before using a curling iron. Hot tools, like curling irons, apply heat directly to the hair, and using any heat tool on wet hair is going to be more damaging because the hair cuticle is open and exposed." This underscores the importance of dry hair for safe and effective curling.
Best Practices for Curling Hair:
- Wash your hair as usual and allow it to air dry or use a blow dryer until it is completely dry.
- Apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from the heat.
- Divide your hair into sections for easier curling.
- Use the curling iron to create curls as desired.
- Finish with hairspray or another styling product.
