Why Do Hair Dryers Have Cool Settings?

Hair dryers have a cool setting to protect hair from heat damage and to set hairstyles for a longer duration. This feature enhances the versatility and functionality of the device, offering a safer approach to hair care.

Hair dryers with a cold setting are designed with the user’s comfort and hair health in mind. The cool setting of dry hair without exposing it to excessive heat reduces the risk of hair becoming dry, brittle, or damaged. This setting is not just about temperature control, but also about safety. It’s a feature that allows users to dry their hair without the fear of overheating or causing unnecessary harm.

The cool setting on a hair dryer is also used for styling purposes. After using heat to shape and style the hair, the cool setting can be used to ‘set’ the style in place. This is achieved by using the cool shot button on the hair dryer, which emits a blast of cold air, helping to maintain the style for a longer period.

Hair dryers with a low heat setting offer an alternative to the cool setting. This option provides a balance between drying speed and hair protection, allowing users to dry their hair quickly without causing excessive damage.

It’s an innovation that combines convenience with care, ensuring that hair dryers are not just tools, but also instruments of hair care.

Related: Top 4 Hair Dryers with Cold Settings

Why is there a cool button on hair dryers

The cool button on hair dryers is not just a fancy addition, but a feature with a specific purpose. It’s there to provide a blast of cold air, which is essential for setting your hairstyle after it has been heated and shaped.

The heat from the dryer changes the structure of your hair, making it more pliable. The cool air then sets this structure, helping your hair to hold its shape for longer.

This is particularly useful for styles that require volume or curls, as the cool air helps to set these in place. So, the cool button is not just a gimmick, but a tool for creating long-lasting hairstyles.

The science of having a cool setting behind hair dryers

1. Preservation of Hair Health

The low setting on a hair dryer is less harsh on the hair strands. High heat can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle strands that are prone to breakage. By opting for a lower setting, you’re reducing the risk of heat damage, thus preserving the health and integrity of your hair.

2. Retention of Hair Moisture

Hair needs a certain level of moisture to maintain its shine and softness. Excessive heat can evaporate this moisture, leaving the hair dull and lifeless. The low setting on a hair dryer helps retain this essential moisture, contributing to the overall luster and manageability of the hair.

3. Prolonging Hair Color

For individuals with color-treated hair, the medium or low setting is a must. High heat can cause the color to fade faster, altering the desired hue. By using a lower setting, the longevity of the color is extended, ensuring that the hair maintains its vibrant color for a longer period.

4. Suitable for Thin or Fine Hair

Individuals with thin or fine hair should always use the low setting on their hair dryer. High heat can be too intense for these hair types, potentially causing damage. A lower setting is gentler and more suitable, helping to maintain the strength and thickness of the hair.

5. Ideal for Certain Styling Techniques

Certain hair styling techniques, such as creating waves or curls, require the use of a medium or low setting. High heat can cause the style to drop quickly, while a lower setting allows the style to set properly and last longer.

6. Beneficial for Scalp Health

The scalp, like the hair, can suffer from excessive heat. High temperatures can cause scalp dryness and irritation. Using the low setting on a hair dryer can help maintain a healthy scalp, which in turn promotes healthier hair growth.

The Impact of Cold Air on Hair Health

Contrary to popular belief, drying your hair with cold air does not cause damage. In fact, it can be beneficial for your hair health.

Heat can cause damage to your hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Cold air, on the other hand, is much gentler on your hair. It helps to close the hair cuticle, which can reduce frizz and increase shine.

So, while it may take longer to dry your hair with cold air, it can be worth it for the health of your hair.

how to use a cool shot button on the hair dryer

The cool shot button on your hair dryer is a tool that can help you achieve salon-quality results at home. After you’ve dried and styled your hair with heat, press the cool shot button. This will release a blast of cold air, which will set your hair and help it to hold its shape.

This is particularly useful for styles that require a lot of volume or curls. The cool shot button is a simple tool, but it can make a big difference in the longevity of your hairstyle.

Cool Setting vs. Cool Shot: Understanding the Difference

The cool setting and the cool shot on your hair dryer serve similar purposes, but they are not the same. The cool setting provides a steady stream of cold air, which can be used to gently dry your hair or to set your style.

The cool shot, on the other hand, provides a sudden blast of cold air. This is used to set your hairstyle quickly, helping it to hold its shape for longer. Both the cool setting and the cool shot can be useful tools for styling your hair, but they are used in slightly different ways.

Read More: 5 Best Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Dryers