How Hot Does A Blow Dryer Actually Get?

When it comes to styling our hair, we're constantly told to protect our luscious locks from heat — but where would we be without our beloved hair dryer? Whether you use it once a day, once a month, or only when you step into a salon, whenever you use your hair dryer, you're exposing your hair to heat. How much heat, though?

But Dr. Tim Moore, Chief Technology Officer at ghd, believes that using blow dryer is less risky than leaving hair to dry naturally. "Hair can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in water," writes Moore. The longer it stays wet, the more it swells, which ultimately can cause the glue holding the cuticle together to crack. This can then lead to permanent hair damage. 

If drying your hair is better for you, what setting is safest? How hot does a blow dryer actually get?

Moore recommends using your blow dryer on a lower heat and speed setting at first to ensure the hair doesn't overheat. "Even if the hair dryer temperature feels warm — it will probably be around 70 degrees — the temperature of the hair won't go over about 30 degrees until it dries," he reveals. Once your hair is about 90 percent dry, you can then turn up the heat. 

According to Top Ten Reviews, the hottest temperature a blow dryer can actually get hovers around 197 degrees. Obviously, you should try to avoid drying your hair at such a high setting, as this will definitely cause some damage. But using Moore's method, you won't come anywhere near that high of a temp.

If you're looking to lock in your style, Moore recommends blasting your hair with the cool setting rather than cranking up the heat. "It makes a massive difference, ensuring the hair's internal bonds are remade and sealing the style in place," he notes.