The cool setting on a hair dryer, often referred to as the "cool shot" button, is a powerful tool used at the end of your styling routine to lock in your look, enhance shine, and ensure your hairstyle lasts longer.
Why Use the Cool Setting?
The primary purpose of the cool setting is to seal the hair cuticle. After styling with heat, your hair cuticles are open. A blast of cool air smooths them down, which creates several beneficial effects:
- Maximum Shine and Silkiness: By smoothing the cuticle, hair reflects light better, leading to a glossy finish and a soft, silky feel.
- Sets the Style: The cool air helps to "set" the hair in place, ensuring that curls, waves, or sleek styles hold their shape for an extended period.
- Long-Lasting Results: Sealing the cuticle with cool air helps the style last longer by locking in the shape and preventing frizz caused by humidity.
How to Effectively Use the Cool Setting
Using the cool shot is simple but requires a specific approach to maximize its benefits.
- Complete Heat Styling: First, dry and style your hair with the usual warm or hot air settings until it's completely dry and shaped as desired.
- Activate Cool Shot: Locate the cool shot button on your hair dryer. It's often a separate button that you press and hold, or sometimes a switch that changes the temperature.
- Section Your Hair: For best results, work in sections, just as you would when blow-drying with heat.
- Direct the Air: Point the nozzle of the hair dryer downwards, following the direction of hair growth (from roots to ends). This helps to further smooth the cuticle.
- Focus on Each Section: Pass the cool air over each styled section for 10-20 seconds. Ensure the air reaches all parts of the section.
- Finish Your Whole Head: Repeat this process until all sections of your hair have received a blast of cool air.
Benefits of the Cool Shot Feature
The cool setting offers a range of advantages for your hair's appearance and health:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Shine | Smooths the hair cuticle, allowing hair to reflect light more effectively. |
| Longer-Lasting Styles | Helps to "set" the hair's shape, ensuring your style holds up throughout the day. |
| Reduced Frizz | Seals the hair cuticle, preventing humidity from entering and causing frizz. |
| Increased Silkiness | Contributes to a smoother, softer texture by laying cuticles flat. |
| Minimized Heat Damage | Provides a final touch without additional heat exposure, benefiting hair health. |
Practical Applications
Incorporating the cool shot into various styling routines can yield noticeable improvements.
- For Sleek, Straight Hair: After blow-drying each section straight with a brush and heat, follow immediately with the cool shot while holding the hair taut. This adds extra smoothness and shine.
- For Defined Curls or Waves: Once your curls are dried (e.g., with a diffuser), gently scrunch your hair while applying cool air. This helps to set the curl pattern without disturbing it and adds bounce.
- For Added Volume: After blow-drying your roots with heat for volume, flip your head upside down and blast the roots with cool air. This helps lock the volume in place.
- Setting Updos: For intricate updos or braids, a final cool shot can help tame flyaways and set the overall style firmly.
Always ensure your hair is fully dry before using the cool shot. Applying cool air to damp hair can actually reverse the styling effects by causing it to revert to its natural texture. For more expert tips on effective blow-drying techniques, you might find resources like those on Good Housekeeping helpful.
