Diffusing-- direct heat or not?

[PhiLee]

Ladies, I've seen a lot of mismatched info about diffusing.

Is it direct heat? Indirect heat? What's the verdict? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[NikStarrr]

I consider it indirect--just like a bonnet dryer, for example. Plus, a diffuser disperses the air, which makes it even more indirect. In my opinion hot air is indirect. An actual utensil (flat iron, pressing comb, curling iron, etc.) are "direct heat" because they are directly touching your hair. HTH!

 

[PhiLee]

Wow, that helps a lot.

Congrats on your coming munchkin, BTW!

 

[Neith]

It's direct heat. It's not about whether the appliance actually touches your hair, it's about how it works.

A hooded dryer is indirect because your whole head is under it. No one spot is getting more or less heat than any other spot. The heated air is even and constant on every strand of your hair.

Also the heat is A LOT lower than most other appliances. You can sit under it. You wouldn't want to touch your skin with a flat iron or blowdryer.

Even if you don't believe that, a diffuser does in fact touch your hair.

If you are using the cool setting or a really low setting, it doesn't have to be damaging to use a blowdryer though.

 

[PhiLee]

Thanks, Neith. This makes sense too!

Looks like there are lots of opinions out there

 

[PhiLee]

bumping for more responses!

 

[so1913]

I consider it indirect like luvmybighair.

 

[Aspire]

I'm curious too. If I use my blowdryer with a comb on the cool setting, is that considered direct heat since it is concentrated on one area at a time? And we all know that cool is still heated on your dryer. So what is that considered?

-

 

[Odd One]

i would love to know that! i always guessed it was indirect heat

 

[SleepyJean]

It's direct heat. I think diffusing with a blow dryer can be just as damaging as flat ironing.... ESPECIALLY, if the person doing it is rough. All of that combing and hot blow dryer heat.... A recipe for some happy, bold split ends.... but that's just my opinion.

I agree with Neith. Direct heat isn't just when an appliance touches the hair. Direct heat is when a lot of heat is concentrated on one area of the hair for a long period of time.

 

[PAPRIKA]

I think its indirect. The way I use my diffuser is a few inches away form the hair and I don't concentrate on one area at a time; I will make quick motions all around the head like I am creating an invisible "dome." I don't use combs either. Maybe itsall in haw you use the appliance whether is direct or inderct heat. I consider direct heat if the appliance comes in contact with the hair.

 

[PhiLee]

^^

I don't comb either. There is very little manipulation when I diffuse...in fact, almost none. The airstream doesn't even move my hair.

 

[so1913]

I think its indirect. The way I use my diffuser is a few inches away form the hair and I don't concentrate on one area at a time; I will make quick motions all around the head like I am creating an invisible "dome." I don't use combs either. Maybe itsall in haw you use the appliance whether is direct or inderct heat. I consider direct heat if the appliance comes in contact with the hair.

Same here...