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Blow-drying and heat styling: a gentler routine
Decide the finish you need today before the hottest setting is on.
Too much heat can roughen hair. A useful change is organisation: towel ready, tools in place, and enough time. Some days only need hair that is dry and manageable. A fuller style needs time in the plan, not the last five minutes.
Towel-dry first. The Dr. M shampoo routine uses a cool or medium dryer setting. Follow the dryer’s own instructions around water. The AAD’s styling notes suggest limiting hot tools, air-drying a little first, and using a lower setting on a flat iron only on dry hair: styling guidance.
If you want a product made for heat protection, use one that says so and follow its directions. Dr. M Hydrolyzed Protein Hair Tonic is a leave-in scalp step. It is not a substitute for a product labelled for heat protection. Shampoo stays in the wash. The tonic is applied after towel-drying, massaged for 2–3 minutes and left in.