Why Your Hair Takes So Long To Dry (And How To Speed Up The Process)

Wash Day can feel extra daunting when you know your hair takes forever to dry. And that can be the case whether you have a bob or Rapunzel-esque strands. We’ve all been there: You’ll find yourself out of the shower only to immediately go on an extended date with your hair dryer. Or maybe you’ve delayed plans so you can wait out a proper air dry. For some, hair drying is so inconvenient that they decide to just not wash as often.

So for those wondering, “Why does my hair take so long to dry?”, we’re here to share some insights. The main culprits are hair thickness, type, and porosity—but even the products you use can affect dry time. Before you dedicate what feels like another decade to hair drying, dive into our tips on speeding up the process.

How Long Does It Take Hair to Dry?

First, it depends on whether we’re talking about air-drying or blow-drying. Either way, we’ve got your answer.

How long does hair take to dry when air-drying?

If you have fine hair, it can take anywhere from one to two hours to air-dry, while thicker hair can take anywhere from four to six hours. For those with tight, 4C curls, it’s also completely normal for hair to take upwards of a full day for hair to completely dry. 

How long does hair take to dry when blow-drying?
If you have shorter, fine hair, a blowout could take as few as five to 10 minutes. Long fine hair usually takes 30-45 minutes. A blowout for long, thick hair usually takes 40-60 minutes.

And yes, we know these are pretty wide ranges—we’ll explain why it varies so much.

Why Does My Hair Take Forever to Dry?

Before we get into how to dry hair quickly, let’s start with why hair takes long to dry. The good news: Your hair taking a while to dry is a sign of healthy hair, as it often indicates that your hair is well hydrated. Still, you might be able to draw on a bit more patience if you understand what the holdup is—here are a few reasons:

• Hair Thickness 

• Hair thickness refers to the diameter of each strand.

• Thickness is categorized as fine, medium, or coarse. 

• Thicker hair is also heavier, meaning it takes longer to shed moisture. 

• Hair Porosity 

• Hair with higher porosity dries faster because water enters and exits it more easily.

• Low porosity hair is harder to saturate, as it clings strongly to water. 

• Low porosity hair also takes longer to dry because strands are coarser. 

• Hair Type 

• Your hair type refers to whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or coily.

• While wavy and straight hair tend to dry faster, curly and coily textures will take longer. 

• Airflow from a blow dryer often moves through straight to wavy hair more easily.

• Curls and coils can slow down airflow. 

• Hair Length

• Longer hair generally takes more time to dry because there’s more surface area and hair holding water. 

• With longer hair, the ends often remain damp after the roots have dried, particularly when hair is thick or coated with multiple leave-in products. 

• Hair Density

• Hair density refers to how much hair is on your scalp. So while hair thickness refers to the width of each strand, hair density is the number of strands on your head. 

• Dense hair dries slowly because there are more strands per square inch, and air can't easily flow through as easily.

• Product Application 

• Yes, the products you use affect dry time too!

• Thicker conditioners and leave-ins can hold in more moisture, extending your dry time.

• Product Buildup

• Heavy conditioners, oils, butters, silicones, and styling creams can coat the hair and slow evaporation. 

• Buildup can also make strands clump together, reducing the amount of airflow that reaches the inner layers of hair. 

• Weather and Humidity

• Cold temperatures and limited indoor airflow can extend drying time. This is also why hair that’s wrapped or tied up takes longer to dry. 

• High humidity (even from a steamy bathroom) slows evaporation because the surrounding air already contains a high level of moisture. 

How To Make Your Hair Dry Faster

Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water 

Why: Removing excess water before applying products reduces the amount of moisture that needs to evaporate.

Sol tips: 

• Before reaching for a towel, gently squeeze water from the hair with your hands.

• Avoid twisting or aggressively wringing the hair, as wet strands are more vulnerable to stretching and breakage.

Use a Microfiber Towel or Cotton T-Shirt

Why: Microfiber towels and soft cotton t-shirts absorb excess water with less friction than traditional terrycloth towels.

Sol tips: 

• Blot, don’t rub, as the latter may lead to breakage.

• Wrap hair up loosely, and avoid leaving it wrapped for an extended period of time, as this can keep the inner layers damp. 

• Try our Sol Dual-Sided Hair Towel for quick drying and frizz protection. 

Apply Less Product

Why: Too much leave-in conditioner, cream, gel, or oil can weigh hair down and form a barrier that slows evaporation.

Sol tips: 

• Start with a small amount of product, and only add more where necessary. 

• Apply rich products mainly to mid-lengths and ends to reduce buildup on the roots.

• Consider using a clarifying shampoo periodically to completely remove product buildup. 

• Rinse conditioner out thoroughly. You’ll never regret a second rinse. 

Detangle With a Wide-Tooth Comb

Why: Detangling separates strands and improves airflow through the hair. 

Sol tips: 

• Begin at the ends and work upward to reduce pulling and breakage.

• Bring some enjoyment to your detangling session with our stylish Sol Yellow Wide Tooth Comb.  

Use a Heat Protectant Before Blow-Drying

Why: A heat protectant helps reduce heat-related damage. However, it does not make unlimited heat safe.

Sol tip: Apply our best-selling Milky Leave-In Conditioner Cheirosa 62™ through damp hair from mid-lengths to ends. This multitasking spray provides up to 450°F heat protection while helping to smooth frizz and seal split ends. 

Section Your Hair When Blow-Drying 

Why: Drying hair in smaller sections helps air reach the lower and inner layers instead of drying only the surface.

Sol tips:

• Divide hair into four or more sections.

• Work from the lower sections upward.

• Clip dry sections to keep them separated from hair that’s still wet.

• Use smaller sections for thick, dense or curly hair.

Begin Your Blow-Dry at the Roots

Why: Roots often take the longest to dry because they’re surrounded by dense hair and sit close to the scalp. 

Sol tips:

• Directing airflow toward the roots first is particularly helpful for dense, curly, or long hair.

• Lift sections away from the scalp.

• Always keep the dryer moving.

• Wait until roots are dry before starting on mid-lengths and ends. 

Use the Right Heat and Airflow Settings

Why: Cool air is gentler but may not always be the fastest option. A moderate heat setting combined with strong airflow can dry hair efficiently while limiting prolonged heat exposure.

Sol tips:

• Use low or medium heat for fragile or damaged hair.

• Use medium heat and stronger airflow for faster drying.

• Hold the dryer several inches away from hair, and never hold it on one section of hair for too long. 

• Optional: Finish with a cool shot of air to lock in your look.

Use a Diffuser for Curly or Coily Hair

Why: A diffuser distributes airflow more gently, helping curls to dry without disrupting their shape or creating frizz. 

Sol tips:

• Use low or medium heat. 

• Dry hair in sections, hovering the diffuser while cupping the ends to help retain curl shape.  

• Avoid repeatedly touching curls when they’re wet or dry to cut down on frizz. 

Create Optimal Conditions for Air-Drying

Why: Whether you want to give your hair some time to dry on its own before blow-drying or want to skip the heat altogether, you’ll get better results from air-drying when you give your hair some room to breathe. 

Sol tips:

• Leave hair loose rather than tied up.

• Change the part periodically.

• Gently separate dense sections.

• Sit in a well-ventilated (not humid) room. 

• Don’t go to sleep with soaking wet hair.

Air-Drying vs. Blow-Drying: Which Is Better?

The honest truth? Neither method is universally “better.” It really depends on your hair type, the amount of time you have, the technique you use, and how much heat exposure you’re willing to put your hair through. To help you decide which drying method is right for you, check out this helpful guide: 

When you have the time, it’s worth allowing hair to partially air-dry before hitting it with the blow-dryer to reduce heat damage. Those with very dense hair need to take extra care to ensure the scalp and inner sections have dried thoroughly. 

Is It Bad for Hair to Stay Wet for a Long Time?

Keeping hair wet for a long period is not automatically damaging, but hair is weaker when wet because water temporarily changes its structure and makes it more prone to stretching. The risk of damage increases when wet hair is: 

• Brushed aggressively

• Tied tightly

• Rubbed against rough towels

• Slept on 

• Left damp at the scalp for extended periods

Always handle wet hair with care, and take the proper steps to ensure dense inner sections and the scalp are able to dry properly. 

How to Tell If Your Hair Is Low or High Porosity

Because dry time is so dependent on your hair’s level of porosity (the lower the porosity, the longer it takes to dry), knowing which type you are could be the difference between only one more episode before bed and binging the entire series. 

Signs of Low Porosity Hair

• Water beads on the surface at first

• Hair takes time to become fully saturated

• Products can sit on top of the strands

• Hair tends to take a long time to dry, even with a blow-dryer

Signs of High-Porosity Hair 

• Hair becomes wet quickly

• Products absorb quickly

• Strands may feel rough, dry, or prone to frizz

• Hair dries relatively fast 

Keep in mind that these are general indicators. Chemically treated or heat-damaged hair may have different levels of porosity along the same strand. Consult your stylist if you’re unsure. 

Hair-Drying Mistakes That Can Slow You Down

Okay, we’ve covered a lot of ground. If you only take away one thing from this article, let it be the habits to sidestep. These common mistakes can add serious minutes to your dry time: 

• Applying too much conditioner (rinse-out or leave-in)

• Forgetting to squeeze out excess water

• Keeping hair wrapped in a wet towel for an extended period

• Blow-drying in large sections

• Drying only the outer layer

• Using a clogged dryer filter

• Holding the dryer too close

• Trying to dry hair in a humid bathroom

• Tying up wet hair

• Applying hair oil before removing enough water

FAQs

Why does my hair take so long to dry?

It depends on a number of factors, like hair thickness, length, density, and porosity. 

Does low porosity hair dry fast?
Low porosity hair tends to dry slower, because it’s coarser and more easily clings to water. 

Why does my hair take forever to dry even with a hair dryer?
Hopefully some of these tips help you cut down on dry time! You can also talk to your hairstylist for advice specific to your hair (it’s possible you need a different hair dryer, for instance).

How long does it take hair to dry naturally?

Depending on your hair length and type, it can take anywhere from an hour or two (for fine hair) to 24 hours (for tight curls) to air-dry hair.

Is slow-drying hair a bad thing?

No, it’s not a bad thing—unless you’re in a hurry! That being said, if you’re concerned you may have hair damage, check in with your hairstylist.

What can I do if my hair takes too long to dry?

It could be your towel. Try using a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to dry your hair and see if that helps. Otherwise, try our other tips!