Which would be less drying and damaging on one's hair, a blow dryer or a flat iron/straightener?

A blow dryer would seem safer but really it's not. Blow dryer settings come in hot, which most people use to dry their hair the fastest. When using anything on your hair with heat, use a leave in heat protector first. You can get one at any salon, also a leave in conditioner helps to protect hair from the damage of heat styling products. As a stylist I see your question<br>as totally normal and sensible. Even though it would seem that a flat iron is hotter (which it may be) have you ever tried to detach a nozzle or touch the end of a hair dryer after just using it? It burns like crazy. So...both can be damaging, as to which one is more damaging I would say they are the same. By using a protector on your hair first you are doing your<br>best to ensure that your hair will not be damaged by the heat of the styling tools you are using. Remember that protection of the hair is the most important thing you can do to keep your hair at its best. Also, any question is a good one to someone who may have knowledge in a field that you may not, so don't take to heart what someone else said about your question not making sense.