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How to dry curly hair

Having curly hair can be an advantage, but it often requires special attention during drying. If the right techniques are not used, in fact, hair could become frizzy and difficult to manage. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to effectively dry curly hair without damaging it.

Why is it important to dry curly hair well?

Curly hair tends to absorb more moisture than straight hair. This means that if they are not dried properly, they can remain damp for a long time and become frizzy. Furthermore, if they are dried with a too hot blow dryer or in direct contact with a flat iron, there is a risk of irreparable damage.

How to prepare for drying curly hair

  • Start by applying a specific product for curly hair after washing and gently patting them dry with a soft towel.
  • Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb to detangle it without breaking it.
  • Divide your hair into sections to facilitate drying and apply a protective cream on the driest or most damaged points.

By following these simple steps, you will prepare your hair for drying and avoid damaging it. Now let's see how to dry curly hair.

Hair preparation

Before starting to dry your curly hair, it is important to prepare them adequately. Here are some steps to follow:

Hair washing

Start by washing your hair with a specific shampoo for curly hair. Avoid rubbing your scalp too much during washing, as this can cause the curls to break and knots to form.

Application of conditioner

After shampooing, apply a moisturizing conditioner on still wet hair. Make sure to distribute it evenly throughout the hair, avoiding the roots. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.

Use of leave-in conditioner

After rinsing off the conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner on damp hair. This product helps maintain hair hydration and prevent frizz. Distribute the leave-in conditioner on your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Separate the curls

Finally, gently separate the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to avoid knot formation during drying.

  • Make sure not to comb your hair too vigorously, as this can cause curls to break and frizz.
  • Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can damage the curls. Instead, gently pat your hair with a soft towel to remove excess water.

By following these simple steps, you will adequately prepare your curly hair for drying and achieve better results in maintaining the shape of your curls during styling process.

Drying with a diffuser

Drying with a diffuser is an ideal method to dry curly hair evenly without creating too much friction. The diffuser is an accessory that attaches to the nozzle of the hair dryer and distributes the hot air more gently on the hair.

How to use a diffuser to dry curly hair

  1. Start by washing and conditioning your hair as usual. Remove excess water by gently patting your hair with a soft towel.
  2. Apply styling product to damp hair, distributing it evenly from root to tip.
  3. Attach the diffuser to the nozzle of the hair dryer and turn on the device at medium or low temperature.
  4. Bend your head forward and place strands of hair inside the diffuser, being careful not to crush the curls.
  5. Turn on the hair dryer and move the diffuser around your head, keeping it always at a minimum distance of 5-7 cm from your hair. Work on each section of hair until they are completely dry.
  6. Remove the diffuser from the hair dryer and let your hair cool for a few minutes. Gently shake out curls with your hands to revive them.

Drying with a diffuser can give you defined and voluminous curls without damaging your hair. Remember not to use too much heat and always maintain an adequate distance between the diffuser and your hair to avoid damaging it.

Air drying

Air drying is a natural and gentle method to dry curly hair. This method does not require the use of any thermal tool, such as a hair dryer, which can damage your hair.

Here are some useful tips for air drying curly hair:

  • Start by drying your hair with a soft microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to remove excess water without creating frizz.
  • After patting your hair dry, apply a detangling product or a moisturizing cream to help control frizz and maintain curl definition.
  • Separate your hair into sections and let it fall naturally. This will prevent knots and breakage during the drying process.
  • Let your hair air dry, avoiding touching it too often. If you have time, you can also go outside in the sun to speed up the drying process.
  • Once your hair is completely dry, you can spray a little bit of anti-frizz oil or serum on your palms and run it through your hair to add shine and definition to your curls.

Remember that air drying takes time and patience, but it is an effective method to keep curly hair healthy and beautiful. Try it out and see the difference!

Drying products

To achieve the best results when drying curly hair, it's important to use the right products. Here are some of the best products for drying curly hair:

  • Mousse: Mousse is a lightweight product that helps define curls and prevent frizz. Apply a generous amount of mousse to damp hair and distribute it evenly with your hands.
  • Gel: Gel is a heavier product than mousse, but helps maintain the shape of curls for a longer period of time. Apply gel to damp hair and distribute it evenly with your hands.
  • Heat protectant spray: When using a blow dryer to dry your hair, it's important to protect it from damaging heat. A heat protectant spray can help prevent damage caused by blow dryer heat.
  • Diffuser: A diffuser is an attachment that fits onto the end of a blow dryer and helps distribute heat evenly throughout your hair. This tool can help define curls without causing damage.
  • Hair oil: Hair oil can be used after drying to add hydration and shine to curly hair. Apply a small amount of oil to dry hair and distribute it evenly with your hands.

Remember that the amount of product used depends on the length and density of your hair. In general, it's better to start with a small amount of product and add more if necessary.

Try experimenting with different products to find what works best for your hair. Also remember that drying curly hair takes time and patience, but the results are definitely worth it!

Conclusion and final tips

Drying curly hair can be a challenge, but with the right technique and tools, you can achieve amazing results.

Firstly, it's important to use a blow dryer with a diffuser to distribute heat evenly throughout your curls. This will help prevent damage to your hair and give you a soft, natural look.

Secondly, always make sure to apply a heat protectant product before drying your hair. This will help protect your hair from heat damage.

Finally, if you have very curly or frizzy hair, you may want to consider the plopping method. This technique involves wrapping your hair in a cotton t-shirt to remove excess moisture without creating frizz.

  • Remember not to rub your hair with a towel to avoid frizz;
  • Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your curls without damaging them;
  • Avoid overusing the blow dryer: it's better to let your hair air dry when possible;
  • Experiment with different hair products until you find the one that works best for you.

By following these tips, you can dry your curly hair without stress and achieve a soft and natural style every time!

Conclusion of the article

Drying curly hair can be a difficult task, but by following the right tips and using the appropriate tools, you can achieve amazing results. Always remember not to damage your hair by using the hair dryer too frequently and always apply a thermal protective product before drying. Use the plopping method technique if you have very curly or frizzy hair and experiment with different hair products until you find the one that best suits your needs. By following these tips, you can have beautiful curly hair without stress and achieve a soft and natural style every time!

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Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.