How To Blow Dry Curly Hair?

We can't help but admit that your blow-drying method makes all the difference in how your curls look. Your curls will be frizzy and damaged if you do it incorrectly. Thankfully, we are here to assist if you want to avoid both.

In this post, we'll take you through how to blow dry your curly hair perfectly.

Blow drying your hair perfectly takes time to learn. It involves being determined to do it right and acquiring the skill for a gorgeous outcome. While there is an easy way out (air drying), blow drying is faster and more convenient for most people. Fortunately, if you follow the right technique, you can have flawless, bouncy, and defined curls.

Follow our steps below.

The Preparation Steps for Blow Drying Your Curly Hair

Step 1: It Begins with Washing

Starting with the washing is the key to bouncy curls without frizz. This makes choosing a good wash routine necessary. You want to wash with a shampoo that contains no sulfate, paraben, or silicone. Trust us, they contribute to the damage the strands face. So, start with a good shampoo, then rinse out.

Step 2: Go in with a Conditioner

Conditioning comes next. Likewise, your conditioner should contain safe ingredients that nourish and won't damage your curls. The main purpose here is to hydrate your curls, so choose a product you are familiar with and one that works for your hair.

Step 3: Moisturize Your Curls

You should moisturize your curls after shampooing and conditioning your hair to ensure they are ready for blow-drying. A leave-in conditioner can work here. Apply to your curls as you prepare to blow dry.

Whatever you do at this stage depends on your hair care routine, curl type, and how moisturized your hair is. So, do what you must to have healthy, gorgeous hair.

But if you think your hair needs moisture or repair, please use washing products that offer maximum hydration, and repair and replenish your curls.

Step By Step Guide to Blow Dry Curly Hair

Now, it's time to have your curly hair blow-dried. But first things first, the secret is to invest in a good blow dryer with a diffuser. They should be perfect for your hair density and curl type as you don't want any damage to your hair.

An ionic blow dryer is an example of a good one. It will give you the shine, and allow you to say goodbye to frizz. On the other hand, the diffuser will make the heat reach a wider area, so you don't disrupt your curls and can avoid frizz.

Step 1: Apply a Heat Protectant

A heat protectant keeps your hair safe from heat. So, before you start blow drying, apply it to your hair.

Step 2: Dry Your Hair about 50%

To avoid exposing your curls to too much heat, dry your hair for about 50%. This involves leaving it to air-dry. It's a safe method that will keep your strands from damaging. Plus, you can blow dry faster if you do this.

Step 3: Section Your Hair to Make the Drying Easier

Now, section your hair into different parts to make it easier to blow dry. You can go with four parts or add more sections if you have thicker curls. Eight or 10 will be good. That way, you can blow dry every strand.

Step 4: Place Your Curls on the Diffuser Nozzle

Pick a section of your hair and place it on the nozzle to dry the hair. If you want it voluminous, lift the hair at the root while you put the dryer close to the scalp. This will give you extra volume.

Remember, the heat setting should be low or medium to avoid damaging your curls.

Step 5: Move Your Hair Constantly

While your hair is still in the nozzle, you want to move your hair forward and backward constantly. This is to help keep your curls shape and avoid frizziness. But you are at liberty to form the shape you want.

Continue blow-drying your hair till it's about 80% dry before moving to the other sections.

More Helpful Tips on Blow Drying Your Curly Hair

1. Customize Your Routine Based on Your Curl Type

The first tip is to choose a routine that suits your curl type. While there's a general way you can do it, you have to consider your curls and what is best for them. So, if a routine doesn't work, go for another.

2. Shampoo and Condition Your Hair Only When it's Necessary

Although keeping your hair clean is important, washing it at all times can strip it of its natural oil. And you want to retain your scalp’s natural oil and avoid flakes on your scalp. This is what we'll advise, if it's clean, there's no need to wash your hair.

3. Never Skip the Use of Products

Your hair products contribute to how healthy your hair will be. So, you want to use them adequately. This is to be sure your hair is well-hydrated and moisturized. You can use a leave-in conditioner for some moisture, a serum for hydration, a heat protectant for protection, and the basics (shampoo and conditioner) washing products. Use every one of them adequately and when necessary.

4. Choose Your Brush Carefully

What type of brush will you use? A small brush can make your curls tighter, but a comb will straighten out your curls. Choose based on what you want and you'll see your hair will be as you desired.

5. Check for Frizz before You Blow Dry any Section.

If there is frizz in a section, you can apply mousse or any other product for moisture before blow drying. Also, if you have thicker hair, apply adequate product for moisture and nourishment before the blow drying begins.

6. Use Attachment for Curly to Straight Hair

If you want straight hair, use a concentrator or comb attachment. It'll help dry your hair in the same direction. Also, you want to apply products that help with straightening locks instead of using curling ones.

Frequently Asked Questions on Blow Drying Curly Hair

1. Is blow-drying good for curly hair?

It is. But you have to be careful not to use hot air. Hot air can cause frizziness and damage to your strands. You want to do everything possible to protect your strands from heat that can affect it. As we often advise, use a heat protectant whenever you want to style with heat and blow dry on low heat. Those tricks help to keep your hair healthy. Also, you should minimize using heat styling tools on your hair regularly.

2. Will my curly hair become frizzy after blow-drying it?

If you follow our steps and tips in this article, your curly hair shouldn't become frizzy after blow-drying it. However, it can be if you fail to prepare your hair before blow-drying it or watch out for frizz when you blow dry.

3. Can you blow dry curly hair?

Of course! Blow-drying your curly hair makes it easier to dry, and allows you to customize your hair shape. However, while you can, be mindful of blow-drying it wrongly or using too much heat on your strands. And as we've stated numerous times, too much heat can damage your strands.

4. How do I blow dry my curly hair without a diffuser?

While we won't advise you to blow dry your hair without one, here's how to improvise.

Start by sectioning your hair into four parts. Next, on low heat blow dry a section after lifting it upwards towards your scalp.

It's that simple but you must be careful. Make sure the blow dryer is on low heat so you can avoid frizziness too.

5. Is it possible to use a regular blow dryer on curly hair?

Yes, it is possible. However, follow our tips to protect your strands and achieve gorgeous curls.

Wrap Up

Blow drying your curly hair requires your patience and time. We'll advise you to follow the steps above carefully, without being hasty. That way, you're sure you'll get the best.

Are there other tips you think might help when blow-drying curly hair, do share them below.