As any curly girl probably knows,curly haircan be pretty high maintenance.
One of the hardest things to learn is how to blow dry curly hair properly.
But don’t panic!
In fact, very few people should ever try this carefree blow drying technique.
Another great technique is to actually wait a day or two after washing before doing any blow drying.
“Shampoo dries out curls significantly and so does the hot air,” Abdullah tells us.
Curls love moisture, so waiting can help reduce dryness.
So, it’s definitely worth adding one into your routine, even when you’re pressed for time.
But remember, the longer you leave on the mask, the more the product can penetrate the hair.
Be sure to choose one or two products that suit your hair throw in.
When in doubt, look for products that condition the hair.
“Any product with a conditioning agent is good for curls,” says Valchin.
At this stage, it will be key that you apply your hair product in the right way.
It will also help to deliver moisture in the areas where your hair needs it most.
Some will be better suited to maintaining smooth curls than others.
The most important factor when choosing a hair dryer is air flow strength.
“Some have negative and positive ion parameters built-in that help with smoothness or adding more texture.
Just look for a hair dryer with the same shape and specifications.”
One of the most popular is diffusing.
Then, turn on the hair dryer for about a minute.
Turn off the hair dryer before moving it to avoid disturbing the curl pattern.
Repeat all over your head until the hair is completely dry.
However, be warned that this technique may require some practice.
Tread carefully, though this technique isn’t always suited to people with very tight curls.
“This can help keep frizz down while drying curly hair.”
Valchin suggests trying the sieve technique as sometimes, it might actually suit your curls better than a diffuser.
To try the sieve technique, start with damp hair.
Then, separate the hair into small sections.
Then, use your hair dryer to blow the section of hair dry through the sieve.
Repeat with each section of hair all over your head until the hair is completely dry.
First things first it’s important not to start drying if your hair is still soaking wet.
Instead, get rid of some of the excess water first.
While you could remove water by simply wringing out your hair over the tub, Abdullah recommends another technique.
“Apply your curl products, then accordion your hair into a towel upside down,” she says.
“Leave it tied in the towel (right side up) for twenty minutes.
Not only does this technique remove extra water from your hair, it also enhances the curl.”
That way, when you start drying, your hair will already have its natural curl pattern.
A protectant can prevent this.
“Curls are very sensitive to heat, so protect your curls against heat at all cost!”
He suggests looking for a hair cream that contains heat protectant to keep your routine simple.
Abdullah suggests steering clear of oil-based heat protectants.
“Those commercials are made for aesthetic reasons only.”
“Also, you’ll have more control in creating curl formations.”
Instead, it can leave your hair feeling nourished, moisturized and smooth.
However, it’s important to secure your hair oil for the final step.
After all, as any amateur chef knows, oil plus heat equals, well, cooking!
“Instead, apply them for nourishment and shine after you blow dry.”
Oils are great for smoothing the curls once you’ve finished drying.
They’re also great for on-the-go haircare.
Simply smooth out your curls with a dab of oil and you’ll be good to go.
If you have time, the experts actually recommend letting your hair air dry from time to time.
However, on the flip side, consistent blow drying can also be damaging.
So, the experts recommend using both methods and using low heat when possible.
Several air drying methods to try include scrunching damp hair with your hands and plopping.
Plopping involved piling damp hair on top of your head, then wrapping your head in a cotton t-shirt.
“And your hair should dry thoroughly in two hours after plopping.”
