Introduction
We have always seen how to wash and style your curls. But we tend to miss out on one thing, that makes our curls frizzy. Yes, how to blow dry curly hair. Blow drying curly hair is one of the necessary step, that helps to define curls and keep them soft and smooth. A blow dry can enhance your curls, giving them definition, volume, and bounce.
I came to know about blow-drying curly hair after such a long time. That’s when I decided to research properly on how to blow-dry curly hair and also how to dry curly with a diffuser. A diffuser is nothing but an attachment that comes with a hair dryer. It distributes the heat evenly, keeps curls away from frizz, and defines them properly.
Check out the simple steps on how to blow dry curly hair-
Preparing for a Curly Hair Blow Dry
Curly hair is a beautiful asset, as long as you care for it and do everything necessary to keep them healthy and defined. Now, let’s see how to blow dry curly hair-
1. Wash your curls with Shampoo and Conditioner-
Washing your curls with hydrating shampoo and conditioner is the first step, that needs to be done. Choosing a good, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner helps to protect the curls and it does not strip the natural oil from the scalp.
2. Squeeze out excess water-
After you have washed your curls, squeeze out the excess water from the hair. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can create frizz and disrupt your curl pattern. Always, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to dry your hair gently.
3. Section your hair-
Section your hair according to your hair length and volume. Start with larger sections if you have thicker hair; smaller sections work better for finer curls.
4. Apply leave-in conditioner-
Apply a good leave-in conditioner in all the sections of your hair by praying hands. Praying hands helps to distribute the conditioner properly and make the curls soft and smooth.
5. Start drying your hair by using a Diffuser-
Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to blow dry! Thinking about how to dry curly with a diffuser.
Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer, which will help to distribute heat evenly without disturbing your curl pattern. Set the dryer on low heat or medium heat with low airflow.
6. Diffuse your hair at the end
Start blow-drying your curls by focusing on the ends, as they tend to take longer time to dry. Place sections of your curls into the diffuser and hold it close to your scalp without touching it directly. Once the ends are almost dry, gradually move towards the roots. This is how to dry curly hair with a diffuser.
7. Style your hair as you want-
After your curls are 80% dry, you can style them as you wish! Whether you prefer defined ringlets or soft waves, this is the time to apply curl-defining gel or mousse to style your hair.
Also Read: How to Dry Curly Hair Perfectly: Tips & Techniques
Top Blow Dry Products for Curly Hair
After preparing your curls for blow drying, some products are necessary to blow dry curly hair-
1. Heat Protectant for Curly Hair-
Applying heat protectant on curly hair is a must, as it forms an invisible layer on the curls and protects them from damage. A good heat protectant should:
- Create an invisible shield against heat damage
- Maintain hair’s moisture balance
- Prevent brittleness and dryness
Some of the best Heat Protectant for Curly Hair are:
- Imbue Curl Defending Heat Protection Mist: A lightweight spray that provides minimal heat damage and has a pleasant sweet scent.
- Controlled Chaos Curl Creme: Contains a blend of natural oils and shea butter to protect and define curls.
2. Leave-in Conditioner-
Leave-in Conditioners are the best way to take care of your curls. They help to lock in the moisture to remove the hair dryness and prepare hair for styling.
How to choose the right Leave-in Conditioner-
- For fine hair: Use lightweight, spray-based formulas
- For dry hair: Opt for deep moisture recipes
- For sensitive scalps: Choose fragrance-free options
Some of the Best Leave-in Conditioners are-
- Adwoa Beauty Hair Milk Leave-In Conditioner– If you want your curls to be shiny, then this milk leave-in conditioner is good. It creates an impressive shine and helps the curls to be smooth and soft.
- Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner– A perfect lightweight leave-in conditioner for colored curls. Formulated with Vitamin E, Honey, Milk Protein, and Papaya Extract.
3. Blow Dryers for Curly Hair-
It is very necessary to have a good blow dryer for your curls, as it helps to reduce the frizz in the hair and makes hair styling easy. Many people feel that it is best to keep curls away from heat, it is good, but if you wish to do styling you need a heating tool for it. And it is best to use a good quality heating tool that matches your hair type.
| Brand | Key Features | Best For |
| Pattern Blow Dryer | 3 speed settings, 4 attachments, ionic technology | Comprehensive curl care |
| DevaCurl DevaDryer | Unique hand-like diffuser, ionic technology | Beginners, frizz control |
| BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium | Ergonomic, even airflow | Simple, effective styling |
4. Curl Defining Cream-
Curl-defining cream helps the curls not to get weighed down. It makes your curls even more sorted and defined properly. Do not apply too much curl-defining cream.
Some of the best curl-defining creams are-
- MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream– This is one of the best hair curling creams for wavy hair. It is lightweight and contains Argan oil that helps to deeply nourish the hair strands.
- Cantu Shea Butter Cream– This amazing curl-defining cream is trial and tested. I have 2b types of curls, and this Cantu Shea Butter Curl Defining Cream worked just fine for me. It made my curls soft and nourishing.
Also Read: How to Protect Curly Hair At Night: Tips And Tricks
Which is the Best Blow Dryer for Curly Hair?
After understanding how to blow dry curly hair. Now, is the time to list down some of the best blow dryer for curly hair-
1. Pattern Blow Dryer-
I feel, if you want to buy a blow dryer curler that is best in all the features, then this is the one for you. Pattern Blow Dryer is a favorite hair dryer among curly-haired individuals for many reasons- it is lightweight, and the attachments that come with the dryer perfectly define the curls. It’s well-rounded design offers perfect curls.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Excellent attachments
- Beautiful aesthetic
Cons:
- Little expensive
Buy Now: Pattern Blow Dryer
- Best for It is good for all hair types ranging from waves to tight coils.
- Pro Tip- If you want more enhanced curls, use the diffuser setting on low or medium speed. Gently cup the curls in the diffuser, this will encourage curl clumping and will reduce frizz.
2. Dyson Nural-
A blow dryer so effective, that spending on it feels like an investment. It not only helps to define your curls but also protects them from damage. It protects your scalp and helps to tame the flyaways. It automatically adjusts its heating speed according to curls and the styling required.
Pros:
- Smart attachment sensors
- Multiple airflow settings
- Provides advanced heat protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- You may need to learn the features.
- Best for – Colored curls, Damaged curls.
- Pro Tip- There is a cool button, that you should use after every styling to set your curls and add shine.
3. DevaCurl DevDryer and DevaFuser-
Have you just seen this product? Well, it sure is one eye-catching product. The way it is designed is perfect for beginners and helps to scrunch the curls very effectively. If you are new to diffusing and thinking about how to blow dry curly hair, this is the curly hair dryer for you.
Pros:
- Innovative design
- Perfect for beginners
- Ionic technology helps to reduce frizz
Cons:
- It is a Little technical before you understand it fully
- Best for – All types of curls, especially if you are a beginner.
- Pro Tip- Apply a leave-in conditioner with praying hands, flip your hair upside down, and then use the diffuser.
4. T3 AireLuxe HairDryer-
With 3-speed settings both hot and cold, this amazing hair dryer helps to smoothen the hair strands and reduce frizz. It also helps to dry the hair faster than any other dryer.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dries hair faster
- Memory function for preferred setting
Cons:
- Diffuser not included
Buy Now: T3 AireLuxe HairDryer
- Best for – Busy professionals who need to dry hair quickly.
- Pro Tip- You may not find a diffuser with it, as it is sold separately.
5. Remington ProLuxe HydraCare Dryer-
I have used this hair dryer and can definitely vouch for it. With its special sensor, this Remington hair dryer prevents hair from damage. This budget-friendly hair dryer comes with 3 attachments, which include two concentrators and one diffuser.
Pros:
- HydraCare technology helps retain hair’s natural moisture
- Usually more affordable than some high-end options
Cons:
- May miss out on some high-end features
Buy Now: Remington ProLuxe HydraCare Dryer
- Best for – Who do not want to spend a fortune on the hair dryer.
- Pro Tip- Use the concentrator to dry your roots and add volume to them.
6. Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer-
With its innovative LightCare technology, this hair dryer helps to define curls while reducing the frizz in the hair. It also has a “care” option, which is ideal for drying hair without damaging the hair.
Pros:
- Helps to increase hair moisture.
- Reduces frizz in the curls.
- Best for colored curls.
- Promotes smoother and healthier hair.
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Best for – For all those curly-haired individuals who have dry curls.
- Pro Tip- Always use “Care” option to reduce frizz and maximize shine
7. Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer-
This blow dryer curler is considered the best hair dryer for curly hair. With its compact design, it dries hair 35% faster. It is travel-friendly, and its ionic technology helps to reduce frizz.
- Powerful airflow
- Ionic technology
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Little expensive
Buy Now: Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer
- Best for – All curl type
- Pro Tip- If you want volume in your roots, use the concentrator attachment first and then switch to the diffuser.
8. GAMA Italy iQ3 Perfetto Hair Dryer-
As the name says, this hair dryer is almost “perfetto”. It dries your hair faster than any other hair dryer. With its iQ3 intelligent design, temperature sensor, and auto-cleaning function, the hair dryer gives your curls a smooth finish.
Pros:
- Lightweight device
- Powerful with more than 1500 W.
- Oxy-active technology for color protection.
Cons:
- Little too advanced feature.
Buy Now: GAMA Italy iQ3 Perfetto Hair Dryer
- Best for – Perfect for those who want salon-quality hair styling
- Pro Tip- Experiment differently with all the functions and settings to know which is best for your curls.
9. Conair InfinitiPRO DigitalAIRE Hair Dryer-
One of the best blow-dry curly hair to control hair frizz. It is lightweight, easy to hold, and also tames damaged hair. This hair dryer offers next-gen air performance with advanced technology. Made with ceramic coating, it helps to minimize frizz and promote healthy curls.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Honeycomb Ceramic Technology to minimize heat damage
- Minimizes frizz with ionic technology
Cons:
- Nothing
Buy Now: Conair InfinitiPRO DigitalAIRE Hair Dryer
- Best for – If you have too much frizzy or dry hair
- Pro Tip- Use a diffuser to minimize frizz and define curls.
10. Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer-
If you dry your hair and like it to be straight, then this is the hair dryer for you. It distributes the heat evenly, and with the cool-shot button, the style remains intact.
Pros:
- Hair with good bounce
- Makes hair soft and smooth
- Air technology for fast-drying
- IQ styling attachments for versatile styling
Cons:
- Not much quiet
Buy Now: Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer
- Best for – Perfect for those who like to style their hair.
- Pro Tip- Use a concentrator attachment to smoothen and straighten your curls. If you want curls, use a diffuser setting.
More Tips for Blow Drying Curly Hair
After understanding how to blow-dry curly hair, now let’s move on to some tips and tricks for blow-drying curly hair-
- Always apply shampoo on your scalp, while rinsing it will clean the hair ends too.
- Apply conditioner only on hair strands and leave it for 5 minutes, for better absorption of it.
- Apply leave-in conditioner in praying hands and scrunch the curls at the end to define it.
- Hold the diffuser at an angle to avoid disrupting the curls too much.
- Begin drying at the lower ends of your hair before moving up towards the roots.
- Use a scrunching motion while drying to encourage curl formation.
- If you notice any frizz forming, you can lightly mist some water or leave the conditioner on those areas before continuing.
- For added volume, flip your head upside down while fluffing at the roots.
Conclusion
So, above are the steps on how to blow dry curly hair. Blow-drying curly hair is an enjoyable process as you see the beauty of your curls getting enhanced. By just following the simple above steps, and diffusing your curls properly, you define them and make your curls bouncy.
Remember that every curl is unique; feel free to adjust these steps based on what works best for you!
FAQs on Curly Hair Blow Dry
1. What is the best way to prepare curly hair for blow drying?
Blow drying is necessary to take care of your curls and keep them defined. But before that, it is necessary to prepare your curls-
- Wash your curls with hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
- Gently squeeze out the excess water from the hair.
- Tie them up in a microfiber towel.
- Let your hair dry 50-60%, then start with the blow-drying.
2. How do I choose the right products for blow-drying curly hair?
The right products for blow drying your curls are those that help to minimize the frizz. Such as-
- Leave-in conditioner
- Curl-enhancing mousse
3. Why is a diffuser important for blow-drying curly hair?
A diffuser is like a miraculous product when it comes to blow-drying your curls. It distributes the heat evenly, minimizing the frizz. It helps to maintain curl definition and reduces frizz.
4. What are the steps to effectively blow dry curly hair?
Some of the steps that you have to keep in mind for how to blow dry curly hair are-
- Always apply heat-protectant on your curls before.
- Dry your curls by attaching a diffuser.
- Scrunch your curls to define them properly.
- Always move the diffuser from the hair ends to the roots.
5. Can I blow dry curly hair without a diffuser?
You can blow dry curly hair without a diffuser, but that will cause your curls to be frizzy. To define curls, you can use methods like-
- Plopping- Use a microfiber towel to absorb moisture.
- Scrunching- Scrunching your curls helps to define them and also keeps them soft and smooth.
