“Unlock the Best Way to Dry Curly Hair Without Frizz!”

Curly hair can often be a challenge to manage, especially when it looks dull, dry, and frizzy despite using the right products. You’ve switched to sulfate-free, curl-friendly items, and you sleep on a soft pillowcase to avoid tight hairstyles. But did you know that the way you dry your curly hair matters just as much? Drying curly hair isn’t just different from drying straight hair; it can also be a game-changer. So, what’s the best way to dry curly hair? Here’s at TwistyTreasure, some advice to keep your locks bouncy and soft.

Best Way to Dry Curly Hair (The Answer)

 Drying curly hair correctly is crucial for maintaining definition and minimizing frizz. Traditional towels are too rough, so using a microfiber towel or a T-shirt is gentler. Blow dryers with cool air settings are better than hot air to avoid damage. Air drying is effective, but hair plopping with a T-shirt can reduce frizz and enhance curl definition. 

Effective Drying Techniques

Getting your curls perfected isn’t a one-step process. Your curly hair routine, from washing your hair to cocktailing your curly hair styling products, plays a significant role. 

But how you dry your hair has a major impact on the end result. To cut down on frizz, tangles, and damage, it’s essential to follow the right drying techniques. 

When you look in the mirror and think, “My hair looks better when it’s wet,” you’re not alone. Curls, coils, and waves are most defined right after a shower. However, after applying products and touching them, our curls transform.

 For frizz-free defined curls, use methods that work for you, ensuring your wet curls remain beautifully defined.

The Blow Dryer 

When it comes to drying curly hair, using a blow dryer can often turn your locks into a frizzy mess. The hot air from older dryers is too harsh for delicate curls, causing significant damage over time.

I remember the countless times I ended up with a frizz explosion because I was in a rush and had no choice but to use my blow dryer the wrong way. The trick is knowing how to do it right. It’s not a big deal if you can make your blow dryer safer for curly locks.

Firstly, even an older blow dryer model might have a cold or cool air setting, which is perfect for drying curly hair. While it’s not as fast as using hot air, it significantly reduces the risk of heat damage, the primary factor in curly frizz.

Although you might not see true damage from a single drying session, using a hot dryer often can add up to significant harm over time. Switching to cool air might still cause some frizz, but it’s unlikely to damage your curls.

Air Drying

When you step out of the shower and start your day, managing your curly hair can be a challenge. For those with short to mid-length hair, air drying is a great method that doesn’t take too much time and works well in combination with other techniques. 

Begin by gently blotting your hair with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to remove excess water. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a styling product like gel, and scrunch your hair from the ends towards the roots. Letting your hair dry naturally on a warm, sunny day can speed up the process, but if you’re inside, use a fan for better airflow.

To maintain volume and ensure your hair dries evenly, flip your part every half hour. Remember, the length and thickness of your hair affect the drying time, which could range from an hour to half a day. Keeping your hands out of your hair is crucial to avoid frizz. 

For the ultimate curl definition, many curlies find that air drying is the most effective way. If frizz is still an issue, you can apply a bit more styling product when your hair is wet, and once it’s fully dry, gently scrunch out the crunch to break the hard cast. 

This trial-and-error approach will help you discover the best routine for your hair texture and the shape of your curls.

Which Towel is More Appropriate?

Drying curly hair properly is essential to maintaining its health and definition. Standard bathroom towels are great for skin, but they are too rough for delicate curls. Using them can lead to frizz and breakage because they ruffle the hair cuticle and absorb too much moisture. 

This is why it is good to switch to a soft microfiber towel. These towels are much gentler on curly hair and gently absorb moisture without friction.

After rinsing out the conditioner, apply curl-styling products. Then, I flip my head to the side and start scrunching with the microfiber towel. This helps remove excess water until most of the moisture is gone. 

Unlike regular terry cloth towels, microfiber fabrics don’t create frizz or damage the hair. You can also place one on your pillow for quicker drying while you sleep, though it might affect your curl definition a bit.

Overall, switching to a microfiber towel has made a big difference in overall hair looks and feels. The curls are more defined, and I experience less frizz and breakage. It’s a small change that can have a huge impact on the health of your hair.

Hair Plopping

For those with curly hair, plopping is a game-changer. Hair plopping is a heat-free way to dry curly hair. Instead of using a blowdryer, your hair is gently plopped onto a T-shirt or microfiber towel, which is then tied up to allow moisture to absorb.  

This method is not only quicker than air drying but also allows you to get ready while your hair dries. You can be dressed and have your makeup done, all while your hair is plopping. The best part? You only need a tee shirt or a microfiber towel. While the towel works faster, a tee-shirt is perfect if you’re short on supplies or traveling.

Before your shower, lay out the towel or shirt on the counter, ensuring the tee-shirt’s neck end is at the front. After your shower, apply leave-in conditioner or gel to your hair, then lay your head down with your curls first on the towel or shirt. 

If using a shirt, bring the bottom over the back of your head and wrap the arms around your forehead to secure it. This simple method reduces hair drying time and minimizes frizzy hair in one go. 

Plopping curls is also much gentler than using a regular cotton towel, which can remove too much water and rough up your hair strands.

By swaddling your curly hair in a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel, you remove just the right amount of water, leaving your curls with more curl definition and volume, without the frizz. 

This technique works well for any textured hair type, but Leigh Hardges, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, recommends it, especially for type 2 and type 3 curls, which often have more challenges in retaining curl on the ends and minimizing frizz.

Hair Diffusing

When it comes to drying curly hair, using a hair diffuser is a ground-breaker. The major drawback of using a blow dryer is the heat and air from the regular nozzle would turn curls into a frizzy poof ball. 

So you can discover the magic of the attachment. It might be an extra purchase, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Start by applying a leave-in conditioner and your favorite hair styling product. Then, use the hair diffuser to scrunch your curls towards the roots. 

If you want big hair, you can remove the diffuser halfway through and go freestyle with the blow-dryer nozzle. Use a pick or a wide-toothed comb to tease out areas where you want more volume. 

For those with very curly hair, it can take hours to air dry, so using a diffuser can speed up the process. Flip your head upside down, cup your curls in the diffuser, and use low heat to avoid heat damage. Repeat in sections until all your hair is dry. 

This method not only dries your hair faster but also keeps your curls defined and frizz-free.

Hooded Dryer

Using a hooded dryer is a fantastic tool to speed up your drying time. It’s especially helpful when setting styles like wash & go, twist-outs, and roller sets. This investment not only acts as a major time saver for creating various hairstyles, but it also helps to improve your deep conditioning regimen. If you’re unsure whether to buy one, read Janelle’s article to decide if it’s worth the investment.

Root Clipping

If your roots dry flat to your head, you can try root clipping to give your hair more volume. When your hair is still wet, lean your head to the side to help lift the roots away from your scalp. 

Insert duckbill clips at the roots, making sure the mouth of the clip points away from your roots. Repeat this in small sections at the crown of your head. 

Leave the clips in for at least 15 minutes while your hair is drying, then carefully remove them. This method helps to keep your curls defined from ends to roots and prevents them from drying flat.

Stretch Your Twists

When drying curly hair, it’s best to style it into braids, bantu knots, or twists to help stretch your natural texture. Using bands can also be effective. This heatless way works to alter your curl pattern temporarily. Many curlies use these styles to prevent tangles and breakage. Wearing your hair in a wash-and-go can make detangling sessions at the end of the week much longer.

Car! Your Small Hooded-Dryer

Many curlies find that the heater or AC in their cars creates a small, hooded dryer environment that works well for curls. You can also roll down the windows for a little extra volume.

The car acts as a quick-drying solution for curly hair. The warmth from the heater or the cool air from the AC mimics the effect of a hooded dryer, creating an ideal environment for curls to dry. 

Whenever there is a need of extra boost,  simply roll down the windows to add some extra volume.

So Finally Which One is the Best Way to Dry Curly Hair Overall?

When it comes to finding the best way to dry your curly hair, it’s essential to mix and match techniques to discover the perfect combination that works for you. 

For low-porosity hair, using a clip at the roots and a diffuser can speed up drying time and create volume. 

If you like to refresh your curls every morning with water, try the car method to bring volume back as they dry. 

If detangling sessions are your least favorite part of your regimen, consider stretching your curls with a braid and using a hooded dryer to speed up the process. 

When in a rush, a cool blow dryer with a diffuser works wonders, but if you have time, start by plopping your hair after a shower to remove excess moisture. Then, release your hair and let it air dry for soft, bouncy curls. 

Overall, combining different methods can lead to perfect, dry curls.

Happy curly hair

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to dry curly hair?

Using a simple method like plopping can significantly reduce drying time and frizzy hair. Plopping curls is a gentler approach compared to a regular cotton towel. It doesn’t remove too much water or rough up hair strands. All you need is a T-shirt and a few key curly hair care products.

Is it best to let curly hair dry naturally?

Air-drying curls is the best way for most people to dry curly hair and preserve hair health by cutting down heat damage, saving time, and ultimately leading to shiny, defined curls. This au-naturel style is ideal for fragile strands and helps maintain shiny and defined curls.

How do you air dry curly hair without the frizz?

Consider using the plopping method for curly hair, which involves gently wrapping it in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to enhance curl formation and minimize frizz. This method, where you dry your hair gently without heat, really works well for maintaining curls.

Is it okay to dry curly hair with a towel?

When drying curly hair, it’s a necessity to be gentle. Using a towel can cause frizz and damage because hair is at its weakest when wet. Instead, opt for a cotton t-shirt, pillow case, or microfiber cloth. These materials are better as they allow you to squeeze or blot your hair gently, preserving your curls’ natural beauty.