To effectively dry curly hair, focus on gentle techniques that minimize frizz and maintain curl definition. After washing and styling, avoid harsh methods like vigorous towel drying, and instead use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to carefully absorb moisture.
Gentle Drying Methods for Curly Hair
Drying curly hair requires a different approach than straight hair. The key is to reduce friction, preserve moisture, and enhance the natural curl pattern. Here's a breakdown of effective methods:
1. Microfiber Towel or T-shirt Drying
- After shampooing, conditioning, and applying your preferred styling products, start by gently squeezing the excess water from your hair. This helps avoid disrupting the curl pattern.
- Instead of rubbing, use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to pat and squeeze your hair. These materials are smoother than traditional terrycloth towels and cause less friction, leading to less frizz.
2. Plopping
- Wrap your hair in a dry microfiber towel or t-shirt after squeezing out excess moisture. This technique is called 'plopping'.
- Many find it convenient to plop their hair while getting ready. This can be done as you eat breakfast, dress or apply makeup. Plopping allows your curls to settle and dry in their natural shape, adding volume and enhancing definition.
- The plop will absorb excess moisture without causing as much friction as conventional drying.
3. Air Drying
- After plopping you can allow your hair to air dry naturally.
- Avoid touching or playing with your hair while it is air drying to prevent frizz.
4. Diffusing
- If you need faster results, a diffuser attachment for your hair dryer is ideal for curly hair.
- Diffusers disperse the airflow, which reduces frizz.
- Use the diffuser on a low speed and heat setting.
- Gently lift and cradle sections of your hair with the diffuser while drying.
Avoid These Mistakes When Drying Curly Hair
- Rough Towel Drying: Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel because it will disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz.
- High Heat Drying: Minimize the use of high heat on your curls because it can lead to dryness and breakage.
- Brushing While Wet: Do not brush your curls while they are wet, since this can break them and disrupt the curl pattern.
| Method | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Squeeze Drying | Gently squeezing excess water out of the hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. | Reduces frizz, maintains curl definition. |
| Plopping | Wrapping hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to absorb moisture and allow curls to settle. | Enhances volume and curl definition, reduces drying time, minimizes frizz. |
| Air Drying | Allowing hair to dry naturally. | Gentle, minimal damage, enhances natural curl pattern. |
| Diffusing | Using a diffuser on a low heat setting. | Fast results, preserves curl shape, reduces frizz. |
By combining these methods, you'll be able to dry your curly hair while preserving its natural shape, reducing frizz, and enhancing curl definition.
