How To Dry Curly Hair

When it comes to drying your hair, you would think it would be simple, but in reality its not. What you do to your hair in-between its wet and dry states is crucial to having a good hair day. There are so many things to consider, what should you use, when should you do it, do you detangle before or after, do you apply your styling products before or after. Like with washing and styling your hair, how you dry it can have a massive impact on the look feel and even health of your hair. I am here to demystify this all for you.

Here are 3 different methods to drying your hair with some pros and cons.

Air Drying is a great method of drying your hair without using any tools to aid the process. It is a great method for ultimate curl definition. To do this method, after washing my hair I start by ringing it out the left over water and scrunching my curls and then adding my styling products. Depending on the porosity of your hair, it can take between 30 minutes and a couple of hours to dry. I like to use my That Good Hair Leave In Conditioner and my That Good Hair Hair Butter. This helps to moisturise and shape your curls. Then the hard part, waiting for it to dry. Distract yourself by running some errands and doing chores around the house. Once dry, you can then use an afro pick to fluff it out at the roots for added volume.

Towel Drying or Plopping your hair is when you use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to dry your hair after you get out of the shower. Start by scrunching out the excess water from your hair and then apply your leave in and styling products. Technically plopping isn't a method for drying your hair, however I find it quite similar. Lay your T-shirt or a microfiber towel down on a flat surface with the sleeves at the end closest to you. Then flip your head upside down, take the flap of fabric that is behind your head and flip it up over your neck, then tie the long sleeves of the shirt (or extra fabric of your microfiber towel) behind your head in a knot. The reason I've included plopping under towel drying is because this is exactly how I towel drying my hair just using my microfiber towel instead of a t-shirt until it is 70-80% dry. If you have fine hair or looser waves, plopping can create lift at the roots, since your hair is drying on top of your head rather than being weighed down.

Diffusing is a method of drying your that requires a blow drier and a diffuser attachment. The reason for the diffuser attachment is because it evenly disperses the air throughout your hair, rather than concentrating all the hot air on one area causing frizz and damage. Using a diffuser on curly hair is a great way to minimise frizz, enhance curl definition and create big volume unlike the other methods. It is also much faster than the other methods because you are using direct heat. Start by scrunching out the excess water from your hair and then apply your leave in and styling products. Flip your head upside down, take a section of your hair and place into the diffuser bowl. Bring the diffuser up to the scalp, and, once in place, turn the hair dryer on at a low speed and low-medium heat and hold for approx. 30 seconds then repeat this process across your head.

How do you dry your hair? Do you use one method or a combo of different methods? Let me know in the comments below. If you have any specific struggles or concerns with your hair, don't hesitate to comment below, submit a hair analysis form or just email us at paris@thatgoodhair.co.uk.