Generally, there are of curly hair people use to identify their curl pattern: type 1, 2, 3, and 4. Within these general types, there are subtypes for the width of the curls. To make it even more complicated, some people may even have a combination of types.
Type 1 hair is straight, type 2 hair is wavy, type 3 is curly, and type 4 is coiled. The subtypes range from A to C, decreasing in curl pattern width. This means C-type curls have tightly coiled curls, whereas A-type curls are the loosest.
Figuring out how to dry curly hair the right way is essential for all curl patterns. Check out the guide below for more information.
Let It Air Dry
The trick to properly air dry curly hair begins in the shower. Some shampoos have harmful ingredients like sulfates that contribute to frizz. Curly-headed people should also look for moisturizing shampoos as hair oils have difficulty spreading throughout curls.
Curly girls should also alternate between moisturizing and protein-rich conditioners. Protein conditioners penetrate hair strands and even protect the outside. The protein makes cuticle layers stronger and repairs existing damage.
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture with your hands as possible when leaving the shower. Then, detangle with a healthy product like a leave-in conditioner. You may also apply other products like curling serums or oil before air drying.
Try Plopping
Plopping is the new fad for social media beauty influencers. The best part of this technique is that, like air drying, there is no damaging heat involved.
For this method, prepare a large t-shirt before getting in the shower. Then, complete all of the steps above for traditional air drying. After all the products are applied, go to the t-shirt, bend over it, so your hair is vertically positioned over the center, use the sleeves to tie the shirt on your head.
Hair plopping shouldn’t take more than an hour, although some ploppers prefer to sleep with the t-shirt on. However, be wary of sleeping while plopped as it may encourage frizziness.
Get a Microfiber Towel
Vigorously drying curly hair with a regular towel is a recipe for frizz and breakage. Instead, purchase a microfiber towel for curly hair. This towel gets its name from its incredibly thin fibers, making it better at wicking up moisture than regular body towels.
This method is best for curly girls who don’t have time for air drying or plopping but want to avoid using heat.
Use a Diffuser
If you must blow dry curly hair, make sure to reach for a diffuser. This attachment fits the end of a hairdryer and helps diffuse the heat, causing less damage.
Without a diffuser, a hairdryer will blow curls in a chaotic way, almost inevitably causing a tangled ball of frizz.
More Techniques to Dry Curly Hair
There are many ways to dry curly hair, but the trick is to protect the curls from damage. Traditional air-drying methods can be improved with hair clips or Bantu knots to avoid curls flattening as they dry.
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