How to dry curly hair: a guide for dream hair

Curly hair has a unique appeal: voluminous, dynamic and full of personality. However, taking care of it requires attention, especially when it comes to drying. 

This moment is crucial to preserve the shape of curls, reduce frizz and achieve soft and defined hair. Here is a complete guide to drying curly hair in the right way. Follow these steps to get the most out of your curls!

1. The preliminary step: preparing the hair for drying

Drying starts long before you turn on the blow dryer. Proper hair preparation is essential to achieving defined, frizz-free curls: be sure to use products specifically for your hair: opt for shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair and prefer nourishing formulas that help regulate and hydrate the hair.

2. Styling techniques for defined, frizz-free curls

Once you have finished washing, while the hair is still very damp, distribute a shaping product such as a curl cream or gel (or a combination of both, for a more defined look).

Proceed, then, with styling techniques: there are several, but among the simplest and most effective we suggest: racking and scrunching.

Racking

Raking is an ideal technique for evenly distributing styling products and giving initial definition to curls. With your fingers open in the shape of a rake, distribute the styling product throughout the hair, combing (with your fingers) damp hair from the roots (without touching the scalp to avoid getting it dirty) to the ends. In this process, be sure not to leave out the most hidden parts of the hair, such as the bottom or back section.

Scrunching

Scrunching is the movement that gives elasticity to curls: after applying the styling product with the racking method, use your hands to delicately "crush" the curls inside the palm of your hand, proceeding from the tips towards the root.

It is essential, in this step, that the hair is still sufficiently wet and that the movement is carried out slowly, to allow the curl to be created without generating frizz.

3. Tecniche pre-asciugatura

Plopping

Plopping is a popular technique for those with curly hair. It involves wrapping hair in a cotton T-shirt to define curls before blow-drying.

After applying styling products on your hair, lay a T-shirt on a flat surface, lower your head and place your hair in the center of the fabric, lowering the nape of your neck. Wrap the T-shirt around your head and secure it with a knot. Leave on for at least 20 to 30 minutes, then proceed to blow-dry.

Micro plopping

Micro plopping is a shorter version of plopping, perfect for those who have little time but want to obtain defined curls: use a microfibre towel or an old cotton shirt to gently dab the hair from bottom to top after styling . In this step, make sure not to rub your hair or “dry” too much water from your hair.

4. Drying

Drying with a hairdryer requires some important precautions:

• Use a diffuser: it is the essential tool for drying curly hair. It will allow the heat to spread more evenly, preserving their natural shape.

• Set the right temperature and speed: choose a medium or low temperature to protect your hair from heat and prevent dryness. Set a moderate speed to prevent too strong airflow from causing frizz or mess in your curls.

• Dry upside down to give volume to the roots.

For proper drying, we also suggest that you dry the scalp first and then the lengths, initially without touching the blow dryer.

Once the lengths begin to look slightly dry, continue by working strand by strand, placing the hair in the diffuser and moving it closer toward the scalp to set the curls that are beginning to form.

Finish by drying the entire head gently and without rubbing.

5. Secrets to a flawless finish

After drying, a couple of steps can help improve the appearance of curls:

• Use a light oil: a drop of nourishing oil on the lengths gives shine and reduces frizz. For this step, we recommend ARGAN ELIXIR + ESTĒREL: this precious elixir, rich in 100% pure Argan oil, sunflower seed oil, pomegranate and green tea extracts, is a true beauty ally.Thanks to its lightweight formula, it absorbs quickly without greasiness, leaving hair soft, defined and enveloped in a delicate fragrance. Perfect for fighting frizz and giving shine to the hair post-drying.

• Curl Separation: for a more voluminous and natural effect, gently separate curls with your fingers once hair is completely dry and cool.

6. Mistakes to avoid

• Dry without styling products: curly hair needs support to keep its shape. Never skip this step.

• Insufficiently damp hair: while styling, make sure your hair is well moist: if it gets too dry, add more water with a spray bottle. This simple expedient will keep your hair moisturized, preventing frizz.

• Too high a temperature: too much heat can damage the hair fiber and make hair dull and frizzy.

• Touching the hair too much: manipulating the hair while drying is a major cause of frizz.

• Using combs or brushes: once dry, do not brush your curls, as this will ruin their definition. Use only your hands to fix them and help yourself with an oil to give them new vitality.

Conclusions

With proper blow-drying and the right tricks, unruly hair can be transformed into a cascade of defined, shiny and full of life curls.

Remember, however, that every hair has its own needs: experiment, listen to your hair and build a routine tailored to you. Because curls are not just hair, but a part of your style and personality!