How To Blow-Dry Curly Hair Properly

As you know the success of your curls depends mainly on the cut, but also on the way you blow-dry your curly hair. It’s essential to blow dry your curly hair properly in order to achieve best results. Using a diffuser is the best way to blow-dry curly hair without damaging it. Before you begin blow-drying your hair make sure you have: a towel, hair dryer, diffuser, heat protective product, styling product (mousse, gel, foam, curl enhancing product), wide toothed comb, brush, clips.

Step 1. Shampoo and condition your hair
Always use a shampoo specifically designed for your hair type. Make sure your shampoo is mild and cleanses your hair well. It shouldn’t contain alcohol or any harsh chemicals. Look for a low pH shampoo to keep your hair moisturized. Massage the scalp with the tips of the fingers instead of the fingernails to avoid scalp irritation. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and never rinse with hot water as it dries out your hair. Apply a conditioner every time you wash your hair. Apply the conditioner to the entire hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for approximately 3/ 5 minutes to penetrate deeply into your hair and then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2. Towel dry your hair
After washing your hair, wrap your hair in a towel to remove the excess water but don’t rub your curly hair because you may easily damage the cuticles. Let your hair dry wrapped in a towel for approximately 5/ 10 minutes.

Step 3. Comb your hair
Use a wide toothed comb to comb your wet hair gently. Always begin combing in small sections, at the ends of the hair and continue combing to the scalp, when detangling.

Step 4. Apply a heat protecting product
Applying a heat protecting product is a must when blow drying or straightening your hair. These products protect the hair from heat damage and enhance the effectiveness of your blow dryer, as they buffer the heat from every heat styling product. Most of the heat protecting products contain ingredients that add shine to the hair, calm frizz and extend the life of your hair color. Apply it onto clean and damp hair lightly to each section of your hair.

Step 5. Apply a styling product
Apply a styling product to help you manage and control your curls. Apply the styling product (mousse, gel, foam, spray) throughout your hair, using a comb to distribute it evenly. Make sure you apply a proper amount of the product, concentrating on the ends to avoid the roots so as not to overload it with product. These products not only make curly hair more manageable but they also give blow-dried hair more body and styling qualities.

Step 6. Divide your hair into section
Divide your hair into four sections using clips. This way it will be easier for you to blow-dry your hair, especially it is curly. Gently comb each section of your hair.

Step 7. Start blow drying
Take one section of your hair and keep working on it. First start blow drying to the roots and make sure your blow dryer is set on low or medium heat to avoid damage. Keep it about five/ six inches away from your hair. The air must blow upwards your fingers. Start blow drying your hair with a rough brush to lift the roots up and out if you want to get more volume.

When using a diffuser tilt your head so that your hair falls into the diffuser. Hold it close to your head. Work the diffuser around your head, ensuring all sections are dry. The diffuser will give your hair more volume and will distribute the heat evenly without blasting the curls from your style. Gently run your fingers through your hair and shake out the curls.

Step 8. Apply a hairspray
Apply a blast of hairspray to keep your curls shiny and droop-free.

Useful Tips:

1. Use a volumizing shampoo and a leave-in-conditioner to help plump locks.
2. Do not brush your curls, leave them to hang naturally.
3. Remember: curly hair is very fragile and tends to break easily.
4. Avoid everyday blow drying.
5. Apply an anti-frizz spray to prevent frizziness.
6. If you want to give your hair more volume, move the blow-dryer in small circular motions.
7. Never blow-dry too close to the scalp to avoid damaging it.
8. When blow-drying, go very slowly on each section of your hair to another.
9. If your hair is prone to frizz, keep your fingers out of your hair until it is absolutely dry.
10. Overheating your hair may seriously damage it.
11. Always use a low or medium heat.
12. Lift your curls gently while blow-drying to create more volume.
13. Use silicone based shine enhancing spray to add shine to your hair.
14. Look for an ionic blow dryer as it is less damaging.
15. Always use a heat protecting product when styling your hair.
16. Always use a wide toothed comb to comb wet hair – brushing wet hair can seriously damage the cuticles.
17. Point the nozzle of the blow dryer downside to avoid frizzes.
18. Do a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month to keep your hair in good shape.
19. Do not use too much styling products, instead coat just the ends of the hair.
20. Look for products containing vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, UV protective filters, moisturizing ingredients, essential oils.
21. Massage your scalp every time while shampooing your hair to improve blood circulation.

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