Curly hair can be difficult to manage, and drying it can be especially challenging. Blow dryers can cause damage to delicate curls, producing frizz and flyaways.
However, using natural drying techniques can help reduce damage, promote healthy hair growth, and tame frizz.
1. Plopping Method
The plopping method involves using a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to gently dry curly hair. After washing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and apply your desired styling products.
Then, using a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel, flip your hair over and gently wrap the fabric around your head, securing it at the nape of your neck or on top of your head. Leave the fabric in place for 20-30 minutes, then remove and let your hair air dry.
2. Diffusing with Low Heat and Low Speed
If you prefer to use a diffuser, choose a model with adjustable heat and speed settings. Use a low heat and low speed setting to gently dry curls, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
If you are in a hurry or need to dry your hair quickly, increase the heat and speed settings, but be sure to apply a heat protectant product first to reduce damage.
3. Towel Scrunching
Towel scrunching is another way to dry curly hair without a blow dryer. After washing your hair, remove excess water with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel, then scrunch your hair upwards towards your scalp.
Continue scrunching until your hair is 80-90% dry, then let it air dry for the remainder of the time.
4. Air Drying Outdoors
Air drying your hair outdoors is an excellent way to promote healthy hair growth and reduce damage. Plus, the gentle breeze can help to naturally enhance curls, producing effortless volume and texture.
However, be sure to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using a hair product with built-in SPF.
5. Sleeping with Wet Hair
If you have trouble finding time to dry your hair, try sleeping with wet hair. After washing your hair, towel dry it as much as possible, then braid it loosely or tie it up in a loose bun before bed.
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In the morning, take out the braid or bun and gently separate the curls with your fingers for effortless, defined waves.
6. Roller Setting
Roller setting is an excellent way to style and dry curly hair without a blow dryer. After washing your hair, apply your favorite styling products and wrap each section of hair around a roller.
Leave the rollers in overnight, then remove them in the morning for beautiful, bouncy curls.
7. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
When drying your hair naturally, be sure to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush. Brushes can cause breakage and damage to delicate curls, producing frizz and flyaways.
Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair and create defined, bouncy curls without damaging your hair.
8. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is an excellent way to hydrate and protect your hair while reducing frizz. After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner evenly throughout your hair.
Then, use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to gently scrunch your hair and remove excess water.
9. Use a Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce tangles and frizz, while protecting your curls from breakage. Silk pillowcases are gentle on hair, providing a smooth surface that reduces friction while you sleep.
As a result, you’ll wake up with defined, bouncy curls that require minimal styling.
10. Don’t Touch Your Hair
To reduce damage and frizz, avoid touching your hair while it dries naturally. Constantly touching and moving your hair can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz, so be patient and let your hair dry naturally without interference.
