Three women with diverse skin tones and beautiful, voluminous curly hair styles stand together. Three women with diverse skin tones and beautiful, voluminous curly hair styles stand together.

How to Dry Curly Hair

Perfect curls aren't just about the products you use—drying plays a crucial role too! Learn how to minimize frizz, tangles, and damage with these essential drying techniques for curly hair.

Air-Drying Curly Hair

Air-drying is the simplest way to dry curly hair, but patience is key. After rinsing out conditioner and applying styling products (like Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Mousse and Curl Scrunch Controlling Gel), avoid touching your hair until it's completely dry to prevent frizz.

A woman gently pats her wet curly hair with a towel, demonstrating the air-drying process.
A woman with a white towel turban on her head smiles, demonstrating how to protect curls while drying.

Microfiber Towels for Curly Hair

Traditional terry cloth towels can rough up the hair cuticle, absorb excessive moisture, and contribute to frizz, especially for curly hair. Microfiber towels, on the other hand, are much gentler and help to maintain moisture balance. After rinsing out your conditioner and applying your curl styling products, gently flip your head to the side and scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water without disrupting the curl pattern. Avoid rubbing, as this can create friction and lead to frizz.

Diffusing Curly Hair

When time is short and you need to use a blow dryer, a diffuser attachment is essential for curly hair. It helps to distribute the airflow more evenly and gently, preventing frizz and maintaining curl definition.

Here's how to diffuse curly hair effectively:

1. Prep: Apply leave-in conditioner and styling products (like Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Mousse and Curl Scrunch Controlling Gel).
2. Diffuse: Dry on low heat, scrunching curls upwards.
3. Volume (Optional): Halfway dry, switch to regular nozzle and tease for volume. Avoid over-drying.

A woman uses a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to dry her curly hair.
A woman with curly hair demonstrates the "plopping" method.

Plopping Curly Hair

"Plopping" is a gentle drying technique for curly hair that reduces frizz and drying time. Using a T-shirt instead of a towel helps maintain moisture and enhances curl definition and volume. For more frizz-fighting tips, research online resources or consult a hair care professional.

Apply product: To wet hair after showering.
Position T-shirt: Sleeves facing you, plop curls in the center.
Wrap: Fold back flap over head, gather sleeves around forehead.
Secure: Cross sleeves at back, wrap to front, knot at forehead.
Dry & Tousle: Remove when dry, fluff curls with fingers.

For more tips on caring for curly hair, researching resources on detangling techniques and the benefits of conditioner for dry, frizzy hair can be helpful.