Air drying curly hair requires a placid and strategic approach to preserve its natural texture and minimize frizz. After applying a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, blandly scrunch the hair upwards to encourage curl formation. Avoid touching or manipulating the curls too much while they dry to prevent frizz.
This way is great for those seeking to embrace their natural curls and minimize heat damage. People with dense or thick curls may find air drying time-consuming, especially in humid climates. Those with low porosity hair may experience product buildup or excess moisture retention, leading to weighed-down curls. Want to know does air drying hurt our hair? Read our blog!
Does air-drying curls cause frizz?
It can potentially cause frizz, including various factors such as hair type, environmental conditions, and drying technique. While air-drying is anatural method compared to heat blowout, it may not always guarantee a frizz-reducing result.
Factors such as humidity levels, product application, and handling of the hair during the drying process can contribute to frizz. To minimize frizz when air-drying curls, to use hydrating products, avoid touching or disturbing the curls while they dry, and consider using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess water from the hair before air-drying.
How to air dry curly hair without frizz?
Here are tricks to guide you air dry your curls with no frizz and flyaways.
Use lenient techniques
Avoid rubbing or towel-drying your hair vigorously, as this can cause friction and lead to frizz. Instead, use a soft, microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to blot excess water from the hair without disturbing the curl pattern.
Avoid touching hair while drying
Once you’ve applied products and arranged your hair for drying, never manipulate it too much while it air-dries. This will help maintain the integrity of the curl pattern and prevent frizz from forming.
Scrunch hair
Gently scrunch the hair upwards towards the scalp to encourage the natural curl formation. Use your hands or a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting to enhance curl definition and volume.
Pineappling or Plopping
For longer curls, consider pineappling (gathering the hair at the crown of the head in a loose ponytail) or plopping (wrapping the hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel) to help maintain curl definition and prevent frizz while the hair dries.
How to air dry your curly locks with volume?
To air dry curly locks with volume, you should start with the right products like the best hair dryer for volume and techniques.
Use a mousse to damp your hair
Begin by applying a volumizing mousse or foam to damp hair. Heed the roots to add lift and fullness. Use your fingers to massage the product into the roots. Give even distribution for maximum volume.
Flip your head upside down to add volume
Next, flip your head upside down and scrunch the hair upwards towards the scalp to encourage volume at the roots. Use your fingers to separate and lift the hair for added fullness. Do not touch or manipulate the curls too much while they dry to maintain the integrity of the curl pattern and prevent frizz.
Fluff and tousle the roots to enhance volume
Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to fluff and tousle the roots to further enhance volume. You can also use a wide-tooth comb or a pick to lift the roots and create additional volume throughout the hair. After all, use a lightweight hairspray or volumizing spray to set the style and keep your curls looking full and voluminous all day long.
How to dry curly hair fast?
If you want to speed up the curly hair air drying process, read this part.
Squeeze out excess water
After washing your hair, you should try to squeeze out excess water using your hands or a microfiber towel.
Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer
Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and set it to a low heat and low speed setting. With Laifen Swift Special high-speed hair dryer, you can attach a diffuser to it to dry your curly hair deftly. Lean your head to the side and cup sections of your hair in the diffuser, moving it around to equally distribute airflow.
Pineapple or plop your hair
If you’re short on time, it’s wise to pineapple or plop your hair to help it dry faster.
- Pineappling involves gathering your hair at the crown of your head and securing it loosely with a scrunchie or hair tie.
- Plopping involves wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel and allowing it to dry in a loose bun on top of your head.
Both techniques help to lift the roots and encourage faster drying while preserving curl definition.
Air dry VS blow dry VS towel dry curly hair
Know about the three methods of drying your hair within a table, you can compare air drying and towel drying and more.
| Air dry | Blow dry | Towel dry | |
| Time | Longer drying time | Shorter drying time | Short drying time, initial step |
| Frizz control | Helps minimize frizz | May increase frizz, depending on technique | May cause frizz if not done correctly |
| Damage risk | Minimal heat exposure | Potential heat damage, frizz | Friction may cause frizz, breakage |
| Convenience | Low maintenance | Requires hair dryer and styling tools | Quick and easy, minimal effort |
| Hair health | Maintains moisture, reduces damage | May cause damage with prolonged use | Can lead to breakage if not gentle |
| Volume | May lack volume due to weight of wet hair | Can help add volume and lift | May flatten curls, depending on technique |
| Styling options | Natural-looking curls | Versatile styling options | Limited styling options, initial drying |
What about trying to air dry your hair tommorrow?
Air drying curly hair offers a gentle and effective way to enhance natural curls while minimizing heat damage and frizz. By following proper techniques and using suitable products, you can achieve beautifully defined curls with minimal effort and maintenance.