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In This Article

How to Blow Dry Curly Hair Frequently Asked Questions Squeeze Excess Moisture Out of Clean Hair Section Hair and Apply Product

Start Drying Move Towards The Roots Add Your Finishing Touches The Final Look

Mastering the art of blow-drying curly hair at home is no easy feat. The job involves not only drying but also creating defined curls, infusing volume, and enhancing shine. Factor in the unintentional arm workout from holding the hair dryer above your head, and you may be ready to throw in the towel. But thankfully, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and products that make the job easier.

With the guidance of hair experts Stephanie McLemore, Diane C. Bailey, and Natasha Hickman, we're uncovering the secrets to blow-drying curly hair. Below, we explore their expert insights and detailed steps to ensure you achieve beautiful, defined curl patterns.

Keep scrolling for a step-by-step curly hair blow-dry routine that's sure to make your ringlets pop.

Meet the Experts

• Stephanie McLemore is a lead hairstylist at Carol’s Daughter.

• Diane C. Bailey is a celebrity stylist and SheaMoisture’s beauty ambassador.

• Natasha Hickman is a co-owner of Salon Na'Von in Atlanta and the Artistic Educator for HairClub.

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How to Blow Dry Curly Hair

01 of 06

Squeeze Excess Moisture Out of Clean Hair

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Before we even get to the ins and outs of blowdrying a curly mane, we first want to emphasize the importance of hair prep. According to Hickman, "Prepping curly hair to blow-dry straight starts with a good shampoo and conditioner."

Once hair is clean, reduce the moisture in your hair after gently blotting it dry with a micro-cotton towel or T-shirt.

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When possible, try to shield your hair from heat damage. One way to do this is by using heat protectants, but Hickman also advises that you air dry your hair after detangling and sectioning. "This will reduce the amount of heat required for your final style," she says.

02 of 06

Section Hair and Apply Product

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Customizing your pre-blowout products to mesh with your curl type is the golden rule. "The coilier the texture, the more product is needed to achieve the right moisture," comments McLemore. Adding extra moisture to your hair with a heat-protecting leave-in treatment will soften hair and improve style manageability while it's damp. McLemore relies on Carol's Daughter's Goddess Divine Strength Leave In Milk. "It's a lightweight formula that will assist in getting deep moisture and shine while defining and adding bounce to your curls," she says.

McLemore recommends separating hair into smaller sections to ensure your product application is even. From there, use the scrunch method to gently squeeze the product into your damp curls and enhance their natural pattern.

03 of 06

Start Drying

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Now that the prep work has been done, you’re ready to start diffusing. Start by drying the ends of your hair, using the diffuser attachment to gently cup hair in the bowl, softly scrunching the curls from the ends up. Move around your head, working in small sections, spending a few seconds on each section,.

While you may be tempted to blast the heat on "high" to speed up your blow-drying time, McLemore recommends keeping the dryer heat on "medium" to "low" to help minimize frizz and prevent breakage and heat damage.

04 of 06

Move Towards The Roots

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Once you've moved the diffuser around your head, working in small sections, moving up toward the roots. To achieve more volume, place the diffuser bowl close to the scalp, gently lifting hair at the root.

McLemore recommends drying hair 80% of the way and allowing 20% to air dry before proceeding to the next step. This will prevent hair from drying out and getting frizzy.

05 of 06

Add Your Finishing Touches

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It's no secret that curls hate humidity. Whether humid weather makes them frizz up, fall flat, or both, investing in the right styling products can help. Bailey depends on an oil and a cream made specifically for blow-drying. "My favorite blowout product for curly and kinky hair is the SheaMoisture 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which is enriched with certified organic shea butter to intensely hydrate hair, reduce frizz, and improve manageability. Black castor oil aids in smoothing the cuticle, preventing split ends, and soothing scalp irritation," she says.

If you're looking for extra hold and protection, Hickman recommends trying Maxxam Flash hairspray. Not only will it keep your hair moist and soft, but it will also enhance style definition—sans frizz.

06 of 06

The Final Look

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Now, you've achieved healthy, shiny, blow-dried curly hair from the comfort of your own home.

FAQ

• What type of blowdryer is best for curly hair?

  Finding the right hair dryer or diffuser for your curl type and hair density is just as important as the actual styling steps. "A ceramic, porcelain, or ionic blow-dryer will help reduce static, eliminate frizz, and enhance shine," Hickman tells us.

  "Attachments are a must," she adds. "Be sure to use a concentrator or a comb attachment when using your blow-dryer to straighten curly hair. These attachments ensure that the cuticle of each hair strand is being dried in the same direction. Blow-dry the hair in small sections, directing the blow-dryer down the hair strand. This will reduce frizz and cause the hair to become smoother, faster." The Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer ($430) with the Diffuser Attachments is a great option. It even earned the "Best Splurge" pick among our favorite diffusers for curly hair.