Pictured: @withlove.aayah
If you are impatient like I am, and like your curls to dry quickly, diffusing can be a great tool. When used correctly, diffusing can enhance volume and dry your curls effectively with minimal damage while embracing your curl pattern. While the diffuser is meant to make your life easier, if you are experiencing frizz instead of definition, then you might need to revisit your drying techniques. You could either be using the wrong products, or you are diffusing incorrectly! In case you need a refresher, here are some diffusing techniques for frizz-free curls.
1. The Right Products
Using the correct products for your curl texture is everything. For me, I like to keep my product application simple and hassle-free. I will typically use a leave-in like Curls: Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave in-Conditioner and a gel like Curls: Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly. I apply about a quarter size amount of each product to prevent weighing down my curls.
2. Waiting Matters
While you can diffuse your hair while it’s sopping wet, to get the best frizz-free results, try applying your products to sopping wet hair as usual and then allow your hair to dry about 75% before using the diffuser. This will allow your products more time to soak into the hair cuticle and work there magic. For me, I find that when I immediately diffuse out of the shower, it always leaves my curls a little frizzy, however, I embrace my frizz so it’s not a problem for me. However, if the frizz bothers you try waiting a bit!
3. Hot and Windy
Make sure that you are diffusing on the correct settings. If you are using the dryer on the highest heat temperature and highest airflow setting, that is just a recipe for frizz disaster. For me, I like to diffuse on the high heat flow and low air flow setting. If you still find that this setting makes your hair frizzy, you can try lowering the heat to medium.
Writer Nina Sultan
4. How’s your head?
When I diffuse, I like to hang my head sideways/upside down and let sections of my curls fall into the bowl. I then simply move the diffuser gently all around my head and pull the diffuser towards my head. This way it heats up my roots and encourages volume.
5. Scrunch, Scrunch, Scrunch!
As your curls get drier and drier, it helps to scrunch your curls up towards your scalp. I find that scrunching encourages my curl pattern and expedites the drying process.
6. Fluff & Go
Once your curls are 80-90% dry, for increased volume, It really helps if you shake your hair from the roots. Don’t touch your hair otherwise and don’t go too crazy with the shaking or fluffing. Just gently give your roots a couple of gentle shakes and then leave it alone!
Which diffusing techniques are your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below.
