If you’ve got curls, then you know the drill when it comes to styling: work with what you’ve got. As much as we all love our natural curls, sometimes it can be nice to switch things up a bit and make your hair look super polished.
Enter the blowout.
When done correctly, a blowout can create voluminous, bouncy curls that will turn heads in any room.
That’s why I’m here to give you the low-down on how to blow dry your hair curly!
We’ll cover everything you need to know, from what tools and products to use, to helpful tips for getting the perfect blowout, and maybe even some troubleshooting tips for those inevitable bad hair days. Now grab your hair dryer and let’s get started!
Essential Tools for Blowing Out Curls
If you are ready to get started on blowing out curls, you’ll need a few essential tools. You’ll need a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer, a rattail comb, and a quality heat protectant styling spray.
The diffuser attachment is key to keeping your curls from frizzing up it reduces direct airflow and gently dries your hair without creating added heat. Your rattail comb also helps with detangling, as well as sectioning off and creating curls.
Finally, there is the heat protectant spray. Before you start blow drying, spritz your hair with the heat protectant spray to create a protective barrier against the blow dryer’s direct airflow. This will help to prevent damage and keep the natural oils in your hair nourished while you work on your style.
Preparing the Hair for Blowing Out Curls
When it comes to styling curly hair, preparation is key. Before you even pull out your blow dryer, you want to make sure your hair is prepped and ready to go.
The first step is to shampoo and condition your hair. You want to start with a clean slate, so make sure that any dirt and debris are removed from the hair before you get started. When you’re done, be sure to use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help protect the hair from the heat of the blow dryer.
Then, it’s time for some heat protection. Heat protectant spray can help shield the hair cuticles from heat damage, so make sure you use an adequate amount before beginning to blow dry your curls. This will help give your curls a beautiful bounce and definition without sacrificing too much moisture in the process.
Finally, use a wide-tooth comb or Denman brush to loosen up any knots or tangles before drying this will help with creating more uniform curls that have a lot of shape and body without being overly frizzy. Once done with those few steps, you’re ready for the blow-drying portion!
Applying Products to Ensure Your Curls Hold
You want those curls to stay in place all day, and the best way to do that is by applying products after you dry but before you curl.
There are a few products out there specifically for blow-drying curly hair. The first one is a curl-defining serum or cream. This helps keep your curls hydrated, so they don’t lose shape when exposed to the heat of the dryer. All you need to do is apply it while your hair is still wet and towel-dried, then let it sit while you continue blow-drying.
Another option is thermal protectant spray. This product can help add shine and protect your curls from heat damage, so they retain their shape longer. Again, spray this on while your hair is still wet, and let it do its job while you’re working with the dryer.
Finally, make sure to use a light holding spray once everything’s done this helps keep your look in place no matter what the day throws at you!
Actual Blowing Out Steps
Blowing out curly hair is all in the technique. Here are the steps you should take to get the best curls when using your blow dryer:
- Start off with warm air and a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Aim the warm air onto your hair in circular motions, keeping it close to your roots to encourage curl formation.
- Section off your hair into manageable chunks and clip away the top layer so that it does not get in the way of you working on other layers of hair.
- Take one section of hair at a time and direct warm air and a round brush downward from root to tip, gently curling the ends in with your brush as you go along. Make sure not to overheat any single area allowing the heat to spread along each strand while moving down its length before you move on to another section.
- When finished, give your entire head a light spray with a heat protectant product then lightly mist every section with hairspray or leave-in conditioner as desired and shape with your fingers for more curl definition.
By following these simple steps, you’ll find that you can easily and quickly achieve beautiful, bouncy curls every time!
Finishing Touches for Perfectly Blown-Out Curls
Once you’ve got your styling products, the tools you need and you know the techniques for drying your curls, it’s time to work on the finishing touches. Finishing touches are key for smoothing down your curls and giving them a polished, salon look something that can make all the difference when it comes to showing off perfect curls.
Use a diffuser
One finishing touch that can help is to use a diffuser on your hair. A diffuser is an attachment for your blow dryer that can help minimize frizz as you’re drying your hair. It works by dispersing heat evenly across each curl without disturbing its shape, so it helps keep each curl intact as you dry it.
Towel up!
Another technique that’s used by professionals is to pat down the hair with a towel or cloth before using the blow dryer. This helps lift out some of the moisture without rubbing or damaging each curl as you do so.
And lastly, once you’re done using the blow dryer, a great final step is to give each curl some extra finesse and shape with some hand-scrunching!
Starting from the ends of your locks, apply gentle pressure and massage the curls up towards the root this will help create shape and volume in each curl while giving them that polished look.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Curls Full and Long Lasting
Once you’ve mastered the art of blowing out your curls with a blow dryer, there are some tips and tricks that you can follow to keep your curls looking fresh and full for longer. Here are just a few:
Choose your products wisely
The type and amount of product you put in your hair can have a big impact on how well they hold its shape. When deciding which products to use, choose ones specifically designed for curly hair. Also, make sure to not use too much product if necessary, it’s better to apply more as you go along.
Use a wide-toothed comb or brush
Using a wide-toothed comb or brush to separate your curls will help them hold their shape better. A wide-toothed comb or brush won’t pull on the individual strands of hair like a fine-toothed comb might, so you’re less likely to experience frizzing or damage.
Give your curls a break from heat styling
As much as possible, try to give your hair a break from heat styling so it stays healthy and strong. Consider using air drying for some days and opting for low heat settings when blow drying the rest.
Following these simple maintenance tips will help keep your curls full and long-lasting which will save you time and energy in the long run!
Must-Know Dos and Donts When Blowing Out Curls
Knowing the dos and don’ts of blowing out curls is key when it comes to the perfect curl. Here are some things you need to keep in mind:
Do’s
- Start by using a diffuser on medium or low heat. This will help to preserve your hair’s natural curl pattern while allowing it to dry faster.
- When blow-drying your hair with a round brush, make sure you roll each section of hair towards the scalp while keeping the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. This will create beautiful voluminous curls!
- Always section your hair before starting to blow-dry it, so that you can better control where each curl goes and give each section more attention as needed.
- Use light products, such as leave-in conditioners and light oils, on damp hair before drying so that your curls don’t become too dry and brittle during the process.
- When you’re finished blowing out your curls, give them a final blast of cold air from the nozzle of your hairdryer for maximum hold and shine!
Don’ts
- Don’t over-dry or use too much heat when blow-drying your curls; this can lead to damaged and brittle curls over time.
- Don’t use round brushes that are too small for the size of your curls; this can cause them to look clumpy or flat instead of voluminous!
- Avoid using heavy products like gels or mousses on damp hair before drying; they can create an unwanted weigh-down on your locks and flatten out any natural
FAQs On how to blow dry hair curly
Ah, the dreaded question we all have when it comes to styling curly hair – how do I blow dry my hair curly? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Here are some FAQs to help you get the look you have been dreaming of:
Q: Do I need a special brush?
You don’t necessarily need a special brush, however, using one can help facilitate the blowing-out process a bit more efficiently. If you’re looking for a brush, try something with natural boar bristles as they don’t create too much tension on your scalp and your strands.
Q: What kind of blow dryer should I use?
Unless you’re using a pro-level dryer or diffuser, most blow dryers will work for this technique. Try finding one with multiple heat settings so that you can adjust it as needed and avoid overheating your hair.
Q: How should I section my hair?
It’s best to separate your curls into three-to-five sections so that they don’t get too matted or tangled while drying. Clipping each section will help keep them separated as well!
Using these invaluable tips while blowing out your curls will ensure that you get the bouncy, voluminous look you’ve been wanting!
Q: Can I use products to help maintain my style?
Products are a great way to add shine, definition, and hold to your style. Lightweight products like volumizing mousses, curl creams or gels can help maintain your look throughout the day. Be sure to avoid products that are too heavy, as they will weigh down your locks and cause them to become flat or clumpy.
Q: Is there any way to avoid over-drying my hair?
Absolutely! To avoid over-drying your strands, try not to spend too much time with the nozzle of your blow dryer on any one section. If you feel that the section has been dried enough, move on to the next one. Also, if your hair is starting to get frizzy, you can aim the nozzle of the blow dryer down the shaft of the hair and use the cool setting to calm the frizz and give it a sleek finish.
Q: How often should I be blowing out my curls?
It’s important to give your hair a break when it comes to blow drying. To avoid damaging your locks, limit yourself to blow drying your curls once a week and try air drying instead as often as you can. This will help to protect your curls from the heat of the blow dryer and allow them to stay healthy and bouncy!
Conclusion
Blowing out your hair to get curly is a great option for people who want to maintain their natural curl pattern without the hassle of curling irons and rollers. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve a frizz-free, voluminous look that will last all day.
The key is to start with clean and moisturized hair, use a diffuser to get the curl pattern of your choice, use the correct heat and air settings, and set the curls with products to keep them in place. With practice, you’ll be able to achieve the look you want with relative ease.
So don’t be afraid to give it a try – it’s easy once you get the hang of it! With a little practice, you’ll be able to get your perfect, bouncy curls every time.