Seems like it takes forever for your curly hair to dry? You’re not alone!

Curly hair is usually thick in texture, and because of its spiral shape, it often takes longer than straight hair to dry.

However, with the right techniques and a few clever hacks, you can significantly reduce your drying time while maintaining beautiful, defined curls.

 

What You'll Need

• Volume Root Clips 
• Diffuser 
• Flexi Brush (or a wide tooth comb) 
• Your favourite LOHY combo for styling

 

Ways To Dry Your Curly Hair

1. Naturally
2. Using a diffuser. 

 One isn't especially better than the other, they're just different!

 

1. Naturally ‘Air’ Drying

Air drying is one of the gentlest methods for drying curly hair, preserving the natural curl pattern without applying any heat. 

Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to lock in moisture and provide a smooth base.
2. Scrunch and Squeeze: Gently scrunch your hair to encourage the curls to form and remove excess water without causing frizz.
3. Avoid Touching: Once your curls are set, try not to touch your hair until it’s completely dry. This will help to prevent frizz developing.

Pros:

• Minimal damage due to the lack of heat.
• Maintains natural curl pattern.

Cons:

• Can take a long time to dry completely.
• May not provide as much volume as other methods.

2. Using A Diffuser

A diffuser attachment on your hairdryer can help speed up the drying process while enhancing curl definition and volume. 

Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prep Your Hair: Apply your LOHY styling products.
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections to ensure even drying and products distribution. 
3. Attach the Diffuser: Set your hairdryer to a low or medium heat setting and attach the diffuser.
4. Dry Each Section: Place sections of your hair into the diffuser bowl and dry gently. Lift the diffuser towards your scalp and hold it there for a few seconds before moving to the next section.
5. Flip Your Head: For extra volume, flip your head upside down and diffuse the roots.

Pros:

• Reduces frizz and enhances curl definition.
• Provides quicker drying time than air drying.
• Adds volume to the hair.

Cons:

• Can still cause some heat damage if not done carefully.
• Requires a diffuser attachment.

Drying Styles

Micro-Plopping

Micro-what? Micro-Plopping is a technique that uses a microfibre towel to speed up drying while enhancing curls and reducing frizz. 

Traditional terry cloth towels can cause frizz and take longer to absorb water. Instead, opt for a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. These materials are gentler on your hair and more effective at soaking up excess moisture.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply Products: Use your LOHY curl cream or gel on damp hair. Lohy’s Drench & Quench Hair Mask can also be used as a leave-in for added moisture.
2. Micro-fiber Towel: Instead of a regular terry cloth towel, use a microfibre towel to avoid roughing up the hair cuticle.
3. Wrap and Plop: Flip your head upside down, place the microfibre towel over your head, and gently wrap it around your hair. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes to absorb excess water.
4. Remove and Air Dry or Diffuse: After plopping, let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to finish drying.

 

Pros:

• Reduces drying time.
• Minimises frizz and enhances curl definition.
• Gentle on the hair.

Cons:

• May not dry hair completely.
• Requires a micro-fiber towel.

 

Upside Down Method

The upside-down method involves flipping your head upside down to enhance volume and curl formation while drying. 

Here’s how:

1. Product Application: Apply your favourite LOHY styling products to damp hair.
2. Flip and Dry: Flip your head upside down and either air dry, diffuse, or micro-plop your hair.
3. Finish Drying: Once the majority of your hair is dry, flip back up and finish drying any damp spots.

 

Pros:

• Adds significant volume to the hair.
• Enhances curl formation.

Cons:

• Can be tiring for the neck and shoulders.
• May cause tangling if not done carefully.

Avoiding Frizz

Frizz is a common challenge for curly hair. Here are some tips to keep frizz at bay:

1. Moisturise: Use moisturising products like Lohy’s Drench & Quench Hair Mask to keep hair hydrated.
2. Gentle Handling: Avoid touching or brushing your hair once it starts to dry.
3. Proper Drying Techniques: Opt for air drying or diffusing with a low heat setting to minimise frizz.
4. Microfibre Towels: Always use a microfibre towel instead of terry cloth to reduce friction.

Use Lightweight Products 

Using the right products can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your curls. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your hair. LOHY offers a range of products designed specifically for curly hair:

• Nourish & Flourish Conditioner: Perfect for hydrating and detangling curls without weighing them down.
• Hold It Hairspray: Provides a flexible hold that keeps curls in place while maintaining their natural movement.
• Drench & Quench Hair Mask: Can be used as a deep conditioner or a leave-in treatment for intense hydration, especially on Type 4 hair types. 

Using Lohy's Volume + Root Lift Clips While Diffusing for Added Volume and Definition

For those looking to enhance volume and definition in their curls, Lohy's Volume + Root Lift Clips are a game-changer. Here's how to use them while diffusing:

• After applying your preferred styling products, section your hair. For best results, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to ensure your curls are moisturised and defined.
• Lift sections of your hair at the roots and secure the Volume + Root Lift Clips close to the scalp. This will help lift the roots and create volume as your hair dries.
• Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Start with low heat and low airflow settings to minimise frizz. Gently cup sections of your hair in the diffuser, moving from the ends towards the roots.
• Once your hair is mostly dry, carefully remove the clips. This will reveal enhanced root volume and defined curls.

Using these clips while diffusing not only boosts volume but also helps achieve a more structured and polished look for your curls.

 

5 Hacks To Speed Up Drying Time For Curly Hair

1. Apply products to damp hair (rather than continuing to add products to soaking wet hair)
2. Use foams or mousse’s as they are typically lighter than creams and gels
3. Diffuse on low heat- high volume.
4. Shake your curls as you go (gently!) this may create some frizz but it will speed up the process. 
5. If you’re really time pressed, diffuse your curls until you have a cast, then lave your hair to naturally dry and scrunch out the crunch when its 100%.

 

Remember everyone's hair is different and results will vary, however the right products and techniques can make all the difference to achieving beautiful, bouncy and frizz free curls. 

 

Love and Hydration xx