I. Introduction
If you have curly hair, you know that diffusing can be a real game-changer when it comes to styling your locks. But, it’s not always easy to get the results you want. Diffusing curly hair requires a little bit of technique and patience, but with some simple tricks, you can achieve bouncy, defined curls with minimal frizz.
In this article, we’ll go over 7 simple techniques for diffusing curly hair to perfection. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each one, so you can try them out at home. Let’s get started!
II. 7 Simple Techniques for Diffusing Curly Hair to Perfection
Here are seven of the best techniques you can use to diffuse your curly hair:
1. Diffuse Roots First
The first technique is to diffuse the roots of your hair first. This helps to create more lift and volume at the top of your head, which is especially important if you have flat or fine hair. By diffusing the roots first, you set the foundation for the rest of your curls to form around.
To do this, place the diffuser attachment at the roots of your hair and gently move it around in circular motions. Be sure to hold the hair dryer at a medium heat and low speed so as not to burn or damage your hair.
You should expect to see more volume and lift at the roots by using this technique.
2. Diffuse Upside Down
Another technique that works wonders for curly hair is to diffuse your hair upside down. This technique helps to promote curl formation and also gives you more volume and body.
To do this technique, bend over at the waist and flip your hair over your head. Place the diffuser attachment at the nape of your neck and scrunch your hair up toward your scalp. Dry on a low heat and low speed setting, holding the diffuser in place until your hair is about 80% dry.
This technique will give you more overall volume and body, and create more bounce in your curls.
3. Use a Microfiber Towel
The type of towel you use can also make a difference in how your curls turn out. Traditional towels can create more friction, which can lead to frizz and damage to your curls. Microfiber towels are a great alternative because they are gentler on your hair and help to reduce frizz.
To use a microfiber towel, gently scrunch your curls and hold the towel against your hair, removing excess moisture. Then, proceed to diffuse using your preferred technique.
This technique will help to keep your curls smooth and frizz-free.
4. Only Diffuse 80% of Hair
It’s important to not over-dry your curls, as it can cause them to become too stiff and lose their natural shape. A good rule of thumb is to only diffuse your hair until it’s about 80% dry, and let the rest air-dry naturally.
To do this, use the same technique as you normally would, but be sure to stop diffusing once your hair is mostly dry but still slightly damp. This will help to keep your curls soft and pliable.
5. Use a Low Heat Setting
The heat from a hair dryer can cause damage to your hair, especially if it’s too hot. Using a lower heat setting can be beneficial for your curls, as it will help to reduce the risk of damage while still effectively diffusing your hair.
Be sure to hold the hair dryer at least six inches away from your hair to avoid heat damage, and always use a low speed while diffusing.
6. Plop Curls in a Towel
Plopping is a technique where you use a T-shirt or microfiber towel to wrap your curls, allowing them to dry and form into defined coils.
To do this technique, gently scrunch your curls with a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture. Then, lay the towel flat on a surface and place your hair on top of it. Fold the towel up around your hair, and secure it in place by tying the corners of the towel at the back of your head.
Leave your hair wrapped like this for 10-20 minutes. When you remove the towel, your curls should be well-defined and frizz-free.
7. Use a Diffuser Attachment
A diffuser attachment is a must-have tool for diffusing curly hair. It helps to disperse airflow evenly, which helps to promote the formation of curls while reducing frizz. Additionally, it helps to maintain the natural shape of your curls and prevent them from falling flat.
When using a diffuser attachment, be sure to hold the dryer at a slight distance from your head to prevent overheating or damage to your hair.
III. From Pineappling to Twisting: 7 Tried-and-Tested Ways to Diffuse Curly Hair
Here are some more techniques to try for diffusing your curly hair:
1. Pineappling
Pineappling is a technique where you gather your hair at the top of your head, secure it with a scrunchie, and let it dry completely. This helps to prevent the curls at the back of your head from being squished while you sleep, leading to less frizz and more defined curls in the morning.
To do this technique, gently gather your curls at the top of your head and secure with a scrunchie. Sleep in this position, and remove the scrunchie in the morning.
2. Twisting
Twisting is a technique where you twist small sections of your hair around your finger and then diffuse as normal. This helps to create more defined curls and can be especially useful if you have hair that is prone to being flat or lifeless.
To use this technique, take a small section of hair and twist it around your finger, then place it in the diffuser attachment and gently diffuse.
3. Raking
Raking is a technique where you use a wide-toothed comb to rake your curls while diffusing. This helps to promote curl formation, while also removing excess moisture.
To use this technique, start at the roots of your hair and gently comb through your curls while diffusing.
4. Clipping
Clipping is a technique where you use hair clips to hold your curls in a certain position while they dry. This helps to create more volume and definition within your curls.
To use this technique, take small sections of hair and clip them at the roots, gently pulling upward. Do this all around your head, and diffuse as normal.
5. Finger Coiling
Finger coiling is a technique where you twist small sections of hair around your finger, creating corkscrew-style curls. This can help to create more defined curls, and works especially well on hair that has a tighter curl pattern.
To do this technique, take a small section of hair, twist it around your finger, and hold it in place for several seconds. Repeat all around your head, and diffuse as normal.
6. Scrunching
Scrunching is a technique where you gently scrunch your curls up toward your scalp while diffusing. This helps to promote curl formation while also removing excess moisture.
To use this technique, scrunch your curls up toward your scalp while holding the diffuser attachment at the ends of your hair. Diffuse as normal.
7. Wetting Your Hair
Wetting your hair before diffusing can also help to promote curl formation and reduce frizz. Wetting your hair helps to form the natural shape of your curls, making them more defined when you diffuse.
To use this technique, wet your hair lightly with a spray bottle, then diffuse as normal.
IV. Master the Art of Diffusing Curly Hair with These Pro-Recommended Methods
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best techniques for diffusing curly hair, let’s hear from the pros. Here are some additional tips straight from professional hairstylists:
1. Invest in a Quality Diffuser Attachment
According to Stephanie Brown, a professional hairstylist, investing in a high-quality diffuser attachment is key to achieving great results when diffusing curly hair.
“A quality diffuser will have a larger surface area, which will distribute heat evenly throughout your curls,” says Brown. “This will not only help to prevent damage, but it will also help to promote curl formation.”
2. Don’t Overdo It
Another tip from the pros is to not over-dry your curls. According to Sienree Du, a celebrity hairstylist, over-drying your hair can cause it to lose its natural shape.
“You want to aim for about 80% dry when diffusing your hair,” says Du. “This will help to preserve the natural shape of your curls and prevent them from becoming too stiff or brittle.”
3. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Using a wide-tooth comb to comb through wet hair before diffusing can help to promote curl formation and reduce tangles, leading to less frizz and more defined curls.
“Using a comb on wet hair can help to distribute the natural oils throughout your hair,” says Brown. “This will help to keep your curls moisturized and healthy, resulting in less frizz and more defined curls.”
V. How to Achieve Beautifully Defined, Frizz-Free Curls: 7 Ways to Diffuse Your Hair
Frizz can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to styling curly hair. Here are 7 techniques to help control frizz and achieve beautifully defined curls:
1. Use a Lightweight Styling Product
Using a lightweight styling product, such as a mousse or gel, can help to define your curls while also reducing frizz.
To use this technique, apply a small amount of product to your hair, and then diffuse as normal.
2. Apply Product to Wet Hair
Another tip for reducing frizz is to apply your styling products to your hair when it’s wet, rather than when it’s dry.
“Applying product to dry hair can cause it to become too stiff and lose its natural shape,” says Du. “By applying product to wet hair, you can help to control frizz and promote definition.”
3. Use a Satin Pillowcase
Traditional cotton pillowcases can cause friction, which can lead to frizz and damage to your curls. Using a satin pillowcase can be beneficial because it’s gentler on your hair, helping to reduce frizz and breakage.
4. Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Using a leave-in conditioner can help to hydrate your curls, leading to less frizz and more defined curls. Look for a leave-in conditioner that is specifically designed for curly hair.
5. Don’t Touch Your Hair While It’s Drying
Touching your hair while it’s drying can disrupt the natural shape of your curls, leading to more frizz. Instead, try to resist the urge to touch your hair, and let it dry naturally or diffuse as usual.
6. Sleep with a Satin Bonnet
Wearing a satin bonnet while you sleep can help to protect your curls from frizz and damage caused by friction with your pillowcase. It’s also a great option if you like to refresh your curls in the morning without having to wash them.
7. Refresh Your Curls with Water or a Refresher Spray
If your curls start to look flat or frizzy throughout the day, simply mist them lightly with water or a refresher spray to revive them. This will help to restore the natural shape of your curls and reduce frizz.
VI. A Step-by-Step Guide to Diffusing Curly Hair: 7 Techniques You Need to Know
Now that we’ve gone over all of the techniques for diffusing curly hair, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out: