Are you wondering how to blow dry curly hair without a diffuser?
Most times, when you go on vacation or travel for other occasions, it isn’t easy to maintain your natural curls.
That’s because most hotels have no hair dryer with diffuser nozzles.
So, here is how if you are in a bind without your diffuser and need to make do with a blow dryer.
Table of Contents
How to Blow Dry Curly Hair Without a Diffuser [4 Steps to Follow]
Let’s look at the steps to blow dry your curly hair without using a diffuser.
Step 1: Cleanse your Hair
Avoid putting too much conditioner on your hair if you can’t access a diffuser. Hair products can weigh your hair down and make the top look flatter.
You could try applying some towards their ends in an effortless way. This will help smooth out frizziness while making them look sleek with fewer flyaways from curly textures.
Step 2: Apply Heat Protectant Spray
The best way to make your curls extra voluminous is by using heat protectants or primers designed specifically for this purpose.
They can also help you gain volume and keep damage at bay since they’re formulated with moisturizers, proteins, oils., etc. All of these will add awesomeness points to your tresses.
Remember not to use any product containing harsh chemicals because those might weigh down on your hair even further than expected.
Step 3: Gently Dry Hair Using a Towel
To achieve beach-ready waves, towel dry your hair with a microfiber towel. For those of you with coily hair, you can gently press out the excess water so your curls remain defined.
Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says,
“Using a heavy, bulky bath towel creates a lot of weight and tension in our hair, and that can make it more likely to break or shed.” [1]
If there are tangled pieces or knotted areas of strands, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid unnecessary breakage from pulling on them too hard while brushing out additional moisture.
Step 4: Dry your Curls Using a Blow Dryer
The best way to get great hair is by letting your dryer heat do the work for you.
The low or medium heat setting will produce healthier, bouncier curls without frying any beautiful moisture.
If we don’t have a diffuser available, though, using high pressure to dry hair can result in no volume and frizzy hair as well static-y strands.
Therefore, please don’t overdo it when blowing out those tangles after washing day [2].
When you take the time to let your curls fall naturally, without any help from a diffuser or other attachments, it is easier on both yourself and those precious locks.
Use your fingers to detangle your textured hair by holding up small handfuls and directing hot airflow across each bunch while moving around them for even coverage in all directions.
This will also create more volume.
Then, flip over your head if you want big curls that don’t stick together after drying.
Simply move back and forth constantly until they’re dry enough without staying put or stuck in one position forever.
You can check out this NO FRIZZ blow-dry tutorial by Finally Amber [3]:
Navigate hair care with confidence by exploring my guides on ‘Does Blow Drying Hair on Cold Damage‘, ‘What Happens if a Hair Dryer Gets Wet‘, ‘How to Stop Hair Dryer Cable Twisting‘, and ‘How to Straighten Hair with a Blow Dryer‘ for comprehensive insights and pro tips!
Considerations When Blow Drying Your Hair Without a Diffuser
There are a few things to remember when blow-drying curly hair without a diffuser.
Airflow
You should point the airflow downwards when blow-drying your hair. This will help to reduce frizz. If the air is blown upwards, your hair will lose most of its moisture and can become very dry.
Temperature
Although you might feel tempted to turn up the heat when blow-drying curly hair without a diffuser, this is counterproductive regarding frizz control.
You want to use as low a setting as possible, especially if you have very high porosity hair [4]. The cooler, the better!
Products
Before blow-drying, you should apply products that will protect your hair from heat damage and boost moisture.
This will help to reduce blemishes in the future. It will also give you bouncier locks, reduce frizz when blow-drying your hair, and keep it looking sleek and smooth.
No Comb/Brush
There are various ways to curl your hair with a blow dryer without a round brush. That said, when you are drying your hair, make sure not to comb or brush it.
This can cause unnecessary pulling and tearing. If you need to, use your fingers to detangle your hair.
These are some considerations for blowing out natural hair and getting the curls you desire.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have a diffuser?
However, remember to set the temperature at the lowest heat so it doesn’t damage your natural hair.
Is it better to let curly hair air dry or diffuse?
Diffusing may be faster or allow you to leave the house before it rains again. Both options will work; it’s up to personal preference and circumstances (time, place, etc.)
What is the fastest way to straighten curly hair?
Conclusion
Blow-drying curly hair without a diffuser can be difficult, but it is not impossible. By following these tips, you can create a healthy and stylish style.
Curly hair can be beautiful, but it takes a little extra effort to keep it looking its best. Be patient and take your time, and you will be able to create a style you can be proud of.
References:
- 1. Levinson L, Matthews M. How to Blow Dry Your Hair So It Looks Like You Went to a Salon [Internet]. SELF. SELF; 2018 [cited 2021 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.self.com/story/blow-dry-mistakes
- 2. Scully SM. 6 Surprising Causes of Frizzy Hair – and 8 Ways to Combat It [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-causes-frizzy-hair
- 3. Amber F. HOW TO BLOW DRY A WASH N GO with NO DIFFUSER | ZERO FRIZZ [Internet]. YouTube. 2019 [cited 2021 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkKHcVi827g
- 4. Nall R. Hair Care Tips for High Porosity Hair [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2019 [cited 2021 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-porosity-hair
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