After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, the next thing to do is get it dried. However, when it comes to drying, you want to avoid getting frizzy and tangled hair and hair breakage. This is because wet hair is weak, and what you do to it in that state (including how you dry it) can impact the hair. That’s why today, we will be helping you with the best methods for drying your hair. We’ve broken the methods down into different hair types – coily, curly, and wavy – so you can get the best possible options.
BEST METHODS FOR DRYING COILY HAIR
1. Stretch
IMAGE SOURCE: @HOPELAMOEN
If you have type 4 coils, one of the best ways you can get your hair dry is by stretching it, and you can do this by putting it in plaits or tying it with wool or thread. This method not only cancels heat application to the hair but also reduces breakage and tangles. Furthermore, it helps you easily detect if the ends of your hair are in a good state.
To stretch your coils, start by parting the hair into a minimum of six sections (the length or fullness of your hair determines the number of sections. For example, for thin or fine hair, you may need fewer sections, while for full hair, you may need more sections). The next step is to take a section of the hair and twist, braid, or tie with thread. Repeat this step for all the other sections and leave to air dry.
2. Blow Dry
IMAGE SOURCE: @HER_ROOTZ
This method is a way to get your hair dry fast but involves applying heat. As we have said many times (and we won’t get tired of saying it), exposing your hair to heat can lead to damage in the long run, and damaged strands are the last thing you want. But does this mean you should avoid using heat, especially since it’s faster? Absolutely not! It would help if you took precautions such as spraying your hair with a heat protectant, using a cooler setting on your blow dryer, and not putting the blow dryer too close to your hair.
After drying your hair, here are a few products we recommend you apply to your hair to replenish it with moisture.
MIELLE ORGANICS MOISTURE RX HAWAIIAN GINGER MOISTURIZING LEAVE IN CONDITIONER
Pantene Gold Series Curl Awakening Spray, for Curly and Coily Hair
BEST METHODS FOR DRYING CURLY HAIR
If you have type 3 curly hair, these methods are guaranteed to help you dry your hair:
1. Plop Your Hair
IMAGE SOURCE: @ITSBARBIEDELLE
The plopping method originated here on the NaturallyCurly forums and many curlies have since adopted it because of its benefits to their hair. Plopping is a great way of drying your curls because it not only cuts down on drying time but also eliminates the use of heat tools and reduces frizz. Another thing is that it allows for more curl definition and creates a lift at the roots of your hair.
To plop, start by spreading an oversized t-shirt or a large microfibre towel on your bed, table, or counter. Next, bend your head forward, letting your curls fall into the center of the t-shirt or towel. Follow this by rolling and wrapping the bottom of the t-shirt or towel around your head. Flip the other part of the t-shirt, wrap it around your head, and tie it in front. Leave for 10 – 20 minutes.
2. Use a Bonnet Hair Dryer
Image SOURCE: @BRICIA
This provides many benefits to your curls, including faster drying time, diffused heat (which reduces the risk of hair damage), and even product distribution, among others. To use the bonnet hair dryer, blot your hair first before placing the bonnet over your head, ensuring every part is covered and then strap it at the chin. Next, fit the mouth of your blow dryer into the hose connected to the bonnet dryer and turn on your blow dryer (remember to use a cooler setting). You’ll notice that the bonnet fills up as air comes into it. Leave for between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
We recommend using these products immediately after drying your hair to tame frizz and restore moisture.
CURLS CREME BRULE WHIPPED CURL CREAM
OUAI Hair Oil
BEST METHODS FOR DRYING WAVY HAIR
1. Air Dry
IMAGE SOURCE: @SOPHIEMARIEGRAF
Air drying your wavy tresses is a simple, heat-free, damage-free way to get them dry, although it might take longer to do. Start by immediately blotting your soaking wet hair with a microfibre towel, scrunching your waves, and then leaving it to air dry.
2. Diffuse
While a diffuser is not a fast way of drying your hair, it is a safe way of using heat to dry your hair. It also gives your hair more lift at the roots, reduces frizz, and enhances curl definition if you apply a curl cream or a mousse before diffusing. To diffuse, put your hair dryer setting on medium to low heat and hover it over your hair until it is fully dried.
Here are some products we recommend using for wavy hair immediately after drying:
Camille Rose Spiked Honey Mousse
All About Curls High Definition Gel
While we mentioned specific drying methods for specific hair types, each can be used on all curl types to dry hair. The most important thing is finding and sticking with the best for your hair.
