How To Dry Curly Hair: Tips & Techniques

Drying your curly hair doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Air dry or diffuse? Or somewhere in between? With so many methods and techniques, it’s easy to feel lost. But don’t worry, curl fans. This guide is your ultimate cheat sheet for drying curly hair, no matter your curl type or lifestyle.

Because, let’s face it, drying is a crucial step in your curlcare routine, especially if your hair is prone to frizz. The thing is, many of us can end up with curls that don’t hold their shape despite doing all the right things in the washing, conditioning and styling phases. 

At Bouclème, we’re all about embracing the natural shape and texture of our curls. That means celebrating frizz in all its glory and making it work for you. We don’t believe in ‘fighting’ the frizz; it’s all about understanding what’s causing it, what products to use to look after your locks and how to style and dry your hair to create the soft, bouncy curls, waves and coils we all dream of.  

Drying methods 

Wondering what method to use and how to dry curly hair? How you dry your hair depends on the time of year, the amount of time you have and the look you’re after. Here we break down the various ways you can dry your curls, waves and coils so that your hair looks its best all year round. 

1 Air drying — for balmy summer days

Most stylists will recommend letting curly hair air dry because using a blow-dryer can make it frizzy and damage it. At Bouclème, we’re big fans of air drying as a technique, especially if you’re in a rush or the sun’s out.

The method

This is the most natural way to dry your hair. 

• Simply wash, condition and style your hair as usual, then let it air dry completely. 

• To speed things up, you could wet plop your hair in a curl towel for five to 10 minutes to encourage curl formation from the root. Here’s all you need to know about plopping (and pineappling!).

Best for: warm weather, low-density hair and wash-and-go styles.

Pros: minimal heat damage, enhances natural texture, convenient.

Cons: can be time-consuming and isn’t ideal during the colder months.

Another tip: apply your styling products on damp instead of soaking wet hair as we normally advise. Remember, how you apply your products will affect the curl shape: check out our blog where we explain the different styling techniques, including praying hands, finger coiling, raking or the bowl method.

2 Diffusing — perfect for chilly winter days

If you ask us for one wintry haircare tip for curl, wave and coil routines, we’d say the diffuser every time. If you’ve been hanging out with your diffuser for a while but can’t seem to figure out how to get those voluminous curls just right, we’ve got you covered. 

The method

• Wash and style your hair as usual, then let it air dry for at least 15 minutes before you start diffusing to allow your styling products to saturate and set. 

• If you start diffusing immediately you may notice more frizz. 

• You’re looking for a slight crunch in your hair: this means your gel is starting to hold your curls, and that’s when you can start diffusing.

• When you’re ready, tip your head upside down, then cup small sections of hair into the diffuser, gently bringing it to the scalp before turning it on for 20-30 seconds. 

• Use a low or medium heat setting to prevent heat damage. Keep airflow on low to medium to avoid disrupting curl patterns. 

• Avoid touching your curls while diffusing to protect shine and definition. 

Best for: faster drying, adding volume and combating frizz in humid weather.

Pros: speeds up drying time, adds lift at the roots, can enhance curl definition and is ideal during colder months. For looser curl patterns, diffusing helps to give better curl formation and increase volume. 

Cons: if you’re not careful, heat tools can cause damage to your hair. But don’t worry,  when you prep your hair with nourishing products like our Curl Defence Spray, you’re giving your hair the protection it needs. That way, you can enjoy your styling routine without the risk of heat damage.

Want to learn more about diffusing? Check out our in-depth guide: How to Diffuse Curly Hair in Five Simple Steps.

3 Semi-air drying — the best of both worlds

Get the best of both worlds with semi-air drying. This method combines air drying and diffusing, reducing heat exposure while achieving faster drying time and brilliant curl definition, which is what we’re always after. 

The method

• Wash and condition your curls as usual, making sure your locks are wet when you apply your leave-in conditioner or styling products.

• Then, it’s time to sit back and relax while you let your locks air dry until they’re about 80% dry. 

• Once you’re ready, tip your hair forward and let your curls sit in the diffuser to finish drying on a low-medium heat for a few minutes. 

• Take a section of hair and gently hover the diffuser over your curls. 

• Remember: hands off while diffusing to keep max shine and definition.

Best for: those who want a balance of air drying and diffusing; those with thicker hair that takes longer to air dry completely.

Pros: reduces heat exposure, faster drying than air drying alone, can enhance curl definition.

Cons: still requires some heat, may not be as effective for defining fine curls.

4 Semi-diffusing — naturally defined locks

This technique offers another way to combine the benefits of air drying and diffusing, giving you more control over the drying process and potentially reducing heat damage. With semi-diffusing, you’ll alternate between letting your hair air dry naturally and using a diffuser in intervals to help shape your curls. 

The method

• Start with your usual washing, conditioning and styling routine. 

• Allow your hair to air dry so that your curls start forming their natural shape and your styling products begin setting. This initial air-drying period can vary depending on your hair thickness and density; you might air dry for 15-20 minutes, or even longer.

• Now it’s time for your first round of diffusing. Use your diffuser on a low heat and low airflow setting. 

• Gently cup sections of your hair in the diffuser bowl, lifting it towards your scalp. 

• Hold the diffuser in place for 20-30 seconds before moving to the next section. 

• Remember to turn the diffuser off before moving it to avoid frizz. 

• Then, go back to air drying, allowing those diffused sections to cool and set further. This is a great time to get other things done – catch up on emails, make a cup of tea or start your makeup. 

• After a period of air drying, repeat the diffusing process, working through sections of your hair with the diffuser on low heat. 

• Keep switching between air drying and diffusing until your hair is almost completely dry.

• You can adjust the length of the air drying and diffusing intervals based on your hair's needs and your own time constraints.

Best for: those who want more control over the drying process; those with fine or delicate hair.

Pros: more control over heat exposure, can help to define curls, may be less drying than full diffusing.

Cons: can be time-consuming, may not be as effective for adding volume.

3 Hooded dryers — for a volume control look

OK, vintage glam alert! Hooded dryers might seem like a blast from the past, but they’ve made a serious comeback in the curl world. They’re amazing for drying your curls without direct heat (warm air is distributed evenly around the hair), which means less heat damage, more volume control and better curl definition.

The method

• Start by prepping those locks. Cleanse, condition and apply your go-to styling products, whether it’s leave-in conditioner, curl cream, gel or whatever your curls need. The Super Hold Styler will create curls with staying power, which is perfect for a glam party look.

• Then it’s time to set it and forget it. 

• Once your hair is coated with your nourishing styling products, carefully arrange your curls so they’re evenly distributed within the dryer. No tangles or awkward bunching allowed.

• Most hooded dryers have adjustable heat and timer settings. Start with a low-to-medium heat setting to avoid any unnecessary heat damage. You can always adjust the temperature as you go.

• Then, it’s time to get comfy under the hood and relax - this is the best part. Set the timer and let the hooded dryer work its magic. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your favourite show, read a book or just chill and enjoy some “me time”. 

• The drying time will vary depending on your hair’s thickness and density, so keep an eye on it and adjust the timer as needed.

• Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the hood and let your curls cool down for a few minutes before touching them. Get ready to be amazed by the shine and definition. 

Best for: Hooded dryers are a great option if you’re looking for a hands-free way to dry your curls. Plus, they help reduce volume for people with thicker hair and those who prefer less volume in their end style. 

Pros: no heat damage, can achieve defined curls, can be used overnight for a set style.

Cons: can be time-consuming, can be bulky and inconvenient, may not be suitable for everyone.

Bouclème’s six hacks for drying curly hair

No matter which drying method you choose, these tips will help you achieve the best results:

1. We always advise to start with soaking wet hair (unless you’re in a mad rush). This helps distribute products evenly and encourages curl formation. It also helps to lock in moisture and define your curls.

2. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel (use a curl towel like ours), which can cause frizz, remove moisture and cause damage. 

3. Don’t touch your hair while it’s drying. This can disrupt the curl pattern, which is the last thing you want.

4. If air drying, find a comfortable position that won’t disturb your curls. Try lying down or pop your curl towel on your shoulder to avoid getting your clothes wet with water or product. Pop the kettle on and enjoy the downtime. 

5. If diffusing, low and slow is the secret to success.

6. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to fluff at the roots for volume.

For more insider knowledge about how to unlock your best curls, check out our Complete Guide to Curly Hair.

Accessories and products for drying curly hair: your curl squad

We all have our favourite accessories to achieve the perfect curl, wave or coil. These are the top tools we simply couldn’t live without and will certainly make your drying routine easier and more effective:

Organic Cotton Bouclème Curl Towel 

These are much gentler on your hair than regular towels and help to absorb water, not moisture. The Bouclème jersey Curl Towel is made from 46% organic cotton, 46% bamboo and 8% elastane, and will leave your strands hydrated, smooth and cared for. 

Diffuser 

A must-have for anyone who wants to dry their hair more quickly without sacrificing curl definition. 

Curl Defence Spray

Frequent heat styling can leave curls dry and prone to breakage. If you are reaching for the heat, don’t skip protection! A heat protectant like Curl Defence Spray helps nourish and shield your curls from heat, UV rays and pollution, keeping them healthy, bouncy and full of life. Think of it as your everyday curl armour.

Revive 5 Hair Oil

Once your hair is fully dry, use Revive 5 Hair Oil to gently scrunch out any crunch without adding frizz. It helps your curls hold their shape while keeping them soft and healthy-looking. It also helps separate bigger curl clumps for a more natural, effortless finish.

So there you have it: our top tips and insights on how to dry curly hair. Hopefully, this crucial step in your haircare routine is now no longer a mystery. Whether you choose to air dry, diffuse or use a hooded dryer the key is to be patient and embrace your natural texture. With the right techniques and a little bit of love, you can achieve healthy, defined curls that are full of life and bounce. Now go forth and unleash your inner curl goddess!

Ready to unleash your curls with the best tools for the job? Shop our curly hair accessories here.