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Air drying curly hair requires a placid and strategic approach to preserve its natural texture and minimize frizz. After applying a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, blandly scrunch the hair upwards to encourage curl formation.
People with dense or thick curls may find air drying time-consuming, especially in humid climates. Those with low porosity hair may experience product buildup or excess moisture retention, leading to weighed-down curls.
Want to know does air drying hurt our hair? Read our blog!
Does air-drying curls cause frizz?
It can potentially cause frizz, including various factors such as hair type, environmental conditions, and drying technique. While air-drying is anatural method compared to heat blowout, it may not always guarantee a frizz-reducing result.
Factors such as humidity levels, product application, and handling of the hair during the drying process can contribute to frizz.
To minimize frizz when air-drying curls, to use hydrating products, avoid touching or disturbing the curls while they dry, and consider using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess water from the hair before air-drying.
How to air dry curly hair without frizz?
Here are tricks to guide you air dry your curls with no frizz and flyaways.
Use lenient techniques
Avoid rubbing or towel-drying your hair vigorously, as this can cause friction and lead to frizz. Instead, use a soft, microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to blot excess water from the hair without disturbing the curl pattern.
Avoid touching hair while drying
Once you’ve applied products and arranged your hair for drying, never manipulate it too much while it air-dries. This will help maintain the integrity of the curl pattern and prevent frizz from forming.
Scrunch hair
Gently scrunch the hair upwards towards the scalp to encourage the natural curl formation.
Use your hands or a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting to enhance curl definition and volume.
Pineappling or Plopping
For longer curls, consider pineappling (gathering the hair at the crown of the head in a loose ponytail) or plopping (wrapping the hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel) to help maintain curl definition and prevent frizz while the hair dries.
How to air dry your curly locks with volume?
To air dry curly locks with volume, you should start with the right products like the best hair dryer for volume and techniques.
Step 1. Use a mousse to damp your hair
Begin by applying a volumizing mousse or foam to damp hair. Heed the roots to add lift and fullness. Use your fingers to massage the product into the roots. Give even distribution for maximum volume.
Step 2. Flip your head upside down to add volume
Next, flip your head upside down and scrunch the hair upwards towards the scalp to encourage volume at the roots.
Use your fingers to separate and lift the hair for added fullness.
Do not touch or manipulate the curls too much while they dry to maintain the integrity of the curl pattern and prevent frizz.
Step 3. Fluff and tousle the roots to enhance volume
Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to fluff and tousle the roots to further enhance volume.
You can also use a wide-tooth comb or a pick to lift the roots and create additional volume throughout the hair.
After all, use a lightweight hairspray or volumizing spray to set the style and keep your curls looking full and voluminous all day long.
How to dry curly hair fast?
If you want to speed up the curly hair air drying process, read this part.
But we have to let you know in advance that it is hardly to dry any hair fast without a blow dryer while it is possible to fast dry curly hair with less frizz if you choose a good hair dryer like if it is ionic and comes with a diffuser.
That's what our SE and Swift Special hair dryers do.
Step 1. Squeeze out excess water
After washing your hair, you should try to squeeze out excess water using your hands or a microfiber towel.
Step 2. Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer
Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and set it to a low heat and low speed setting.
With Laifen Swift Special high-speed hair dryer, you can attach a diffuser to it to dry your curly hair deftly.
Lean your head to the side and cup sections of your hair in the diffuser, moving it around to equally distribute airflow.
Step 3. Pineapple or plop your hair
If you’re short on time, it’s wise to pineapple or plop your hair to help it dry faster.
Pineappling involves gathering your hair at the crown of your head and securing it loosely with a scrunchie or hair tie.
Plopping involves wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel and allowing it to dry in a loose bun on top of your head.
Both techniques help to lift the roots and encourage faster drying while preserving curl definition.
Air dry VS blow dry VS towel dry curly hair
Know about the three methods of drying your hair within a table, you can compare air drying and towel drying and more.
| Air dry | Blow dry | Towel dry | |
|
Time |
Longer drying time | Shorter drying time | Short drying time, initial step |
| Frizz control | Helps minimize frizz | May increase frizz, depending on technique | May cause frizz if not done correctly |
| Damage risk | Minimal heat exposure | Potential heat damage, frizz | Friction may cause frizz, breakage |
| Convenience | Low maintenance | Requires hair dryer and styling tools | Quick and easy, minimal effort |
| Hair health | Maintains moisture, reduces damage | May cause damage with prolonged use | Can lead to breakage if not gentle |
| Volume | May lack volume due to weight of wet hair | Can help add volume and lift | May flatten curls, depending on technique |
| Styling options | Natural-looking curls | Versatile styling options | Limited styling options, initial drying |
What about trying to air dry your hair tommorrow?
Air drying curly hair offers a gentle and effective way to enhance natural curls while minimizing heat damage and frizz.
By following proper techniques and using suitable products, you can achieve beautifully defined curls with minimal effort and maintenance.
5 low-maintenance curly hairstyles that air dry faster and stay frizz-free
When searching for how to air dry curly hair, many also want styles that dry faster with minimal effort. The right haircut can reduce drying time and simplify daily routines. Below are five low-maintenance curly hairstyles that air dry quicker than most.
1. Curly bob (Chin to shoulder length)
The curly bob is a time-saving style that allows curls to air dry efficiently without losing shape. Its shorter length reduces water retention, meaning curls dry faster and feel lighter.
This style enhances natural bounce, prevents curls from weighing each other down, and reduces frizz caused by long drying times.
With just a leave-in conditioner and light curl cream, the curly bob dries evenly and holds definition all day.
2. Layered curly lob
The added layers remove excess bulk, helping air circulate through the curls and speed up drying time.
This hairstyle has a relaxed, modern appearance that works well for both casual and professional settings.
The layers encourage curl separation and natural movement, preventing curls from clumping too tightly. As a result, hair dries more evenly and with less frizz.
3. Curly shag
The curly shag features shorter layers around the crown and face, which reduces overall drying time and adds volume at the roots. Its slightly undone appearance embraces natural texture, meaning frizz looks intentional rather than messy.
The shag works especially well for wavy to curly hair types that want definition without precision styling. Because the cut is designed to look lived-in, curls don’t need to dry perfectly to look good.
4. Tapered curly cut
A tapered curly cut keeps the sides and back shorter while leaving more length on top. This style offers a clean, modern silhouette that highlights facial features and natural curl patterns. The reduced bulk around the neck and sides improves airflow, cutting down drying time.
The contrast between short and long sections adds visual interest and structure. With minimal product, curls on top dry defined and voluminous.
5. Short curly crop
The short curly crop is one of the fastest air-drying styles for curly hair. Its compact length minimizes water retention and eliminates heavy sections that take hours to dry.
This hairstyle has a fresh appearance that highlights curl texture and natural shape. It’s easy to maintain and works well in all seasons. The crop allows curls to form naturally without manipulation, reducing frizz caused by over-styling.
FAQs
1. Why does curly hair get frizzy when air drying?
Curly hair often becomes frizzy while air drying because moisture escapes unevenly from the hair shaft. This happens when curls lack enough hydration or are disturbed while drying.
2. What products help air dry curly hair without frizz?
Lightweight leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and gels help lock in moisture and define curls during air drying. These products smooth the hair cuticle and reduce friction.
3. Should you touch curly hair while it’s air drying?
It’s best to avoid touching curly hair while it air dries. Constant handling disrupts curl formation and causes frizz by breaking up curl clumps. If adjustments are needed, wait until hair is fully dry, then scrunch or separate curls with lightly oiled fingers.
4. How long does it take to air dry curly hair?
Air drying curly hair can take anywhere from one to several hours. Thicker or high-porosity curls take longer to dry. Using techniques like plopping or sectioning can help speed up drying while reducing frizz.
5. Is air drying better than heat drying for curly hair?
Air drying is conidered gentler on curly hair because it avoids heat damage that can weaken curls over time. While it takes longer, air drying helps maintain natural curl patterns and moisture balance.
6. Can weather affect frizz when air drying curls?
Yes, weather plays a big role in frizz. High humidity can cause curls to swell and frizz, while very dry air can pull moisture from hair. Using anti-humidity styling products and drying hair indoors in a controlled environment can help maintain smoother curls.
