More often than not, curly hair can be hard to manage into soft bouncy curls. While TVs and magazines show us naturals with curls that are to die for, achieving those curls at home in real life can be a hassle. Trying on several products at a time to get the perfect curls definition may only result in frizz and more frizz. Not to worry! In this article, I will be sharing with you how to use a good diffuser to get those curls popping — without the frizz! So, keep reading.
What Is A Diffuser?
A diffuser is simply a hair tool that you attach to your blow dryer to distribute air into your hair. Now, you may be wondering, "Ohhkaay… This seems like the job of a regular blow dryer. What makes the diffuser so different?" Well, while a blow dryer will get your hair to dry, it can actually leave it flat and frizzy. Frizzy hair is hair strands that stand or curl up in different directions away from the main body of the hair, giving the hair an unkempt and messy look. Using a diffuser will get your hair to dry — without getting frizzy! Also, while a blow dryer may alter the wave patterns of your natural hair, a diffuser will keep them intact.
What Setting Is Right For My Hair?
Now that you know the major benefits of a diffuser, the next best question is what setting is right for your curly hair. A diffuser comes with low, medium, and high air and heat settings. The wrong setting can mess up your curls and that's so not what you're aiming for. It is recommended that you use low or medium air and heat settings. Do not be that natural who is in a hurry to get her hair dry and so turns up the settings to the highest. Relax and exercise patience so you can diffuse and dry your hair without the frizz.
How To Diffuse Curly Hair
1. Wash and Detangle Your Hair
The first step to getting well-defined curls is a good old wash day. First of all, shamwash or co-wash your hair and then gently detangle. Note, I did not say you should comb your hair but detangle. Combing your wet curls can make them snap, break, and ultimately disrupt your curl patterns, thus causing frizz. Simply take out the knots in your hair with either a detangling brush or your fingers.
2. Wrap Your Wet Hair in a T-shirt
Next, dry out your hair with a t-shirt. You may be wondering, "Why should I wrap my hair with a T-shirt and not dry with a towel?" Well, the truth is that the rough cotton texture of most towels can be abrasive to your natural hair when rubbed against the hair, causing it to lose its natural moisture. This can result in dry hair that breaks easily. A T-shirt is smoother in texture and wrapping it around your hair will help get the excess water out without drying out your hair. Another great option to getting excess water out of your hair without drying it out is by using microfiber towels. The texture of these towels are less abrasive when rubbed against your natural hair.
3. Twirl Those Curls
With your hair in its semi-wet state, use your fingers to twirl them into whatever curls shape that you desire. Doing this will help your hair stay in a curly shape as they dry. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner as your hair gets dry. Now, remember, do not comb your hair as this will alter the curl pattern and you don't want that! If you still have some tangles in your hair, using your leave-in conditioner while running your fingers through the knots will help you detangle them properly.
4. Let's Use That Diffuser
It's now time to use that diffuser. However, before you begin, I must advise that you use a heat protectant. Natural hair shouldn't be exposed to too much heat as this can cause dryness, hair breakage, and even overall hair damage. A heat protectant, as the name implies, will serve as a barrier between your hair and the heat. You can part your hair into sections (this parting does not have to be perfect) and apply your heat protectant to get an even distribution.
Next, put your diffuser in low heat and air setting and bring it close to one section of your hair. Start with the ends of your hair and gently move the diffuser towards the roots of your hair. To get more volume at your curly hair roots, I recommend that you flip your head upside down so your curls hang forward. This will also help you in reaching the back parts and center of your hair.
Continue using the diffuser until your hair is about 80 percent dry. Do not let the diffuser completely dry your hair as leaving your hair to air dry will give it that well-moisturized bouncy curl look!
5. No Touching
Whoop! Whoop! So, you have successfully diffused your hair and now you have perfect bouncy curls without any frizz. What should you do next? No touching your curls. Okay, maybe you can touch your curls once or twice to feel the curls but just that! Touching your curls too often is one quick way to lose definition and even dry out the moisture in your hair. Just leave them be and enjoy those soft bouncy curls!
For a visual guide on how to diffuse curly hair without frizz, OKae Kaela's video tutorial will show you all you need to know.