How to dry curly hair

Plopping Curly Hair

This simple method reduces hair drying time and frizzy hair in one shot. Plopping curls is also much gentler than using a regular cotton towel, which can remove too much water and rough up your hair strands. All you need is a cotton T-shirt and a few key curly hair care products. By swaddling your curly hair in a T-shirt instead of a towel, you’ll remove just the right amount of excess water—which leaves your curls with more curl definition and volume, without the frizz. For more frizz-fighting hair tips, check out these tips on how to fight frizzy curls.

Step 1. Post-shower, apply your styling products to clean, wet hair.

Step 2. Lay out the cotton T-shirt on a bed or bathroom sink with the sleeves facing you. Bend over, “plopping” your curls in the center.

Step 3. Fold the back flap of the T-shirt over the back of your head towards your neck, and gather the sleeves around your forehead.

Step 4. Cross the sleeves around the back of your head, and wrap them back around the front. Secure the ends by making a knot at your forehead and tuck in any hanging fabric.

Step 5: Once your hair is dry, remove the T-shirt and gently tousle curls with your fingers.

Diffusing Curly Hair

When you’re in a rush and need to reach for the blow-dryer, a hair diffuser attachment is your best friend, because it helps control the stream of heat and air on curly hair. You may have to purchase one separately, but it’s worth the investment, as a blast from the regular blow dryer nozzle can turn curls into a frizzy poof ball.

Step 1. Apply a leave-in conditioner like Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Butter Cream Leave-In and your favorite hair styling product to your hair. Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Creation Mousse and Curl Shape Spray Gel define curls and waves without making them crunchy.

Step 2. Dry your hair, using a hair diffuser as you scrunch your curls toward the roots.

Step 3. Optional: Want big hair? Once your hair is about halfway dry, remove the hair diffuser and finish the rest of your hair freestyle with the blow dryer nozzle. Use a pick or even a wide-toothed comb to tease out any areas where you want more hair volume.

Air-Drying Curly Hair

Here’s a simple technique that only requires one thing: time. After you rinse out your conditioner and apply hair styling products—Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Creation Mousse and Garnier Fructis Curl Scrunch Controlling Gel are good options for glossy, defined curls—wait for your curls to dry. Just remember to avoid touching curly hair as it dries so you don’t accidently create frizz.

Microfiber Towel for Curly Hair

Unlike regular terry cloth towels, which ruffle the hair cuticle and absorb too much hair moisture, microfiber fabrics are much gentler on curly hair and don’t create hair frizz. After rinsing out your conditioner, apply your curl styling products. Then flip your head to the side, scrunching with a microfiber towel to remove excess water until most of the moisture is gone.

Looking for more curly hair tips? Learn everything about how to detangle your curls the right way (yes, there is a right way) and how conditioner can help nourish dry, frizzy hair.