The Ultimate Guide to Diffusing Curly or Wavy Hair

Do you find diffusing hair intimidating (and confusing?)

We can help!

Using a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer helps reduce frizz and enhance your natural texture, and it’s one of the most popular ways to dry curly and wavy hair.  Here is a guide on diffusing.

What does it mean to diffuse your hair? How is it different from blow drying?

Diffusing hair is a drying technique that uses a dryer attachment to “diffuse” the airflow; this cuts dry time, reduces frizz, adds volume, boosts your curl formation, and gives longevity to your style. It allows you to dry your waves, curls, and coils in a controlled environment and is more convenient than air drying.

Which hair types respond best to diffusing?

Anyone who’s hair has a wave or curl in it when hair is soaking wet and moisturized with conditioner has the potential to have a natural textured hairstyle when styled correctly. Remember, “where there is frizz, there is curl,” because frizzy hair is actually curly/wavy hair that is parched and not properly cared for.

We recommend Aveda’s Texture Tonic for someone with straight or loosely wavy hair before drying, for a lived-in, year-round beachy look!

What should you do before you start diffusing?

The key to successfully drying your hair is making sure you’re using the right products. Curls typically don’t magically dry frizz-free and flawless. Before drying, it’s important to make sure your product is worked-in, and all key components are met: prep, style, and finish.

It’s important to make sure to give hold to your curls, so they have the fortitude to make it through drying. We turn to Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer as a moisturizing styling aide with Phomollient (for finer hair) or Confixor (for fine/medium hair) for hold. Flax Seed Aloe (for coarse hair) to scrunch with, which encourages bouncy curls.

The softer the curl pattern, the more important it is to use a product designed for hold. It’s more likely to frizz apart as it isn’t twisted in a ringlet like a tighter curl.

Making sure the curls already look good and defined when they’re wet is the key to seeing the same when they dry. Worlds to live by: “If it’s frizzy when it’s wet, it will be frizzy when it’s dry.”

Waves and curls tend to need more “hold” with gels and mousses, while coily hair tends to need more moisture, like creams and oils. Textured hair, in general, tends to be drier, so Aveda’s Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil helps keep the hair strand moisturized from the inside out.

Best tips for diffusing?

Everyone’s blow dryer and diffuser attachment is different; it’s important to set the right speed. The point of the diffuser is to diffuse and soften the airflow, so you don’t disturb the curl pattern. If your curls are being blown away, turn the speed down. High speed and heat will get the job done faster, but some people prefer results using a cooler air setting. It’s all about personal preference, so see what works best for you and your curls.

Do NOT touch the hair during the early stages of drying! The more you touch your hair, the less defined your waves or curls will be.

Need help or still not quite sure; stop by Milagro Salons, and any one of our hair care professionals will be happy to show you how it’s done!

 

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