Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
To blow-dry or not to blow-dry, that is the question.
Many of us probably think that blow-drying our hair is much more damaging than air-drying it. But that's only partially true.
According to a Korean study, it is better to dry your hair from a distance of 15 cm and in constant motion than to let it air dry. The reason: wet hair builds up more pressure in the hair follicle.
This means that the choice is actually up to you, as air drying is not necessarily the gentler option.
Another disadvantage of air drying is that hair is much more vulnerable when wet than when dry, and air drying can often take several hours.
In addition, air drying is not ideal for many curly heads when it comes to curl formation and volume. The heat creates more volume and breaks up the gel cast better.
In principle, blow-drying straight hair and curls is not a problem as long as you pay attention to a few things. However, to blow-dry curls properly and get the best out of your curls, you need a curl-friendly blow-drying technique .
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The gentle way to blow-dry: blow-dry with a diffuser
You've probably heard of a diffuser before - a useful hair dryer attachment that's designed as a hair styling tool specifically for curls.
The diffuser is often included when you buy a hairdryer, but it is also available separately as a universal attachment suitable for various hairdryers.
The diffuser's plate shape and multiple air outlets slow down and distribute the air from your hairdryer over a larger area. This soft airflow prevents your hair from becoming tangled, which can lead to frizz and uneven curls.
Here are the 4 steps to blow-drying correctly with the diffuser:
1. Before blow-drying: Micro-plopping: First, squeeze excess water out of your hair with a T-shirt cloth or a microfiber towel.
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Für mehr Definition und weniger Frizz
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2. Choose the heat setting: Make sure the air from the hairdryer is not too hot. Ideally, you should blow-dry your hair on a low-medium heat setting.
Additionally, heat protection can be applied during styling.
3. Gentle blow-drying: To dry curls with the diffuser, place the hair sections or strands one by one on the diffuser plate and blow-dry for a while before moving on to the next strand.
4. After or during blow-drying: Scrunch out the crunch: Styling products such as curling gels tend to form a protective film around the strands, which sets after the hair dries. This is known as the cast. Your hair will then feel as if it has been frozen. But don't worry: this is a sign of very good hold! Now simply knead out this gel cast vigorously. Soft, bouncy curls will appear.
The must-have product: heat protection
Heat protection when blow-drying curls is not just a trend, but an absolute must-have if you want to keep your curls beautiful and healthy in the long term. Many of us are used to just blow-drying our hair without thinking too much about whether our hair is being optimally protected. But especially when it comes to curls, heat protection is a crucial step that should not be overlooked.
Here's why: Curls are particularly sensitive to heat. If you blow-dry your hair without heat protection, you risk the heat drying out the hair, damaging the structure and causing the curls to lose their natural bounce. The result can be frizz, lack of definition and dull hair without shine.
So ask yourself the following:
- Do you always use a heat protectant before you start blow-drying?
- Have you noticed that your curls appear less defined or drier since you switched to blow-drying?
- Do you notice additional dryness or increased frizz after blow-drying?
If you answered "no" to question one and "yes" to the others, you may not be giving your curls the care they need. Remember, a good heat protectant will help lock in moisture and protect them from the damaging effects of heat, so you can continue to enjoy healthy, shiny, and well-defined curls.
Expert tip: Luckily, there are now numerous leave-ins that already have heat protection built in, so you don't have to add another styling product to your routine!
Conclusion: Blow-dry or air-dry?
The decision is yours. With the right technique and care, blow-drying curls can be an excellent way to achieve definition and volume without damaging your curls. You should never neglect heat protection here! But especially in summer, it's worth giving air-drying a chance, as it saves valuable time. Who wants to spend hours blowing on a hairdryer with their arms numb in 30-degree heat? But here too, products with heat protection and UV protection will save your curls from frizz and drying out.
