7 Smart Ways to Dry Curly and Wavy Natural Hair Fast

Question from a reader:

Hello Cindy, I’m trying to embrace my natural curls more – the kind that spiral one day and weave into gentle waves the next, with a mind of their own! In a world of blowouts and flat irons, I’m looking for the best way to dry my hair. Could you share some of your tips on the best way I can dry my wet curly/wavy/coily locks to achieve that effortlessly chic, frizz-free look?

Katherine Harris
Provo, Utah

Hi Katherine, to be honest…

The ideal method to dry wet curly, wavy, or coily natural hair is to let it mostly air dry.

Try using a butterfly clip to lift your hair at the roots. I recommend using three clips—two in the front along your usual part and one in the back to hold up the hair. This helps your curls stay lifted as they dry and keeps volume at the roots.

2 Key Steps to Take:

When caring for curly hair, remember that less is better. Blow drying curls can be challenging. Avoid letting your hair move around too much, as this causes frizz. If you need to use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser. For best results, flip your head upside down while drying. This helps add volume at the roots and keeps curls from losing their shape. Try to keep your hair still as you dry it. Gently scrunch small sections of hair in your hands and hold the diffuser over each part. After your hair is dry, scrunch in some serum or oil. Finish with a light hairspray to hold your style in place.