Squeeze Excess Moisture Out of Clean Hair

Before we even get to the ins and outs of blowdrying a curly mane, we first want to emphasize the importance of hair prep. According to Hickman, "Prepping curly hair to blow-dry straight starts with a good shampoo and conditioner."

Once hair is clean, reduce the moisture in your hair after gently blotting it dry with a micro-cotton towel or T-shirt.

Section Hair and Apply Product

Customizing your pre-blowout products to mesh with your curl type is the golden rule. "The coilier the texture, the more product is needed to achieve the right moisture," comments McLemore. Adding extra moisture to your hair with a heat-protecting leave-in treatment will soften hair and improve style manageability while it's damp. McLemore relies on Carol's Daughter's Goddess Divine Strength Leave In Milk. "It's a lightweight formula that will assist in getting deep moisture and shine while defining and adding bounce to your curls," she says.

McLemore recommends separating hair into smaller sections to ensure your product application is even. From there, use the scrunch method to gently squeeze the product into your damp curls and enhance their natural pattern.

Start Drying

Now that the prep work has been done, you’re ready to start diffusing. Start by drying the ends of your hair, using the diffuser attachment to gently cup hair in the bowl, softly scrunching the curls from the ends up. Move around your head, working in small sections, spending a few seconds on each section,.

While you may be tempted to blast the heat on "high" to speed up your blow-drying time, McLemore recommends keeping the dryer heat on "medium" to "low" to help minimize frizz and prevent breakage and heat damage.

Move Towards The Roots

Once you've moved the diffuser around your head, working in small sections, moving up toward the roots. To achieve more volume, place the diffuser bowl close to the scalp, gently lifting hair at the root.

McLemore recommends drying hair 80% of the way and allowing 20% to air dry before proceeding to the next step. This will prevent hair from drying out and getting frizzy.

Add Your Finishing Touches

It's no secret that curls hate humidity. Whether humid weather makes them frizz up, fall flat, or both, investing in the right styling products can help. Bailey depends on an oil and a cream made specifically for blow-drying. "My favorite blowout product for curly and kinky hair is the SheaMoisture 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which is enriched with certified organic shea butter to intensely hydrate hair, reduce frizz, and improve manageability. Black castor oil aids in smoothing the cuticle, preventing split ends, and soothing scalp irritation," she says.

If you're looking for extra hold and protection, Hickman recommends trying Maxxam Flash hairspray. Not only will it keep your hair moist and soft, but it will also enhance style definition—sans frizz.

The Final Look

Now, you've achieved healthy, shiny, blow-dried curly hair from the comfort of your own home.