How to Curl Hair with a Blow Dryer?

Who needs a curling iron when you can create beautiful curls with just a blow dryer and a brush?

With a trusty blow dryer and a little know-how, you can create beautiful, bouncy curls that last.

This method is perfect for those who want to avoid heat damage or simply prefer a more natural styling technique.

Curling Hair with a Round Brush

This technique is ideal for creating tight curls or voluminous waves.

Here's what you'll need:

• Blow dryer with nozzle attachment

• Round brush (barrel size varies depending on desired curl size)

• Heat protectant spray

• Styling product (mousse, gel, or hairspray)

• Sectioning clips

1. Prep your hair

Don't underestimate the importance of starting with the right foundation. Towel-dry your hair to remove excess moisture, but don't rub it rough.

Aim for damp hair, not soaking wet, for optimal styling. Apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage.

Learn More: Does Drying Your Hair with a Hair Dryer Damage it?

2. Apply styling product

Use a styling product to help hold the curl and add definition.

Mousse is a great choice for creating volume and bounce, while gel can be helpful for taming frizz and creating a more sleek curl.

For finer hair, a lightweight styling cream can be a good option to avoid weighing down the curls.

3. Section your hair

Sectioning your hair into manageable pieces is key to achieving even curls. Start by parting your hair horizontally at the crown and clip the top section up and out of the way.

This will allow you to focus on curling the bottom layers first and work your way up your head.

4. Wrap hair around the brush

Take a small section of hair, about 1-2 inches wide, depending on the curl size you desire. Wrap the section around the round brush, starting at the ends and rolling upwards towards the roots.

Make sure the hair is wrapped in the direction you want the curl to go (away from your face for loose waves, towards your face for tighter curls).

5. Apply heat and hold

Here comes the magic! Hold the blow dryer nozzle pointed downwards and aim the heat directly at the brush.This will help dry the hair from within and set the curl. Maintain tension on the hair as you hold the brush and dryer in place for a few seconds.

The exact time will depend on your hair thickness and heat setting, but generally aim for 5-10 seconds per section. If with a high-speed hair dryer, this time can be significantly shorter.

6. Release and cool

Once the hair feels dry and set to the touch, carefully unwind the hair from the brush.

To further set the curl and prevent heat damage, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer and blast the cooled air on the curl for a few seconds.

This helps lock the curl in place and adds shine.

7. Repeat

Repeat steps 4-6 for each section of hair, working your way up your head. Unclip the top section and repeat the process until all your hair is curled.

8. Finish and style

Once all your hair is curled, use your fingers to gently break up the curls for a more natural look.

You can also use a light hairspray to hold the curls in place, especially if you have fine hair or loose waves that tend to fall flat.

For added volume, try flipping your head upside down and scrunching the roots with your fingers.

Curling Hair with a Diffuser Attachment

This technique is ideal for creating looser, beachy waves or enhancing natural waves, especially for those with wavy or curly hair textures.

Learn More: What Does a Hair Dryer Diffuser Do?

Here's what you'll need:

• Blow dryer with diffuser attachment

• Heat protectant spray

• Styling product (mousse, gel, or hairspray)

1. Prep your hair

Similar to using a round brush, apply heat protectant spray to damp hair.

For looser waves, you can allow your hair to air dry slightly until it's about 70% dry.

Scrunch a small amount of mousse or cream into your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.

2. Diffuse and scrunch

Attach the diffuser attachment to your blow dryer. The diffuser attachment helps to disperse the airflow more evenly and prevent frizz.

Begin by flipping your head upside down and gently scrunching sections of hair with your hands.

Place the diffuser near the roots of your hair and cup the hair with the diffuser.

On low heat and medium speed, gently blow dry your hair, scrunching upwards towards the ends. The diffuser should not be touching your scalp directly.

3. Continue diffusing

Continue diffusing sections of hair, working your way around your head. As your hair dries, you can use your fingers to gently manipulate the waves into your desired shape.

4. Air dry or cool shot

Once your hair is almost completely dry, you can either allow it to air dry completely for a more natural look or use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to set the waves in place.

Learn More: How Long Does it Take for Hair to Dry?

5. Tousle and style

Once your hair is dry, gently tousle the waves with your fingers to break up any clumps and create a more relaxed, beachy texture.

For extra volume, you can use your fingers to lift the roots at the crown of your head.

Tips for Success

Heat settings: Always use your blow dryer on a medium heat setting to avoid heat damage. If your hair is fine or damaged, use the low heat setting.

Learn More: How Hot Does a Hair Dryer Get?

Hair thickness: Adjust the section size based on your hair thickness. Thicker hair requires larger sections, while fine hair can be styled in smaller sections.

Curl direction: Alternate the direction you curl your hair sections to create a more natural look with a mix of left and right-leaning waves.

Patience is key: Don't rush the drying process. Allow each section to dry completely before moving on to the next section for longer-lasting curls.

Shine spray: For added shine and frizz control, finish your style with a light mist of shine spray.

Learn More: Finding the Best Hair Dryer for Your Curls

Conclusion

Blow drying your hair for curls is a versatile and heat-conscious styling option.

With a little practice, you'll be a blow-drying pro and sporting gorgeous curls in no time!

Don't be afraid to experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired curl look.