Choose how you want to spend the drying time
Air-dry when you can leave your styled hair alone while it dries. Diffuse when you want to use a dryer and have an attachment that fits it. Neither method guarantees more definition, volume or less frizz for everyone.
You can switch methods from one wash to the next. Weather, hair density, product amount and how wet you start all affect drying time.
Apply your products before drying
Check how wet your hair should be when you apply your leave-in and styler. Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream and In-Shower Style Fixer both start on soaking-wet hair. In-Shower Style Fixer can then be air-dried or diffused.
Add only the layers you want, distribute them as directed, and arrange your part and curls before drying. An “air dry cream” is still optional, and its name does not make it a heat protectant.
Let your curls dry with less handling
Arrange your hair after applying your last product. If it is dripping, gently press or blot away water without repeatedly pulling the curls apart. Keep wet hair away from clothing or surfaces you do not want product to transfer onto.
Avoid repeatedly separating or scrunching curls as your styler sets. For In-Shower Style Fixer, Curlsmith says to avoid excessive touching and wait until the hair is completely dry before scrunching out the firm gel cast.
Fit the diffuser and follow your dryer’s controls
Fit the diffuser securely before switching on the dryer. Use the settings and attachment instructions in your dryer’s manual. Work around your head in sections, moving on rather than keeping the airflow on one area.
Stop if the attachment comes loose, the dryer behaves unexpectedly, or your scalp or hair feels uncomfortably hot. Dryers differ, so a temperature or distance given for another model may not suit yours.
Check heat protection separately
A leave-in or styling cream is not always a heat protectant. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk, for example, is a leave-in and is not a heat protectant.
If your drying routine calls for heat protection, use a product labeled for that purpose and follow its application directions. Do not count a smoothing or frizz claim as heat protection.
Wait until dry before scrunching a gel cast
A gel cast is the firm coating some gels form as they dry. If your gel’s directions call for scrunching it out, wait until your hair is completely dry. Curlsmith gives this instruction for In-Shower Style Fixer.
If you compare air-drying and diffusing, keep your product amount similar and finish each time with fully dry hair. That makes it easier to notice which method you prefer.