The key to drying curly permed hair is to avoid harsh methods that can cause frizz and damage the delicate curl pattern. Here's how you can do it:
Gentle Drying Techniques
Instead of roughly towel-drying your hair, which can disrupt the curls, focus on gentle methods that preserve the curls.
- Squeezing with a Towel: Instead of rubbing your hair, gather the ends of your hair and squeeze them gently using a towel. Think of it as scrunching your hair in your hands, section by section. This method absorbs water without disrupting the curl pattern.
- "Plopping" Method: This technique involves wrapping your wet hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel and leaving it to air dry overnight. This helps maintain the curl shape while minimizing frizz.
- How to Plop: Spread a T-shirt or a microfiber towel on a flat surface. Flip your wet hair forward onto the center of the towel. Bring the edges of the towel to the back of your head and tie or secure them.
- Air Drying: After squeezing out excess water or "plopping," you can simply allow your hair to air dry throughout the day. Avoid touching or manipulating your hair too much while it dries.
- Diffuser: If you must blow-dry, always use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
- How to Diffuse: Use low heat and speed settings. Cup sections of your curls into the diffuser and move it around your head, without moving the curls too much. This helps to dry your hair gently while minimizing frizz.
What to Avoid
- Rubbing Hair with a Towel: This causes friction, leading to frizz and breakage.
- Heat Drying: Excessive heat can dry out and damage permed hair, leading to frizz and weakening of the curls.
Summary of Drying Methods
| Method | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Squeezing with towel | Gentle scrunching of hair with a towel | Removing excess water without frizz |
| Plopping | Wrapping hair in a towel or t-shirt and allowing it to air dry | Enhancing curl definition overnight |
| Air Drying | Allowing hair to dry naturally without manipulation | Minimizing frizz and damage |
| Diffuser | Using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer to gently dry curls with low heat/speed | When heat drying is necessary |
By following these gentle drying techniques, you can keep your curly permed hair healthy, defined, and free of frizz.
