Hover diffusing curls involves using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer approximately 6 inches above your hair on low heat. This technique helps to enhance curl definition and minimize frizz by keeping your hair still while drying.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively hover diffuse:
- Preparation: Start with freshly washed and styled curly hair. Apply your usual curl products (leave-in conditioner, mousse, gel, etc.).
- Initial Drying: Gently scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to speed up the drying process.
- Diffuser Attachment: Attach a diffuser to your hairdryer. A diffuser spreads the airflow, preventing frizz and disrupting the curl pattern.
- Heat Setting: Set your hairdryer to a low heat setting. High heat can damage your curls and lead to frizz. Low heat might take longer, but it's much gentler.
- Airflow Setting: Use a low airflow setting as well. Too much air can also disrupt curl formation.
- Hovering Technique:
- Turn on your hairdryer and hold the diffuser about 6 inches above your hair. The diffuser should be facing down towards your hair.
- Slowly move the diffuser around your head, allowing the warm air to gently dry your curls without directly touching them. This prevents the curls from being blown around and becoming frizzy.
- Avoid touching or manipulating your curls during this process.
- Cupping (Optional): Once your hair is partially dry (after hovering for a while), you can transition to cupping. Gently scoop sections of your hair into the diffuser and hold it near your scalp for a few seconds. This helps to encourage curl formation at the root.
- Repeat: Continue hovering and cupping until your hair is completely dry or as dry as you desire.
- Cool Shot: Finish with a cool shot of air to help set your curls and reduce frizz.
Key Benefits of Hover Diffusing:
- Reduced Frizz: Minimizing direct contact between the diffuser and your hair reduces friction and prevents frizz.
- Enhanced Curl Definition: Keeping your curls still allows them to dry in their natural shape, leading to better definition.
- Volume at the Roots (with cupping): Transitioning into cupping technique after hovering helps create volume at the roots.
- Gentle Drying: Low heat and airflow minimize damage to your delicate curls.
By mastering the hover diffusing technique, you can achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls.
