To dry medium-length wavy hair effectively, gently remove excess moisture, apply styling products to enhance waves, and then air dry, scrunching periodically. Here's a more detailed guide:
Drying Medium Length Wavy Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Drying wavy hair requires a delicate touch to avoid frizz and maintain its natural texture. Here's how to do it right:
1. Gently Remove Excess Moisture
- Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt: Instead of vigorously rubbing your hair with a regular towel (which can cause frizz), use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. This helps to minimize friction and preserve your wave pattern.
- Plopping (Optional): Plopping involves wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt for 15-30 minutes (or even longer). This technique helps to encourage wave formation and reduce frizz by allowing the hair to dry in a scrunched position.
2. Apply Styling Products
- Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair and provide a base for other styling products.
- Wave-Enhancing Product: Choose a mousse, gel, cream, or spray designed for wavy hair. These products help to define and hold your waves without making them stiff or crunchy.
- Mousse: Provides lightweight volume and definition.
- Gel: Offers stronger hold and definition.
- Cream: Adds moisture and controls frizz.
- Application Technique: Distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying too much product to the roots, as this can weigh down your hair.
3. Air Drying and Scrunching
- Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer, as the heat can cause frizz and disrupt your wave pattern.
- Scrunching: While your hair is air drying, periodically scrunch it with your hands. To scrunch, cup your hair in your palms and gently squeeze upwards towards your scalp. This helps to encourage wave formation and prevent your hair from drying straight.
- Avoid Touching Too Much: While scrunching is helpful, avoid over-handling your hair as it dries. The more you touch it, the more likely it is to become frizzy.
4. Diffusing (Alternative to Air Drying)
- Low Heat and Speed: If you're short on time, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Use a low heat and speed setting to minimize frizz and heat damage.
- Hover Diffusing: Hover the diffuser over your hair, moving it around gently to dry the roots.
- Pixie Diffusing: Gently cup sections of your hair with the diffuser and hold it in place until the hair is mostly dry. This helps to define your waves and add volume.
Tips for Enhancing Waves
- Pineapple Your Hair: Before going to bed, gather your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head (like a pineapple). This helps to protect your waves from getting crushed while you sleep.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
- Experiment with Products: Finding the right styling products for your hair type is crucial. Experiment with different products until you find what works best for you.
By following these steps, you can effectively dry your medium-length wavy hair while maintaining its natural texture and minimizing frizz.
