Blowout for Curly Hair: Can You Keep the Curls Intact?

Every curly-haired person knows the mixed feelings that come with a salon blowout. On one hand, you crave that smooth, bouncy, “just left the salon” finish. On the other hand, you may worry that your natural curls will be lost in the process. Is it possible to do a blowout for curly hair and still keep those curls intact? The good news is, yes, with the proper techniques and care, you can achieve a sleek style without sacrificing your coils. This comprehensive guide will walk you through styling curly hair with a blow-dryer while maintaining as much of your curl pattern and hair health as possible.

Understanding How Blowouts Affect Curly Hair

Before grabbing the hair dryer, it’s important to understand what a blowout does to curly hair. A traditional blowout involves using heat and tension to stretch and smooth the hair. This temporarily rearranges the structure of your hair strands. In curly hair, the shape of the curl is held together by chemical bonds and physical hydrogen bonds. When you wet your hair, the hydrogen bonds break and reform as the hair dries, which is why your hair “sets” into a curly shape. Heat from a blowout also breaks these hydrogen bonds, allowing hair to be styled straight or wavy. Fortunately, blown-out curls are usually not permanent. Once you wet your hair again, it typically goes back to its natural curl pattern. A standard blowout only relaxes the bonds temporarily, so when the hair gets wet, it returns to its naturally curly state.

However, the phrase “heat damage” is a real concern for curly folks. If too much heat is applied during a blowout, it can break the stronger bonds in the hair, and those bonds can’t reform. That’s when you might find some sections stay limp or straight even after washing, a sign of permanent heat damage. The tighter your curls, for example, a 3c hair blowout where curls are very springy, the more careful you need to be because high heat can more easily rob your hair of its natural bounce. By understanding this, you can approach blowouts confidently but cautiously, aiming for a soft blowout for curls that gives you styling flexibility without long-term curl loss.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for a Curl-Friendly Blowout

The foundation of a successful blowout for curly hair is all in the prep work. Think of this step as insurance for your curls. Start in the shower: cleanse and condition your hair thoroughly. It’s best to do a blowout on freshly washed, conditioned, and detangled hair. Clean, well-conditioned curls have more slip and are easier to work with, meaning you won’t need to spend as much time tugging with a brush and blow dryer. The less time your hair is exposed to heat, the better. So, don’t skip the conditioner! A moisturizing, curl-friendly conditioner will make your hair more supple and prepared for styling. Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while the conditioner is in, starting from the ends and working up to remove knots without ripping through your hair.

After rinsing, blot out excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt. Your hair should be damp but not dripping when you begin the blowout. As you prep, apply your product arsenal strategically. Protect curls from heat. Coat your curls with a heat-protectant product, as a spray, serum, or cream, specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. Every time you heat style, a thermal protectant is essential to shield your hair from damage. You may also want to apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or a smoothing blow-dry cream to your mid-lengths and ends to keep them hydrated during the process. Just avoid anything too heavy that could weigh your curls down. A lightweight volumizing mousse applied at the roots can boost volume for curly hair, while a bit of serum on the ends can seal the cuticle for added shine.

Techniques for a Curl-Conscious Blowout

With your hair prepped, it’s time to grab the dryer and brush. The technique you use will make all the difference in whether you end up with smooth, voluminous, blown-out curls versus a puffy, frizzy mess. If your goal is to keep some curl intact, you’ll want to modify the traditional blowout technique slightly. Here are some key strategies and frizz-free blowout tips from the pros:

• Section Strategically: Divide your hair into manageable sections before you start drying. Clip up the top layers; start with the bottom layer and work your way up. Smaller sections are easier to dry thoroughly and evenly. Working in about eight sections around your head for the best results. This ensures you can apply tension and heat uniformly for a polished look. If sections are too large, you’ll end up going over the same piece multiple times.
• Use the Right Tools: For curly hair, a blow-dryer with adjustable heat settings is ideal – you’ll likely use a medium heat. Attachments are your friend; a concentrator nozzle directs airflow for smoother results, while a diffuser attachment can be used if you want to preserve your natural curl pattern more. Many curly blowout veterans actually alternate between a concentrator and a diffuser. As for brushes, a round brush with a mix of boar and nylon bristles can grip the hair well and add tension without snagging. Alternatively, some prefer a brush attachment or a comb attachment on the dryer for stretching curls. Choose whatever tool you’re most comfortable wielding – ensure it allows you to apply tension to the hair. Tension is crucial to smooth the curl. Pull each section taut with your brush or comb as you dry, and point the nozzle from roots toward the ends.
• Technique Matters: Start at the roots and move to the ends. Begin each section by drying the roots first. Once the roots are mostly dry, slowly work the brush and dryer down the length to the ends. Use a consistent curling-under or curling-out motion with the brush at the ends to achieve a curled finish. If your goal is a soft blowout for curls, consider using medium heat and stop short of fully straightening each section. You don’t have to drag the brush repeatedly until your hair is stick-straight. Instead, dry each section until it’s just smooth and about 90% straight, and a slight bend or wave remains.
• Manage Frizz and Flyaways: No one wants a halo of frizz after all that work. To tame flyaways as you blow-dry, make sure each section stays taut. Also, keep the airflow moving. Don’t park the dryer in one spot too long, which can overdry and frizz it out. If a piece is drying too puffy, you can very lightly mist it with water or a lightweight leave-in and re-dry it with the brush to re-smooth. Using the cool shot feature on each section once it’s dry is a game-changer: blast the section with cool air for a few seconds while it’s still wrapped around the brush. This cools the hair down and closes the cuticle, locking in the shape and shine.

By the time you’ve worked through all your sections, you should have a head full of smooth, stretched-out hair with either gentle waves or big curls at the ends. If your hair tends to get big, don’t worry, a little volume is good.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Curl Type

Selecting the best products for a blowout starts with understanding your curl type. Fine or medium curls benefit from lightweight mousses or foams that provide hold without weighing hair down. For thick or coarse curls, opt for richer creams or balms that deliver extra moisture and help control frizz. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil or panthenol to boost shine and softness. Always use a heat protectant, regardless of curl type, to shield hair from damage. Tailoring your product choices ensures your blowout delivers smooth, bouncy results while keeping your unique curls healthy and defined.

Embracing Big Volume: The ’90s Blowout on Curly Hair

One of the hottest hair trends making a comeback is the 90s supermodel blowout, think Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks with their big, blown-out, voluminous curls. Curly hair can be fantastic for achieving that larger-than-life blowout look, because curls naturally have a lot of body. The trick is to stretch and shape your curls into those iconic big blowout curls without completely flattening them. This means maximizing volume and creating the right curl shape at the ends, all while keeping the hair smooth. Here’s how to channel the '90s bombshell vibe with your curly mane:

• Add Lift at the Roots: Volume for curly hair starts at the scalp. Unlike a sleek straight style that might favor flat roots, the '90s look is all about lift. As you blow-dry each section, over-direct the hair upward and away from the scalp. For example, hold the brush under a section and lift it up perpendicular to your head as you dry the roots. This encourages the hair to dry with more height. You can also apply a bit of root-lift spray or a dab of mousse at the roots before drying. Scrunch a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse into your damp hair at the crown and sides where you want extra oomph, then proceed with blow-drying. The combination of product and lifting technique will give you a head start on major volume.
• Create the Curl Shape: Those classic ’90s blowout styles usually feature curls or flips at the ends of the hair that kick out or under in a bouncy, uniform way. To get this on curly hair, you have two options: (1) use your round brush during the blowout to form the curl, or (2) set the curl afterward using rollers or a curling iron. If your hair is already curling nicely around the round brush as you dry, fantastic – just roll the brush at the ends to form a big curl, hold it for a moment with heat, then use the cool shot to set it. Alternatively, the roller/pin curl method is foolproof for lasting curls. After you finish drying a section, immediately roll that warm hair up into a large velcro roller or create a pin curl and clip it against your head. Repeat for each section, so your whole head is in rollers or pin curls after the blowout. Then let everything cool completely. Once you unclip, you’ll have big blowout curls with tons of bounce.

Once you remove the rollers or pins, gently finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb to shape your curls. Avoid using a fine brush or comb, which could break up the curl too much. If the curls initially look too tight or structured, don’t panic; they will relax a bit on their own. You can also softly brush through with a natural bristle brush once to turn ringlets into flowing waves.

Keeping Your Blowout Curls Overnight (and Beyond)

Overnight care is crucial for any curly hair blow-dry, which has a mind of its own. The battle against flattened curls, frizz, or weird kinks while you sleep is real. The aim is to secure your hair in a way that preserves the style and volume for curly hair, while minimizing friction. One of the best methods is to pile your hair on top of your head loosely. You can do this in one high ponytail or bun (the “pineapple” method popular among curly girls) or even in a couple of loose buns for very long hair. Use a soft scrunchie to secure it without denting the hair. Sleep with their hair in one or two high top knots, using a satin scrunchy, to keep the blowout’s volume and bounce without creasing or breakage.

Cotton pillowcases are the enemy of overnight blowout curls, as they create friction and absorb moisture from your hair, which can lead to frizz and flattening. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to let your hair glide while you sleep. Better yet, if you can wrap your hair in a silk/satin bonnet or scarf, do it. This extra layer of protection keeps your style neat. A satin scarf can be tied around your head. Remember that water is what brings your curls back, which is exactly what we don’t want until we’re ready. So avoid any moisture at night. If you shower before bed, use a good shower cap to keep humidity out. Also, don’t go to bed with a sweaty scalp – if you’ve worked out, cool down and dry off before wrapping your hair. You can even dust a tiny bit of talc-free dry shampoo or baby powder at your roots before bed if you tend to sweat; it’ll absorb moisture and oils overnight. The idea is to prevent your scalp from undoing the style with perspiration.

Keeping Curls Healthy Post-Blowout

The goal is to enjoy versatile styles without causing damage that could interfere with your natural curl pattern. Here are some final tips on protecting your curls and ensuring they spring back perfectly when you’re done with the blowout style:

• Don’t Overdo the Heat: It can be tempting to touch up your blowout on day 2 or 3 with a flat iron or another pass of the blow-dryer. Try to resist this urge. Frequent heat styling, even if it’s just a quick fix, can cumulatively damage your hair.
• Hydrate and Nourish: After you finally wash out your blowout, give your curls some TLC. Use a rich, moisturizing deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish any lost moisture from the heat styling. You might also incorporate a bond-repair treatment if you’re concerned about damage. Curly hair tends to be on the drier side naturally, so restoring moisture is key to keeping it elastic and bouncy.
• Gentle Reversion: The first wash after a blowout, handle your hair gently. It might take one or two washes for your curls to fully spring back to normal. When shampooing, use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free, curl-friendly shampoo to avoid stripping. As your hair gets wet, avoid rough rubbing. Instead, you can scrunch your hair to encourage the curl pattern to re-form. If any sections seem a bit looser or oddly straight, don’t panic. Sometimes curls need a bit of protein or a clarifying wash to snap back. If, after a couple of washes, you notice some pieces truly won’t curl, you may have a bit of heat damage on those bits. Focus on conditioning those areas and avoiding heat for a while; you might trim them later if needed. But if you followed all the precautions (moderate heat, protectant, etc.), you’ll likely find your curls are intact.
• Frequency and Haircut Considerations: How often can you do a blowout haircut for curly hair style? Moderation is important. Many curly-haired individuals reserve blowouts for occasional use to minimize repeated stress. If you find yourself blowing out more often, consider using a lower heat setting or alternating with heat-free stretching styles.
• Call the Professionals (When Needed): Finally, if you’re nervous about doing it yourself or want an expert touch, consider getting a professional blowout from someone experienced with curly hair. Many salons and blowout services like Glamsquad, with their at-home beauty pros, are well-versed in handling curls. A stylist who knows styling curly hair will understand how to give you that silky, voluminous blowout while using techniques to protect your curl pattern.

Take the time to prep properly and to set your curls after drying for long-lasting shape. And when it’s time to sleep or sweat, protect that style so you can extend its life.

When done thoughtfully, a blowout can be a fun way to switch up your look without permanently changing your hair. You get to enjoy the versatility: one day you have big, bouncy, blown-out curls, and a few days later you can be back to your naturally curly crown, none the worse for wear. By following the guidance in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the curly blowout, achieving that smooth, voluminous style while keeping the curls intact for the long run. So go ahead and rock that blowout confidently, embracing the best of both worlds that your beautiful curly hair offers!

Sources:

• SELF – “Heat-Damaged Hair: What to Do When Your Curls Are Ruined” (Jessica Cruel, Self.com)
• NaturallyCurly (via Beautycon) – “How to Do a Natural Hair Blowout” (Evelyn, NaturallyCurly.com)
• Byrdie – “How to Sleep With a Blowout and Keep Your Style Intact” (Rebecca Norris, Byrdie.com)byrdie.com