To get the most benefit out of your diffuser, hold it right up to the ends of your hair and use it to push the ends of your hair up towards the roots as you blow dry. A good diffuser should reduce the amount of air your hair is exposed to. If you don’t see a significant difference in airflow when you put the diffuser on your hair dryer, you may need a better diffuser. Use the low or medium heat and speed settings on your blow dryer to prevent frizz. [2] X Research source
If you want added volume, you can try lifting your roots with duckbill hair clips before you begin blow drying. Simply divide the top layer of your hair into sections and put a clip under each section, angling it into the roots. This will help create some extra lift as your hair dries.
You may want to try a lightweight oil or serum. Make sure to apply a thermal protectant to your hair before blowing it dry.
You can also use a detangling spray, if necessary.
Pull the brush down straight. If you turn it, you will be creating new waves in your hair instead of blow drying it straight. Heat will help you achieve the sleekness you want, so set your hair dryer to medium or high heat. Use the blow dryer nozzle to properly direct the heat to your hair, as that is one of the biggest mistakes people make when drying their hair.
If you want stick straight hair, just pull the flat iron straight down without angling it towards your face at all.
Try using the flat nozzle attachment on your blow dryer for this step, as it will focus more air on your roots. You can also use duckbill clips to add some lift to your roots. Use them to clip up small sections of your hair, angling the clips towards the roots from underneath. This will give you added volume when your hair dries. [5] X Research source
This will work the best if you part your hair where you want it for your final style before you start braiding. You can also try twisting your hair into small buns and pinning it up if you don’t want to do braids.
Your results will not be as good if your hair is not fully dry, so be thorough. Depending on the thickness of your hair, it will probably take between 5 and 10 minutes to dry completely. You can use whichever heat and speed settings you want, but your hair will dry faster if it is on high.
To scrunch your hair, simply grab a section of your hair in the palm of your free hand and close your fingers around it. This encourages waves to form. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. You can also use the diffuser to scrunch by holding it at the ends of your hair and pushing your hair up towards the roots with it.
It may help to work in small sections. Pin up the rest of your hair as you work to blow dry one area at a time. Use the flat nozzle attachment for your blow dryer for the best results. Your goal should be to get your hair as straight as possible during this step, as you will be adding in waves later on. Using the high heat and speed settings on your blow dryer will help you achieve this.
Try experimenting with different sized brushes. A smaller brush will give you a tighter wave. The length of time you will have to hold the blow dryer to your wave to make it hold will depend on the thickness and texture of your hair. Applying hair spray while your hair is twisted around the brush may help it hold the wave.