How to Dry Curly Hair: Best Hair Dryers That Define Curls Without Drying Them Out

Emma Caldwell
November 2, 2025

When we talk about curly hair care, we are not only referring to the importance of using a specific shampoo or to how essential it can be to use finishing products, such as a good oil to define curls and prevent frizz. There is more. A curly hair routine requires many steps, and the drying process directly influences the result.

Now that winter has arrived and letting hair air-dry is not such a good idea due to the low temperatures, we will show you what is the best way to dry your curly hair. And indeed, a traditional dryer and ignoring certain tips can completely ruin your curls and cause your mane to lose that defined, shiny, voluminous finish that curly girls love so much.

«The drying moment is crucial to avoid frizz, especially if the air is humid. Avoid rubbing the hair with the towel; friction can damage the structure of your curls, causing them to frizz», confirms Conchi Arias, founder of Campos Curlyhair, in Granada and creator of the CCH by Campos Curlyhair brand.

«Instead, use a microfiber towel or even a cotton T-shirt, which is softer and absorbs water without friction. By pressing the towel onto the hair, you will remove the excess water without altering the natural shape of your curls, giving them a softer and more controlled finish,» adds the curly hair expert.

But if you want to speed up the process and need a dryer that helps you leave the house with your hair already ready, today we want to tell you about some options that have arrived on the market and are a real win. Dryers that define without drying out thanks to very innovative techniques.

It is the case of Bellissima’s Steam Ritual, a steam diffuser, which arrives with the aim of revolutionizing the curly hair routine. Thanks to its Steam Active Care technology, the steam penetrates deeply into the hair fiber, delivering intense hydration that revitalizes, defines, and smooths curls in just 5 to 10 minutes. It has been designed for all types of curly hair, incorporating two steam levels that allow personalized care: on wet or damp hair.

Curl Harmony de Rowenta provides faster drying according to 94% of the women who have tried it, while redefining and enhancing the natural beauty of your curls. It delivers perfect results with its three styling accessories and its settings designed to achieve defined curls with half the frizz, for a dryer that simulates natural air drying, with a gentle airflow and without excessive heat.

Hair Dryer 8000 Series de Philips is a high-speed, more compact ionic dryer. It has been designed to protect hair from heat damage with ThermoShield Advanced temperature sensors to achieve strong, shiny, and hydrated hair in no time. You will get soft and shiny hair thanks to the ultra-stable performance of Dual Airstream technology, which draws air in through two inputs simultaneously and condenses it into a single powerful drying airflow, and to its diffuser.

Emma Caldwell
Emma Caldwell
I’m Clara Desrosiers, a writer and fashion editor based in Toronto. I founded Backdoor Toronto to explore the intersection of fashion, identity, and culture through honest storytelling. My work is driven by curiosity, community, and a love for the creative pulse that defines this city.