Step 2: Use the "rake and shake" method, Step-By-Step: How to Diffuse Curly Hair

Hairstyles

Step-By-Step: How to Diffuse Curly Hair

This expert guide will get you perfectly defined, frizz-free curls

January 21, 2010 | by Sarah Carrillo | 49 COMMENTS

Step 2: Use the "rake and shake" method

Ouidad has a signature method for applying product that helps curls keep their shape so your final look has more definition. It takes some time but the results are worth it.

To start, divide hair into five sections: one at the front of your head, and two sections on each side of your head. Take one section at a time and rake product through it with your fingers. Use a styling lotion for curly hair (try Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme, $27), or a foam or mousse for wavy hair (try Samy Curls Constructor Activating Mousse, $5.99).

After you've smoothed the product on the section, hold on to it by the ends and gently shake your hair to help natural curls form. If you skip this step your curls will loose their shape. You can divide each section into smaller sections as well for the shaking to help each individual curl form.

Next: help with volume

SEE NEXT PAGE: Step 3: Add volume

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products mentioned

Aussie Sydney Smooth Heat Protector Plus Leave-In...

8.4

Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave In Treatment

8.1

Samy Curls Constructor Activating Mousse

9.6

Ouidad Duckbill Clips

7.5

TRESemme Flawless Curls Spray Gel

9.0

Ouidad Clear Control Pomade

10.0

Vidal Sassoon VS624 Universal Finger Diffuser...

8.9

T3 Bespoke Diffuser II

7.6

Helen of Troy Euro Style Finger Diffuser (Model 1522)

10.0

Sedu Xti Diffuser

10.0

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Excellent advice. I have a lot of natural curl, and I see stylists following these steps instead of using any curlers or curling irons. They simply work the curls with their fingers.

by GigiSD Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Very good advice!

by luckygal79 Monday, December 31, 2012 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips!

by T_rod93 Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 03:34AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks! This was very helpful! I'll be sure to keep this in mind when my karmin salon pro hair dryer arrives! It comes with a diffuser so I hope they hurry up with the shipping :D

by laura_wolfhart Friday, June 22, 2012 at 08:32PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful! i will try on my frizzy mess!

by pamken Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

I have a diffuser for my curl hair, it works great at enhancing my curls. Having a pro hair dryer helps too, mine is a Karmin G3 Salon Pro Professional and it's the best i've used so far :)

by mtaylor722 Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 05:59PM Report as inappropriate

VERY helpful tips, I just wish there were pictures or a video to make it easier to understand.

by mrselliott08 Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

Very true..it's taking a long time!

by maryjane_baja Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:21PM Report as inappropriate

WOW I learned so much! Thank You for publishing this!

by Mishashawnea Friday, March 16, 2012 at 01:16AM Report as inappropriate

Maybe I'll get it right, now!!

by powerwoman033 Monday, March 12, 2012 at 08:06AM Report as inappropriate

I can't wait to try these tips! I also will try the Ouidad line, sounds very nice!

by WiccanLady Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

nice, thanks for the tips, I will try this with my Karmin Salon Pro Professional Hair Dryer which is amazing :P

by mtaylor722 Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 09:23AM Report as inappropriate

good ideas

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:55AM Report as inappropriate

I can't wait to try these tips! I have really curly hair naturally so I am willing to try quite a lot to keep my hair tamed.

by SummerOrchid Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:13AM Report as inappropriate

awesome tips!

by kmb1129 Friday, December 9, 2011 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate

i love this amazingg tips

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:29AM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the "rattle and shake" method, but it doesn't work well for my very fine, wavy hair--makes it ratty looking. Leaving it to dry in larger sections naturally, without touching it except for the crown, works better for my hair.

by cloudlb Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

great tips.

by todo_seria_mejor Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 07:54PM Report as inappropriate

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

by attagirl Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 05:51PM Report as inappropriate

I'm definitely going tot try the Ouidad "rake and shake" tip!

by vfalkow Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 09:23AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting tips

by Breton Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 06:15AM Report as inappropriate

awesome tips, I'll have to remember these after I curl my hair and it turns out awful(like it usually does)

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:48AM Report as inappropriate

I always iron my hair, but I will have to give this a try.

by MissPurple Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate

great tips!

by benbri1 Monday, June 6, 2011 at 02:42PM Report as inappropriate

no hands will be hard

by modinosaur Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 08:28PM Report as inappropriate

I know some friends that could really use this step by step info

by BrenBren Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

Would love to print the whole article (all the steps) but not able to, why?

by uffdababe Monday, April 25, 2011 at 07:53AM Report as inappropriate

Glad diffusers were listed. I need a new one.

by attagirl Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 09:30AM Report as inappropriate

PLEASE correct this article so that it reads "lose" not "loose." You don't want to "lose" the curl you just created. Not "loose," as in "my pants are too loose." Different words. Different meaning. Great article otherwise, but it drives me nuts when people use "loose" instead of "lose."

by figboot Friday, April 22, 2011 at 04:23PM Report as inappropriate

When it's used as a verb, it's "lose." You don't want to "lose" the curl you just created. "Loose" is an adjective meaning "not tight." "My pants are too loose." Don't mean to be anal, but it drives me nuts to read an article and be thinking "loose the curl" which sounds ridiculous. Otherwise, good advice.

by figboot Friday, April 22, 2011 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful. The product is maybe too heavy for fine hair.

by krycekov Friday, April 22, 2011 at 02:23PM Report as inappropriate

Shortcut Tip: Instead of using duckbill clips, I turn my head upside down and flip my hair over before diffusing. Another quick way to give your roots some lift!

by Eva711 Friday, April 22, 2011 at 11:39AM Report as inappropriate

yeah I'm def guilty of using my hands while blow drying. oops!

by ladyboarder9669 Friday, April 22, 2011 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

Like the duck bill tip for adding volume. I'll have to try this out :)

by ladyboarder9669 Friday, April 22, 2011 at 11:35AM Report as inappropriate

I have used Ouidads tips for years and they really work. I can't use her products though because they have wheat protein in them. I have yet to find any other products that work as well. I think every girl with curly hair has a slightly different curl so what works with one may not work with another. I can't use a diffuser. It fizzes my hair out. Hair dressers love to thin my hair making it easy to fizz. Don't let them thin your curly hair. I have t air dry my hair and it never smells bad. It always has that fresh look. I wish I could find some good products though. Redkin works pretty good. The curly is in the cut. If you get a good cut you should have a great curl.

by sonset Friday, April 22, 2011 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate

great info!

by yckitsmary Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 09:43PM Report as inappropriate

These are great tips. I have naturally curly hair and I just diffuse the roots and let the end air dry, less firzz that way. Diffusing speed up the process so you don't leave the house with soaking wet hair.

by Mysterylady Monday, April 4, 2011 at 10:18AM Report as inappropriate

Its no frizz, air dry for me...thanks

by debjosh Friday, April 1, 2011 at 05:02AM Report as inappropriate

very cool. i always touch my hair so now iknow not to!

by brendag20127 Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 01:52PM Report as inappropriate

Like the duck bill tip for volume. I'm so guilty of touching my hair while blow drying. Guess I better break out the brush next time :)

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 01:03PM Report as inappropriate

actually letting your hair air dry is not the best choice bc it stays wet/damp for a very long time causing knots in curly hair or even a foul smell. i use to always let my hair air dry and once i had my hair diffused it had less frizz and smelled nice for two days

by jennymuffins Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 07:09PM Report as inappropriate

I discovered a cool trick... i turn my heater on in my car full blast only on the face part, it dries my curls and doesnt frizz them! (works best for me since i'm always running late!) :)

by cat7795 Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 03:32PM Report as inappropriate

i just let my hair air dry, its better for your hair anyways

by judyangel101 Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 07:25PM Report as inappropriate

I have always wanted to try making curls with a diffuser..maybe these tips will help

by LittleBunny Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 05:50PM Report as inappropriate

I still think letting my hair air dry works best for me. My hair still frizzes after using a diffuser. I just going to Ouidad's web site to and follow her directions. They work the best I've ever seen. I can't even find a hair dresser that can even work with my hair. It needs tender loving care.

by sonset Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 04:28PM Report as inappropriate

diffusing curly hair is a great way to style curls! they come out super bouncy and shiny if done correctly.

by kenya Monday, December 27, 2010 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

This article was amazing! Ive had a diffuser for some time now, but I've now learned how to effectively use my hair dryer! Thanks!

by grilo Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 10:00AM Report as inappropriate

http://www.ehow.com/how_5979720_straighten_press-coarse-hair.html

by hoxy23 Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 02:41PM Report as inappropriate

Not bad, great product info

by Malibubarbi Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 04:01PM Report as inappropriate

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