Scrunching usually involves squeezing your curls in an upward motion to apply curl-holding products and to enhance the shape and tightness of your curls. You’ll achieve more dramatic results if you use a diffuser instead of your fingers. A diffuser attaches to the end of your hair dryer and allows you to direct controlled air and heat at your hair, without blowing it around and causing frizz. Scrunching with a diffuser allows you to create tighter, more defined curls because of the addition of heat to the styling process.
Step 1
Wash and condition your hair, then towel dry. Do not rub your hair with the towel, as doing so creates frizz. Simply blot the excess water from your curls.
Step 2
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to separate your curls if they’re tangled. Do not brush because brushing wet curls can break hair and increase frizz.
Step 3
Apply styling products to damp hair. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum if you’re fighting serious frizz. Use a leave-in conditioner or heat protection product if your blow-dryer makes your hair overly dry or causes damage. Use gel or curl sculpting cream if you need help creating curls.
Step 4
Start at your roots and move the diffuser in small circles on a low heat setting. Move the dryer downward to dry the length of your hair in a lifting, circular motion to add volume. Continue until your hair is completely dry.
Step 5
Flip your head upside down. Gather a section of hair and position the ends on top of your diffuser. Lift the diffuser toward your scalp to scrunch the section of curls. Hold the diffuser in place for a few seconds, then release and scrunch another section.
Step 6
Flip your head back over to inspect your curls. Re-scrunch any flat areas, with your head in an up-right position. Finish with hairspray to keep your curls in tact.
