Air Drying vs. Diffusing Compared - Which is healthier & lasts longer?

Testing air drying versus diffusing curly hair, using the same routine, and seeing which one has less frizz, more volume, definition, and lasts longer after wash day. Also discussing the science behind why diffusing may be healthier than air drying.
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---PRODUCT LINKS---
• Shark HyperAIR Hair Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator and Curl-Defining Diffuser: sharkclean.sjv.io/c/48954/118...
• Affordable hair dryer from Amazon - INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1875 Watt Texture Styling Hair Dryer: amzn.to/3h5QTM5
• LUS Curly All-in-One Curly Styler: bit.ly/35VjkKC
• LUS Irish Sea Moss Gel: bit.ly/3hKU0K0
• HairRepear The Ultimate Hair Towel, : amzlink.to/az0vWrwyXAAj9
• Bouclème Flarisol Mist Spray Bottle, 15% off with code GENA15: collabs.shop/y3cj1c
• Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush: amzlink.to/az033gxXxkLfe
• Similar root clips: amzn.to/3I7NQPq
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:17 Styling Routine
3:23 Diffusing results
3:42 Day 3 with diffusing
4:14 Air Drying results
7:40 Day 3 with air drying
9:02 Results Comparison
9:18 Pros of diffusing
13:20 Is diffusing LESS damaging than air drying?
15:28 Cons of diffusing
17:34 Pros of air drying
18:20 Cons of air drying
20:13 Outro
► How to Diffuse without Frizz for Beginners: • How to Diffuse Curly H...
► How to Reduce Dry Time: • How to Reduce Drying T...
► Shark vs. Dyson Compared: • Shark HyperAir vs. Dys...
► Watch @ManesByMell's video "BRAD MONDO CALLED ME A LIAR... LET'S TALK ABOUT IT": • BRAD MONDO CALLED ME A...
- Read the study referenced:
Lee, Y., Kim, Y. D., Hyun, H. J., Pi, L. Q., Jin, X., & Lee, W. S. (2011). Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Annals of dermatology, 23(4), 455-462. doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.455
- Image of cell membrane complex: images.squarespace-cdn.com/co...
---HAIR TYPE---
• 3A-3B curls
• High porosity
• Medium to coarse texture
• Low density
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---MUSIC---
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#airdrying #diffusingcurlyhair #naturallycurlyhair

[@GenaMarie]

Which drying method do you prefer for your curls and why? Please share!

[@journalersketcher]

I definitely prefer air drying. Diffusing is just work and on shoulder length wavy hair I can diffuse for 10-15 minutes and it'll still be as wet as before diffusing.

[@bw7839]

I like to air dry my hair to about 75% then diffuse the rest of the way to obtain volume. Received a Dyson for Xmas, but gotta say I get more root volume with my Orchid diffuser on my Elchin dryer 🤷‍♀️ Takes about the same amount of time too. I have 3 b/c fine, dense hair type.

[@KathleenKC1]

My hair prefers to be diffused, but my back prefers my hair to be air dried.

[@bw7839]

@@KathleenKC1 Recently the hair around the nap of my neck has decided to go straight if left alone. I help it along by using perm rods while drying. The curl seems to hold for a few days like that. Weird 🤦‍♀️

[@KathleenKC1]

@@bw7839 Sorry for the confusion. I was not referring to the back of my hair, I have back problems.

[@katieriley4095]

I used to air dry and would get inconsistent results. Sometimes it looked great, sometimes it was flat, or very frizzy. My hairdresser coached me on diffusing and brush styling, then I found you and manes by mell. Now I get more consistent voluminous results. I appreciate all the tips and information you give. I am more satisfied with how my curls look

[@GenaMarie]

That makes me so happy!! 👏🏼🙌🏼

[@arielfeasts]

I think it's really amazing that you mentioned ability and accessibility with air drying! things like that are never mentioned, it may not be a feasible option for some depending on their needs and body.

[@GenaMarie]

Yes definitely! So many great viewers of mine have pointed that out before. It’s something we often don’t think about ❤️

[@qimzel]

Absolutely! A huge thank you for mentioning this, and for just listening to us who struggle with this 💜 I have chronic pain and muscle issues so the showering and styling routine on it's own take everything out of me.. I do think my hair would definitely benefit from it though.. Maybe I need to look into splitting up my routine and investing in a decent hairdryer 😊

[@Shibini11]

@@qimzel i can understand since curly hair styling takes actually so much energy of our bodies ! At least for me it does tire me out also, sometimes more than other times. Maybe wash now style later could be a nice styling routine to split up your energy for caring for your curls!

[@iluvdogs1430]

I loved your results from diffusing. You had beautiful definition and volume plus I also noticed way more shine with diffusing. Thanks for sharing your tips, I have similar fine curly hair as yours and find your tips very helpful.

[@kayla4069]

Love the vid! I used to air dry but after I found a diffuser at home I started to use it and had lovely curls I have a ton of shrinkage but honestly it’s such a cute look!

[@adrchav8205]

I love your hair air dried! So beautiful! It looks better because it’s not so full/thick at the crown and sparse at the ends. Plus your hair color shines through with the air dry method and it compliments your skin. Lovey tutorial!

[@jubilee2544]

Yep. Honestly when it comes to curls I always refer to my two fav curlies - Manes by Mell and Gena. This is because I know you have researched and tried and tested products, brands, and even curl studies! There may be other hair folks out there but I seek curl advice from these two trusted sources. Thx so much for all you do!

[@sunlovinglady8562]

You are the most helpful youtuber that I follow for curly hair. I could NOT figure out what to do with my newly grown out silver hair which lost a LOT of curl. I watched this video, and decided to try pulling out more water from my hair with my microfiber towel and diffusing it longer. I had started the curly girl method at the same time as I started growing out my silver, so I was leaving too much water in my hair and then air drying which took 8 hours to dry. When I did things YOUR way, I got all of my curl back! Thank you so much!! Keep up the good work! XOXO

[@na5314]

I so appreciate this video! I too am team diffuse. I’ve been air drying my hair pretty much my entire life! I’m 21, and I recently started diffusing more. I was afraid of using my diffuser because I thought I would damage my hair, but with all this newfound knowledge I know that I can prevent heat damage if I diffuse responsibly! :) thank you Gena! It gives me confidence knowing I have nothing to fear about diffusing and it saves time too! :) thank you again!

[@adriannajauregui8816]

This is so interesting. I usually diffuse in the winter months to speed up the drying time and air dry mostly in the summer. The other day the weather was beautiful so I air dried and surprisingly my hair turned out great. I guess it just depends. Lots of variables can cause different outcomes. Lovely how no curly head Of hair is the same. ❤️

[@StormyDay]

Same here, I NEVER air dry in the winter! Too cold! When it starts getting warm out, I air dry sometimes, more in the summer, but I ALWAYS plop when I do, even for 5 or 10 minutes, that makes such a difference.

[@foreverjennicole]

Wow what a difference. I typically air dry my hair and now I'm understanding why I need to diffuse instead. My hair looks exactly like yours in your air dry comparison. I really need to go back to diffusing

[@GenaMarie]

I hope it helps!! ❤️

[@foreverjennicole]

@@GenaMarie i tried it last night! & omg my hair is soooo curly, defined & voluminous! I slept in a bonnet but i used three clips to keep my hair up in the bonnet (learned from jannelle) and wow! My hair is sooo different. My husband even commented and we both laughed and said i look straight out of the 80s hahaha

[@REDSTU1]

I am really glad you showed the side by side. Normally I air dry but I think I am going to try diffusing and see how it goes.

[@angieb9076]

I was off work and was able to try air drying; my hair reacted like yours - frizzy, flat and undefined. I love the way my hair looks after diffusing!

[@lindacroyt4966]

I had never diffused my hair until a month ago and I’m hooked! Diffusing is a game changer.

[@annesiska4752]

Great video! I liked the diffused look more volume and definition! I was surprised with the air drying there was less shine!

[@mycozysanctuary]

Hi Gena, I’m new here a wanted to thank you for your tips and tricks. I struggle with flat frizzy hair and your videos have been so helpful. I’ve never diffused my hair before but anxious to try it and see how it looks. My hair is high porosity type 3, medium thickness and medium density. Off to check out your blog.

[@wickedwest89]

Definitely preferred diffused! The pro/con lists were extensive and thoughtful…so much great info! Amazing that you recognized details like the cost of a dryer.

[@GenaMarie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@surbhii.k]

Now i know why my hair look so weird after drying I'm gonna purchase a diffuser now.

[@ZeeZee0023]

Love diffusing! Love your hair! Similar to yours if I air dry my hair is frizzy and doesn’t feel as smooth.

[@jessg.829]

Team diffuse all the way! Great video! You always do an amazing job showing us both options and giving us so much great information! I have the Conair dryer w/diffuser that you used to use and I love it. I would like to try the Shark, but it's kinda out of my price range! 😄

[@GenaMarie]

Yay so glad you liked it! I love the Conair diffuser too ❤️

[@karenmaryodonnell]

Great information!!

[@NadiraJamal]

Seeing the two methods side-by-side was really helpful. If you're taking requests, I'd love to see a follow-up where you do a side-by-side with the products & techniques optimized for air drying. For example, if I'm not getting the shrinkage bonus from diffusing, I have to be militant about lightweight products and may take extra steps for root volume. A side-by-side that's optimized for each method would also be interesting: what's the very best you can get out of air drying vs. the very best you can get out of diffusing. I'm a recent convert to diffusing and do it on most wash days, but I will be air drying at least some of the time over the summer. (Using a blowdryer in hot weather is not fun, and I like to swim and paddle board, so my hair gets wet a lot more often.)

[@BeaunaturelleFeb11]

OMG! 😱 The difference was clear Gena. I think your visuals are great, just like the flaxseed gel video you did in the humidity. I couldn’t believe how much your hair puffed up. I definitely prefer the diffused side. 👍🏾 i have 4a coils, so I don’t think diffusing will make any difference to me, so I’m not even gonna bother to try. My main focus is keeping the high porosity part of my hair moisturised.

[@MyVintageLife]

I usually just let it air dry, unless I am going for a straight look, even though I have a diffuser. But that gets tricky and wonky in cold weather. Recently I tried Garnier's curl care shampoo and I was amazed at how it took my curls up a notch, even after I switched! That shampoo is incredible 😍.

[@lisalanghart59]

Definitely prefer the diffused side. I can’t believe how different the two sides look. I’m also amazed at how much shinier the diffused side is. I really like the LUS all in one and new gel. I had never tried the products before and I love the way my hair comes out on day 1. It also seems to last a bit longer. Stays hydrated and also feels very natural on my hair.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah the shine part was interesting. I think it’s because my hair is naturally dull and only looks shiny with a gel cast. So because air drying caused the gel cast to disappear, my hair was dull and the moisture evaporated. With diffusing I still had a cast so I had shine and moisture

[@nikkid8834]

Thank you for your hardwork and commitment to the curl community. We love you

[@GenaMarie]

Aw thanks so much!

[@nouRan-khattab]

agreeee soo muuch

[@SabbigalAS]

Yes thank you, Gena. I only at the start of the pandemic started wearing my natural curls. I've not straighten my hair in over a year now and it's so healthy as a result. Before the pandemic, it was once in a blue moon that you'd see me with my curls. Now, I've fallen for my curls and only ever wear my hair in its natural state. Your vids are so helpful 😊

[@sav827]

Yes, I agree. I do not air dry due to frizzy hair and how long it takes to air dry. Love the results with defusing. I also have the shark and love how fast my hair dries. 😀❤

[@saral6978]

I diffuse for about 10 mins max on my wash days, that’s all I can stand. I then let it air dry. It can take hours and hours to fully dry still. My hair def looks wild when I shake it out sometimes, but I just roll with it. I’m going to have to try diffusing all the way sometime to see exactly what would happen. Lol. Thanks for such a thorough video!!

[@nikkid8834]

Team air dry!

[@iamwell5654]

Definitely love the defuser version!! How do you keep your curls while sleeping. My ringlets are a mess in the back when I wake up (air dry) I’ve never used a defuser as didn’t want more volume & my hair is long and much thicker maybe 4x what you have. Even if I plaster gels on it it’s thick and voluminous. Same curls like yours but very fine hair so I try to avoid heat. Also now that I’m older my hair is dryer & gets damage quicker, but my curls gets frizzy quicker. I don’t have much patience with blow drying. However, your video made me a believer & I’ll get myself a good dryer with defuser. Thank you for this video. Very simple to understand and good information. Thanks again.

[@handsomebynatasja2947]

Absolutely the diffuse ones!

[@alyssarosengard6674]

This was a great experiment. I am getting my hair cut tomorrow, so nervous. I’m using a new hairdresser.

[@annem3354]

Wow! Such a big difference when you diffuse! I definitely prefer diffusing for all the same reasons as you. I’ve been wanting to try the clips for volume when I diffuse. What do you think of this technique?

[@DeepThought42]

If you don't want frizz when air dying you need to have hair still fairly wet when you finish styling and leave it to air dry. What you do, absorbing a lot of the water with curly towels, would guarantee frizz and cast/ hold not lasting if I air dried (and probably if difused) my fine low density curls. It doesn't take anywhere near the time yours does but coarse hair does take longer than fine hair, especially if you use a lot of styling products. I actually diffuse mostly as it's better for volume on top but stop before 100% dry to avoid overdoing it and potentially causing frizz,

[@colleenmeinert8231]

Wow there is a definite difference. I usually air dry but will definitely be diffusing from now on. Your results just blew me away. I had no idea!!

[@GenaMarie]

Thanks! I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you 🙏🏼❤️

[@marleneharden544]

Hello...pretty Gina, I'm new to your video but I have enjoyed them..I just bought some products for my hair including a hair drying w/diffuser. I have done alot of air drying in the summer but in the winter 🥶 it would literally take one full day of air drying and gosh...I hated washing my hair all together 😔 I have very thick hair and a diffuser is a blessing ..I believe a diffuser is a way to go..😇 Thank you for sharing and showing us the Big differences of your Gorgeous hair 🙏

[@rachellep2581]

Wow the differences in your hair were shocking to me. Your hair seems to be allot happier with diffusing. I am team air dry, though I usually do 90% air dry and 10% diffuse. My hair air drys fast at about 2 hours. I would never be able to spend a whole day air drying 😱. My volume is not overly effected by air drying and increases as the days go by. Though my curl pattern is tighter then yours. In conclusion lol, my main reasons for air drying are shine, convince and moisture retention.

[@GenaMarie]

So interesting! Thanks for sharing! i also noticed my curls held onto moisture better with diffusing, perhaps because the gel cast helped lock it in.

[@rachellep2581]

I agree with you. Your hair looks like it definitely does hold moisture longer with diffusing. All hair is so different. I think my hair likes to slowly release water as it drys. My hairs cuticle seems to lay much smoother, without fans and heat. I end up having longer lasting shine. Also when I apply product and don't apply heat. Their seems to be something more coating and nurished about my curls😃. At least for the first couple days. Maybe the heat evaporates some of this 🤷🏽‍♀️.

[@TracyD2]

All I know is when I stopped using heat my hair thrived. So now I’m afraid to start diffusing. Perhaps I need to learn how in a healthier manner.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah with low heat at a distance, it shouldn’t damage it. Just keep your dryer moving around slowly ☺️

[@not.a.robott]

You can even use medium to high heat and as long as you're hovering 6 inches away with constant movement it should cause virtually no damage!

[@kristinekerr3688]

As a curly girl myself I like the diffuser results!

[@kaylablanton8519]

I am the same as you, if I let my curls air dry I don't get anywhere near as much volume & definition. My curls don't shrink up at all without diffusing & if I airdry I look like a 2b/2c instead of 3a. I am 32 & I have been wearing my hair curly with gel since I was a freshman in high school. I have stayed so much in my comfort bubble with my routine that I haven't ever gone past my gels/mouses & drying with a diffuser. When I first started diffusing my junior year in high school, I didn't know how to properly use it. I just knew it said it was for curly hair that came with a hairdryer.😳😊 I found your channel a couple weeks ago, along with @ManesByMell. I have learned a lot, so much so I got a few inches cut off my hair yesterday so I would get the best results with my new knowledge. Fingers crossed for better hair days ahead!🤞🏻 I really appreciate your tips & videos, I am excited for my wash day tomorrow with a new perspective & more wisdom. 💗💜 Kayla- Kentucky

[@GenaMarie]

Aw I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@MyVintageLife]

I definitely want to avoid that crunchy brittle gel cast, but seem to get it a lot anyway in the winter.🥶😒

[@cabjob]

Hi Gena, I find if I air dry my Type 3a hair I have to use a lot a very strong gel, otherwise I get a lot of frizz as well. I usually plop my hair for a few hours then I diffuse dry. I only air dry my hair when it is very hot as it takes too long to dry.

[@gasparinha]

I always look like I have three hairs on wash day, whether or not I diffuse, even after fluffing it out. (Tips welcome!) Because of this (and NOT being a morning person at ALL) I wash and use curling cream at night, and my fine hair is mostly dry when I go to bed - then I rewet it and use gel/mousse in the morning. I ought to try diffusing for 30 seconds on mornings I haven't cut it too close!

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah mine looks very thin too when its still wet and in the cast. It always amazing how hair expands when it's scrunched and fluffed out!

[@yusurkassem4174]

What exactly is a gel cast? There’s so many products and I’m not sure where to start 😭 I def need a curl creme, a good curly conditioner and this video convinced me to get a diffuser but am actually lost for the rest

[@mary.gold1111]

You mentioned the gel is great for winter, why? Love your tutorials!

[@GenaMarie]

Thanks! I plan to feature the products more in a future video to share more, but it has ingredients that help with moisture retention

[@dixiemerchant1052]

Good Lord! I never knew there was anything EXCEPT air drying and frizz! (Of course I’ve heard of diffusing but never did it) WOW-I am going to have huge better options over frizz or tons of cream (or wax). This is great! Thanks!! PS I am from the bygone days of drying upside down with mouse!

[@autumntralise870]

Looking to buy a blow dryer today for fine hair do you feel the shark or dyson runs hotter? I don’t want to fry my hair

[@karengrove8785]

I just let my air dry for a little bit then I decided to use the hair diffuser and the curls /wavy hair thick amazing trying out hairtage leaving -in conditioner pudding curly/wavy is pretty and hairtage donding per/treatment nice,the co-wash how often do I use co-wash shampoo

[@landerson4319]

Always always diffuse my hair dry. I don’t have all day to wait for my hair to air dry. Only time I ever let my hair air dry is when I’m out on the lake after swimming. 😄

[@toninatoli]

Persuaded!

[@mojom5670]

Do you say anywhere how long you diffuse? That's my problem in the morning, I don't really have time to sit there for 1/2 hour or even 20 minutes to diffuse. How long does it take you?

[@ceystal]

I like my results better when I air dry vs diffuse so I have a time limit of diffusing on cool air for 15 min focusing on my roots and let the rest air dry which can take 3-4 hrs which doesn't bother me. I hate the heat from a blow dryer and use the one from shark but constantly have my hand on the cool shot button. Anytime I do diffuse most of the way I just don't like the way my hair looks as much

[@GenaMarie]

Thats good you found a combination of both that works well for you!

[@elizabeth3555]

I personally use a hooded dryer, so that way I can just sit there and not have to hold up a heavy hair dryer for hours on end. I’d air dry, but if I did that my hair would probably end up staying wet for like a week.

[@zaynas60]

If my hair already has ultra body and defined curls with hair gel, will diffusing help tame it? I want less body and less frizz.

[@StormyDay]

I liked both of them, your hair was fuller, more natural-looking and longer with the air drying, and it looks more neat, polished and defined with the diffuser. I air dry frequently (only in the summer, though) and I use a strong gel and I get the same frizz level if I diffuse, sometimes less if I air dry. Frizz is volume and I love frizz in the root area where I need lift. I’m curious as to why it took soooo long to air dry if you say your hair is low density and high porosity. My hair dries in about 3-4 hours and my hair is longer and thicker, high porosity, medium density and medium thickness of individual strands-I plop though, for about 10-20 minutes, when I air dry, that’s a pretty important step. Maybe bc your hair is coarse? I’m thinking, though, it’s really the gel you used. You need to use a product with a harder cast when you air dry. I find the gels that are more moisture-based tend to be a poor choice for air drying.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah I was really perplexed by that as well because when I have air dried with no product or just leave in, it dries in like an hour lol! I’m thinking it’s because the moisturizing products and all the film forming humectants in the gel, which are designed to trap in moisture. This is why I recommend them in the winter 🙌🏼

[@StormyDay]

@@GenaMarie you may be more successful if you added a stronger gel and plopped! Next time! 🙂

[@lemonyann]

I hate the diffuser. It makes my hair puff up and the frizz is awful.

[@mariposa_1127]

Me too! :)

[@sahlkazi3058]

Curious, have you ever tried Prose?

[@paulawalsh4979]

I like how my hair looks air-dried and diffused, But I can only air-dry if I'm not going out as it literally takes all day to dry! So usually I diffuse....

[@stargwynn1]

I must be the weird one out. I prefer your air dried hair. It falls more naturally and drapes your face better whereas the diffused while voluminous doesn’t have a soft natural look and definitely looks like there is product and styling goin

[@nancyromagnuolo3772]

Diffused!

[@Jamesyates2609]

In terms of brushing product through, does this define the curls or just distribute it? As I prefer to not brush style. Thanks

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, just helps coat the hair evenly in the products! After i then run my fingers through to lift the hair back off the scalp and separate so its not stretched out and stuck down.

[@Cesparkle]

Hi Gena thank so much for these amazing helpful videos 🥰❤️ what are your thoughts on coconut or olive oil for curly hair?

[@GenaMarie]

I don't mind those oils in my products, but I don't find them necessary to use plain on hair in raw form.

[@Cesparkle]

@@GenaMarie I have the Camille rose oil, I use that as a pre poo. Is that the only thing i need to use before washing? Also do you recommend oils for after the shower to lick in moisture?

[@Cesparkle]

Lock**

[@SabbigalAS]

Wow I only ever air dry. My hair must be high porosity because my hair dries really quickly, in a few hours. I can wash before work, go in - with an hour of it being in a cast before I scrunch it out and get a ton of volume and shine. I've always wanted to try diffusing, it just seems like a lot for work to me tho and more money I'd have to spend so I just stick with air drying.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah thats great if it dries fast. I didn't get time to discuss porosity because it definitely plays a big role in how quick your hair dries. Mine is medium to high porosity and it dries really fast without products or with just a leave in, but with products and curl clumps it took like 9 hours haha!

[@SabbigalAS]

@Gena Marie omg lol I definitely would NOT want to deal with wet hair for 9 hours! In Spring/Summer, sometimes I'll go outside and sit in the sun to speed things along or if I can find a sunny place in the house, that helps too. I was surprised by how much frizz you experienced when air drying using the same products/amount. I recently was forced to try out a mouse I'd never used before, but thankfully it turned out great and I've been loving the results/hold/smell and have been using it since. I wonder if you'd get the same results when air drying w. different products like you mentioned. And I sometimes sleep with wet styled hair when I wait too long in the day to wash my hair. What you mentioned in the vid has me rethinking all that now, got me wanting to abandon doing that all together. And learning about the internal damage experienced w. hair in a wet stage is so interesting to hear. Thanks for the shout-out to Mell too, Gina. You guys rock and are my two exclusive curly hair youtubers I watch for trusted content so thank you! 😊

[@sarangcrochets9583]

Every time I diffuse it just turns out so frizzy no matter what I do :(

[@GenaMarie]

Have you seen my video on how to reduce frizz when diffusing? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33JeIGsYtl_eKM Hope that helps! ❤️❤️

[@sarangcrochets9583]

@@GenaMarie no i haven’t !! I’ll check it out thanks !

[@k.5654]

I wish I could use my diffuser. I try to but my curls end up getting frizzy and it ruins my whole mood. I also don’t have much time in the morning to do it. ☹️

[@GenaMarie]

If you're short on time, you can try diffusing for 5-10 minutes just to set the curls then let it finish air drying. With the right diffusing techniques and strong hold products, it shouldnt cause frizz. I share my techniques to reduce frizz here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33JeIGsYtl_eKM

[@kaylaramirez9242]

Hi is there any more similar diffusers u would recommend maybe some that u find are between $40 to $150 range ? Cuz I find certain issues with ones that r too cheap but I don’t want to spend 300 on a diffuser. Hope u see this thank u 🙏🏽 💕💕💕

[@GenaMarie]

The one I use from Shark is $180 and is the best I've tried, however I also linked a $30 diffuser that is great. sharkclean.sjv.io/c/48954/1184301/8359 amzn.to/3h5QTM5 I am going to be testing one soon from Bionionic that's around $150 I think. I should have a video on that later in March.

[@kaylaramirez9242]

Okay thanks so much you’re so knowledgeable and you’ve been apart of my hair growth journey thank you for all your help !!! 💕💕💕

[@soniaburgos4595]

I prefer diffusing hands down! I have no patience to air dry and I do not like the end results as well, it makes my hair look lifeless!

[@GenaMarie]

I totally agree!

[@bellaveda9112]

I love air drying because I feel it looks more natural

[@FourTilSunday]

I prefer air drying because I'm lazy. lol Also, I have to use way more product when I plan to diffuse, or else my hair will turn out frizzy and have a lack of definition. My hair takes around 3 hours to air dry, so typically what I do is shower/wash my hair when I get home from work. Then when I wake up in the days following, I just do a quick refresh with water before work. I'm trying to grow my hair out (it's currently shoulder length with the shortest layers being about eye level), so maybe as my hair grows I will end up preferring to diffuse. With my current hair cut/length, air drying just works better for me.

[@GenaMarie]

Ah that makes sense! Thanks for sharing!

[@sharonkelly2086]

I never never air dry and was shocked to see the side by side. Did the air dry side look super dull bc you didn’t use an oil to scrunch out the crunch??

[@GenaMarie]

I know! so crazy! It looked dull because there was no gel cast. My hair is coarse in some areas and also leans high porosity so it’s dull without product or when there’s not a gel cast. I didn’t use an oil for either routine because I wanted the hold to last longer and not be super softened up. I didn’t end up scrunching out any of the crunch with air drying because there was no cast to scrunch by the time it dried

[@Dt-zn2lx]

I have short hair and I air dry but I don’t like the wet look from the cremes. Would diffusing help that?

[@GenaMarie]

Yes because it'll dry it faster and give more fullness. However you may get frizz from diffusing with just a cream because creams don't provide hold (usually) and you'll need a gel to give that cast that will protect from frizz while diffusing. It will also help your hair last longer in between washes.

[@Dt-zn2lx]

Thank you

[@marymary1083]

I’m Team Air Drying ♥️ I even bought a Dyson dryer, thanks You Tube Influencers 😂 my patience for diffusing, is not much… I can still get volume with air drying and my curls don’t shrink as much as well, with less frizz, but that’s me and my curls. Thank you for sharing your results ✨✨

[@Italianqueen1966]

I prefer air drying cuz it takes my hair forever to air dry. Thank ya for another awesome video Gena!!! 💯💋

[@paulah4476]

team diffuse

[@karengrove8785]

Lus hair gel to stick and stiff for a curly/wavy hair thick what kind do recommend it price and dry

[@marleneharden544]

Gina..do you use a pick on the 2nd and 3nd day to fluff it back in shape w/water sprayer..thank you for sharing your video 🙋‍♀️

[@GenaMarie]

Nope, I usually just wet my hands and smooth over frizz. If I’m doing a full refresh if it’s really bad I’ll use a spray bottle. I also don’t use a pick only because my hands tend to do just fine fluffing

[@journalersketcher]

Gena, I'm one of the people who are afraid of the gel cast. My reason is that with hard hold gels the cast does not come out until I clarify my hair. Hard hold gels give me stringy waves that do not scrunch out and I cannot clap them out either. Then most gels give me that wet look as a result.

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am looking to learn more about people's experience and hesitation with strong hold gels. Does that happen even when you don't use a lot of product? I just was wondering because that's the only time that's happened to me is when I just used too much gel and it didnt scrunch out all the way.

[@TracyD2]

Yes. It looks like a have stringy greasy hair.

[@journalersketcher]

@@GenaMarie To be honest I don't really remember. Last time I tried a hard hold gel was when I tried Curlsmith hair makeup (used a lot to get the color to show), but I always seemed to have a hard time getting even some crunch out. I seem to get the best softness/volume/definition when I use quite a bit of conditioner and don't rinse it all out possibly and don't follow it up with styling product. Still searching for wavy to get the waves to last.

[@Dt-zn2lx]

My hair is the same way. I’m going to try to use less product. I use not your mothers curl creme. Do you scrunch it out after it drys? Thank you

[@journalersketcher]

@@Dt-zn2lx Whether it's mousse, gel or curl creme I get a crunch. With not your mothers curl cream I had to clap out the crunch (scrunching at that point gives me frizz) if I remember correctly. Apparently I have that weird hair type that doesn't like styling product (with exception of leave-in), hates plopping and pineappling, scrunching out the crunch, diffusing. Made CG method a giant struggle until I realized it wasn't my hair, it was the mehod.

[@TheHikingChick1]

Diffusing all the way!

[@catsusch4288]

Instead of airdrying, I like my Babybliss hood dryer to 80% and finish deifusser

[@GenaMarie]

The best of both worlds 🙌🏼

[@mimico5138]

Oh my don’t try this never ever😅I did the same and had the same results Diffuser are the best 👌

[@larissapatterson365]

Your day 3 looks like my hair about 4 hours after I leave the house!! I don't diffuse all the way, maybe 80%. Maybe that's my problem. But your day 3 is my everyday. So how do I not start over the next day when nothing works. I'm not supposed to wash everyday but when I wake up looking terrible all I want is to start over. Oh by the way my hair is very similar to yours & it always looks the same with all products. 😢 please help

[@GenaMarie]

You likely need stronger hold. What gel are you using?

[@larissapatterson365]

​@GenaMarie I use your fav, Quidad. I also use AG recoil cream & diffuse. It is definitely better since following you. Thank you!

[@annaburns5382]

I know that air drying is healthier for your hair and scalp, but my hair is so fine and limp that low heat drying helps give my hair more volume, which I really need. I move my dryer around a lot so that my hair won't get too warm. Thats unlikely since I use low heat.

[@christinapaden123]

That’s funny- I get more frizz with diffusing

[@mariposa_1127]

I don't use a diffuser because it makes my hair look really big, and like a big puff ball and it drives me crazy. I air dry but I put in more leave-in conditioner and a lot less gel than you did in the video. I think your hair doesn't look as good air-dried because you put in the same amount of ingredients as you did with the diffuser.

[@TheAutisticCapricorn811]

Real question is: Should you use liquid shampoo and conditioner or a bar of soap to make your hair look naturally well-coiffed and easily silken?

[@journalersketcher]

I use shampoo bar and conditioner bar since they last longer for me.

[@nouRan-khattab]

❤❤❤❤❤✨✨✨🔥🔥🔥

[@jaz1elise]

Great video, Gena! I love diffusing now because my hair is more defined and frizz-free with more volume.

[@susandurandstone4278]

Now I know why my hair is a frizz ball. I’ve binged your videos the last few days and feel I don’t have to shave my head now😉😉😂