Recently I was running errands and a young lady approached me and enquired about my hair routine, products I use, how I style it, etc. She asked me if I use a hair diffuser and I responded that I do not use a diffuser because it does not elongate my curls, it shrinks them! I thought the point of a diffuser was to help stretch curls. The young lady agreed and added that when she uses a diffuser, her hair also shrinks, leaving one side longer than the other.
While using a diffuser might work for some “curlies”, I have tried more than once, and failed. The only advantage I’ve found is the method is a quicker way to dry and also define curls. But I soon found an easier and more effective way to elongate my curls using the pineapple! – the most simple and well known method to curly girls all around.
I find that washing my hair and defining my curls by applying products at night, as well as simply putting my hair in a high ponytail or bun, will stretch my curls enough that they noticeably look longer when I remove the ponytail in the morning.
In addition to the pineapple, there are other ways that I have tried to elongate my curls including French braiding or two-strand twisting my hair. Even though my natural hair pattern has changed, these methods still help stretch the hair because of the twisting and pulling while making the braid or twist. Braids and twists also give you a chance to explore different curl patterns on your hair – there are many braiding and twisting techniques to try.
I’m also skeptical about using a diffuser because of the heat. Even though it’s minimal, I don’t feel comfortable aiming warm air on my hair one section at a time. Any hair tool attached to an electrical device makes me cringe for fear that it will damage my curls.
So, to sum everything up, there are healthier and easier alternatives to stretch those curls without using hot tools that could potentially damage your hair. Whether you just did the “big chop” and want to feel more comfortable in your new hairstyle or just prefer longer hair, the pineapple method as well as braiding and twisting hair overnight is a healthier, easier, and very effective way to receive the results you want.
