So, I really am getting better at allowing my hair to air dry... 

I usually allow my hair a gentle dry with the towel, comb it out, and let it air dry just long enough so that I can manage to put it back in a braid, usually a single or double french braid.  As long as I do this (as in, get the washing part finished) about 5pm or so, braided by 6, my hair is dry (and very loverly & wavy) by the morning.

however... my hair is falling flat by the end of the day. Grrr.  I understand that I have very long, very thick hair, but do any of you ladies or gents know some tricks that might help keep some of the lift at the roots and not using a blowfryer?  I'd be most appreciative. 

Sakina,

Have you tried this?  And you said knots... so, if I were, say, french braiding my hair, could I tie these knots every time I pick up hair from either side?

I'm just trying to get a mental picture so I can practice with my hair dry before washing my hair and trying it out for real. 

Good idea!