In this article
If you’re a curly haired beauty, there’s one tool you’ll definitely want in your routine: a hair diffuser. This distinctive piece of equipment is so much more than a hair dryer attachment. It’s a curl booster, a hair health protector, and a time saver.
If you’ve never used one before or you’re not quite sure what to do with one you already have, this guide is for you. We’ll be sharing everything you need to know about using a diffuser for curly hair, from the benefits of the tool to techniques and best practices to unlock your most gorgeous and bouncy curls!
What Is A Hair Diffuser For Curly Hair?
First of all, let’s break down what a hair diffuser is and why you need one.
At surface level, a diffuser is a hair dryer attachment. It’s large, round, and often has little spike-like structures on its surface – don’t worry, they don’t hurt!
In terms of hair care, a diffuser is a tool that redirects the airflow of your hair dryer. It creates a more even and gentle airflow (hence the large surface area of the attachment) that boosts the hair’s natural texture and reduces frizz.
Diffusers are especially beneficial for curly hair because they help define natural curl patterns. If you feel like regular hair dryers tend to blow your curls out of shape, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much of a positive difference a diffuser can make.
How A Hair Diffuser Works
Diffusers create a dispersed or diffused airflow, which gently floats around strands of hair and preserves their natural texture. Regular hair dryer nozzles provide a more concentrated blast of air, which has the power to temporarily change the texture of hair – this is why your curls may be less defined after a regular blowout.
The dispersed airflow also tends to be cooler and gentler on hair, which is why diffusers are a popular choice for anyone looking to avoid frizz and heat damage.
The Benefits Of Blow Drying Curls With A Diffuser
- Enhances natural curl pattern
- Gentler on hair
- Prevents frizz
- Saves time
How To Dry Curly Hair With A Diffuser
One of the best things about diffusers is that they’re easy to use. All you have to do is pop yours onto the end of your hair dryer, and you’ll be able to reap all the incredible benefits.
However, there are certain blow drying techniques you’ll want to employ to ensure your diffuser is bringing out your bounciest and most beautiful curls.
Step 1: Remove excess moisture. After you’ve washed your hair, gently squeeze out any excess moisture. You may want to pat hair down with a microfiber towel to get your hair from dripping to damp – the texture is gentler on hair than conventional jersey towels, and will help prevent frizz. You don’t need to go overboard on this step; diffusers work best on hair that’s mostly wet.
Step 2: Prep hair. Add any relevant products, like a heat protection spray, a curl-boosting gel or mousse, and/or leave-in conditioner. Diffusers can be very beneficial for hair, but treating your locks to extra nourishment is still a good idea.
Step 3: Diffuse. Diffusing is a bit different than regular blow drying. Working in sections is easiest – place a section of your hair onto the diffuser, then press the hair dryer up towards your scalp as you let the airflow work its magic. This technique holds your strands in place while the dispersed air flows around it. Try to tilt your head towards the diffuser rather than pointing the hair dryer downwards – this will enhance volume. Repeat section by section until all of your strands have been diffused.
Pro Tips
- Use a low heat and speed setting to ensure the airflow is as gentle as possible and can be dispersed more easily.
- Hold each section of hair against the diffuser for at least 30 seconds so that strands are mostly dry before you move on – moving the diffuser too fast can result in frizz and an uneven appearance.
- Prep your hair in the shower by detangling with a wide tooth comb while using conditioner.
- Avoid touching your hair while it’s wet to prevent frizz.
Styling Curly Hair With A Diffuser
When your hair is almost dry (around 80%), you can move on to styling and securing.
You should already notice a difference in texture after simply using the diffuser, but you can boost it even more by using your fingers to gently scrunch up strands and create finger curls. This also helps to spread out any product so it doesn’t feel crunchy on your hair.
Once you’re happy with the resulting curl pattern and your hair is fully dry, lock it in with a finishing product (like a hair spray) and enjoy those bouncy curls!
Best Diffuser Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
Interested in unlocking your curls’ potential with a diffuser? We recommend the Laifen SE High Speed Hair Dryer, which comes with its own diffuser nozzle. This high quality hair dryer will be all you need for a great hair day thanks to its innovative features that promote your healthiest hair.
The Laifen SE is crafted with ionic technology to fight frizz and boost shine, using the power of 200 million negative ions to quickly wick away moisture and neutralize the static electricity that causes flyaways. It’s also equipped with a handy temperature cycling mode to ensure your locks never get too much heat exposure, so you won’t have to worry about damage.
Concerned the diffusing process will take too long? The Laifen SE’s speedy 105,000 rpm brushless motor provides ultra fast drying times (three times faster than a conventional hair dryer) so you can get on with the rest of your day as soon as possible. And not only is it quick, it’s also near-silent. You’ll get to enjoy fast, easy, and quiet blow drying that makes the most of your natural curls!
Conclusion – Using A Diffuser For Curly Hair
If you’ve got curly hair but no diffuser, you’re missing out. There’s a good reason this helpful hair dryer attachment is often referred to as a game-changer. By dispersing a hair dryer’s airflow to gently wrap around your locks, it enhances your hair’s natural texture to prevent frizz and leave you with stunningly bouncy and healthy-looking curls. Easy to use and gentle, a diffuser is a must-have for anyone with curly hair!
