Have you ever watched someone use a diffuser and wondered how they managed to not turn their hair into a bird’s nest? 🤔
Using a diffuser can seem difficult at first, but with the right technique, it can help to improve the definition, volume and staying power of your curls.
Keep reading for more information about diffusing, as well as a basic guide to trying it at home.
What is a hair diffuser?
A diffuser is an attachment that fits onto the nozzle of your hairdryer and is used to evenly disperse air over large sections of hair. It's super popular with curly girls because it cuts down on drying time and keeps hair from blowing around wildly while drying which can cause unwanted frizz.
They're often round and wide in diameter with air holes at the base and short prongs for getting to your roots.
How does a diffuser work on curly hair?
Using a diffuser attachment takes longer than if you were to use a dryer on its own, but the results can be drastically different. The diffuser helps to circulate air from the dryer so that the hair isn't blown too forcefully, thus keeping your curl pattern intact and reducing frizz.
Benefits of using a diffuser
Your curls are most vulnerable when they're wet so if you choose to air dry, even normal movements throughout the day can disturb and break up your curls. When you diffuse wet curls, it helps to set and hold the shape of your curls which means better curl clumps and less frizz.
If used correctly, a diffuser can enhance definition by allowing your curls to dry in their most defined state and give your wash n' go more longevity.
How-To Diffuse Curly Hair
Here’s our general guide for diffusing your curls. This will provide the basics for trying it on your own, but it’s important to remember to experiment with the process. Especially in the case of diffusing, what works for one curl type may not work for others so be open to playing around and trying different techniques.
Before turning on your hairdryer, apply your hair products to your wet curls and style your hair as you normally would. Once your curls are styled and ready to go, it’s time to bust out that diffuser.
Best settings for diffusing curly hair
Choose a setting that isn’t too hot in temperature or too high in airflow. Remember, the goal is to prevent the curls from blowing around too much and a high heat setting will dry out your hair in the long term. Opting for the low to medium setting with the cool to warm temperature will work best.
How-To Start Diffusing
1. DON'T FORGET TO SET
To set your curls, start by hovering your diffuser over your crown and your ends without it making contact with your curls. Alternatively, you can try air-drying for 10-20 minutes to set your curls before you begin diffusing your hair.
Bonus Tip: If your hair tends to flatten or your curl pattern gets stretched out easily, you might see better results if you opt for diffusing right away instead of air-drying beforehand.
2. WORK IN SECTIONS
Without using your fingers, gently gather a small section of curls by cupping it into the diffuser. To enhance definition, lift it up towards your scalp in a motion similar to how you would scrunch your curls with your hands.
3. STAY STILL
Do not shake, rotate, or bob your diffuser up and down as this will create frizz. Instead, hold your diffuser nice and steady for 5-15 seconds per section.
4. GET THE ANGLES!
Tilt your head towards the diffuser while drying. This will help lift your curls off your scalp and create more volume—allowing your roots to dry faster!
5. MAKE THE ROUNDS
You’re not going to dry a single section in one shot. Gently move from section to section while drying, being mindful not to disturb your curls too much in the process.
6. GET IN THERE!
Once your hair is almost completely dry, it’s time to tackle the under layer. Gather your hair to the front and while upside down, diffuse the roots and underside of your hair until dry.
Annnndddd that's it!
