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The hair dryer diffuser helps dry your hair while styling it into soft waves or curls without causing frizz. Attached to the dryer’s nozzle, the diffuser prevents direct heat from touching your hair, reducing damage. Here’s what you need to know to achieve smooth, light curls without the frizz when using a diffuser.
Steps
Use the diffuser to dry your hair
Shampoo and condition your hair, if desired. Washing your hair isn’t a must, but it should be damp. If you choose to wash your hair, you can use your regular shampoo and conditioner. However, for less frizz, you might consider swapping out your usual products for others designed to smooth and tame.
- Try using all-natural products that clean your hair without stripping it, leaving your hair healthy and shiny when it dries.
- Avoid using strong sulfate-based shampoos that can dry out your hair, leaving it stiff and frizzy.
Dry your hair. Gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Squeeze the hair to remove excess water, but avoid wringing it out with a bath towel or t-shirt. Rubbing your hair too roughly can cause friction, leading to frizz and damage to the hair cuticle.
Apply leave-in conditioner or other products. For the best results, apply leave-in conditioner after towel-drying your hair. This helps keep your hair moisturized right after washing, preventing frizz while blow-drying. Other products may also help during the drying process.
- One exception: If you have wavy hair, it’s best to avoid leave-in conditioner. It can weigh your hair down and reduce the curls and volume you want to achieve.
- Styling products for curly hair are also beneficial. If you have wavy hair, try using mousse or foam hairspray to hold your waves in place.
- Try twisting individual curls around your fingers and gently pulling your fingers out before using the diffuser. This technique helps define the curls.
- Some recommend the “scrunch and shake” technique to create natural curls before diffusing. Divide your hair into five sections: one in the front and two on each side. Apply leave-in conditioner and other products to each section. After each section, grab the ends of your hair and shake them to form natural curls or waves.
Laura Martin
Licensed cosmetologist
Licensed cosmetologist
The diffuser works best when used on hair that has been conditioned. Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, states, “You can use a diffuser without hair products, but it won't be as effective. Even if you don’t like using many hair products, you should at least apply leave-in conditioner, and finish with a small amount of styling cream for the best results.”
Start blow-drying your hair with the diffuser. Attach the diffuser to the dryer’s nozzle. Always use a low or medium heat setting. While this may take a bit longer, it will prevent your hair from becoming dry or frizzy during the drying process.
- First, tilt your head to one side. Place the diffuser near your roots and hold it there until the roots are dry.
- Use a circular motion to dry your hair near the scalp. Gently massage your hair with the diffuser's prongs to add volume and form natural curls or waves.
Work your way down to the hair ends. Continue using the diffuser in circular motions until your hair is dry from roots to ends. Lightly push the curls upward as you dry your hair, which helps maintain the natural shape and elasticity of your curls.
- Note: If you have naturally curly hair, you may want to use the diffuser differently. Many women with curly hair find that their hair looks better if they only dry the roots. If you feel the diffuser is making your natural curls frizzy, try letting the ends air dry and see if the result improves.
- Once the roots are dry, you can hold the curls in the diffuser. Keep them intact to avoid frizz.
- Avoid touching your hair while using the diffuser. Touching your hair will cause frizz, and your natural curls or waves may lose their shape. It might take more time to dry your hair only using the diffuser without your hands, but this technique will give you better results.
Apply hair products after drying. Once your hair is dry, you may consider using hair care products. The heat from the dryer can cause damage, and products like hairspray or pomade can help minimize damage.
- Lightly spray styling products once your hair is dry. This helps keep your hair styled throughout the day.
- If your hair appears dry or stiff after drying, you can treat it with some hair care products. Consider using pomade or a hair serum to add shine. Both products are available at salons. Rub a small amount of pomade or serum between your hands and apply it gently to your hair. Smooth through the length of your hair as if preparing it for a ponytail, continuing until you reach the ends.
Use the diffuser to style your hair
Shampoo your hair. It’s best to shampoo your hair before using the diffuser to style it. You can use your usual shampoo and conditioner. Since the heat from the diffuser can be harsh on your hair, it’s important to be cautious when applying conditioner.
- Leave the conditioner in your hair for about 3-5 minutes instead of rinsing it out immediately. This will leave your hair softer and more hydrated before you begin drying.
- Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Any leftover shampoo or conditioner can cause dryness and damage. Make sure to rinse until no more suds remain.
Tilt your head down. After washing, tilt your head down to begin drying. Gently shake your hair back and forth. This motion helps form natural curls or waves.
- To continue drying your hair, gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid using a bath towel to dry your hair, as this can cause frizz and make styling difficult. If water is still dripping, you can blot it with a towel instead of rubbing it.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it’s still wet.
Apply curl cream or mousse if desired. Although optional, curl cream or mousse can help maintain your curl pattern during drying. You can find these products at beauty stores.
- Remember, any product you use should be moisturizing, as heat can dry out your hair. Look for mousse, curl creams, or styling gels with lotion bases to apply before you begin drying.
Start blow-drying your hair. Tilt your head down and use the diffuser to dry from the back of your head in circular motions. Focus on the roots at the top of your head. Drying from the back helps add volume to your hair.
Flip your hair back. Check how your hair looks. If you are satisfied with the results, you can stop drying. However, if you want more volume, try drying the front sections and along the parting.
- Similar to when using the diffuser, avoid touching natural curls. If your hair is naturally curly, try drying the roots and leaving the ends to air dry.
- Continue drying with circular motions. As always, try not to touch your hair while drying to avoid affecting the style.
Create volume. You can use the diffuser to add volume to your hair. For this, you'll need a few hair clips.
- Place the clips near the roots, angling them slightly. This will lift the hair at the crown and give it more volume once dry.
- You can continue drying your hair or let it air dry while clipped. Different hair types will respond differently, so experiment with methods until you find what works best—try drying with clips one day and letting your hair air dry the next to see which method works better for you.
Dry with the diffuser until your hair is about 80% dry. This method helps retain moisture in your hair while adding volume. Once your hair is approximately 80% dry, stop drying and allow it to air dry for the remainder of the process.
Apply a serum to maintain curly or wavy hair. You can use mousse, leave-in conditioner, or other products to hold the curl while blow-drying. Gently scrunch the hair with your hands instead of combing the serum through to maintain the curl pattern.
- Your hair will naturally bounce back after drying with a diffuser. Avoid overusing hairspray or heavy products that may weigh your hair down.
- Again, apply the product by gently running your fingers down the hair, as if you were styling it into a ponytail, then work your fingers through to the ends.
- Always read the instructions on the product label. Many recommend applying it to the roots to avoid greasy, weighed-down hair.
Use the diffuser attachment for straight hair
Start blow-drying while your hair is wet. Many straight-haired individuals may be surprised to see natural waves form when using a diffuser. You should blow-dry while your hair is still completely wet. Wash your hair, use conditioner, or simply dampen it under the shower, then gently pat it dry with a towel until it is damp, not soaking wet.
Use hair care products. After washing your hair, apply hair care products before using the diffuser. You need products that add volume and protect against heat damage.
- Volumizing products can be applied to the roots. You can find volumizing shampoos and conditioners at supermarkets. Many salons also sell volumizing conditioners. Be sure to read the instructions on the product label. Some only need to be sprayed on, while others should be massaged into the scalp.
- Mousse is especially useful if you want to create curls from straight hair. Apply a small amount, focusing on the roots.
- Heat can damage your hair, so it’s crucial to use heat protection products. This is even more important for fine hair. Heat-protectant oils and sprays are available at salons, typically in small quantities, usually no more than one drop. If your hair is prone to frizz, look for products that also have moisturizing properties.
Use the diffuser to create wavy hair. Lift the roots with your fingers. Push the hair upwards and tuck it between the teeth of the diffuser. Continue drying the entire head of hair using the same technique.
- Another way to create curls is by twisting the hair into medium-sized sections before starting to dry. This method will help form curls once the hair is completely dry.
Use hair care products after blow-drying your hair. Firstly, blow-drying can damage your hair. Secondly, you may need to apply hairspray to keep your hairstyle intact throughout the day.
- Lightly spray your favorite hair setting product. This step helps maintain the style you just created. Be careful not to apply too much to avoid stiff hair and overpowering fragrance.
- Apply pomade or serum for a soft, natural look. Gently rub it into your hair, moving your hand from the roots to the tips.
Advice
- Different hair setting products for curly hair will create different looks. Some mousse is used for light waves, while heavier gels can help you form more defined curls.
- When buying a diffuser, make sure it’s compatible with your blow dryer. Not all diffusers fit every type of blow dryer, so be sure to choose one that matches your device.
