Choosing the Best Diffuser for your Curly Hair
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As a hairdresser with curly hair, I’ve tested many hair dryers and diffusers over the years, always looking for the perfect combination to enhance curls, reduce frizz, and maintain healthy hair. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know about diffusers, including my top recommendations, tips for use, and some insider advice you won't get anywhere else.
What is a Diffuser?
A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer designed to disperse the airflow over a larger area. This helps reduce frizz, enhance curl definition, and prevent heat damage by distributing heat more evenly.
Types of Diffusers
Standard Bowl Diffuser: The most common type, featuring a bowl shape with prongs. It’s great for defining curls and adding volume.
Hand-Shaped Diffuser: Mimics the shape of a hand, which can help to achieve a more natural drying process and lift at the roots.
Sock Diffuser: Made of a mesh material that fits over the hair dryer nozzle. It’s simple to use, super portable, and ideal for travel.
Compatibility with Hair Dryer
Universal Fit: Some diffusers are designed to fit most(not all) hair dryers.
Brand-Specific: Others are made for specific brands or models, so you’ll need to make sure the diffuser you choose is compatible with your hair dryer.
Size and Portability
Bowl Size: A larger bowl can accommodate more hair and is great if you have thick or long curls. It’s great for home use but not practical for travel since it takes a lot of room in a suitcase.
Portability: If you travel frequently, a sock diffuser is very convenient. You do use it a bit differently (I sort of scrunch it up inside my curls) so you may want to try it at home first to get the hang of it. I also have a collapsible diffuser but since it’s not very rigid, it will sometimes collapse while I’m using it. It does the job, so it’s a decent diffuser to travel with but it’s probably not a diffuser that you would want to use at home every day.
Prong Design
Length and Spacing: Longer prongs can reach deeper into the hair, which is beneficial for thick curls. Widely spaced prongs can help in reducing frizz and evenly distributing heat.
Prongs: Some diffusers have prongs that are very hard and even somewhat pointed. Diffusers with rounded tips are much more comfortable to use and won’t hurt your scalp.
The Importance of Diffuser Hole Size
One critical aspect of diffusers (I would say this is the most important feature) that is often overlooked is the size of the diffuser's holes. Most diffusers are designed with larger holes that allow too much airflow, blowing the hair around, causing frizz, and disrupting curl patterns. Smaller holes provide a more controlled airflow, gently drying your hair without disturbing the curl pattern. This makes a huge difference in acheiving frizz-free, defined curls.
Budget Reccommendations
In theory, you don’t need to spend a fortune, however, in reality, finding a good, affordable diffuser can be challenging,
The diffuser that I recommend if you are looking for one that will fit your existing dryer, is the BaBylissPro3 in 1 Universal Diffuser. BaByliss is a company that is well respected in the professional hair industry. This diffuser is inexpensive and can be used with most blow dryers (you should still check the measurements in the product descripton before ordering to be sure that it will fit your dryer). And if you are in the market for a good quality budget friendly blow dryer, the BaBylissPRO Ionic Nano-Titanium and Ceramic Hairdryer is a great choice. I used mine for over 12 years before purchasing my Shark FlexStyle.
My Top Recommendations
1. Shark FlexStyle with IQ Curl-Defining Diffuser
My personal choice is the Shark FlexStyle with IQ Curl-Defining Diffuser. It provides excellent value with advanced features and effective frizz control at a mid-range price, making it a great option for those looking for high performance without breaking the bank. This is the one that I personally use at home. This diffuser can not be used with other hair dryers.
Features:
Ergonomic Design: Comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.
IQ Curl-Defining Diffuser: Designed to enhance curl definition and reduce frizz with long prongs that reach deep into thick curls.
Advanced Technology: Combines high-velocity heated air and ionized air (HyperAIR technology) for faster drying times and smoother results without overheating the hair.
Excellent frizz reduction.
Even heat distribution.
Versatile with multiple attachments. (What I wouldn’t have given to have had the Auto-Wrap Curlers when I was a teen)!
Good value for the price.
2. Dyson Air Wrap Multi-Styler with Diffuser
The Dyson Air Wrap Multi-Styler with Diffuser offers advanced technology, superior heat control, and fast drying times, making it ideal for those who prioritize performance and are willing to invest in a premium product. This diffuser can only be used with the Dyson dryer.
Features:
Design: Sleek, futuristic design with a unique motor in the handle for better balance.
Attachments: Comes with several magnetic attachments, including a well-designed diffuser for curly hair.
Airflow and Temperature Control: Intelligent heat control measures air temperature over 40 times a second to prevent heat damage.
Speed and Efficiency: Fast drying with controlled airflow, which helps to reduce drying time significantly.
Build Quality: Premium build with a high price point, reflecting advanced technology and durability.
Lightweight and well-balanced.
3.SuperHP High Performance Professional Hair Dryer by Olivia Garden
Another great choice would be the SuperHP High Performance Professional Hair Dryer by Olivia Garden. This diffuser is not compatible with other dryers.
Features:
Powerful ionic generator seals in moisture & eliminates frizz
Intelligent heat control provides consistent temperature & prevents hair damage
Extremely lightweight & quiet
Powerful 1875 Watt Dryer for extremely quick drying
100,000 RPM long lasting BLDC brushless motor
Efficient brushless motor uses less energy than traditional dryers
3 Airflow Speeds & 3 Heat Settings
Reverse airflow button for easy self-cleaning
Advanced memory function recalls last chosen settings
All of the hair dryers mentioned in this post have Nano Titanium and Ionic Technology.
Nano Titanium Technology:
Heat Distribution: Nano titanium ensures quick and even heat distribution, reducing drying time and preventing heat damage.
Durability: Hair tools with nano titanium components are generally more durable and resistant to high temperatures, ensuring a longer lifespan.
Ionic Technology:
Frizz Reduction: Ionic technology releases negative ions that break down water molecules and help close the hair cuticle. This reduces frizz and static, resulting in smoother, shinier hair.
Moisture Retention: Helps maintain the hair's natural moisture balance, preventing it from becoming too dry during the drying process.
Tips for Using a Diffuser on Curly Hair
Prep Your Hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner and curl-enhancing product to wet hair before diffusing. When you scrunch your hair, you should be able to hear your styling product make a squishing sound. If you can’t hear it, your hair is too dry, and your product will not disperse evenly throughout your hair. Add more water until you can hear a squish.
Low Heat and Speed: Use the diffuser on a low heat and speed setting to avoid frizz and heat damage. I never use my dryer above the lowest heat setting and even then I still use the cool-shot button frequently to avoid letting my hair get too hot.
Scrunch and Lift: Gently scrunch your hair and lift the roots while diffusing to enhance volume and curl definition.
Avoid Overdrying: Stop diffusing when your hair is about 80% dry to prevent frizz and maintain moisture.
Finish with a Cool Shot: Use the cool setting on your hair dryer to set the curls and add shine.
Conclusion
Remember, for your curls to look their best, maintaining healthy hair is essential. Healthy hair is more resilient, less prone to breakage, and better able to hold its natural curl pattern.
Happy styling!
The Shark diffuser has small holes placed close together to provide a more controlled airflow to gently dry hair without disturbing the curl pattern.