Using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer helps to reduce frizz and enhance your natural texture, and it’s one of the most popular ways to dry curly and wavy hair. However, diffusing your hair can be intimidating (and confusing!).
In this article, we’ll discuss what a hair diffuser is, how to diffuse hair and how to keep curls from frizzing, with tips and tricks from two of our curl experts: Chelsey Hildebrand (@chelseycurlchronicles) and Melissa Guido (@manesbymell).
How to diffuse curly hair?
Follow our easy steps below to diffuse your curls and achieve minimal frizz, maximum volume and defined curls.
Step 1: Use the right products.
Start by washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Once your hair is clean, gently towel dry to remove excess water. Before drying, apply your leave-in products to help your curls dry frizz-free. ‘’For a successful diffuse, I make sure to give hold to the curls so they have the fortitude to make it through drying. My favourite combo is Be Curly Curl Enhancer as a moisturising styler with Phomollient (for finer hair) or Confixor (for fine and medium hair) for hold”, Mel explains.
Chelsey says “I’ve found that waves and curls tend to need more ‘hold with gels and mousses, while coily hair tends to need more moisture, like creams and oils. Textured hair in general tends to be more dry, so I like to use Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil in the hair first to let it sink into the hair strands and moisturise the hair from the inside out. Then I apply a cream, followed by a hold product. I know I’m using enough gel when I hear a squishing noise when I scrunch it into my hair.”
Step 2: Set the right speed.
Since everyone’s blow dryer and diffuser attachment are different, it's important to set it at the right speed.“The point of the diffuser is to diffuse and soften the air flow so you don’t disturb the curl pattern,” explains Mel. “If your curls are being blown away, turn the speed down. High speed and heat will get the job done faster, but some people prefer results using a cooler air setting. It’s all about personal preference, so see what works best for you and your curls.”
Step 3: Start drying upside down.
Begin diffusing your hair with your head flipped upside down, as this will add volume to your look. Hover around your roots first, as they take the longest to dry.
“If you want more bounce, scrunch the hair strategically with the diffuser midway through diffusing,” says Mel. “Allow curls to fall in place over the attachment and scrunch up to your head, then hold for 30 seconds to a minute and release. This will set the curls and cause them to shrink up more if desired. If you want a more relaxed natural curl, skip this step.”
To achieve movement in your roots, gently shift the position of your head from upside down to leaning one side, then the other, then leaning back and forward again.
How to keep curls from frizzing?
If your hair is frizzy after diffusing, your styling products might lack hold or you touched your hair a little too much while drying.
To avoid frizzing, “Do NOT touch the hair during the early stages of drying! The more you touch your hair, the less defined your waves or curls will be,” says Mel
“I like to use a few drops of Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil or a pea size amount of Light Elements Smoothing Fluid to smooth out the hair,” Chelsey suggests.“For extra humid climates and frizz prevention, finish with a small amount of anti-humidity pomade, rubbed into the hands and smoothed over curls to finish. And voilà — beautiful curls and waves.”
Using a hair diffuser is a great way to reduce frizz and define curls. Remember to keep your hair hydrated and avoid touching it too much to prevent frizz. With the right products and techniques, you can have the curly hair of your dreams. Happy diffusing!
