How to Use a Diffuser for Healthy, Defined Curls

Everyone has their own personal hair and beauty struggles, but a common complaint among the curly community is consistency. Healthy, defined curls are every curly-haired person's goal on wash day—but achieving them through air-drying can be complicated by factors like the temperature and humidity outside. Enter: diffusing.

We asked three hairstylists—Matthew Collins, Danjela Nika, and Raphael Rogue—to tell us everything there is to know about diffusers.

Meet the Expert

Read on to learn how to get your perfect curls (or coils) with the help of a diffuser.

What Is a Diffuser?

Diffusers come in many shapes and sizes, but they all seek to diffuse the hot air coming out of a blow dryer. Typically, they are bowl-shaped with prongs throughout, and, according to Nika, they are designed to imitate a natural "air-dry" effect. Rogue agrees and adds that a diffuser attachment helps to disperse airflow from your blow dryer in a much more controlled manner. It is possible to find diffuser attachments designed to fit over your existing dryer, but those who are thinking about diffusing on the regular may want to consider investing in a dryer that comes with its own. "For most dryers, this aspect can be very tricky as most are not specifically made for the dryer and many dryers do not come with the attachment. In all Dyson Supersonic ($430) kits the diffuser is included and has a high power magnet so it fastens very easily to the dryer and stays in place, but is also very easy to remove when finished," shares Collins.

Diffusing works by directing airflow all around curls, allowing them to dry without being disrupted the way they would be with a normal dryer air stream. Collins explains that this means drying the curls in place and enhancing what is there, rather than manipulating them: "The diffuser is designed to give a gentle cycle of airflow to dry your hair, but not blow it around which will cause frizz," he says. You'll want to make sure you have your dryer on the right settings to reduce frizz, which Nika describes as high heat and low airflow. Collins agrees and says that if using the Dyson Supersonic, he recommends using low or medium power and medium to high heat.

Benefits of Diffusing Curly Hair

Diffusing allows curly-haired people to dry their hair before leaving their home (air-drying can take hours), but it also offers many benefits to the curl pattern. "The benefit of using a diffuser is that it will minimize frizz, enhance volume, add shine, and define the curl pattern," explains Rogue. Collins agrees, explaining that using a diffuser will help to enhance your curl to a tighter pattern. "If you let your hair dry naturally it will take some time, so the curl has more of a chance to be disturbed, moved, or shaken up before dried. But once diffused and dry the curl pattern will stay intact much longer and hold its shape frizz-free," Collins explains. Diffusing greatly improves the definition and shine of curls and offers far more consistent results than air-drying.

And diffusing isn't just for curly hair. Nika recommends diffusing for all hair types, as it can be less damaging than regular blow-drying and can bring out waves and curls in the hair. "Contrary to the popular belief that diffusing is just for very curly hair, a diffuser can be used on any hair type or texture," adds Collins. "In some cases of pin-straight hair it may only add a slight movement, but in most cases, it will amp up your curl pattern by 20-70 percent."

Steps for a Perfect Diffuse

In the end, your results are going to vary depending on the type and texture of your hair and the products that you select. But overall, diffusing can greatly improve your curl definition—and cut drying time by more than half. Diffusing is the key to consistent, healthy, and defined curls.