There is no one size fits all approach to caring for curly hair. Anyone who is used to experimenting with styling their natural hair texture will know that curls come in so many different patterns and porosities, which means that products that work on my texture might not necessarily work for yours. However, when it comes to drying curly hair, experts agree that there is one tool that is non-negotiable when it comes to perfecting a curly blow dry and that’s a diffuser.
“Diffusers allow heat and very gentle airflow to ambiently dry curls without moving them around too much,” says expert hairstylist and hair trend forecaster Tom Smith. “It basically mimics the natural air drying process but sped up, and the curved bowl shape allows you to contract the curls while drying to further enhance their tightness and definition.”
Simply put, if you’re not already using a diffuser and you have curly hair then it might just be the secret to achieving more defined curls, shinier texture, and bouncier volume. But before we delve into our list of the best hair diffusers in more detail, I wanted to pick Smith’s brains on how to get the most of your diffuser if you’re new to using one.
How do you use a diffuser?
Once you’ve attached your diffuser to your hairdryer, Smith points out that the key to success is using it on the lowest speed setting possible with medium heat. “Without touching the hair, slowly move the diffuser around your head allowing your curls to slowly dry and set,” explains Smith. Slow and steady is key here. “Don’t rush this process as excess touching will cause frizz,” he advises.
For extra curl definition, Smith suggests tipping your head forward. “Try using gravity by leaning your head over and letting your curls fall into the bowl of the diffuser, keeping it still in place for a few seconds before tipping a different direction to tighten, contract and enhance your curls.”
How do you prep hair before using a diffuser?
As someone that avoided using a diffuser for years because I never liked how my hair looked after using one, it turns out that I was missing one key step—prep. “You need to prep your curls with a suitable product and shake and scrunch your hair into the desired position before diffusing,” says Smith. “Olaplex No.10 is my top favourite curl product of the moment, thanks to its reparative and nourishing benefits without crispness or stickiness.”
And, most importantly, whether you’re prepping, diffusing, or air-drying your hair, Smith’s most crucial piece of advice for achieving curly hair is to try not to touch it. “The more you touch and move the hair while diffuse drying the more you’ll cause fluff, frizz and irregularities. Keep the hair still while drying and the curls will be more resilient and defined,” he explains.
Shop the best hair diffusers:
1. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Almost every hair expert that I speak to about curly hair swears by the Dyson diffuser attachment, and it’s Smith’s diffuser of choice too. “The micro fine mesh used in the Dyson diffuser attachments is highly superior to any other for controlling air flow in my opinion,” says Smith. “I saw an immediate difference in frizz reduction when using this on my curly clients.” Unfortunately, you can’t currently purchase it as a standalone attachment, but if you’re in the market for a new hair dryer then it makes a great option for curly or wavy hair. It’s been specially engineered to evenly disperse air with longer prongs that reach deeper into the air for more effective drying.
2. Shark FlexStyle Diffuser
The Shark multi-styler has to be one of the most viral hair tools of 2024 and it's undeniably worth the hype—in no small part because of the curl-defining diffuser that comes with the set but can also be purchased separately. Diffusers have a bit of a reputation as being slow, but this one dries textured hair from root to tip incredibly quickly. Plus, it has extendable prongs to lift the roots and add bounce.
3. Tresemmé Diffuser Hair Dryer
This diffuser dryer is incredibly inexpensive for how powerful it is. The dryer is 2200w, but the diffuser softens the airflow, and it has added ionic technology, which helps to prevent frizz. Plus, the diffuser tips are soft, so it’s gentle on the scalp.
4. Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe Hair Dryer With Diffuser
This hair dryer claims to maintain 1000 times more moisture than a regular hair dryer, which is important for curly and coily hair that can often be on the drier side. The diffuser is compact but still achieves even airflow.
5. Babyliss 2100w Hydro-Fusion Dryer
The advanced plasma technology in this dryer with the dual ionic power means it helps with hydration within the hair and stops frizz creeping into the finish. I particularly like the spacing of the prongs on the diffuser, as they offer great airflow.
6. BaByliss Pro 3 in 1 Universal Diffuser
If you own a BaByliss Pro hair dryer, then you need to pick up this diffuser pronto. It’s compatible with the Mega Turbo, Black Magic Radiance Crimson Edition, Brilliance Cobalt Edition and Diamond Special Edition dryers and has three attachments depending on the finish you desire whether you want lift, volume or smoothing.
7. T3 Fit Diffuser
This diffuser for the T3 dryer is excellent for defining even the tightest coils while keeping hair soft.
8. GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
This diffuser fits the GHD air dryer and the Helios, too. Personally, I think the diffuser and Helios combo is *chef’s kiss* for curls. The dryer’s Aeroprecis technology gives the most powerful airflow, but the diffuser provides even coverage over your curls for quick but non-damaging drying.
9. Salmue Universal Foldable Diffuser
A foldable diffuser is key for travel, and this one really does fit most hair dryers if you’re not in the market for a new dryer, too.
10. Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer Travel Edition
It's so rare to find a travel hairdryer with an accompanying diffuser, but this petite dryer comes with an XL diffuser attachment to ensure that your curls and coils are looked after when you're away from home. There are different speed and heat settings for gently drying whatever your hair porosity.
11. Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Hair Dryer with Diffuser
Unlike most hair dryers which come with a diffuser attachment, this innovative tool puts curl styling front and centre—drying hair while keeping curls in tact. It uses ceramic technology and argan oil to ensure that curls stay hydrated as they dry, while Supreme Curl Flow technology, developed be leading engineers and curl experts, helps with delicate drying to enhance your natural texture and curl pattern.
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