How To Diffuse Curly Hair

It doesn’t take a pro stylist to diffuse your hair properly. Diffusing your curls is far easier than giving yourself a smooth blowout. Follow the easy steps below to learn how to use a diffuser on curly hair and achieve frizz-free, ready-to-go curls in no time. 

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

After showering, use our guide on how to wash curly hair, and get your favorite products ready to style your hair. Run your favorite styling product through your curls and shape them. We recommend our Curl Cream and Aloe Gel. Our curl products are formulated to provide both conditioning and styling benefits so you can hydrate the hair before you apply heat and help your curls hold their shape.

Next, you need to use a heat protectant spray always, you can also substitute our curl cream for the same. This is an absolute must when it comes to curly hair tips.

Step 2: Choose the Right Heat Setting

The next step is to get to know your blow dryer and select the right heat setting for your natural hair. Most blow dryers have high, medium, and low settings as well as a “cool” button that blasts hair with cool air instead of heat.‌

When you diffuse your curls, start with the lowest heat and speed settings and then work your way up as your hair dries as needed. At the roots, use the cool button to infuse your hair with volume. 

Step 3: Work In Sections

Now you’re ready to start diffusing. Begin by drying the ends of your hair. Use the diffuser attachment as if it were your hand, gently cupping hair in the bowl of the diffuser and softly scrunching the curls from the ends up. Move around your head, working in small sections, spending a few seconds on each section, and moving up toward the roots as you go. 

Step 4: Diffuse Upside Down

Once you’ve got some of the moisture out of the ends of your textured hair, flip your head upside down. Diffusing your hair upside down will add volume to your look. Plus, it will allow you to dry hard-to-reach spots in the back of your head and at the roots. 

Step 5: Apply a Finishing Product

Once your textured hair is dry, finish your look with a hair serum for a boost of shine and moisture. Massage it into your roots to add even more volume to your look. Once you’ve applied your finishing product…voilà! You’re ready to rock your defined curls and hair as-is or have a perfect head of hair to try out in different hairstyles for curly hair.

With the right products and a diffuser, you’ll see more curl definition and curl formation in your hair.

Why Use a Diffuser? 

This blow dryer attachment disperses the air so that the heat from the hairdryer is distributed more evenly and gently to your curls. It is typically shaped like a bowl with small cones that catch your curls, helping to support your hair’s natural curl pattern.‌ 

Your average hair dryer will not only disrupt your natural curl pattern but also amplify frizz, but when you slap a diffuser on it, you can keep your natural curl formation intact, increase definition, and reduce hair frizz. Plus, without the use of a blow dryer, it can take forever for curls to dry. So, unless you want to leave the house with wet hair, a diffuser is essential for embracing your natural curl. ‌

In addition to keeping frizz at bay and cutting dry time, a diffuser also increases volume. This is especially helpful for curly girls whose curls start more toward the middle or ends of hair and can tend to weigh down the roots. With a diffuser, it’s possible to experience bouncy curls and volume all over for big curly hair.‌

Using a diffuser can be extremely beneficial for all curly hair types, especially if your curls are unmanageable, inconsistent, or less curly than you’d like. With the tips above, you’ll achieve beautiful, manageable, and tighter curls.

FAQ

1. What is a hair diffuser?
A hair diffuser is an attachment for your blow dryer designed to distribute heat more evenly and gently. It typically has a bowl shape with small cones that catch and support your natural curl pattern, reducing frizz and enhancing curl definition.

2. Why should I use a diffuser for my curly hair?
Using a diffuser helps maintain your natural curl formation, reduces frizz, and speeds up drying time. It also adds volume, which is especially useful if your curls tend to weigh down at the roots.

3. How do I prepare my hair for diffusing?
Start by washing and conditioning your hair with products suited for curly hair. Apply your favorite styling product, like curl cream or aloe gel, to hydrate and shape your curls. Always use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from heat damage.

4. What heat setting should I use on my blow dryer?
Begin with the lowest heat and speed settings on your blow dryer. Gradually increase the heat as needed as your hair dries. Use the “cool” button at the roots to add volume and infuse your hair with cool air.

5. How should I diffuse my hair?
Work in small sections, starting with the ends of your hair. Gently cup the curls in the diffuser bowl and scrunch from the ends up. Move around your head, spending a few seconds on each section, and work your way up towards the roots.

6. What’s the benefit of diffusing my hair upside down?
Diffusing your hair upside down adds extra volume and helps dry hard-to-reach spots at the back of your head and at the roots. This technique can enhance the overall bounce and fullness of your curls.

7. How do I finish my diffusing routine?
Once your hair is dry, apply a hair serum to add shine and moisture. Massage it into your roots to boost volume and finish your look.

8. Can a diffuser be used with all types of curly hair?
Yes, a diffuser is beneficial for all types of curly hair. It helps manage curls that are inconsistent, unmanageable, or less defined and provides more bounce and definition.

9. What if I don’t have a diffuser?
Without a diffuser, your curls might dry less evenly, which can lead to increased frizz and disrupted curl patterns. A diffuser is essential for achieving defined, voluminous curls quickly and efficiently.

10. Where can I find the right products to use with a diffuser?
Look for curl-specific products like curl creams and aloe gels that provide both conditioning and styling benefits. Always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair.