If you have curly hair, you’ll know how different it can look from one day to the next. One day it’s defined and bouncy, the next it’s flat or frizzy — and often, the best curly hair products or techniques you use make all the difference. You’ve probably noticed that styling your curls with the right products gives you a completely different result than brushing them out post-wash. But did you know your curls can also look noticeably different depending on whether you let them air dry or use a diffuser?
If, like me, you’ve always struggled with limp roots or lack of volume and definition, investing in one of the best diffusers for curly hair could completely transform your styling routine.
What does a diffuser do to curly hair?
If you already own a hair dryer and it helps to dry your hair, you might be wondering what difference a diffuser can make – I did too, until I tried one. You could be using the best shampoos for curly hair followed by a trusted styling routine such as the Curly Girl Method that is easy and efficient, but I always begin noticing some frizz and loss of curl pattern on the second or third day after styling it. This is where switching from your regular hair dryer to a diffuser will make a difference.
For the best professional advice on using a diffuser for curly hair, we spoke to Francesco Aresco, Advanced Stylist at the Cult Hairdressing Salon in London.
“My approach to curly hair as a hair stylist is pretty simple. I always try to teach my clients how to style their hair quickly as it is impractical to spend hours styling hair after washing. This is where the best leave-in conditioners and defining creams will help to protect your curl pattern and lock in moisture before drying your hair. Investing in a good diffuser to dry your hair is important as it causes less frizz compared to air drying while also adding more volume and definition to your curls and roots with a range of heat and speed settings," he adds.
Diffusers are the best hair dryers for curly hair as it is designed to control and disperse the airflow to reduce the direct heat and impact on your curls. Since curly hair is more prone to loss of moisture, dryness and therefore frizz, this will help to dry your hair without disturbing the natural curl pattern while also enhancing the definition and volume of your curls. So, if you are using heat to dry your hair, a diffuser is the best option for all types of curly hair and wavy hair.
Best diffusers for curly hair
How we tested the best diffuser for curly hair
As someone with long, curly hair, trying out a number of diffusers helped me realise what I was looking for in a diffuser and compare different features and benefits of a range of products on the market. Drying thick and curly hair can be time-consuming and achieving frizz-free curly hair can be challenging sometimes. This is why we considered a number of factors such as – ability to improve definition and volume of curls, reduce frizz, add shine and bounce, reduce heat damage, range of heat and speed settings, weight of the tool, efficiency and ease of use – while testing and reviewing these diffusers for curly hair.
Best diffusers for curly hair
The Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer tops our list of the best diffusers for curly hair for a number of reasons. The Dyson diffuser for curly hair was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk. While it is in a premium price range, this diffuser is a worthy investment as it is built to last, can be used regularly to get your money’s worth and provides salon-quality results at home. Hair stylist Francesco says, “For me, the first choice when it comes to a diffuser for curly hair would be the Dyson as it gives me the kind of diffusion, volume and definition I want with a range of precise heat and speed settings to work with and minimal frizz too.”
My experience of using the Dyson diffuser for curly hair was quite impressive in terms of comfort and efficiency. Equipped with 5 attachments, 3 speeds and 4 temperature settings that you can adjust to meet your requirements, this diffuser also comes with the Cool Shot feature that helps to set your curls and dry your length with no heat damage. The Ion conditioning feature also helps to tame frizz and add shine to your hair. It is not too noisy or heavy to hold and comes with a long cord for ease of use as well. So if you are looking for a premium product that can be a worthy investment, the Dyson diffuser for curly hair comes expert recommended and is our top choice.
Read full product review here.
Pros
- 5 attachments for different hair types and styles
- 3 speeds and 4 temperature settings
- Cool Shot feature that helps to set your curls
- Ion conditioning feature helps to tame frizz and add shine
- Minimal noise
- Light enough for easy use
- Long cord for convenience
Cons
- Premium price range
The Gtech DryOnic Ionic Fast Drying Hair Dryer is the perfect choice if you are looking for premium technology, design and efficiency. This diffuser was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk and the first thing that stood out about this diffuser was the quality of the design and premium technology. Equipped with 2 different kinds of nozzles – a diffuser and a concentrator – that are magnetic and attach effortlessly, this tool is built for ease of use and comfort.
It is lightweight, compact and gives your salon-quality results.
There are 4 heat and speed settings that let you customise your styling and drying routine. It also comes with a digital display that shows you the current heat and speed setting it is on. The design is sleek with a simple dual button operation. I was able to manoeuvre it easily and my curls looked amazing as it helps with drying, adding volume at the roots and defining without causing much frizz. However, it only comes with 2 attachments as opposed to the Dyson and I would have liked for the cord to be a bit longer. But if you have curly or wavy hair, these nozzles will give impressive results, so overall you get a set of great features for a much more affordable price point.
Pros
- Comes with 2 different kinds of nozzles – a diffuser and a concentrator
- Attachments are magnetic for ease of use
- Lightweight and compact
- 4 heat and speed settings
- Sleek desgin and digital display
Cons
- Fewer number of attachments compared to similar products
- Reviewer would have liked for the cord to be longer
We found the REVLON Airflow Control Hair Dryer to be the best budget diffuser for curly hair as it comes with a set of features and efficiency that is quite impressive for the price. This diffuser was tested and reviewed by Pradnya Hukkeri and she said, “As someone with wavy/curly hair that tends to get frizzy very easily, this diffuser is an absolute gamechanger. In terms of first impressions, I love the design and the colour which is a matte red that gives it a very chic look.”
In terms of performance, she found the diffuser to be quite handy, compact and lightweight which makes it perfect for travel as well if you wish to have it on the go. “I have always struggled to have defined waves that last. But when used along with a good styling cream for wavy hair and some hair mousse, I was very happy with the results after diffusing my hair,” she said. It comes with a built-in concentrator and a nozzle that rotates 90-degrees, so you can direct the airflow where you want it. For those with curly hair, it also comes with a diffuser and a cool shot setting. The tourmaline ionic coating helps to reduce frizz and keep flyaways under control. You also get 3 heat and 3 speed settings to adjust according to your requirements. “The only trouble I faced was that there were times when strands of hair that escaped the bowl kept getting sucked into the back of the hair dryer. Now I am careful and adjust the diffuser so that my hair does not fall over the back. But other than this, I am quite happy with the performance of this diffuser as it gave me very defined beach waves and curls that lasted long as well,” she added.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight - perfect for travel too
- Built-in concentrator, diffuser attachment and cool shot setting
- Nozzle rotates 90-degrees
- Tourmaline ionic coating helps to reduce frizz
- 3 heat and 3 speed settings
Cons
- Reviewer found that strands of hair that escaped the bowl kept getting sucked into the back of the hair dryer which is something to be careful about when using the diffuser
The Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser is the perfect choice if you have really long or thick curly hair as it coms with an XXL diffuser bowl that will make drying and styling your hair effortless. A common struggle shared by several curly haired women is that amount of time and effort it takes to fully dry our hair and this can be tiring or strenuous on our arms. This is why the Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser which was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk would be the perfect choice if you have long or thick hair that takes ages to dry and style.
The large 20cm diffuser covers more hair at the same and comes with an even airflow that keeps frizz to a minimum. You also get a Concentrator nozzle for drying sections, Pic attachment to help dry roots and create volume, two speed settings, three heat settings and a cool shot button to lock your curls in place and add shine. The dryer is also equipped with Ionising De-Frizzion Technology™ that smooths the cuticles to reduce loss of moisture that causes frizz and static. The Porcelain Ceramic material ensures even heat distribution and the deep reaching prongs get right into the scalp for faster and more efficient drying. The best part is that it also comes with a back stand that allows to dryer to stand on any even surface which means you can dry your hair hands-free.
Pros
- 20cm XXL diffuser bowl for faster and efficient drying for thick or long hair
- Additional attachments - Concentrator nozzle and Pic attachment
- Comes with two speed settings, three heat settings and a cool shot button
- Ionising De-Frizzion Technology™ to reduce frizz and static
- Porcelain Ceramic material for even heat distribution
- Comes with back stand so you can dry your hair hands-free
Cons
- Not very compact due to the large size of the diffuser bowl
If you’re looking for a diffuser that is compact and perfect for travel, then the Curlsmith Defrizzion Travel Dryer is our top choice. This diffuser was tested and reviewed by Presley Fuller and she said, “I have found that my hair type is quite difficult to determine, as it is wavy and curly, with uneven patterns and frizz. My first impression after using the Curlsmithtravel diffuser was that my curl pattern has become a lot more even and less frizzy.”
With three heat levels, two power levels, and a cool blast button, you also have the option to use the hairdryer without any attachments). It also comes with a storage bag, and three head attachments: the classic XL diffuser bowl, a root volumizer, and a dry-to-straight attachment. Our reviewer found that it is very well adapted for travel, with a stand to be able to place it down while hot, a handle that folds in to minimise storage space, is very lightweight and it can adapt to UK and European plugs too.
“My curl pattern was a lot more even and uniform overall with less frizz, which I really appreciate as this is the main struggle with my hair. Even when you have it on a higher heat and power more, it is not too hot on your scalp or ears, which I really liked,” she said.
"However, I did find that the attachment heads are quite difficult to screw on, so if you only use one I would recommend keeping it on until you need to change it. Another slight issue I found while using the diffuser was that with long hair, you have to be cautious of where your hair is in relation to the end of the dryer, as it could get caught on the back air suction," she added.
"Overall, I really enjoy using this diffuser on my hair as it makes my curl pattern so much more uniform and defined, and the different settings make it adaptable for any type of wavy or curly hair," she said.
Pros
- Comes with three heat levels, two power levels, and a cool blast button
- Includes a storage bag and three head attachments - classic XL diffuser bowl, a root volumizer, and a dry-to-straight attachment
- Has a stand to place it down while hot
- Foldable handle to minimise storage space
- Lightweight
- It can adapt to UK and European plugs
- Makes curl pattern even and uniform with less frizz
Cons
- Reviewer found that the attachment heads are quite difficult to screw on
- With long hair, you have to be cautious of where your hair is in relation to the end of the dryer, as it could get caught on the back air suction
Best low-noise diffuser for fine curly hair
Divadivapro.co.uk
The Diva Atmos 2 Ultra diffuser comes highly recommended by our expert hair stylist Francesco as he shared that this is a tool he often uses at the salon on curly haired clients. The diffuser comes with equipped with an Ultra High RPM motor that gives increased airflow and air pressure for faster styling. It also has the Atmos Ultra Conditioning System that improves softness and shine. With 3 Heat and 3 Speed levels along with a Cold Shot feature you also get an extra-large deep bowl diffuser and a 6mm and 8mm magnetic drying nozzles. This tool is extremely lightweight and is perfect if you are looking for a low-noise diffuser for a quieter drying experience.
Pros
- Recommended by expert hair stylist Francesco
- Ultra High RPM motor gives increased airflow and air pressure
- Atmos Ultra Conditioning System improves softness and shine
- 3 Heat and 3 Speed levels along with a Cold Shot feature
- Extra-large deep bowl diffuser
- 6mm and 8mm magnetic drying nozzles
- Low-noise diffuser
- Lightweight
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
How to use a diffuser for curly hair?
If you have already used a hair dryer, then you don’t have to worry about how to use a diffuser for curly hair. The only major difference is that instead of pointing the dryer directly at the lengths, you will be gathering your hair in the bowl-like head of the dryer and taking it up to your roots to dry your hair completely. Repeating this several times on low speed and low-medium heat, and even with your hair flipped over your head will help to add more volume and definition to your curls and get rid of the dreaded flat top/crown at the roots.
What to look for in a good diffuser
Choosing the right diffuser should depend on the type of curly or wavy hair you have. For example, those with very thick or long curly hair will benefit from investing is a powerful diffuser that will help to protect curl pattern and dry your hair efficiently without frizz. Meanwhile those with fine curly hair will need to make sure their diffuser minimises air pressure and distributes airflow to prevent flyaways, frizz and enhance curls. You can also go for compact and smaller diffusers in this case.
Hair stylist Francesco says, “Some diffusers can cause excessive drying which is why you need to think about your hair type before making your choice. A good diffuser should dry while also retaining some moisture in your hair while adding shine and bounce to your curls. Overall, you need to take factors such as drying capacity, size of the diffuser bowl you need, design, ease of use, ability to minimise frizz and how well it adds volume and definition into consideration while purchasing a diffuser.
What products to use before diffusing hair
This also depends on the type of curly or wavy hair you have. While frizzy hair remedies and leave-in conditioners will benefit everybody before using a diffuser, different hair types will need different styling products to be applied before diffusing. Investing in the best styling brushes for curly hair will make diffusing easier and provide better results for those with longer and thicker hair types. Using hair mousse for thinner and finer hair as well as curling creams will help achieve better shine, hold and definition before diffusing. If you tend to use high heat for drying, then it would be worth using good heat protectant sprays before styling as well.
FAQs
Do diffusers make curls tighter?
Diffusers add more volume, bounce and definition to your curls which will give the impression of tighter and more pronounced curls. So, if you feel your hair is unable to hold curl pattern and loses definition, using a diffuser will definitely help to improve the appearance of your curls.
How does a diffuser differ from other hair dryer attachments?
Regular hair dryers and wider attachments are designed for maximum airflow and pressure for faster drying. But this could be damaging for curly hair as it is more prone to dryness, loss of moisture and excessive impact with airflow can disturb the natural curl patterns and therefore cause loss of definition and shine. Diffusers are made to distribute the airflow through small and pointed prongs that reach the roots and prevent the impact of air on the lengths which can cause frizz. This will help to increase volume at the roots and dry your hair while protecting the natural curls. Diffusers also come with bowls that make sure to lift the hair and evenly distribute the heat without any direct impact.
Should you diffuse curly hair wet or damp?
In my experience with curly hair, it is better to use a towel to scrunch the water and wetness from your hair before going in to diffuse. So the best results would be achieved when using a diffuser on damp curls.
Is it better to air dry curly hair or use a diffuser?
Airdrying hair is a natural option that will prevent any heat damage or excessive drying that will cause loss of moisture. However, airdrying can be time consuming and you may sometimes end up sleeping with damp hair which is not advised. Since air drying mostly happens with your hair down and does not involve any volumizing, your roots have end up looking a bit flat.
Using a diffuser comes with benefits like fast drying, minimal heat damage and improved volume and curl definition. This makes diffusing a better option when it comes to drying curly hair. However if your curls have been feeling too dry or brittle of late, you can alternate between airdrying and using a diffuser or opt to air dry whenever you have the time.
How long should I diffuse my curly hair?
This depends on the thickness and length of your hair. But usually, it is recommended to use a diffuser on low heat and speed settings, especially at the roots to prevent any damage. So, with these settings in mind, diffusing mid-length hair for 15-20 minutes would give you impressive results and completely dry hair. But if you have shorter or finer hair, it might take you lesser time.
What to do after diffusing curly hair?
After using a diffuser, if your hair feels a bit dry you can choose to apply a few drops of the best hair oil that works for your hair type on your lengths, avoiding the roots. Take care as to note disturb the curls or pull down too much on the lengths. The most important thing when it comes to styling curly hair is to touch it as less as possible.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.