How to use a hair dryer diffuser on curly hair

Hair dryer vs diffuser: what changes

Without an attachment, or with a concentrator, a dryer blows a narrow, fast jet of air. That is ideal for smoothing hair over a brush, but on curls it pushes strands in different directions and breaks up the clumps that define your pattern. A diffuser spreads the same air over a wider area, so it hits the hair more gently and evenly.

Many premium dryers include a diffuser in the box, and some, such as Dyson's curly and coily bundles, add a wide-tooth comb too. Check which attachments come with your dryer before buying one separately; our guide to hair dryer attachments explains each type.

Settings to use

Some dryers adjust automatically when you fit the diffuser. The Dyson Supersonic Nural, for example, recognises attachments and remembers your settings. Others need you to set them each time. Check your manual for recommended diffuser settings.

Step by step: diffusing curls

1. 1

   After washing, gently squeeze out water with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt rather than rubbing.

2. 2

   Apply your usual curl products to wet hair and scrunch them in.

3. 3

   Fit the diffuser and set low speed and low or medium heat.

4. 4

   Hover diffuse: hold the diffuser a few centimetres from your head and move it slowly around to set the outer layer.

5. 5

   Once the surface feels less wet, start pixie diffusing (below).

6. 6

   Work round the head, flipping your head to the side or upside down for root volume.

7. 7

   When hair is about 80 to 90% dry, finish with the cool shot.

8. 8

   Leave hair to finish drying, then scrunch out any product cast.

Pixie diffusing and hover drying

Hover drying means holding the diffuser near, but not touching, your hair. It is the gentlest method and sets the shape of your curls before you handle them. It is useful at the start, and on fine curls that collapse easily.

Pixie diffusing means letting a section of curls rest in the diffuser bowl, lifting the bowl gently towards your scalp, and holding it there for several seconds before lowering it and moving on. This compresses the curl slightly, which can help define it and add volume at the root. Lower the diffuser before switching off, so the air does not blow the curls about.

Try both and see which your hair prefers. Many people hover first and then pixie diffuse.

Common mistakes

If you are choosing a dryer for curly hair, our guide to hair dryers with diffusers for curly hair compares models with good diffusers. For a lighter tool on long diffusing sessions, see lightweight hair dryers.

• Touching curls while they dry: this breaks clumps and creates frizz. Hands off until dry.
• High speed: blows curls apart; stick to low.
• Moving the diffuser around constantly: hold each position for a few seconds.
• Over-drying: stop at around 80 to 90% dry and let the rest air-dry if you prefer.
• Clogged filter: reduces airflow and can make the dryer cut out; clean it regularly.

Note:Always use a hair dryer with dry hands and away from baths and basins. Do not block the air intake with a towel, and unplug the dryer before cleaning or changing a damaged attachment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a diffuser for curly hair? You can air-dry instead. A diffuser speeds drying and can add volume while keeping your curl pattern.

Can I use any diffuser on any dryer? Diffusers are usually designed for specific dryers or nozzle sizes. Buy one made for your model.

Should I diffuse on hot or cold? Start low or medium and raise only if drying takes too long. Finish with cool air.

How long does diffusing take? It depends on length and density. Hover drying first and stopping before fully dry can shorten it.