Topic
Hair types, curls and diffusers
Fine, thick, curly and long hair each suit different nozzles and settings. Matching the attachment to the hair matters as much as the dryer itself.
A narrow concentrator focuses a fast jet of air onto one section at a time, which suits a smooth, brushed blow-dry. A diffuser spreads slower air over a wide bowl, so curls dry with less disturbance.
Thick and long hair benefits from high airflow and a wide range of speed settings. Fine hair often styles better on a lower speed and a moderate heat setting, finished with the cold shot.
If you have curls, check that a diffuser is included, or that the maker sells one that fits the model. Diffusers are rarely universal between brands.
Guides on this topic
- How to use a hot air brush for a salon-style blow-dryHow to use a hot air brush: whether to rough-dry first, section by section technique, root volume and tips for short hair, with safety basics.How-to
- How to use a hair dryer diffuser on curly hairHow to use a hair dryer diffuser: pixie diffusing, hover drying and the low speed, low heat settings that keep curl clumps intact and cut frizz.How-to
- How to blow-dry your hair at homeHow to blow-dry your hair: towel-dry, rough-dry, then section and smooth with a concentrator. Settings and nozzle angles, plus Dyson Supersonic tips.How-to
- Hair dryer attachments explained: concentrators, diffusers and smoothing nozzlesWhat concentrators, diffusers, smoothing nozzles and brush attachments do to airflow, and which attachments come in the box with premium hair dryers.Guide
Buying guides on this topic
- Best hair dryers with diffusers for curly hairHair dryers that ship with a diffuser compared on diffuser type, stated hair type, wattage and the other attachments for curly hair.Buying guide
- Best hair dryers for fine hairHair dryers for fine hair compared on lowest heat settings, gentle air and scalp modes, smoothing attachments and wattage from each listing.Buying guide
- Best hair dryers for thick hairHair dryers for thick or long hair compared on wattage, stated airflow, heat and speed settings and the concentrator in the box.Buying guide