Wondering how to use a diffuser on your hair dryer for your naturally curly hair? Or are you intrigued to see if a diffuser will work for your straight hair? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

First things first, what is a diffuser?

A diffuser is a round attachment that comes with all Hail Your Hair Dryers. It attaches to the head of your hair dryer and assists with drying your hair.

A diffuser is most commonly used on curly and afro hair to define natural curls. However, a diffuser can also be on other hair types. For example, it can be used to dry your straight hair with a natural wave.

How Does a Hair Dryer Diffuser Work?

A diffuser maintains the curl pattern of freshly washed, towel-dried hair by spreading the hair dryer’s airflow over a wider area of your hair in a concentrated way. This helps to keep those curls intact and minimize broken curl patterns and frizz.

Ready to define bouncy and natural curls using one tool only? Let’s unpack how to use a diffuser on your hair dryer.

Step one: Prep and Prime your Hair

Firstly, prep by washing your hair. Then, prime your hair by allowing it to partially dry before applying a heat protectant.

Top Tip: To minimize heat damage  and protect your hair, use a moisturizing conditioner and a microfiber towel or, even better, a t-shirt to dry your hair before applying heat.

Step Two: Define your Natural Curls

In small sections, define your naturals curls by twisting segments of your hair around your finger. For tighter curls, take less hair in each section, and for looser curls, ensure that these sections are larger.

Step Three: Allow the Diffuser to Work its Magic

Next, we’ll look at how to put the diffuser on your hair dryer. Attach the diffuser to the end of your hair dryer, ensuring that the attachment is secure. 

Then, tilt your head to one side and take a section of your hair into the diffuser. Turn the hair dryer on with a low heat setting, and slowly bring the diffuser up toward your scalp, moving the hairdryer in circular motions.

The diffuser should be pointed upward, allowing the air to flow upward, to help you create voluminous waves and curls.

Repeat until you cover all sections of your hair.

Top Tip: Don’t touch your hair too much whilst diffusing – this will break up the curls you have created.

Step Four: Golden Rule – Less is More

The golden rule is to stop diffusing when your hair is 80% dry. This will allow your hair to briefly air-dry and leave those waves or curls looking bouncy and hydrated.

- When your hair is wet, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair. This will minimize frizz during the diffusing process.

- For extra volume near your parting, place one hand on one side of your parting and bunch the hair upward from your ear toward your parting line. With the other hand, take your diffuser on a low heat and dry the elevated hair to create more volume. Repeat on the other side of your parting.

- Another fantastic technique to create more volume is to flip your head upside down and apply the diffuser to your roots .

We hope you’re now feeling more confident with how a hair dryer diffuser works and, most importantly, how you can use the diffuser on your hair dryer to create your desired look. All Hail Your Hair Dryers come with a diffuser attachment included, so you can put this guide to good use straight away!

For more hair dryer styling tips check out our blog post on how to do a salon blowout at home or follow us on Instagram for more inspo and tricks!