How to Use a Hair Diffuser

Co-authored by Martin Nepton

Last Updated: June 7, 2024 Fact Checked

Hair diffusers are useful for drying your hair and enhancing waves and curls without making your hair frizzy. Diffusers are attached to the end of hair dryers to protect hair from direct heat, so you will be less likely to damage it. Here's what you need to know to get frizz-free, gently coiled waves using a hair diffuser.

How to Use a Diffuser on a Hair Dryer

Attach the hair diffuser to the end of your hair dryer's nozzle. Turn your diffuser onto low heat and start at your roots. Move the diffuser in small circles and work toward the ends of hair to add more volume and curl to your style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Hair Diffuser to Dry Your Hair

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1
Wash and condition your hair, if desired. Washing your hair is optional. You can also wet your hair with water without actually washing it. If you do decide to wash your hair, use your regular shampoo and conditioner and wash your hair as you normally would. However, if you're looking to reduce frizz, consider making a few alterations to your chosen products.
- Try all-natural products that cleanse with oils, rather than soap agents, to help your hair look healthy and glossy when it's dry.
- Avoid using harsh shampoos made with sulfates, which can dry out your hair and cause it to look dull and frizzy.
Pat it dry gently with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Squeeze out the excess water, but don't use the towel or t-shirt to twist or wring out your hair. Handling your hair roughly can cause the hair shaft to fray and make it look frizzy.

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3
Apply leave-in conditioner and other products. For best results, add a leave-in conditioner after drying. This will moisten your hair immediately after a shower and prevent frizz during the drying process. A few other kinds of hair products can also help with the diffusing process.^{[1]
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- There is one exception to this rule. If your hair is wavy, it might be best to skip the leave-in conditioner. This can weigh down your hair, decreasing the curls and volume you're trying to achieve through using a hair diffuser.^{[2]
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- Styling lotion for curly hair can also be helpful. If you have wavy hair, go for a lightweight product like curling cream, or mousse.^{[3]
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  Martin Nepton
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.}
- Try twisting each of your curls around your fingers and then slipping your finger out of the coil before you use the diffuser on them. This will help to define them.^{[4]
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  Martin Nepton
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.}
- Some advise what is called the "rake and shake" method to try and bring out natural curls before diffusing. Divide your hair into 5 sections: 1 in front and 2 sections on either side of your head. Work in leave-in conditioner and hair products section-by-section. When you finish a section, hold it by its end and gently shake it out in a way that allows natural curls or waves to begin taking shape.^{[5]
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4
Start drying your hair with the diffuser. Fit the diffuser on the end of your hair dryer. Always turn it on either medium or low heat, and low speed.^{[6]
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Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.} While this means it'll take longer to dry, your hair will not dry out or get as frizzy during the drying process.^{[7]
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- To start, tilt your head to 1 side. Take the diffuser and place it near your hair's roots. Hold it there until your roots are dry.^{[8]
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- Use circular motions as you dry the hair near your scalp. Use the diffuser's prongs to gently massage your hair, promoting volume as well as natural waves and curls.^{[9]
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Work your way down to the tips of your hair. Continue massaging your hair with the diffuser, using a circular motion, until your hair is dry down to the tips. Use the diffuser to gently push up on your curls as you work your way down. This helps retain your hair's natural shape and give your hair bounce.
- Keep in mind, if your hair's naturally curly you may want to use the diffuser differently. Many women with natural curls feel their hair dries better if they stop after drying the roots. If you feel a diffuser makes your natural curly hair frizzier, try letting your ends air dry. See if this leads to better results.^{[10]
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- Try lifting each section of hair from the bottom as you dry it with the diffuser. This will add more lift at the roots, and it will prevent your wet hair from weighing down your curls as they dry.^{[11]
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  Martin Nepton
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.}
- After your roots are dry, you can take sections of curls and put them into the diffuser. Keep the curls intact as you do this to help prevent frizz.
- Use your hands sparingly as you diffuse your hair. Touching can create frizz and cause natural curls and waves to lose shape. It may feel like it's taking a long time relying on the diffuser alone. However, keeping your hands out of your hair will lead to better results.^{[12]
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Apply products afterwards. When your hair is dry, consider adding some products after the process. Heat can be hard on hair. Hairspray, pomade, or other products can help reduce damage.
- Gently mist your hair with styling spray once it's dry. This will help your hair retain its shape all day.^{[13]
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- If your hair feels crunchy or dull after drying, there are a variety of products you can use to combat this. Consider pomade or shine serum, both of which you can purchase at a local salon. Rub some of the pomade or serum into your hands and then gently work it into your hair. Pull your hands through your hair, as if you're trying to pull your hair into a ponytail, and then continue pulling until you reach your ends.^{[14]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Hair Diffuser to Style Your Hair

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1
Wash your hair. Before you style your hair using a diffuser, you should wash your hair. You can use your regular shampoo and conditioner. As the heat from a diffuser can be hard on your hair, take extra precautions when conditioning.
- Leave your regular conditioner in for 3 to 5 minutes instead of washing it out immediately. This will keep your hair a little softer and more moisturized going into the diffusing process.^{[15]
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- Make sure to rinse out shampoo and conditioner completely. Leaving in any residue can dry out your hair and cause damage. Rinse until you no longer see any suds leaving your hair.^{[16]
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2
Turn your head upside down. Once you're done washing your hair, turn your head upside down. To start drying, gently shake your hair back and forth. This will allow your natural curls and waves to take shape.
- To continue drying, squeeze excess water of your hair. Do not rub dry with a towel. This can leave hair frizzy and difficult to manage.^{[17]
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  Research source} If your hair is still dripping wet, it's better to blot dry with a towel than rub.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it is still wet.^{[18]
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3
Add curl cream or mousse if you want. It's optional, but a curl cream or mousse can help enhance your hair's shape during the diffusing process. You can find such products at a local salon.^{[19]
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- Any products you use should have some kind of moisturizing agent. This is because heat can dry out your hair. Look for lotion-based mousse, foam, or gel to use in your hair before you begin diffusing.^{[20]
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Keeping your head upside down, work the diffuser around the back of your head using circular motions. Focus on the roots at the top of your head. Diffusing from behind will add body to your hairstyle.^{[21]
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5
Flip your hair back. Check to see how your hair is setting. If you like how your hair looks, you can stop diffusing at this point. However, if you want more volume try using the diffuser on the front of your hair and along your part line.^{[22]
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- As with simply drying your hair with a diffuser, natural curls may be best left alone. If your hair is normally curly, try drying the roots and letting the ends air dry.^{[23]
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- Use the same circular motions as you continue diffusing your hair. As always, keep your hands out of your hair during this process. This can interfere with the style.
6
Create volume. You can use a diffuser to add volume to your hair. To do so, you'll need to grab some hair clips.
- Place clips in your hair near the roots. Keep them at an angle. This will lift the top section of your hair, encouraging volume as you dry.^{[24]
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- You can either continue to use the diffuser or allow your hair to dry naturally with the clips in place. Different types of hair will respond in different ways. You may have to do some trial and error to see which methods best bring out volume in your hair. Try diffusing your hair with the clips in one day. The next day, allow your hair to air dry. See which results you prefer.^{[25]
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Allowing some of your hair to dry naturally will keep it moisturized. It can also encourage volume. Once your hair feels about 80% dry, stop using the diffuser. Allow your hair to air dry the rest of the way.^{[26]
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Add curl or wave-preserving hair serum. Use mousse, leave-in conditioner, or another hair product to keep your style in place. Apply it to your hair using a scrunching motion, rather than combing it in, to keep the style intact.
- Your hair should have natural bounce after diffusing it. Don't apply too much hair spray or another heavy product, since this could weigh your hair down.
- Once again, apply product by acting like you’re pulling your hair into a ponytail. Then, run your fingers all the way to the ends of your hair.^{[27]
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- Pay attention to product instructions. Many products advise that you apply at the roots to prevent your hair from looking greasy or weighed down.^{[28]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Hair Diffuser on Straight Hair

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Many people with hair on the straight side are surprised by the natural waves that appear when they use a hair diffuser. Start by getting your hair completely wet. Either wash and condition your hair or run it under the shower, then gently dry it with a towel until it's damp, but not soaking wet.
2
Apply product. After you've washed your hair, you'll need to apply product to help while using the diffuser. You'll need some kind of volumizer as well as a heat protectant.
- Products designed to give hair volume can be applied to your roots. You can find volumizing shampoos and conditioners at the super market. Your local salon will likely also sell leave-in products designed to encourage volume. Read the instructions on the products you buy carefully. Some are spray-on and some should be massaged into your scalp.^{[29]
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- Mousse can work well when you're trying to make straight hair curly. Consider adding a small bit of mousse to your hair, focusing specifically at the roots.^{[30]
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- As heat can damage hair, a heat protectant is important. This is especially true if your hair is thin. Blow dry sprays and oils are usually sold at local salons. You usually do not need to use more than a drop of such products.^{[31]
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  Research source} If your hair is especially prone to frizz, see if you can find a protectant with a moisturizing agent.
3
Use the diffuser to encourage waves. To do this, use your fingers to lift your roots upward. Push your hair upward into the diffuser, scrunching it into the prongs. Then, continue to dry your hair all around your head using this same process.^{[32]
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- Another option is to twist your hair in small to medium sections before you start diffusing it. This will form curls in your hair after you finish diffusing it.
4
Add product when you finish. You should always add product when you finish diffusing your hair. The heat process is hard on hair, for one. You also want to add some kind of hair spray to make sure your style stays intact throughout the day.
- Gently mist your hair with your favorite brand of hair spray. This will help solidify your new style. Avoid using too much spray. This could cause a strong odor and could also make your hair look stiff.^{[33]
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- Use pomade or serum to make your hair look soft and natural. Smooth it gently over your hair, running your hands from your roots to the tips of your hair.^{[34]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What is a hair diffuser and how does it work?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A hair diffuser is an attachment that you add to a hair dryer to make the flow of air less concentrated so that it can dry curly or wavy hair without disrupting the curl pattern. It works by spreading out the air flow.

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How do you use a diffuser for curls?

Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist
Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.

Martin Nepton

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

First, apply a product for curly hair. Then, wrap your curls around your finger to help them form. Slip your finger out, then use the diffuser on them. Work your way around your head. This will give you defined curls.

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Question

Do all hair diffusers work the same?

Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist
Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.

Martin Nepton

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

No. When you purchase a diffuser, make sure you know what type of hair dryer you have. Many diffusers will work on a variety of hair dryer styles, but some hair dryers will need a certain diffuser

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Different curl-enhancing styling products create different curly hair looks. Some mousse is made for light waves while heavier gels will enable you to create more defined coils.

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