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how to diffuse curly hair like a pro

Are you tired of frizzy and unmanageable curly hair? Do you struggle to maintain your curls and keep them defined? If so, you’re not alone. Many people with curly hair find it challenging to manage their locks, but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to diffuse curly hair like a pro. We’ll cover everything from the basics of hair diffusing to advanced techniques, tips, and tricks that will help you achieve perfect curls every time.

What is Hair Diffusing?

Hair diffusing is a styling technique used primarily for individuals with wavy, curly, or textured hair. It involves using a diffuser attachment, typically fitted onto a blow dryer, to disperse and evenly distribute airflow. The diffuser’s unique design, often resembling a bowl with prongs or fingers, helps maintain the hair’s natural texture and curl pattern while reducing frizz and preventing heat damage. 

By gently cupping sections of hair in the diffuser and scrunching or holding it close to the scalp, hair diffusing encourages the curls or waves to form beautifully, resulting in defined, bouncy, and voluminous locks without disturbing the hair’s natural structure. It’s a go-to method for achieving that coveted “wash-and-go” look with minimal fuss.

how to diffuse curly hair

Step 1: Start with Wet Hair

Begin with freshly washed hair. It’s best to diffuse curly hair when it’s still wet or damp. You can apply a leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing product to your hair while it’s still wet for added definition.

Step 2: Prepare Your Diffuser

Attach a diffuser to your hairdryer. A diffuser typically has a bowl-like shape with prongs or fingers. Set your hairdryer to a low or medium heat setting to avoid damaging your hair and causing excessive frizz.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into sections. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that all your curls get the attention they deserve.

Step 4: Start at the Roots

Place a section of your hair into the diffuser bowl, making sure it’s scrunched upward toward your scalp. Start at the roots and hold the diffuser in place for a few seconds to allow the heat to penetrate the hair.

Step 5: Scrunch and Lift

While the diffuser is running, gently scrunch your hair upward with your hand. This encourages the curls to form and adds volume. Continue scrunching and lifting as you move the diffuser around your head.

Step 6: Work in Sections

Repeat the process for each section of your hair, working your way around your head. Remember to scrunch and lift to help define your curls.

Step 7: Use the Cool Shot

Once you’ve diffused all sections of your hair, switch your hairdryer to the cool shot setting. This helps set the curls and reduces frizz. Hold the cool shot button while scrunching your hair for a final touch.

Step 8: Avoid Over-Diffusing

Be cautious not to over-diffuse, as excessive heat can lead to dryness and frizz. It’s better to leave your hair slightly damp and allow it to air dry the rest of the way.

Step 9: Finish with Hair Spray (Optional)

If desired, you can finish with a light hold hairspray or a curl-enhancing product to set your curls in place.

How does diffusing vary for different curly hair types?

There are various ways to diffuse curly hair, depending on your hair type and desired outcome. Here are some examples of how to diffuse curly hair:

Diffusing Fine Hair

If you have fine curly hair, try diffusing your hair upside down to create more volume. Use a low heat setting and avoid over-diffusing, as this can lead to frizz.

Diffusing Thick Hair

For thick curly hair, use a higher heat setting and concentrate the airflow on smaller sections of hair. This will help the diffuser penetrate deeper into your hair, resulting in faster drying time.

Diffusing Tight Curls

If you have tight curls, use a diffuser with long prongs to better separate and define your curls. Apply products like gel or styling cream to help hold your curls in place.

Diffusing Loose Curls

For looser curls, use a diffuser with shorter prongs and less heat. This will help maintain the curl pattern while still providing some volume.

Comparisons of Hair Diffusers

When it comes to hair diffusers, there are various types available on the market. Here’s a comparison of some popular options:

Universal Diffusers

Universal diffusers are compatible with most hairdryers and come in different sizes and shapes. They’re affordable and easy to find, making them a popular choice among curly-haired folks.

Collapsible Diffusers

Collapsible diffusers are portable and easy to store, making them ideal for travel. They collapse down to a compact size, which also makes them great for those with limited storage space.

Finger Diffusers

Finger diffusers have long prongs that help to separate and define curls. They work best for tight curls and can be used on both wet and dry hair.

Diffusing like a pro: Quick Tips

Use the Right Products

Make sure to use products that are specifically formulated for curly hair, such as curl enhancers, mousse, or styling cream. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils.

Don’t Over-Diffuse

Over-diffusing can lead to frizz and damage your hair. Only use the diffuser until your hair is about 80% dry, then let it air dry the rest of the way.

Use Cold Air

Finish off your diffusing process with a blast of cold air to help set your curls in place and reduce frizz.

Don’t Touch Your Hair While Diffusing

While diffusing, try not to touch your hair too much as this can cause frizz. Instead, let the diffuser do its job, gently scrunching your hair as you work through each section.

Use a Microfiber Towel

Swap out your regular towel for a microfiber one. Microfiber towels are gentler on curls and help absorb excess water without disrupting the natural pattern of your curls.

FAQs

  1. What’s the Difference Between Diffusing and Air-Drying? Diffusing uses a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your hair gently and create volume. Air-drying, on the other hand, involves letting your hair dry naturally without any assistance from heat styling tools.
  2. Can I Diffuse Curly Hair Every Day? While it’s possible to diffuse curly hair every day, it’s best to limit heat styling as much as possible to avoid damage. Try to alternate between diffusing and air-drying or opt for protective hairstyles like braids or twists.
  3. Should I Apply Products to Wet or Dry Hair? For best results, apply styling products to damp hair after washing and conditioning. This ensures that the product is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
  4. Do I Need to Clean My Diffuser Attachment? Yes, it’s important to clean your diffuser attachment regularly to prevent product buildup, which can lead to less effective diffusion and even mold growth. You can clean it by using warm, soapy water or a specialized cleaning solution.
  5. Can I Diffuse Straight Hair? While it’s possible to use a diffuser on straight hair to create volume and texture, it may not be as effective as it is on curly hair. Straight hair may benefit more from other heat styling tools like curling irons or flat irons.
  6. How to Diffuse Curly Hair Without a Diffuser? To dry curly hair without a diffuser, gently squeeze excess water out with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. You can let your hair air dry naturally or try the “plopping” method, which involves wrapping your curls in a t-shirt or towel for around 20-30 minutes to enhance their natural shape. Another option is to use a hairdryer with a low heat setting and your hand to scrunch and lift the curls as they dry.

Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It? An Expert Review

Is shelling out $400 justified for a hair dryer? That’s a question many find themselves pondering when considering the Dyson Supersonic. With a price tag comparable to a month’s rent for some, this hair dryer boasts remarkable claims: increasing smoothness by 75%, boosting shine by up to 132%, and reducing frizz and flyaways by up to 61%. Notably, it also promises to safeguard hair from damage while achieving faster drying times than its competitors.

As an individual with the type of curly hair that can take a substantial two days to air dry fully, I know the struggle. Humid days become my hair’s nemesis, extending my blowout times and testing the patience of hair stylists. Naturally, the allure of achieving glossy, sleek, frizz-free locks is too enticing to ignore. However, as a seasoned product reviewer, I’m accustomed to raising an eyebrow at grandiose claims.

Anticipating the Dyson Supersonic’s performance, we subjected it to rigorous tests in our Beauty Lab, evaluating criteria like drying speed, air volume flow, weight, noise level, air and surface temperatures, and cord length. Furthermore, we enlisted a panel of consumer testers to trial the hair dryer in real-world scenarios outside the controlled lab environment. Read on to answer the question: Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It?

How the Dyson Supersonic Works?

The attachments

the flyaway one stands out as a game-changer. Its effectiveness in taming frizz, reminiscent of the Airwrap’s Coanda smoothing dryer, was remarkable. While the other attachments didn’t feel groundbreaking, the gentle air attachment managed airflow well, suitable for finer hair types, while the diffuser worked decently, though I missed the flexibility of the Shark FlexStyle diffuser’s prongs. The styling concentrator was straightforward and practical, with its magnetic connection offering both stability and adjustability while styling.

For those interested in keeping all these attachments organized, the special edition Supersonic with a storage case is recommended. However, it’s worth noting that the standard Supersonic surprisingly lacks storage options beyond its original box.

The heat and air settings

In terms of settings, the Supersonic offers three heat levels (140, 176, and 212 degrees Fahrenheit) and an 82-degree cold shot button. It also provides three air speeds, catering to different drying and styling needs.

Personally, I preferred the low to medium heat settings coupled with low to medium airflow. Even when not maxing out the settings, I could achieve fully dried hair from lightly towel-dried hair in under 15 minutes, and even closer to 10 minutes on the highest settings.

How it performs on other claims

Regarding the Supersonic’s performance claims, it suggests increasing smoothness by 75 percent, shine by up to 132 percent, and reducing frizz and flyaways by up to 61 percent compared to naturally dried hair. While I did observe improvements compared to air-drying, the differences weren’t overly distinct from other blow dryers I’ve used. The flyaway attachment did notably mitigate frizz, though some styling products were still necessary. Overall, the Supersonic did deliver good results, with its user-friendly design being a major plus. However, for many, opting for a more classic blow dryer at a significantly lower cost might be a reasonable alternative, even if it involves a bit of a learning curve.

Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It?

Yes, Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer is actually worth it for these reasons:

  • Powerful Motor: The Dyson hair dryer has a powerful digital motor that can spin up to 110,000 times per minute, making it one of the fastest hair dryers in the market.
  • Heat Control: The heat control feature ensures that the hair is not exposed to excessive heat, which can cause damage and dryness. This technology measures the temperature of the air 20 times per second, ensuring that the hair is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: The Dyson hair dryer is lightweight and easy to handle due to its ergonomic design. It also comes with magnetic attachments, which make it easy to switch between different styling tools.
  • Quiet Operation: The Dyson hair dryer is quieter than most hair dryers in the market, thanks to its innovative motor design.
  • Advanced Technology: The Dyson hair dryer uses advanced technology to ensure that the hair is not damaged during the drying process. Its intelligent heat control feature monitors the temperature of the air and adjusts it accordingly, preventing heat damage.

Dyson Hair Dryer Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Dyson hair dryer has its pros and cons. Here are some of the major pros and cons of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer:

Pros

  • Dry your hair in a fraction of the time compared to other hair dryers.
  • Intelligent heat control ensures that the air temperature stays within safe limits, which means less damage to your hair.
  • Operates quietly, which makes it more pleasant to use than other hair dryers.
  • The magnetic attachments provided with the hair dryer make it easy to switch between different styling tools, giving you more versatility in styling your hair.
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

Cons

  • More expensive than other hair dryers in the market.
  • The magnetic attachments can be difficult to attach and detach from the hair dryer, which can be frustrating.
  • Only comes in a limited range of colors, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
  • Can be heavy, which can cause hand fatigue if used for an extended period.
  • Can still be quite loud, which may be a problem for some users.

Dyson Hair Dryer Vs. Other Hair Dryers

The Dyson hair dryer is undoubtedly more expensive than most hair dryers in the market. However, it is also more advanced and offers several benefits that other hair dryers do not. Here are some of the reasons why the Dyson hair dryer is superior to other hair dryers:

  • Faster Drying: The Dyson hair dryer is faster at drying hair than most other hair dryers in the market, thanks to its powerful motor.
  • Less Damage: It causes less damage to the hair than other hair dryers in the market due to its intelligent heat control feature.
  • Quieter Operation: The Dyson operates quietly, making it more pleasant to use than other hair dryers in the market.
  • Ergonomic Design: This hair dryer has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle and use, reducing the risk of hand fatigue.
  • Versatile Styling: Magnetic attachments of Dyson make it easy to switch between different styling tools, giving you more versatility when it comes to styling your hair.

FAQs 

  1. How much does the Dyson hair dryer cost? The Dyson hair dryer usually costs around $400to $500, depending on where you purchase it from and any current sales or promotions.
  2. Can the Dyson hair dryer be used on all hair types? Yes, the Dyson hair dryer is suitable for all hair types. Its intelligent heat control feature ensures that the air temperature stays within safe limits, which means less damage to your hair, regardless of its type or texture.
  3. How long does the Dyson hair dryer last? The Dyson hair dryer is built to last and comes with a two-year warranty. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can last for much longer than that.
  4. Is the Dyson hair dryer easy to clean? Yes, the Dyson hair dryer is easy to clean. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the hair dryer and remove any dust or debris. The magnetic attachments can also be easily detached and cleaned.

Conclusion

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is an innovative product that offers several benefits over other hair dryers in the market. Its advanced technology, fast drying time, and less damage to the hair make it worth the investment for those looking for a high-end hair dryer. However, the high price tag, heavy weight, and limited color options may not be for everyone.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the Dyson hair dryer is worth it depends on your individual hair care needs and budget. If you have the means to invest in a high-quality hair dryer and want the best technology and features available, the Dyson hair dryer is definitely worth considering.