How To Choose The Right Hair Diffuser For Your Curls
Louise O'Mullane
If you've been a Curly Girl for more than a minute, you'll know the importance of a quality diffuser to get those curls looking their very best.
The good news is that a tonne of hair dryers, diffusers and attachments are available to diffuse your hair and enhance your curls. But how do you wade through the enormous range on the market, find one that works for you, is good value for money AND will last? We're here to help!
Do You Need A Hair Diffuser?
A variety of tools are available to help you achieve the perfect look. Don't get us wrong, a strong hold gel and curl cream are truly you're best friends, however A diffuser is one of the most essential tools for anyone with wavy or curly hair. FACT.
You can air dry; however, if you want bouncy, defined and voluminous curls, a diffuser is absolutely the way to go.
A diffuser is an attachment that you attach to your hair dryer, evenly distributing the air flow. Adding a diffuser helps to define and enhance your natural curls.
Industry professionals know how important it is to have the right tools to help achieve great curls. So we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of what we think are the best curly hair diffusers on the market right now.
In this short video, Jonina from LOHY. trials 4 VERY different diffusers and gives us her verdict on which one she thinks is the best.
Our Recommendations
Best All-Rounder
Our number one recommendation for overall volume, styling and definition is the Bellissima Difon diffuser. This Diffuser is designed to give your curls the definition and volume you desire without frizz. It is made with a unique design that distributes the heat evenly and is designed to minimise drying time. This Diffuser is also equipped with various settings to customise your look to your liking.
What we like
Even heat distribution
Ergonomic design
Doesn't leave a cast
Great for thick hair
What we don't like
All-in-one styler
Cant change heat setting
Does get a bit warm in your hand
Longer drying time
The Best For Budget
The KingKam Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer at $11 on Amazon is the perfect solution if you're looking for a quality diffuser without breaking the bank. It helps funnel and soften your hairdryer's airflow and is small enough for easy travel and storage.
What we like
Budget Friendly
Compatible with multiple dryers
Great for travelling
What we don't like
Collapses during use
Won't last as long as other brands on the market- durability
The Best For Volume
TheShark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher High-Velocity Dryer is a powerful hair dryer designed to quickly dry and style your curls with precision. Equipped with a diffuser attachment, it helps define curls while minimising frizz and heat damage. Its high-velocity airflow ensures fast drying, making it a great tool for busy curl enthusiasts looking for efficiency without compromising on results.
What we like:
High-velocity airflow for quicker drying
Diffuser attachment enhances curl definition and reduces frizz
Sleek design with a lightweight feel for easy handling
Offers precise temperature control to prevent heat damage
What we don’t like:
Can be noisy due to its high-velocity motor
Pricier compared to other dryers on the market
Diffuser may not fit all curl patterns equally
The Best For Definition
The Remington Pro Dryer + Diffuser is designed to help define and control curls while reducing drying time. It is also equipped with a cool shot feature, which helps to lock in your style. Made with a unique design that helps reduce frizz and static.
What we like
Special design reduces frizz + static
Reduced drying time
Low-noise
What we don't like
Whilst affordable, this dryer + diffuser combo may have a shorter life expectancy than more expensive models
The Best Everyday Staple
The Conair Infiniti-Pro is another great diffuser for curly hair. It is designed to help create natural-looking curls in a fraction of the time. It is also equipped with various settings, including a cool shot button so that you can customise your look to your liking.
What we like
Lightweight
Purchase in a dryer + Diffuser package
Multiples heat settings
What we don't like
Noisy
Heavy
The Best For Fine Hair
The T3 Cura Luxe. This Diffuser helps create long-lasting curls with minimum effort. Equipped with various settings, you can customise your look to your liking. Additionally, this Diffuser is designed to help reduce frizz and static.
Things we like
Great for fine hair
Reduces frizz
Affordable
Things we don't like
The diffuser attachment is only compatible with the T3 Dryer
The Best "Treat Yo Self"
Though the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is quite costly, users love it and say it's worth every penny! This unique dryer provides plenty of power and heat, yet it won't dishevel the hair even at the highest air setting.
With the ability to dry hair in half the time and reduce frizz, this technology is revolutionary.
Curly-haired men and women love the benefits of 75% increased smoothness and 132% decreased frizz, which helps protect hair from heat damage. Though it is a pricey investment, this hairdryer has won the hearts of many who vow by its results - making it worth the big spend.
What we like
Reduces damage
Unmatched styling capabilities
Diffuser included
What we don't like
It's pricey
The "Anti-Frizz" Drying Cap
The Soulta No Frizz Solutions Satin Diffusor Capis the ultimate hands-free solution for drying your curls while staying productive. Whether you're working, folding laundry, or simply watching Netflix, just attach the diffuser cap, and you're good to go! The adjustable band ensures a secure fit around your head, while an elastic band wraps around your hair dryer to prevent any air from escaping. Its smooth satin material allows for even air circulation, and unlike other diffuser hoods, this one stays in place without slipping off the dryer or your head.
What we like:
Hands-free drying so you can multitask
Adjustable band for a perfect, secure fit on any head size
Elastic rubber band that ensures the hood stays in place on the dryer
Smooth satin fabric that prevents frizz and allows even airflow
Good for Type 3 or Type 4 curls
What we don’t like:
Not ideal for those looking for ultra-quick drying times
Works best with specific dryer types that have a compatible nozzle
Minimal volume even with volume root clips
The Best For Thick Hair
The CONFU Professional Lightweight hairdryer + diffuser attachment, is perfect for those with thicker hair, as it has extra-long prongs that reach the roots. The lightweight, ergonomic dryer provides comfortable styling. To get maximum definition and reduce frizz for tighter curls - hover the Diffuser 4-6 inches over the hair, moving it in the direction the hair grows from root to end, and don't touch it until it is 60-75% dry.
What we like
Longer prongs reach all the way to the roots
Lightweight
Multiple heat settings
What we don't like
Noisy
What To Look For In A Good Quality Hair Dryer + Diffuser For Curly Hair
When shopping for a good quality hair dryer and Diffuser for curly hair, there are several important factors to consider.
Compatibility with your hair dryer
The size of the prongs
The level of venting
First, you will want to ensure that the hair dryer and Diffuser you choose are compatible with your hair dryer.
"Compatability is essential as different diffusers require different wattages and voltage levels to function correctly."
You can usually find the wattage and voltage of your hair dryer printed on the back or side. The Diffuser should match the wattage and voltage of your hair dryer, or it may not work.
Second, the size of the prongs is also important. Too small prongs can damage your curls, while prongs too large may not effectively distribute the air. When shopping for a diffuser, look for one with prongs that are the right size for your hair type.
Lastly, the level of venting in the Diffuser is key to great curls.
"Vents help to direct the airflow so that the heat is evenly distributed, helping to reduce frizz and create beautiful, defined curls. Look for a diffuser with plenty of vents to ensure your curls are evenly dried and styled."
When shopping for a hair dryer and Diffuser, taking the time to consider these factors will help ensure that you end up with a diffuser that works for your hair and helps create beautiful, defined curls. Not to mention will give you the best bang for your buck.