What is a hair diffuser and what does it do?

A diffuser is a plastic attachment or nozzle designed to fit onto a hairdryer. Dozens of small holes cover the large surface area of the diffuser, along with several pointed plastic fingers/prongs which stick out from it. The air from the hairdryer is ‘re-channelled’ through the diffuser’s unique shape to distribute it more widely. Diffusers are typically used for those with curly or wavy hair to define curls and reduce frizz, but there are some tips and tricks to using a diffuser well.

Why use a hairdryer diffuser?

Diffusers help to maintain the pattern of your curls. Used properly, a diffuser helps to make the strands of your hair longer and fuller and accentuates curls, rather than drying them out. It spreads the heat more evenly across your hair, instead of concentrated areas, so in this sense, it prevents heat damage too.

Step by step guide to using a hair diffuser

To get the most out of your diffuser, we recommend following the below steps:

1. Ideally begin the process after you have washed your hair. Apply styling and leave-in products, for example, curl definer or wave enhancer while your hair is fully wet. You should also apply heat protector products at this stage.

2. To encourage lift from the roots of your hair, use a root amplifier treatment to add volume or try putting in duckbill clips for volume at the base. You can also hang your head upside down as you dry your hair to promote lift.

3. Put a cool setting on your hairdryer before you begin, try not to be tempted to speed things up by putting the heat setting on as this can create frizz.

4. As you dry your hair, separate it into sections, then cup the ends with the diffuser, pushing and lifting them up gently towards your scalp. This will help distribute air around your roots. Again, to avoid frizzing, try to keep your diffuser in position and don’t move it around too much as you dry.

5. When you are done, use a little moose or hairspray for extra hold or apply some shine oil for an enhanced look. Tip: you can use moose throughout the blow dry process, depending on how much hold you want.

6. Finish by scrunching your hair a little to get rid of the hard residue left behind by the products you have put on while diffusing and fluff the roots with your finger tips if you want more volume.

Common mistakes when using a diffuser

Getting the knack of using a diffuser can take a little time. Below are some of the common mistakes made:

· Using a high heat setting to hurry up drying - this causes dryness, so try to be patient.

· Using on almost dry hair - make sure your hair is as wet as possible before diffusing. Although it is generally recommended that your hair is almost dry before you apply heat, this isn’t the case with diffusing.

· Touching hair with hands during the process – this again causes frizzing. Wait until the end before gently scrunching.

· Not using enough products – make sure you prep your hair with the best products before diffusing to ensure optimum moisture and condition.

In brief, using a hairdryer diffuser is really simple but if you are a bit out of practice or haven’t used one before, then run through these simple steps and tips to familiarise yourself with the process. Have a look at or sample some new curly and wavy hair products to ensure you are getting the best from your diffusing routine.