A comprehensive guide to using a hair diffuser

The hair diffuser: a tool that holds endless styling possibilities yet often remains tucked away in drawers, waiting to be discovered. Whether tempted to try one because you have naturally curly or wavy locks, or you've already invested in one but haven't yet unlocked its magic, you can become a pro in no time with this ultimate guide to using a hair diffuser.

HOW TO USE A HAIR DIFFUSER

• What is a hair diffuser?
• Who can use a diffuser?
• Benefits of using a diffuser
• How to use a diffuser to dry your hair: step-by-step tutorial
• How to use a diffuser to style your hair: step-by-step tutorial
• Using a diffuser for curly hair: top tips
• Using a diffuser for straight hair: top tips
• Using a diffuser for wavy hair: top tips
• Common mistakes when using a hair diffuser

WHAT IS A HAIR DIFFUSER?

Put simply, a hair diffuser is a large, round, plastic attachment that you can click onto the nozzle of your hairdryer. Some diffusers also have small, spike-like structures on their surface. Diffusers work by redirecting – or diffusing – the air from the hairdryer throughout your hair to reduce frizz and enhance the natural texture of your hair, helping to create the perfect blow dry.

A diffuser is the ideal hair tool for those with curly to wavy hair types as it can help to shape the natural curl pattern. Without a diffuser, you can easily blow curls out of shape and into a frizz.

Hair dryers often come with a diffuser attachment that can be interchanged with other nozzles, depending on the style you want to achieve. You can also buy a diffuser as a separate attachment for your existing hair dryer – most universal diffusers fit most hair dryers. 

A hair diffuser is also one of the best tools for a hair detox because the warm air is dispersed across a wider hair surface, and is therefore kinder to hair.

WHO CAN USE A DIFFUSER?

While anyone can use a diffuser, they are more commonly used by people with naturally curly or wavy hair. If you have wavy hair which you instinctively straighten, a diffuser could be a great way to bring out your most natural curl or wave pattern.

BENEFITS OF USING A DIFFUSER

A diffuser could bring new life to your hair. Here’s why:

• Time saving: A diffuser is a great tool for drying curly or wavy hair faster than if you let it dry naturally. So if you need perfect curls as soon as possible after a hair wash, a diffuser is the best way to achieve this. 
• Kinder to hair: Instead of using a hairbrush, the cooler air flow of a diffuser and its gentle scrunch motion is kinder to your hair.
• Prevents frizz: When used properly, a diffuser can prevent frizz and flyaways, ensuring curls and waves are well-defined.
• Enhances your natural curls or waves: Unlike a traditional hair dryer nozzle, which blasts heat between strands, the dispersed air of a diffuser is designed to float around your curls – preserving their shape and pattern and reducing unwanted frizz.
• Tailor the flow to suit your hair: The beauty of a diffuser is that you can adjust the heat and flow of the air to suit your hair type, or how much time you have to style your hair. Some diffusers allow you to rotate the diffuser itself to adjust the air flow, or you can just adjust the heat setting on your hair dryer.

The results may surprise you: If your hair is naturally prone to frizz or kinks, chances are your hair could have a natural wave or curl. A diffuser could be the perfect tool for finding out, and may lead to a brand new hair journey.

HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER TO DRY YOUR HAIR: STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL

If your hair is on the straight side and doesn’t frizz easily, you can use a diffuser as a hair dryer to quickly dry your hair while adding volume and texture. Follow our step-by-step guide for how to achieve a bouncy blow dry using a diffuser.

Step 1: Gently squeeze out excess water after washing your hair. To promote kinks and waves, it’s best not to leave it to air dry for too long – damp hair is best.

Step 2: Before you use any heated styling tool on your hair, including a hair dryer, spritz your hair with a heat protection spray such as the CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion. 

Tip: If you need to add volume at the crown of your head, then inserting clips at your roots can help create lift at the roots.

Step 3: Place a section of hair onto the diffuser and press it up against your scalp as you blow dry. This scrunches the hair up and keeps it in position while the air flows around it. 

Tip: Ensure that you tilt your head into the diffuser rather than applying the heat downwards – the air flow should always be pointing towards the roots of your hair to maximise volume.

Step 4: Repeat for each section, then apply a styling product such as a hair spray to preserve the added volume.

HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER TO STYLE YOUR HAIR: STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL

If you have frizz-prone curly or wavy hair, you’ll need to take a little more time to style your hair as it dries. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure maximum results.

Step 1: Wash your hair, use a wide tooth comb whilst still in the shower to detangle and separate curls. 

Step 2: Once out of the shower, using a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel to minimise friction, gently squeeze out excess water. To promote kinks and waves, give your hair a really good scrunch. To define your curls, you could wrap or twist small sections around your finger. If your hair is curly, it’s best not to run your fingers through your hair at this stage, as you risk pulling the curls apart.

Step 3: Before you use any heated styling tool on your hair, including a hair dryer, spritz your hair with a heat protection spray such as the CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion. 

Step 4: Apply a curl enhancing product such as a lotion, gel, or mousse to encourage and enhance your curls or waves.

Step 5: With the hair dryer on a very low heat and flow setting, hold it around 30cm away from your hair and gently blow air across your head for 1-2 minutes. This ‘hover’ method will create a ‘cast’ around your curls, where the outer layer of each curl will start to set, reducing frizz. Don’t touch your hair, brush, or run your fingers through it at this stage.

Step 6: Turn your head upside down and place a section of hair onto the diffuser, pressing it up against your scalp as you blow dry. This scrunches the hair up and keeps it in position while the air flows around it. Leave it in position for at least 30 seconds to ensure each section is dry before moving on.

Tip: Ensure that you tilt your head into the diffuser rather than applying the heat downwards – the air flow should always be pointing towards the roots of your hair to maximise volume.

Step 7: Repeat for each section, then apply a styling product such as a hair spray to preserve your style.

USING A DIFFUSER FOR CURLY HAIR: TOP TIPS

Diffusers are pure magic for curly hair, as they are the perfect way of drying your curls while keeping their shape. But there’s a knack for using it properly. Here’s our top tips for how to get the most out of your diffuser to maximise the potential of your beautiful curls.

• Detangle your hair in the shower: Don’t use a comb or brush once your curls have started to dry.
• Avoid rubbing your wet hair with your towel: Instead, wrap your hair in either a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel and squeeze out the excess water. 
• Use curl-friendly products: Apply a curl-defining product beforehand such as a mousse for curly hair, curl cream and/or a leave-in conditioner to hydrate your curls and help them keep their shape as they dry. 
• Create finger curls: Twirl wet hair in place around your finger – doing this will ensure that the curls hold their shape.
• Switch off between sections: Make sure you turn off the diffuser when moving it between sections – this will reduce the chance of air disrupting your curls.

Know when to stop: Use the diffuser until your hair is around 80% dry, then leave your curls to dry naturally. This will ensure your curls stay defined and shiny, instead of frizzy and dry.

USING A DIFFUSER FOR STRAIGHT HAIR: TOP TIPS

Believe it or not, a diffuser can be used on straight hair to inject volume and texture. Here are our tips for how to maximise results:

• Use clips at the roots: Clip sections of hair at the roots before using the diffuser to encourage kinks to form, generating more volume.
• Tip your head upside down while you diffuse: Dry your hair upside down to maximise the bounce at your roots.

Use volumising style products: Apply products designed specifically to add volume, such as mousses or gels.

USING A DIFFUSER FOR WAVY HAIR: TOP TIPS

Unlock your natural waves using these top diffusing tips:

• Massage the roots with the diffuser: With your head upside down, hold the diffuser next to your scalp to boost volume at the root.
• Scrunch the crunch away: If your hair feels crunchy when dry, this is because the products have created a ‘cast’ around your hair. If you want more movement, or softer curls, just gently scrunch your hair to remove this.

Finish with a pomade or serum: Apply an anti-frizz pomade or serum once your waves have formed.

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN USING A HAIR DIFFUSER

Using a hair diffuser can be a game-changer for those with curly or wavy hair, but it requires a bit of finesse and some trial and error to get the best results. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using a hair diffuser:

• Starting with dry hair: You might have been told to let your hair air dry partially before styling, but when it comes to diffusing curly hair, this rule doesn't quite apply. Gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt or microfibre towel if it's too wet, avoiding rough handling that can lead to unwanted frizz.
• Skimping on product: After towel-drying, don't skimp on products that provide moisture and control. A good leave-in conditioner will nourish and define your curls and serum or pomade will add shine.
• Using high heat and airflow: Opt for low heat and low flow settings on your hair dryer to avoid frizz. Though it may take a bit longer, the results will be worth it.
• Moving the diffuser too much: Avoid creating frizz by keeping the diffuser still to dry sections. For even better results with curly hair, switch off the diffuser in between sections to avoid extra air flowing in the wrong place.
• Touching your hair: Resist the urge to touch your hair during the diffusing process as it can cause frizz. Instead, wait until your hair is fully dry before gently scrunching it to maintain the curl pattern.

So whether you've got natural curls that need defining or have straight hair in need of a little extra volume and texture, mastering the art of the hair diffuser is well within your reach. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to hair that's bouncy, shiny and healthy-looking. Embrace your natural waves experiment until you find the techniques and products that work best for you. With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you're well on your way to becoming a hair diffuser pro.

Discover the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro – which comes with a diffuser attachment – or share your diffuser tips with us on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.