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A hair diffuser is an easy, natural way to elevate your natural curls. If you’re wondering how to use a diffuser, keep reading for our step-by-step guide to create the healthiest, bounciest curls around.
What is a diffuser, you may ask? This is an attachment for your every-day blow dryer. By separating the flow of hot air, the diffuser not only prevents heat damage, but also works with your natural waves and texture. If you’re interested in adding bounce to your wavy hair or maintaining the structure of your curls while drying them, this is the tool for you.
RELATED: 8 Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair
How to Use a Diffuser (7 Easy Steps)
Condition Your Hair
While in the shower, make sure to thoroughly condition your waves. This will ensure that your locks are healthy and hydrated when you later dry them with your diffuser.
Detangle
While still in the shower, use a comb to gently detangle any knots or clumps. With this, your hair will be prepped without a disruption in its natural curl pattern.
Wrap Hair to Dry
To make sure your hair isn’t soaking wet when you go in with the diffuser, wrap your curls in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to let dry post shower.
Softer, less-coarse material will ensure that your hair doesn’t frizz as it dries. Let your wrapped hair sit for at least 10 minutes––watch part of a sitcom, paint your nails, do some stretching.
Hydrate with Mouse or Leave-in Conditioner
To further prep your hair for the diffusing process, apply mouse or leave-in conditioner. These products will help your curls keep their structure as they dry.
Spray Hair with Heat-Protectant
It’s always smart to put a barrier between your hair and a targeted source of heat.
Thermal protectant sprays will help prevent damage (the John Frieda Frizz Ease is a great pick), so don’t forget this step!
Start Diffusing
Attach your diffuser to the end of your hair dryer.
Tilt it upwards, and place a section of hair in the bowl, gently moving hair around with fingers to shape.
First dry the ends of your hair, moving upwards towards the roots to complete the process.
Always start with your diffuser on low––this will prevent excessive heat damage and frizz.
Make sure to avoid over-drying your curls; it’s best to quit diffusing when they still retain a bit of moisture from your shower.
Bottom Line
You’re all done! To finish off your look, you can add some hair oil for shine. However, it’s important to avoid over-handling your newly-refreshed waves right after diffusing–– damp hair is very impressionable. With this, say goodbye to styling irons and frizzy locks, and welcome-in a new era of healthy, hydrated curls!
Aside from learning how to use a diffuser, picking the perfect diffuser will help make the process easier. One top pick for curly hair is the Black Orchid Hair Diffuser.
