Why do you need a diffuser attachment for a hair dryer?
The diffuser serves several purposes. With it you can:
- create volume at the roots;
- slightly straighten and separate large curls so that they do not get tangled with each other;
- curl your hair without harming its structure;
- speed up the drying process compared to the standard one.
The diffuser improves the quality of drying and also allows you to style with a hair dryer. Important! The attachment not only allows you to create beautiful hairstyles, but also protects weak, thin hair, as it prevents it from overheating when drying.
What is a hair dryer diffuser
A diffuser is a special device for more delicate hair drying. In addition to gently drying curls, this hair dryer attachment helps to increase the root volume and splendor of strands. With its help, you can form both large textured curls and small perky curls.
A diffuser will add texture and volume to naturally curly hair.
The diffuser has another wonderful property: with its help you can not only style your hair, but also perform a useful and pleasant scalp massage. This procedure will help get rid of fatigue and accelerate the growth of curls due to a rush of blood to the hair follicles.
Operating principle of the diffuser
Externally, the nozzle looks like a convex or concave disk made of plastic. On one side it has elongated “spikes” or, as hairdressers also call them, “fingers”. Next to the “fingers” or directly in them there are holes through which a powerful stream of air generated by the hair dryer is supplied.
Thanks to the design of the nozzle, when drying, the air flow is distributed evenly throughout all hair
Depending on the design of the diffuser and how you handle it, you can create a variety of styles suitable for different hair types. The appearance of the hairstyle depends on the length of the strands and on the styling products used.
How does a hair dryer diffuser work?
During normal use of the device, hot air flows in a continuous stream. Due to this, drying may occur unevenly. For some curls the impact is stronger and they become injured, while others remain wet for a long time. In addition, the strands often get tangled, and it is very difficult to style directly during the drying process.
When using a diffuser, air passes through separate holes located on the surface of the nozzle and is distributed in thin streams - like through a sieve. The effectiveness of the procedure becomes higher, the effect is more uniform, and the hair does not become tangled, but becomes more manageable. The spikes of the nozzle additionally massage the scalp, improving blood circulation; in some models they may vibrate slightly during the process.
Types of diffusers for hair dryers
Hair dryer attachments can be divided into several types according to shape. Diffusers are:
- universal;
The spikes of the universal attachment protrude perpendicular to the base and are suitable for almost any type of strands - for curls;
There are few “fingers” on the diffuser for curly curls, and they are small, and the nozzle itself easily rotates around its axis when styling - for long hair;
The attachment for long curls has elongated but sparse spikes - for volume;
The “fingers” of the diffuser for volume are elongated and perforated, with holes located throughout the entire base area - for weak, thin hair.
The center of the nozzle for fine curls is recessed, and the spikes have different sizes
In addition, nozzles can be plastic or silicone. Devices made of soft material are more often used for styling long curls.
How to choose a hair dryer with diffuser
When choosing a device with a special nozzle, you need to pay attention to several points:
- Diameter. The wider the nozzle, the faster it can dry your curls.
- Spikes size. Long “fingers” are intended for thick hair; for short or thin hair, it is better to buy an attachment with small teeth.
- Thickness and frequency of protrusions. Wide and sparse spikes are less likely to pull out hair, so they should be chosen for weak strands that are prone to tangling. Narrow fingers spaced close together are suitable for healthy, medium-thick hair.
- Material. Soft silicone attachments cope better with straight, long curls, but can get stuck in thick and curly ones.
Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. The best attachments are produced by brands that have proven themselves in the cosmetic equipment market - Bosch, Philips, Remington and others.
How to choose a hair dryer
The choice of nozzle will play a major role in the further process of drying the strands. It is necessary to take into account several points at once, and not just based on the cost and popular brand of the manufacturer. Depending on the length, thickness, structure, suitable nozzles are selected:
- a large diffuser with long, dense “fingers” is ideal for thick, long hair;
- short teeth will help make the hairstyle more voluminous on short strands;
- The small, fine-toothed attachment is suitable for fine hair.
These points should be taken into account if you want to buy only an attachment for an existing device. If you are planning to purchase a complete set of styling tools, you need to pay attention to the hair dryer itself, its functionality and the material from which it is made. It is desirable that in addition to hot air, the device can also supply cold jets. This way you will protect your locks from exposure to high temperatures, which will affect their appearance and health.
How to properly use a hair dryer with a hair diffuser at home
Using a hair dryer diffuser attachment is quite easy. But the application algorithm for different situations will be different.
How to style long hair with a hairdryer and diffuser
A beautiful hairstyle for long curls is done like this:
- wash the hair, and then wait until it dries slightly, and divide it into 4 parts, make strands on the sides at the temples, behind and on the crown;
- the back part is lubricated with styling mousse and screwed onto the long spikes of a universal or special attachment;
- turn on the device and dry your hair for several minutes;
- If necessary, dry curls are treated with a spray for better fixation.
You can create a beautiful wave on long curls using a diffuser.
The same procedure is repeated for the remaining strands, after which they are styled into the finished hairstyle. The process takes very little time and effort, and the harm to the curls is minimal, since they are not exposed to high temperatures.
How to use a diffuser on a hair dryer for medium length hair
On medium hair, use a hairdryer with a diffuser to create additional volume and light curling. The algorithm looks like this:
- wet curls are slightly dried with a towel and a little styling foam is applied;
- the strands are divided into several parts - back, top and sides;
- styling begins from the back - the hair is twirled on the “fingers” and the turned on device is directed upward;
- the nozzle is moved clockwise for several minutes, lightly touching the spikes to the scalp.
Hot air will slightly lift the curls during the drying process. You will need to process each of the selected parts, then you can apply mousse or varnish again for good fixation.
Styling short hair with a hair dryer and diffuser
On short curls, a spiked hair dryer helps achieve fullness. Use the diffuser like this:
- slightly dried strands are traditionally divided into 4 parts for more convenient processing and foam or mousse is applied;
- set the minimum air flow temperature;
- grab the hair with spikes, and then turn on the device and rotate the nozzle on the selected place for several minutes, from time to time touching the skin on the head with your “fingers.”
At the end of the procedure, the strands are carefully laid by hand or with a comb and fixed with varnish.
On short hair, the diffuser attachment creates a graceful curl
Attention! The diffuser creates a light wave on short curls. But it’s difficult to create a fine curl with its help.
How to create curls with a hairdryer and diffuser
A hairdryer with a spiked attachment helps add more definition to naturally curly hair. Use it in the standard way:
- evenly distribute a special product - mousse or foam - over wet strands;
- For convenience, divide the curls into several parts;
- alternately process the collected strands, grabbing them with the spikes of the attachment and twisting them with smooth movements;
- Apply a fixing agent to the finished installation.
Natural curls will become more defined after using a hair dryer with a nozzle.
How to add volume to your hair with a diffuser
You can use a hair dryer diffuser for volume; the attachment makes your curls more voluminous without the use of curling irons or flat irons. Necessary:
- dry the washed strands with a towel and apply foam to them, paying special attention to the roots;
- divide the curls with a horizontal parting into 2 parts;
- secure your hair at the front with a hairpin, and collect it at the back with a diffuser, pointing the nozzle from bottom to top;
- dry the strands in a circular motion, in the process slightly lifting the hair dryer from the roots and lowering it back;
- Process the curls on the front and sides in the same way.
To make your hair more voluminous, you need to lift your hair roots with a diffuser during the drying process
. Tip! In order for the hairstyle to maintain its pomp, at the end you should walk from the back of the head to the top, turning on cold air, and then use hairspray.
How to straighten your hair with a hair dryer and diffuser
Typically, a spiked attachment helps with curling. But it can also be used for straightening. The process looks like this:
- the strands are evenly treated with foam and combed with a comb;
- separate the hairstyle with a straight parting;
- install a diffuser with long “fingers” on the top of the head, turn on the device and begin to dry the curls with combing movements from the roots.
Using a hair dryer with a diffuser, you can straighten your curls if you simply move the nozzle from top to bottom.
The hair dryer needs to be slightly turned inward, bending the ends of the hair towards the neck. To ensure that the styling lasts longer, it is usually fixed with varnish.
How to properly dry your hair with a hairdryer and diffuser
Regardless of whether a spiked attachment is used for curling or straightening, several rules must be followed during application:
- Drying hair with a hairdryer with a diffuser is carried out not on wet, but on curls that have slightly dried after washing; this is more convenient and safer for the hairstyle. Before the procedure, the hair must be lubricated with mousse or foam.
- It is better to set the temperature in the device settings not to maximum, but to moderate.
- During the procedure, you should not keep the attachment in one place for too long, otherwise the strands will begin to “fuzz”.
- If your curls are naturally very curly, then there is no need to additionally curl them with spikes. The hairstyle is processed statically, without rotating the nozzle.
- A video about using a hair dryer with a diffuser shows that you start drying and styling your strands from the back of your head. This is the most convenient, and there is no risk of destroying already formed curls.
Attention! Although the spiked attachment helps reduce the harmful effects of the hair dryer, it is still not worth using the device every day. Forced drying, one way or another, weakens the curls.
Rating of the best hair dryers with diffusers for curly hair
Hair dryers with diffusers are produced by almost all well-known brands of household appliances. But based on reviews, there are several particularly popular models for curly hair.
Bosch PHD 5962
A powerful 2200 W device operates in 6 modes of air flow speed and temperature. This allows you to choose the optimal settings for any hair - healthy and weakened, thick and thin. The hair dryer is equipped with an ionizer that prevents curls from becoming electrified and makes them manageable and smooth. The model has overheating protection and a removable filter that can be cleaned from time to time.
The Bosch model comes with 2 attachments:
- a concentrator that forms a directed air flow for strands that require fixation;
- diffuser for curling and adding volume; you can use it even on thin curls.
The hair dryer also operates in cold blowing mode. You can use the function after creating your hairstyle to fix it properly.
Among the disadvantages of the device, users note its significant weight of about 900 g and the average length of the cord - 180 cm.
A Bosch PHD 5962 hair dryer with a diffuser attachment can be purchased for about 2,300 rubles
Philips HP 8233
One of the best hair dryers with diffusers for curls runs at 2200 watts. It has 2 blowing speed modes and 3 temperature programs, so it can be easily adjusted for any hair type. The model is equipped with an ionization system; after treatment, the curls become shiny and glossy, do not become electrified and do not stick to each other. The device supports cold airflow, which is recommended to be used after each drying to secure the hairstyle.
The Philips hair dryer comes with 2 attachments:
- diffuser, with its help you can lift curls at the roots or perform a light curl;
- concentrator - a narrow nozzle allows you to target a specific strand and fix it in your hairstyle.
The heating element is made of ceramic and emits heat in the IR range. Due to this, the drying is soft, the hair does not overheat and does not become brittle. The model has a removable grille, which allows for quick cleaning of the air intake; there is a fuse that protects the hair dryer from overheating. The device has a 1.8 m cord and weighs only 600 g.
You can buy a hairdryer with a Philips HP 8233 diffuser for 3,000 rubles
Remington AC 8605
A functional hair dryer with a power of 2300 W is equipped with UV filters in the heating element area and an intelligent sensor. The device monitors the air temperature and changes it in case of overheating. The device also has a ring impregnated with oils; during the drying process, it helps protect colored hair from damage and color changes.
The model has 3 temperature modes and 2 air supply speeds, as well as cold airflow, which is necessary for stable fixation. Built-in ionization makes drying safer and prevents sticking.
The Remington hair dryer is equipped with a diffuser that allows for soft curling, and 2 concentrators - 11 and 7 mm. The grille of the model is removable, allowing you to clean the filter from dust. Among the advantages, we can note a very long 3 m cord; when using the device, you do not need to resort to extension cords.
The average cost of Remington AC 8605 in stores is 5,900 rubles
Rating and mini-reviews of the best hair dryers with diffusers
Among the many devices offered by manufacturers, it is not easy to choose a hair dryer that will be powerful and at the same time safe for hair health. The rating presented below includes only those models that, according to consumer reviews, received the highest scores.
Hair dryer Starwind SHS9817
The powerful Starwind SHS9817 hair dryer can dry medium-length hair in just 7–10 minutes. It comes with two attachments: a diffuser and a concentrator.
Starwind SHS9817 is a functional device, indispensable for DIY styling
The device is equipped with additional functions:
- ionization;
- cold airflow
This model is perfect for those with thin and fragile hair that lacks volume at the roots.
I have two hair dryers and both have diffusers. One of them is Starwind SHS9817. He was given to me a year ago for my birthday, and since then we have been together inseparably. The device is good, powerful, diligent. A little noisy, it’s true, but it doesn’t bother me or my household.
It was with this model that I learned what the ionization function is. Before this, I thought that cunning marketers came up with fables just to arouse interest in the product. Hair dryer and hair dryer, the main thing is that it blows powerfully and dries your hair. It turned out that ionization is actually felt. Hair becomes smoother, while at the same time acquiring curl in the “fingers” of the diffuser. After drying, the strands do not stand up straight and do not fluff like a dandelion. A very nice hairdryer, and for its price it’s a gift.
Philips BHD176/00
Among the advantages of the presented model:
- optimal air flow distribution thanks to innovative ThermoProtect technology;
- gentle hair drying;
- six operating modes;
- cold air flow function;
- two attachments included with the hair dryer (concentrator and diffuser).
Among the six temperature settings, it’s easy to choose the one you need specifically for your hair type.
The hair dryer is equipped with a special flexible loop for additional ease of placement.
DEWAL 03–111 Pro Style
A hair dryer with a maximum power of 2000 W can dry your hair within ten minutes and give it an attractive look. The diffuser included with the hairdryer is a voluminous one, designed specifically for creating voluminous hairstyles.
The hairdryer has the optimal size and good balance, and also fits perfectly in the hand.
The device's powerful motor can withstand up to eight hours of continuous operation, making it an ideal choice for professional hairdressers. The hair dryer body is made of durable plastic, impact-resistant and wear-resistant.
The presented model has Stop-heat protection against overheating, designed taking into account the requirements for professional accessories for stylists.
Hair dryer Remington TI2000
A great model for creating curls and curls on long hair. The hair dryer diffuser was developed in collaboration with experienced stylists, making it ideal for professional styling at home.
The manufacturer offers two attachments with the Remington TI2000 hair dryer: a diffuser and a concentrator.
The optimal ratio of cost and quality offered makes this model a sales leader in 2021. The stylish appearance of the device will delight lovers of high-tech style.
Power Ion hair dryer from GA.MA
Manufacturer GA.MA is a leader in the manufacture of professional hair styling devices. This model combines all the signature features of the product: stylish, recognizable design and high functionality.
Power, high performance and gentle care during styling - thanks to these qualities, the GAMA POWER ION hair dryer will become your favorite tool for your hair.
Features of the Power Ion hair dryer from GA.MA:
- three attachments for creating different looks;
- extremely flexible setting of the hair dryer operating mode - the power of the air flow and its temperature are separated for the optimal choice in each specific case;
- ceramic coating of internal systems and parts (due to this, the air stream heats up more evenly as it passes);
- ionization function for smooth and healthy hair;
- powerful wear-resistant motor with overheating protection.
Among other things, the hair dryer is covered with a special non-slip material that is very pleasant to the touch.
Hairdryer model GL4311 from Galaxy
The stylish and powerful hairdryer is equipped with a directed cold air flow function and a diffuser nozzle. All buttons are placed very accessible, which makes the process of drying and styling hair simple and fast.
The ergonomic handle of the Galaxy GL4311 hair dryer allows you to avoid overstraining your hands during styling.
Despite its low cost and only one attachment included, the Galaxy GL 4311 hair dryer is included in the rating along with more expensive and variably equipped models. A great DIY hair dryer has a flexible loop for easy placement.
Hair dryer Panasonic EH5573
The presented model has a futuristic appearance due to its silver body and two ionizers reminiscent of the nozzles of a spaceship. An unusual solution attracts attention and pleases with its functionality.
The device has four temperature modes
The hair dryer is capable of generating cold air flow and is equipped with a concentrator and diffuser. Users note that after styling, hair shines and shimmers, like after completing a professional procedure in a beauty salon.
I recently purchased this model as a spare, tempted by the huge diffuser with long “fingers”. My hairdresser actively recommended this hair dryer, claiming that the attachment of this device is one of the best for creating bouncy curls on medium-length hair.
After two months of use, I can say that the stylist was right. The diffuser on this hair dryer is great. Each “finger” has holes through which a powerful supply of warm air is carried out. The strands literally fly up from the roots, and the volume lasts for a very long time, throughout the day, and sometimes even the next morning. I also liked the hairdryer itself, it’s powerful, quite light, and the handle is comfortable.
Hairdryer Rowenta Infini PRO Sublime Shine CV8730D0
The manufacturer equipped the presented model with a powerful fan and an AC motor, which allows you to dry your hair many times faster than with conventional devices. The hair dryer does not dry out the strands, depriving them of moisture, and the built-in ionizer helps remove static electricity and adds natural shine.
The device has a ceramic heating element, which ensures its reliability
The diffuser nozzle, which comes complete with the device, is designed in such a way as to provide a stable root volume. The ergonomic shape of the hair dryer handle makes the work of a professional stylist easier, reducing the strain on the wrist.
Video: demonstration of the Rowenta Infini PRO Sublime Shine CV8730D0 hair dryer
Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
In addition to the functions of ionization and cold air flow, this exclusive model has three speeds and four temperature settings. Despite the high cost, consumers note the incredible ease and simplicity of working with the device.
Thanks to the elegance of the engineering solution, the hairdryer captivates with its appearance alone, but in addition it is capable of performing gentle and delicate styling without damaging the hair and scalp
During operation, the device does not produce much noise; moreover, it is compact and fits in a small branded case. The hair dryer's very powerful motor is protected from overheating and can operate at maximum mode for at least eight hours.
Video: How to style your hair using a diffuser attachment and a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
Hairdryer Braun HD 785 Satin Hair 7
An excellent do-it-yourself hair styling device with heat control function. This allows dyed curls to maintain their brightness and richness of color longer, and it is easier for naturally colored strands to retain moisture deep in the hair shaft.
The first professional hair dryer that actively regulates operating temperature
Thanks to the convenient panel for switching modes, the hairdryer is easy to work both at home and in a beauty salon. Ten different temperature effects will provide your hair with reliable protection during styling.
Video: Nelly Rushintseva talks about the capabilities of the Braun HD 785 Satin Hair 7 hair dryer
How can I replace a diffuser on a hair dryer?
Diffusers are in demand for a reason; finding a full-fledged replacement for them is quite difficult. If you need to style curly hair and the hair dryer is not equipped with a special attachment, you can use curlers of different sizes. However, curling will take much longer, and the effect will be of less quality.
You can use curlers as a replacement for a diffuser, but their effect will be worse
Another method suggests generously lubricating your hair with foam, and then combing and curling it directly with your fingers, drying the curls with a regular hairdryer in the process. But the result will also be far from ideal; the styling will be less neat and will not last long.
Pros and cons of a diffuser
A spiked hair dryer attachment has several important advantages:
- allows you to protect hair from overheating and provides more gentle drying, this is especially important for weak, colored, chemically curled curls;
- helps speed up the drying process and make it more uniform;
- protects the scalp from drying out, hot air does not fall directly on the roots and therefore does not cause harm;
- allows you to style, curl, straighten your curls and give them additional volume;
- massages the scalp and improves local blood flow, the active diffuser for the hair dryer promotes faster hair growth.
There are not many disadvantages to devices with spiked attachments. But they still have certain disadvantages:
- Hair dryers of this type are more expensive than regular ones.
- Not all attachments are universal; sometimes it is quite difficult to choose them, especially for very thick or weakened hair.
- Using a hair dryer diffuser too often still has a negative impact on your curls; constant rapid drying harms their structure.
The diffuser turns an ordinary hair dryer into a hair styling device.
To create high-quality curls or increase volume, working with a diffuser requires some experience. If you do not dry it carefully, the curls may become too fluffy, and you will have to spend time returning to their original shape.
Disadvantages and advantages of the nozzle
The main purpose of a hair dryer diffuser is to provide gentle hair care, especially if the issue concerns the period after perm. Today, this device is very popular among women.
Let's look at the main positive characteristics of the device:
- Quick possibility of not only drying, but also styling;
- During operation, the flow of hot air does not hit the hair roots, and, therefore, does not dry out the scalp;
- The universal diffuser attachment allows you to create voluminous hairstyles, beautiful curly curls and smooth, lush strands;
- During the drying process, the long spikes massage the scalp, which improves blood circulation, which encourages hair to grow.
But besides the advantages, the nozzle also has disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that a good device has a fairly high price, so not every user can afford it. In addition, frequent use can make them dry and weakened.
