When I first started experimenting with my natural hair texture, I knew I needed to find myself a good diffuser. My hair is quite low-porosity, so a lot of it takes ages to dry. Then I noticed when I did let it air-dry, it would feel more brittle and frizz quickly compared to when I used heat to set my coils. My hair felt smoother, and my style lasted longer when I used a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry my hair. If you’ve noticed that air-drying often has the same impact on your hair as it did mine and you’re on the hunt for the best hair diffusers, I’ve got you covered.
One thing I've discovered when styling with a diffuser is that air-drying to about 50% (so damp to the touch) and then using a diffuser has given me the best results for twist-out and braid-out styles. If you are applying product to clump curls or have used the "Denman brush method" to define, make sure your curls are damp but not dripping when you reach for your diffuser for the best outcome. To avoid frizz and heat damage, no matter which diffuser you pick, make sure you stick to the lowest heat and power settings. Yes, it will take a little longer to dry, but the outcome will be shinier and healthier hair in the long run.
1. Tresemmé Diffuser Hair Dryer
This diffuser dryer is incredibly inexpensive for how powerful it is. The dryer is 2200w, but the diffuser softens the airflow, and it has added ionic technology, which helps to prevent frizz. Plus, the diffuser tips are soft, so it’s gentle on the scalp.
2. Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe Hair Dryer With Diffuser
This hair dryer claims to maintain 1000 times more moisture than a regular hair dryer, which is important for curly and coily hair that can often be on the drier side. The diffuser is compact but still achieves even airflow.
3. Babyliss 2100w Hydro-Fusion Dryer
The advanced plasma technology in this dryer with the dual ionic power means it helps with hydration within the hair and stops frizz creeping into the finish. I particularly like the spacing of the prongs on the diffuser, as they offer great airflow.
4. BaByliss Pro 3 in 1 Universal Diffuser
If you own a BaByliss Pro hair dryer, then you need to pick up this diffuser pronto. It’s compatible with the Mega Turbo, Black Magic Radiance Crimson Edition, Brilliance Cobalt Edition and Diamond Special Edition dryers and has three attachments depending on the finish you desire whether you want lift, volume or smoothing.
5. T3 Fit Diffuser
This diffuser for the T3 dryer is excellent for defining even the tightest coils while keeping hair soft.
6. GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
This diffuser fits the GHD air dryer and the Helios, too. Personally, I think the diffuser and Helios combo is *chef’s kiss* for curls. The dryer’s Aeroprecis technology gives the most powerful airflow, but the diffuser provides even coverage over your curls for quick but non-damaging drying.
7. Salmue Universal Foldable Diffuser
A foldable diffuser is key for travel, and this one really does fit most hair dryers if you’re not in the market for a new dryer, too.
8. Remington Curl & Straight Confidence Hairdryer
The focus on ions with this dryer’s technology ensures great conditioning, and the diffuser distributes the airflow well no matter how thick or long your hair is.
9. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Black/Nickel
The small diffuser magnetically attaches itself to the dryer, and the unit as a whole is super lightweight—no arm ache to worry about.
10. Cloud Nine The Airshot Diffuser
If you have the Cloud Nine Airshot Hairdryer, this diffuser is the accompaniment you need for curls. The fingers are really long, so you can rest it on the scalp as it dries.
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