There are endless ways to apply heat to your hair, including flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. People who have spent years healing heat damage may be hesitant to use these. But those with curly hair know there’s one heating tool that makes a big difference. It’s a diffuser.
Shop TODAY asked stylists to break down everything you need to know about diffusers, including how to get the most out of your experience and which diffusers are actually worth your money.
Purpose | Benefits | Best diffusers | Best pre-style products | More tips | Meet your stylist
our top picks
best hair diffuser
What does a diffuser do?
A diffuser is a blow dryer attachment with “fingers” that create a softer, more diffused air flow through the hair, rather than applying the heat of the hair dryer directly, says curl expert Sean Harvey in New York. City-based stylist Jasmine Burnside explained.
“Diffusers mimic air drying, but in a faster, more controlled way,” adds Chicago-based hairstylist Jenna Spino.
Benefits of diffusing hair
While people with curly or wavy hair may be most familiar with diffusers, Harvey, Spino, and Burnside agree that one of the main benefits of using a diffuser is that it reduces frizz on all hair types. agreed that the amount of
Diffusers are also used to enhance the curls you already have, and in some cases, to discover waves you didn’t even know were there, if your hair is normally straight or slightly wavy. used, Spino and Burnside both point out.
Another benefit Burnside points out is that using a diffuser reduces damage to your hair. “I think it actually causes less damage because you’re not actually brushing the hair, so there’s less tension on the hair and less friction,” she says.
The best hair diffusers chosen by stylists and editors
Universal Attachment: RIJATRAGAR Universal Hair Diffuser
what we like
Universal fit lightweight design
Type: Attachment | Ideal for: Curling
Amanda Fama, Shop TODAY’s commerce editor, recently started using the diffuser attachment and says it “works really well.” She continued, “I was worried that it wouldn’t fit on my hair dryer, but thanks to the gripper’s rubber edges, it fits perfectly and stays in place while I dry my hair.” It’s very affordable, so that’s a plus.”
Provided by Amanda Fama, Shop TODAY Editor
Perfect for Travel: YS Park Ion Diffuser
what we like
Adjustable strap for easy use
Points to note
Perfect for traveling where the hair dryer sometimes slips out
Type: Diffuser attachment
Burnside loves this diffuser for both professionals and everyday consumers. Attaches to any blow dryer and is made of soft mesh material for easy storage. “This diffuses the airflow even more than other diffusers I’ve used,” she raves. She added that it is often used on set and during fashion week events because of its portability and good quality. This diffuser is recommended for those who want to keep their hair shiny but not dry.
Large surface area: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser
what we like
Shoppers say it adds volume because the roots dry out easily.
Points to note
Small size does not fit all dryers
Type: Diffuser attachment
Harvey mentions this popular diffuser from Xtava. Multiple finger sizes ensure an all-encompassing drying session and leave no areas untreated.
Viral Pick: Shark FlexStyle Curl Defining Diffuser
what we like
Adjustable for short and long hair Dry hair quickly and efficiently
Points to note
Some shoppers say it doesn’t necessarily fit Shark dryers
Type: Diffuser attachment
Shark once went viral on TikTok for its multi-attachment air styling tool, but did you know it also has a version for curly hair? Shop TODAY Associate Editor Ali Deabler lets her wavy hair spread is my favorite. The attachment has retractable prongs so you can customize it to suit your hair length and type.
Multiple choices: pattern pattern blow dryer
what we like
Perfect for styling, lightweight and convenient for travel
Points to note
Some shoppers say the air isn’t hot
Type: Blow dryer + attachment
Last month, Pattern released its first hot tool aimed at reimagining the relationship between curly hair and heat. Besides the beautiful neutral tones that are consistent throughout the tool, right down to the literal wire, it comes with four different attachments designed with curly-haired girls in mind.
I received this blow dryer from the brand to try out and was immediately impressed when I used the diffuser. It helps you save time by reaching roots easily and being wide enough to dry a fair amount of hair at once. Additionally, the hair dryer itself does not make a deafening noise, so you can safely dry your hair at night without disturbing anyone.
Dryer with “IQ”: Shark HD332 SpeedStyle
what we like
Intuitive diffuser that dries your hair super fast Comes with a variety of attachments
Type: Blow dryer + attachment
Deabler also recommends this hair dryer from Shark, which comes with a variety of attachments (including a diffuser, of course). She says, “The Shark diffuser is great. It has an ‘IQ’, meaning it adjusts the heat and drying rate depending on the attachment you’re using.”
Worth the splurge: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
what we like
Hair dries quickly Shoppers say their hair is softer
Type: Blow dryer + attachment
Both Harvey and Burnside praise the Dyson blow dryer, which comes with a diffuser. Harvey calls this one of the “most efficient” tools she’s used to diffuse hair, and Burnside calls it one of her “holy grail” diffusers. A standard blow dryer costs $400, but for an extra $30 you can get this all-in-one set with five additional parts, including a blow dryer and diffuser. Cheaper than buying the original dryer and diffuser attachment separately.
The best products to use before diffusing your hair, chosen by stylists and editors
Hair-friendly twist & tie microfiber hair towel
what we like
Very absorbent so easy to tie on the head
Points to note
Some shoppers say the size runs small
Product Type: Hair Towel |Material: Microfiber |Application: Removes “excess moisture” from hair
Harvey recommends using a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture from your hair. This improves frizz and reduces overall drying time. With this option from Well Tressed, you can twist and tie your hair inside the towel to hold it in place, or quickly and gently pat it dry.
Helps with frizz: JVN Complete Air Dry Cream
what we like
This product requires no maintenance and is easy to use. Suitable for thin strands and does not weigh too much.
Points to note
Can’t control frizz
Product Type: Hair Cream |Main Ingredients: Chai Seed Extract, Hemisqualane, Moringa Seed Oil |Use: Add shine when styling
Shop TODAY social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo is a fan of this air-drying cream. She says, “I always use this cream to prevent frizz, especially when I diffuse or style my hair.”
Best for spreading preparation: Bumble & Bumble. Cosmetologist’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protect Primer
what we like
Cruelty-free Detangles and moisturizes hair
Points to note
Shoppers say their hair feels greasy
Product Type: Hair Primer |Main Ingredients: Signature 6 Oil Blend and UV Filter |Use: Hydration and Frizz Removal
When conditioning hair before diffusing, Burnside prefers to use this invisible oil as a leave-in conditioner. “It’s really nutritious without being heavy,” she says.
Multitasking Cream: Virtue 6-in-1 Styler
what we like
Easy to use, smoothes and moisturizes hair
Points to note
Some shoppers said the scent made their hair greasy
Product Type: Style Cream |Ingredients: Vitamin B, Cypress, Reinforcing Polymer |Use: Hair protection during styling
This styling cream from Virtue touts six benefits including heat protection, softness, shine, light hydration, and hair strengthening and polishing. Burnside loves that it combats frizz and has some hold. “I like to use pieces that have a bit of style memorization so that I can maintain my overall style goals throughout the day,” she says.
Tips for diffusing hair
Prepare with the right products. Burnside’s top tip for diffusing is to start by properly conditioning your hair, starting in the shower. She recommends brushing your hair before showering and using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner afterwards. You should also comb the conditioner through your hair during the shower to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
After washing your hair, Burnside says to apply a leave-in conditioner or a “holding” conditioning product, followed by a moisturizing cream or mousse. Both she and Spino recommend pushing this product into your hair rather than raking it into your hair to avoid excessive friction.
Avoid touching your hair as much as possible. We know how difficult it is to keep your hair tousled all the time, but all of our stylists strongly recommended against touching your hair with your hands or a diffuser. “I think a lot of people tend to let the diffuser touch their hair, which can cause more frizz as the hair dries. You want to avoid letting your hair touch the diffuser.” Mr. Harvey said.
If you absolutely must touch your hair after washing and applying product, Burnside recommends using a wide comb instead of a brush.
Tilt your head to diffuse it. Harvey recommends tilting your head forward or to the side to spread your hair out from below, then holding the hair dryer 4 to 6 inches away from your hair and leaving it there. She adds that bending forward and flipping your hair allows it to dry more evenly and allows you to cover more area with your diffuser. If you want to turn your hair inside out, we recommend that you let the ends of your hair dry to some extent before doing so.
Avoid over-drying your hair. Spino recommends stopping when your hair is about 80% dry. Despite the concentrated air flow that a diffuser provides, your hair can overheat, which can cause your hair to become frizzy. She recommends using high heat on a low blow setting to start, then finishing with a quick blast of cold air to “shape.”
the way we chose
We selected diffusers, hair dryers with diffuser attachments, and pre-diffusing hair products in consultation with professional hair stylists. They offered advice on what a diffuser is (and the benefits of using one), along with their favorite products. Also includes Editor’s Picks from the Shop TODAY team.
meet the stylist
Shawn Harvey is co-owner of Curls, Kinks and Cocks Curl Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jasmine Burnside is a New York City-based hairstylist specializing in editorial, commercial, and wedding hair. Jenna Spino is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Illinois. Specializes in long layers and soft curls.
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