If you’ve been blessed with waves, ringlets or coils, you know the best diffusers for curly hair can be a style-setting game changer. Using a great hair dryer without this crucial attachment can almost always lead to dry ends, frizz, uneven curl patterns or flat roots, no matter how much leave-in conditioner you apply. When there’s no time to air dry, this handy bowl-shaped, nubby tool creates even heat distribution and more controlled airflow, both of which are essential for anyone looking to accentuate their natural texture.
If you’re looking to achieve your best wash ’n go yet, scroll through our picks for our favorite diffusers that dry from roots to ends while simultaneously scrunching to achieve the fullness and curl definition without the parched strands or fuzzy finish. From fan-favorite tools to budget-friendly options that leave you with salon-level results, we’ve rounded up the ones you need to know about. All that’s left is choosing the one that works with your hair type and curl goals.
Best Diffuser For Curly Hair Overall: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
Best Budget Diffuser For Curly Hair: Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser
Best Luxury Diffuser For Curly Hair: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best Compact Diffuser For Curly Hair: Ceremonia Collapsible Hair Diffuser De Rizos
Best Universal Diffuser For Curly Hair: Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser
Best Diffuser For Volume: GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
Best Quick-Dry Diffuser For Curly Hair: T3 Micro SoftTouch 3 Diffuser
Best Diffuser For Thick, Curly Hair: DevaCurl Devafuser Universal Diffuser
Best Diffuser For Curly Hair Overall
An Oversized Attachment That Fits Most Blow Dryers
Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
They don’t call it The Bouncer for nothing—the even heat distribution on this diffuser lifts curls off the scalp, giving you tons of volume and bounce. The oversized shape gets major points for drying larger sections at a time and thick layers of curls evenly without drying out ends. Plus, it reduces the speed of the airflow from your blow dryer to dry your curls without blowing them all around, resulting in soft spirals and defined curls without frizz. Although it was made for Drybar’s blow dryers, its universal design fits most other nozzles, too. And finally, it’s surprisingly lightweight, which means wash day doesn’t also have to mean arm day.
Best Budget Diffuser For Curly Hair
A Top-Rated Attachment That Won't Break The Bank
Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser
In a world where $13 can’t buy you much,it canbuy your way to shiny, sculpted curls, thanks to Conair’s affordably priced diffuser. The nubs lift hair and quickly dry it without damage or frizz. But don’t take it from us; almost nine thousand Amazon reviewers gave this tool a 5-star rating, proving that it’s a keeper.
Best Luxury Diffuser For Curly Hair
A Diffusing Tool That Dries Fast And Eliminates All Traces Of Frizz
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
This Supersonic hair dryer is quite the splurge, but the brand’s cult following says it’s worth every penny. It’s known for its power and heat that cut drying time in half, and the included diffuser keeps curls neatly in place, even on the highest air setting (which Dyson claims results in 132% decreased frizz). The only downside is the attachment only works with its Supersonic counterpart, but truthfully, once you’ve tried this luxe set, it’s difficult to go back to anything else. And if you have an older version of the hair dryer or are missing this piece, you can buy the diffuser separately.
Best Compact Diffuser For Curly Hair
A Collapsible Attachment For Easy Storage And Travel
Ceremonia Collapsible Hair Diffuser De Rizos
If you’re in the market for a no-fuss diffuser that’s universal, lightweight, affordable and compact, look no further than this one by Ceremonia. It’s made of heat-resistant silicone (up to 400 degrees) that stretches to fit almost every hair dryer. And the best part is it collapses onto itself to store flat whether you’re low on storage space or taking it on the road.
Best Universal Diffuser For Curly Hair
An Effective Pick That Works On Almost All Blow Dryers
Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser
If you currently have a hair dryer in your bathroom drawer that gets the job done but need a diffuser to upgrade your hair routine, this universal attachment is sure to be a perfect fit. We also love that it boasts extra-long ventilated prongs that reach deep into curls to evenly distribute heat. If you ever feel like your curls are more defined at the bottom and looser at the top, this tool helps remedy that issue.
Best Diffuser For Volume
An Option That Lifts And Separates
GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
This diffuser features contoured prongs that lift hair at the root and separate coils, creating tons of volume while still keeping your curl pattern intact. The heavy-duty quality is built tough for the thickest, curliest hair out there and even works so well it can even bring out a wave in finer, straighter hair types.
Best Quick-Dry Diffuser For Curly Hair
A Tool With Elongated Prongs That Minimize Drying Time
T3 Micro SoftTouch 3 Diffuser
For those with long, curly hair, a simple dry job can take time. The vented elongated prongs and vortex-like shape on this diffuser distribute heat evenly and make for a faster drying time without leaving behind damp spots. You’ll also notice that you get tons of volume, body and shine without any frizz.
Best Diffuser For Thick, Curly Hair
An Innovative Design That Works Overtime
DevaCurl Devafuser Universal Diffuser
If you have super thick, curly hair, an average diffuser just won’t cut it. This odd-looking, albeit ingeniously designed tool mimics a hand to gently cradle the hair and provide a 360-degree airflow that cups strands to boost volume and define your natural texture without disturbing it. The design also speeds up dry time, which is vital when you have this type of hair.
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What To Consider In A Diffuser For Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, you’ve probably already tried a diffuser or are familiar with one. New-York based hairstylist Nicholas Taylor calls it the most helpful tool in a curly-haired person’s arsenal of beauty tools. “Those with curly hair should purchase a diffuser adapter for their blow dryer or find a one with this type of attachment,” he says.
Size And Shape
Hairstylist Glenn Ellis, who styled supermodel Josephine Skriver on her wedding day, switches out his diffusers depending on the length of his client’s hair. “I use larger diffusers for clients with long and curly or wavy hair who want to enhance their texture. And I use a smaller diffuser for clients with mid-length curls because it funnels hair into smaller concentrated areas, which dries the hair quicker,” he says.
Additionally, the prongs on your attachment play a role in the final look and feel of your hair. Ellis says, “If you’re using a diffuser with teeth, it gives you more of a structural curl pattern,” while one without nubs makes for a softer look. If using the latter, he says, “You might just have to touch it up with a curling iron afterward to polish the curl pattern.”
Attachment
While some blow dryers come with a diffuser attachment, there are also universal options that can be purchased separately. However, Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown recommends a bit of research and fitting before settling on an outside model. “If it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t work properly, so make sure it attaches seamlessly and stays put without moving,” she says. If you’re looking to buy your diffuser as part of a set, Brown says her favorite is the Dyson Supersonic and its diffuser attachment.
Hair Type
Brown says, “Diffusers help define curls or waves by evenly distributing the airflow of the blow dryer so you can dry curly hair and prevent frizz without disturbing the curl pattern.” While they all work the same on all curl types, she says, “Smaller prongs are normally best for shorter and thinner hair, and longer prongs work best on long or thick hair.”
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Diffuser For Curly Hair?
There are a slew of benefits of using a diffuser, according to Taylor. He says that a diffuser controls the airflow of a blow dryer and the heat intensity, which in turn causes less damage to curls and less frizz. As an added bonus, he says, “It also helps infuse the hair products necessary for having bouncy, voluminous curls.”
Who Should Use A Hair Diffuser?
“Diffusers are the ideal hair tool accessory for those with wavy, curly or coily hair types, as it aids in keeping the natural curl pattern while drying,” says stylist Jamie Wiley. “Without a diffuser, the curl becomes blown out of its natural shape, which increases frizz and friction on the strand of hair,” she says. When you use a diffuser on curly hair, the tool creates a more defined curl, while the heat sets the style and makes it last longer.
How Do You Use A Diffuser For Curly Hair?
To get the most out of your diffuser, Taylor recommends applying your go-to products (like mousse, curl cream or leave-in conditioner) from roots to ends with your head flipped upside down. “This helps the curls spring up,” he says. Do this in a scrunching motion, starting at your ends, before breaking out your diffuser. Taylor says, “Work the diffuser from ends to scalp on a medium to high setting, holding at the scalp for less than a minute, repeating in sections.” He recommends finishing with a shine spray and hairspray for the bounciest curls that hold their shape all day.