How to Use a Diffuser on Curly Hair

A diffuser is a styling tool that is attached to a blow dryer and they come in either plastic or a foam-like material. The plastic diffuser allows for greater control and tighter curls while the foam-like material creates looser curls. If you struggle with keeping your curly locks under frizz control, a diffuser might be the thing you need to keep those curls under control. They can be purchased at beauty stores, drug stores and some discount stores for less than $20.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lave-in conditioner
• Gel
• Mousse
• Frizz serum
• Diffuser
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Cleanse your hair. Use a moisturizing and smoothing shampoo to cleanse your hair. Focus on cleansing your scalp and when you rinse your hair allow the suds to penetrate the ends of your hair.

2. Apply conditioner. Try to remove as much excess water as you can before you apply your conditioner. Once the excess water has been removed, apply conditioner to your hair. Don’t apply too much to your scalp or your hair will be flat on top of your head. Use your fingers to comb through your hair and get rid of any knots or tangles. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and put your hair up in a towel.

3. Apply leave in conditioner. Once you’ve finished the rest of your shower routine, take your hair out of the towel. Be gentle because you don’t want to disturb your curls. Place a small amount of leave-in conditioner to the palm of your hand and distribute it evenly throughout your hair.

4. Apply hair styling products. Once your leave-in conditioner is in, it’s time to put the styling products to work. Apply a shine serum to your hair and follow up with either mousse or gel. Scrunch the curls. The more you scrunch your hair, the more volume you will have. The less you scrunch your hair, the less volume you will have.

5. Put together the diffuser by attaching it to your hair dryer. You might have to remove the nozzle that comes with the hair dryer in order to successfully attach the diffuser. Make sure the diffuser is properly attached before you move on to the final step.

6. Diffuse hair until it is dry. You can either diffuse your hair with your head bent over or diffuse it while standing up straight. Bending your head over while diffusing your hair will give you more volume while standing up straight will give subtle lift. Carefully use the diffuser to scrunch your hair. Do not leave the diffuser on sections of your hair for long periods of time. This will result in dry and lackluster curls. Diffuse your hair until it is completely dry. Apply more shine serum if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the cool setting on your hair dryer during the last 5 minutes of diffusing in order to maximize shine. This will not only give you extra shine but also set the curls.

• Do not leave the diffuser on sections of hair for long periods of time. This will result in weak curl formation and dried out curls.