How to Use a Diffuser Attachment

A diffuser attachment fits onto a blow-dryer and is useful for blow-drying curly hair. Because diffusers have a series of holes, they diffuse the air, or blow it in different directions, as it is coming out of the dryer. This allows the hair to dry quicker than it would naturally, but does not blow a direct stream of air on the hair. Using a diffuser will give your hair a more natural look and encourage any curl you might have to emerge.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blow dryer
• Diffuser
• Curl enhancer, mousse or gel
• Large comb or pick
• Hairspray

1. Work in mousse, gel or another product designed to promote curls. Put a quarter-sized dollop of product in your hand and run it through your hair. Add more, if needed, for coverage. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb. Shake your hair or use your hands to "mess up" the hair and loosen the hair strands.

2. Attach the diffuser to the end of the blow-dryer. Most just slip on the end or sometimes snap into place. Turn the dryer on medium to high heat and strength to begin blow-drying.

3. Flip your head upside down, and hold the diffuser attachment 2 to 3 inches from the hair, using your other hand to grasp a handful of hair and squeeze lightly in a scrunching motion as you dry. Diffuse from underneath for a few minutes to eliminate excess moisture and encourage body. Flip the hair back up and lightly put into place, using your fingers. Dry one side of the hair about 75 percent of the way and then the other side and the back. While scrunching, keep the blow-dryer and diffuser moving in a circular motion.

4. When the hair is 75 percent dry, turn the dryer off momentarily. Add a product to the hair, such as a smoothing serum, to eliminate frizz. Put a quarter-sized dollop in your hands and rub your hands together. Scrunch it in by squeezing the hair lightly. Distribute throughout the hair. Turn the blow-dryer back on, low to medium, and continue the scrunching motion until your hair is dry. Finish the hair by dusting with a light hairspray, if desired. Scrunch hairspray into the hair to add definition.

Tips & Warnings

• Ruffle your hair (mess it up) as you diffuse to encourage more curl. For less body, do not dry from underneath first, but start on the top outside layers of the hair.

References

• hdryers.com