HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER TO LEVEL UP YOUR VOLUME
If you’re blessed with curly, wavy or kinky strands chances are that you’ve got your haircare routine down pat. Whether you’re embracing air drying, the LOC method or use the ‘Curly Girl Routine’, do you sometimes feel that the curls are just on this side of undefined. Using your curl cream, gel and mouse may be useful but have you considered adding a diffuser into your curly hair routine?
To get to grips with this curl-enhancing hot tool, we’ve created this handy guide to ensure you know exactly how to get the best out of your hair... however you like to style it.
In This Article
WHAT IS A DIFFUSER
A diffuser is a clever hair-dryer attachment, typically shaped like a cup with long prongs, designed to disperse warm air gently and evenly. Rather than blasting hair with a direct, concentrated stream of heat, it softly circulates airflow around the hair, allowing curls to dry naturally without disturbing their pattern. This gentler drying method helps protect strands from heat damage, reduce frizz, and maintain moisture — all essential for keeping curls looking healthy, defined and vibrant.
By distributing air evenly, a diffuser creates a controlled drying environment that enhances your hair’s natural texture, whether you’re working with loose waves, springy curls, tight coils, or fine strands. The prongs lift the hair at the roots to encourage volume, while the strategically placed orifices help guide airflow through each curl, boosting definition and shape. This means fewer flyaways, better curl clumping and a smoother, more polished finish overall.
Ideal for curly, wavy, kinky, and fine hair types, a diffuser allows curls to set gradually, helping them hold their shape for longer while maintaining softness and movement. The result? Curls that look bouncy, glossy and beautifully defined — without the crunch. Whether you’re enhancing natural texture or perfecting your wash-day routine, a diffuser is the ultimate styling tool for achieving salon-worthy results at home.
HOW TO USE A HAIR DIFFUSER TO CREATE PERFECTLY DEFINED CURLS
Using a diffuser might seem simple, but the right technique can make all the difference when it comes to curl definition, volume and frizz control.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting salon-worthy curls at home.
1. Start with Damp, Conditioned Hair
For best results, cleanse and condition your hair using products designed for your curl type. Towel-dry gently or use a microfiber towel to remove excess water — avoid rubbing, which can cause frizz. Applying a curl cream, leave-in conditioner, or lightweight styling gel at this stage will help enhance definition and hold.
carousel
2. Attach Your Diffuser to the Hair Dryer
Secure the diffuser onto your hair dryer, ensuring it fits snugly. Most diffusers are compatible with standard dryers but always check the size to prevent airflow from escaping.
3. Use Low or Medium Heat Settings
Set your dryer to a low or medium heat setting. High heat can damage hair and disrupt curl patterns, causing unwanted flyaways. The diffuser is designed to disperse air evenly, so gentle airflow is key to achieving soft, defined curls.
4. Dry in Sections
Divide your hair into manageable sections. Place the diffuser under a section of hair, cupping the curls in the prongs. Lift hair gently from the roots and hold for a few seconds before moving to the next section. This technique enhances volume while preserving the natural curl pattern.
5. Avoid Excessive Touching
While diffusing, resist the urge to run your fingers through your curls constantly. Over-handling your strands can cause frizz and disrupt clumping. Instead, allow the diffuser to do the work while lightly guiding sections into place.
6. Finish with a Cool Shot
Once your curls are mostly dry, use the cool shot button on your dryer to lock in the shape and add shine. This step helps set curls and give your hair that soft, bouncy finish.
7. Add Final Touches
After drying, gently separate or scrunch curls to enhance volume and texture. A lightweight oil or serum can add extra shine and smooth any remaining flyaways.
Pro Tips:
- Always diffuse on damp, not soaking wet hair, for faster drying and better curl definition.
- Work from the ends up to the roots to prevent tangling.
- For fine or limp hair, focus on root lifting to boost volume without flattening your curls
4
48.50€
162
29.30€
11
29.30€
7
30.00€
HAIR DIFFUSER FAQs
Can I Use A Diffuser On Straight Hair?
Yes! A diffuser isn’t just for curls — it’s perfect for straight hair too. It gently disperses airflow, adding volume, movement and natural texture without flattening or frizzing your strands. While it won’t create tight curls, it can enhance subtle waves, lift roots and give limp or fine hair a soft, touchable finish. For best results, use it on damp hair with low or medium heat and a lightweight styling product to boost body and hold.
Why is my hair frizzy after using a diffuser
Frizz after diffusing usually comes down to technique, products, or heat settings. Using high heat or strong airflow can disrupt your natural curl pattern or roughen the hair cuticle, while touching your hair too much while drying can create flyaways. To minimize frizz, always start with damp, conditioned hair, use a curl cream, mousse, or lightweight styling product and set your dryer to low or medium heat. Let the diffuser do the work — gently lift and cup sections of hair without over-manipulating your strands. Finish with a cool shot to lock in smoothness and shine.
Should you scrunch your hair while diffusing
Definitely — but think gentle encouragement rather than rough handling. Scrunching helps shape curls, enhance body and add natural bounce. Overdoing it, however, can create frizz or break up curl clumps. For best results, apply a lightweight styling product to damp hair, lift sections into the diffuser, and scrunch softly as you dry. Finish with a cool blast to lock in your style and keep strands looking smooth and defined.
And there you have it – no you know exactly what a diffuser is, how to use it and have all the pro-tips to ensure your locks look luscious, voluminous and bouncy.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
