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Waves, curls, and coils can’t opt for just any hair dryer—you’ll need to enlist one of the best hair diffusers when tending to your textured lengths. If you’re a novice in diffusers in general, consider this your sign to add one to your hair styling regimen. Long story short, the uncontrolled airflow of a standard blow dryer can create tangles galore on loose to tight curl patterns while the nozzle detachment used to create a smooth blowout effect does away with curls entirely. Enter diffusers, an often bowl-shaped attachment with a plethora of vents to slow down and evenly distribute airflow and hot air for defined curls.
Vogue’s Favorite Hair Diffusers
- Best Splurge: Dyson Supersonic Nural Hairdryer, $500
- Best for Tight Curls and Coils: Pattern Beauty The Blow Dryer, $189
- Best Fast Drying: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser, $25
- Best Budget: Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser, $12
- Best Smart Tech: T3 Aire IQ Hair Dryer Set, $400
Pro hair stylist Syd Hayes considers diffusers to be one of the most wildly underrated styling accessories on the market. “[Diffusers] are one of the most effective styling tools especially useful for anyone with wavy, curly or coily hair. It helps enhance natural texture without causing frizz,” Hayes tells Vogue. Even if you’re not blessed with curls or coils, don’t dismiss your diffuser attachment.
Say you’re committed to air drying your textured hair, diffusers be dammed—no one would fault you, but pro hairstylist and Pattern Beauty educator Ebony Bomani encourages you to think again. “Air drying hair isn’t an ideal method, as textured hair stays wet longer, and strands are at their weakest when wet.” Bomani tells Vogue. “However, if you still dead set on air drying, at least at least diffuse the roots [for volume and scalp health].”
In This Story
- Who can benefit from using a diffuser?
- How does a diffuser differ from other hairdryer attachments?
- How To Choose a Hair Diffuser
- How To Use a Hair Diffuser, Based on Your Curl Pattern
- What products do I need to use with a diffuser?
- Should I use a diffuser every time I dry my hair?
- Will a diffuser make my hair wavy even if it’s not naturally?
If you have naturally straight hair and have always dismissed the diffuser attachment that’s included with your hair dryer, you might want to reconsider too. “[A diffuser] is also perfect for people looking for more volume and bounce,” adds Hayes.“Even straight or slightly wavy hair can get a fuller look with a diffuser.”
With that in mind, we’ve curated an edit of some of the best diffusers for all curl types, as well as more tips from the experts on how to use them—shop to discover more, and add bounce back into your hair.
Best Splurge: Dyson Supersonic Nural Hairdryer
- Why we love it: When it comes to intuitive, design-forward tech, Dyson continues to set the standard—and the Supersonic Nural is no exception. Building on the cult-favorite original, this next-gen model features all the beloved perks (yes, including built-in memory for your go-to settings), plus an ingenious scalp-protect mode and five curl-conscious attachments. Standouts include a wide-tooth comb for seamless detangling and a basket-style diffuser that enhances curl definition. As for the scalp mode? It’s a game-changer for maintaining a consistent, gentle temperature to prevent overheating and dryness, especially crucial for textured hair that craves moisture.
- More To Know: scalp protection settings, intelligent heat presets, 4 heat settings, 3 speed settings
- Specs: 1600 watts
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Attachments: Diffuser, wide tooth comb, gentle air attachment, concentrated nozzle, flyaway attachment)
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Includes multiple attachments for curly hair | On the pricier side |
| Scalp protection settings to maintain optimal temperature | Not Dual Voltage |
| Smart technology to remember preferred settings |
Best Retractible: Shark SpeedStyle Fast Diffuser Attachment
- Why We Love It: Shark’s petal-shaped diffuser isn’t just easy on the eyes—its floral-inspired design serves a purpose. The sculpted bowl allows for 360-degree airflow, speeding up dry time without compromising definition. Customization is key here: retractable prongs pull back to minimize heat on the scalp—ideal for finer textures and shorter lengths—while extended prongs deliver added lift and reach for longer strands. It’s high-performance styling, tailored to your texture.
- More To Know: Compatible with the Shark SpeedStyle, and FlexStyle
- Specs: 5.8 L x 5.3 W x 3.2 H inches
- Weight: 0.43 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Reduced Frizz and defines hair pattern | Not a universal fit |
| Works well with longer lengths | |
| Retractible prongs for customized styling |
Best for Tight Curls and Coils: Pattern Beauty The Blow Dryer
- Why We Love It: While suitable for all hair types, this thoughtfully designed dryer was made with curly, coily, and tight textures in mind. It’s equipped with four targeted attachments—a diffuser, brush, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle—so you can shape, stretch, smooth, or define with ease. “If you’re looking for a tool that unites form, function, and curl-conscious care, the Pattern’s blow dryer stands out for tight-textures, and includes a premium diffuser,” says Bomani. “Included are six combo settings and ionic technology to smooth the cuticle layer.” Bonus: the earthy terracotta hue doesn’t just perform beautifully, it looks stunning on any vanity. Whether you have fine hair, long hair, or short hair, or super thick, Pattern makes the best hair dryer for all curl types.
- More To Know: Black owned, powerful AC motor to reduce drying time
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Weight: 1.12 lbs
- Attachments: Brush, Wide Tooth Comb, Concentrator Nozzle, Diffuser
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Includes multiple attachments | Not dual voltage |
| Lightweight | |
| Designed with curls and coils in mind |
Best for Volume: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser Attachment
- Why We Love It: Drybar’s diffuser boasts a wide, deep bowl and staggered prongs that create a gentle, even airflow to defines curls. Meanwhile, the ceramic-coated interior ensures even heat distribution that boosts volume, and minimizes frizz. Whether you’re working with loose waves or tighter coils, this diffuser delivers salon-quality results with ease.
- More To Know: Designed to fit most blow dryers with a 2-inch nozzle
- Specs: 6.1 L x 6.5 W x 6.4 H inches
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fits most hair dryers, other than Drybar | Some complain the attachment falls off of their dryer easily |
| Helps to reduce frizz |
Best on Amazon: Hairizone Universal Hair Diffuser
- Why We Love It: Hairizone’s universal hair diffuser is a reliable choice, amassing nearly 14,000 glowing reviews on Amazon. With a generous 6-inch bowl and sculptural 3D prongs, it cradles your coils like a pro, diffusing heat without disturbing definition. Designed to fit most blow dryers (no brand loyalty required), it’s crafted from sleek, heat-resistant material that can handle up to 302°F—because your hair tool should work as hard as your routine does.
- More To Know: Provides a secure fit on blow dryers with nozzle diameters ranging from 1.7 to 2.6 inches.
- Specs: 6 L x 6 H x 3.1 W inches
- Weight: 6.3 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Universal fit | Some suggest the diffuser bowl isn’t deep enough for long hair |
| Affordable price point |
Best Customizable Vents: Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser
- Why We Love It: Bio Ionic’s diffuser offers a deep bowl design for strategic airflow that works in tandem to encourage curl definition without the chaos of tangling. Translation? Less frizz, more bounce. Meanwhile, the ceramic interior evenly disperses heat, which helps prevent hot spots—a common culprit behind frazzled ends and uneven texture. But that’s not all—this diffuser’s customizable air vents allow for adjusted air flow. Open vents allow for more powerful hair flow, while partially closed vents allow for targeted slow and steady styling.
- More To Know: Fits most dryers with a 2.25 inch nozzle
- Specs: N/A
- Weight: .5 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Customizable air vents | Some say the diffuser easily fell off non Bio Ionic dryers |
| Ceramic-coated interior for even heat distribution |
Best Smart Tech: T3 Aire IQ Hair Dryer Set
- Why We Love It: T3’s Aire IQ hair dryer is a Vogue editor favorite for taking the thinking out of finding your perfect heat settings. The device’s LED touch screen allows you to customize your experience, sharing your hair thickness and texture and choosing your desired heat and speed based off that—and the built-in-memory remembers your preferences. Once you’ve input your hair type, the hair dryer also auto-adjust settings for each smart attachment, slowing things down for the diffuser, and amplifying intensity for the concentrated nozzle. Plus, the auto pause sensor makes sure the dryer turns off when put down (after all, difusing can be an arm workout), and turns right back on when picked up again. “I’m new to my natural hair journey. This T3 blow dryer works fast and the temperature is always perfectly adjusted for my texture—which was especially helpful since I had never used a diffuser before and had no idea what the right settings for me would be,” Ciarlo says.
- More To Know: Provides fast drying results with advanced damage prevention, customizable heat and speed settings
- Wattage: 1200 watts
- Weight: 2 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multiple attachments included | The price point is a bit of a splurge |
| Smart technology auto adjusts heat and speed for each attachment, customized for your hair type | Some reviewers found the hair dryer to be a bit heavy |
| Auto-pause sensor each time the dryer is placed down |
Best Budget: Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser
- Why We Love It: Conair’s diffuser is a cult-favorite option for budget friendly solutions among those with curly and wavy hair. The universal fit ensures compatibility with most blow dryers, making it a versatile addition to any styling routine. Yes, this diffuser is large and in charge—and while some might find it bulky, the wider design makes it the perfect choice for thicker, longer curls, capturing more hair at once.
- More To Know: The adjustable design allows it to fit hair dryer nozzles from 1.75” to 2.3” inches ensuring a secure fit on most models.
- Specs: 5.59 L x 5.51 H x 5.51 W inches
- Weight: 4.16 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Cost efficient | Some found the diffuser to be a bit bulky |
| Universal fit |
Best Fast Drying: GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
- Why We Love It: Those who identify as loyalists to GHD hair tools needn’t look further than this diffuser, which pairs with the brand’s fan favorite helios dryer and air professional dryer—both of which, are known for their fast drying abilities with reviewers boasting their curls dried in just 15 minutes. It’s contoured hard fingers lift and separate hair, helping to shape soft volume and with a frizz free finish thanks to even heat distribution.
- More To Know: This diffuser doesn’t play nicely with others, so shop this one if you already have a GHD blow dryer.
- Specs: 6 in L x 4.25 H x 6 W inches
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Contoured “fingers” help to lift and define curls | Some complained the diffuser broke easily |
| Fast drying |
Best for High Heat: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser
- Why We Love It: Engineered for high-heat performance, Xtava’s petal-shaped diffuser is crafted from a resilient plastic-fiberglass blend to effortlessly handle temperatures up to 485°F—consider this you new go-to for thick textures that require more heat to get the styling job done. With over 90 strategically placed air vents and elongated prongs, it delivers swift, root-to-tip airflow for faster drying and maximized volume. The generously sized 360-degree bowl cocoons curls and waves, ensuring uniform heat distribution and definition—perfect for scrunching your way to frizz-free, sculpted strands.
- More To Know: The diffuser features a silicone grip to ensure a secure fit on most hair dryers, sans slippage—though for best results, the brand recommends pairing the diffuser with dryers with a 1.8-inch diameter nozzle.
- Specs: 6.8 in L x 6.5 H x 5.4 W inch
- Weight: 12.8 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Over 90 air vents to decrease overall drying time | Some found the diffuser to be bulky |
| Fits any hair dryer with a 1.8 inch diameter barrel |
Best Ergonomic: Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Hairdryer for Curly Hair
- Why We Love It: Why fuss with attachments when your diffuser is the dryer? Bellissima’s innovative design eliminates the extra parts—and the extra steps—by reimagining the hair dryer as one sleek, handle-free diffuser. Compact, ergonomic, and effortlessly chic, it’s like the blow-dry brush’s curl-obsessed cousin. A cool shot setting helps set and sculpt your spirals, locking in definition with a soft, frizz-free finish. If diffusing is all you do, this might just be the only hair tool you’ll ever need.
- More To Know: The ceramic coated interior, 2 speed settings, 3 heat settings
- Specs: 6.5 L x 8.6 H x 6.5 W inches
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| 2-in-1 dryer and diffuser design | Some reviewers wished the speed settings were faster |
| Ergonomic and compact design |
Everything You Need To Know
Who can benefit from using a diffuser?
“A diffuser is a game-changer for anyone with curls, waves, or even the slightest bend in their hair,” says hair stylist Hadley Yates. “It’s designed to enhance your natural texture without causing frizz or disrupting your curl pattern. If you’re trying to bring out more movement in your hair or reduce heat damage, a diffuser is your best friend.”
How does a diffuser differ from other hairdryer attachments?
“An angled nozzle focuses airflow in one direction for sleek, smooth blowouts [so] it’s great for straight styles or round brush work,” explains Yates. “A diffuser, on the other hand, disperses airflow over a wider area, which helps dry the hair without disturbing your natural curl or wave. It’s less about control and more about enhancement.” It’s something that celebrity hair stylist Michelle Sultan, agrees is important for textured hair. “Concentrated heat can easily cause frizz and disrupt your curl pattern. A diffuser is made to dry curls in place, not blow them all over the place.”
How to Choose a Hair Diffuser
Pro hairstylist Samantha Draper encourages a results-driven approach when picking a diffuser: “Price point doesn't matter as much with a diffuser, as compared to other tools in a stylist’s arsenal. Instead, focus on the look you’re after when defining your curly or wavy hair—from there you have the knowledge and the tools to best choose your diffuser. There are plenty of quality products that are easy on your wallet,” Draper tells Vogue.
To further break things down, Bomani shares key features to consider when picking the perfect diffuser for you:
- Attachment Compatibility: “Ensure the diffuser you pick fits your hair dryer snugly. Some diffusers are universal, while others are brand-specific,” says Bomani.
- Bowl Size and Depth: Bomani explains that a larger and deeper bowl can hold more hair, making it ideal for curls and coils—more shallow designs are better suited for shorter, thinner textures.
- Prongs: Prongs may also be playfully referred to as “fingers”—whichever term you use, both mean the same thing. “Look for longer prongs that help lift and separate the hair, enhancing volume and root drying,” says Bomani.
- Airflow Distribution: The more vents the better—Bomani emphasizes the importance of a diffuser that evenly disperses air to reduce frizz and heat damage.
- Material: “Heat-resistant, durable plastic is essential to prevent your diffuser from melting or warping,” notes Bomani. When shopping, keep an eye out for those keywords—ceramic-coated interiors are another hallmark of long-lasting, high-quality construction.
- Portability: Traveling often? In which case, Bomani suggests a collapsible or compact diffuser for easy portability.
- Ionic Technology: When choosing a hair dryer with a built-in diffuser, Bomani recommends looking for one with ionic technology—it helps minimize static and frizz for a sleeker, more defined finish.
How to Use a Hair Diffuser, Based on Your Curl Pattern
You shouldn’t opt for a one-size-fits-all approach when using a diffuser. Instead, Bomani advises switching up your diffusing method based on your curl pattern.
- Waves: “Start by using a low heat and speed setting. Cup sections gently in the diffuser without scrunching too hard to avoid disrupting the wave pattern,” says Bomani. “Focus more on the ends and avoid over-diffusing the roots to keep volume balanced.”
- Curls: “Use the hover method—hold the diffuser near the hair without touching, or gently scrunch with the bowl,” she explains. “Flip hair upside down or to the side, while drying, for added volume at the root. Make sure to allow your hair to sit in the bowl for a few seconds before moving to another section.”
- Coils & Tight Textures: “Prioritize drying the roots first to avoid shrinkage, if that’s your desire. In that case, use a diffuser with longer prongs to reach the roots,” says Bomani. “Make sure to work in sections to ensure even drying. Pro tip: Using a stretching technique (lightly tugging the hair once it’s dry) can help elongate coils without disrupting the definition.”
What products do I need to use with a diffuser?
What hair products you use to prep your hair with depends on your hair type and goals, says Hayes. “I like to mix a leave-in conditioner for moisture and softness. I would also make sure the product you’re using has a heat protector inside.”
“Always prep with a heat protectant,” suggests Yates. “Then, use a curl cream, mousse, or a lightweight gel depending on your texture and desired hold.”
Should I use a diffuser every time I dry my hair?
“Not necessarily,” says Yates, “it depends on the look you’re going for. If you’re embracing your natural texture, absolutely. But if you’re heat styling after or going for a sleeker finish, you might opt for a nozzle instead. That said, diffusers are far gentler on curls and cause less disruption, so they’re a go-to for low-maintenance, healthy styling.” Though, keep in mind the seasons or typical climate of where you live—Bomani adds that diffusers are especially important to use during winter months when colder weather adds friction, frizz, and dryness, thereby reducing curl definition.
Will a diffuser make my hair wavy even if it’s not naturally?
Be warned, if you have straight hair, no amount of using a diffuser will make it curly. “If your hair is straight, you might get a soft wave if you use the right styling products and scrunch as you go, but it won’t make it curly if it’s not naturally,” says Sultan. But, says Yates, “It can definitely help encourage more movement if your hair has even a slight wave or bend,” says Yates. “By drying with less force and using the right products, a diffuser can coax out texture that you might not normally see with a regular blow-dry.”
Meet The Experts
- Ebony Bomani is a professional hair stylist and Pattern Beauty brand educator
- Samantha Draper is a New York–based professional hair stylist at Soho salon Suite Caroline specializing in everything from cool cuts to expert blowouts.
- Syd Hayes is a London-based editorial hair stylist and BabyBliss ambassador. Hayes often works alongside renowned photographers Mert Alas, Steven Meisel, and more. His clientele includes Léa Seydoux, Lily James, and more.
- Michelle Sultan is a celebrity hair stylist specializing in textured hair, and creative director of curly haircare brand Imbue. Sultan has worked with Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Mel B., Michelle Williams, and more.
- Hadley Yates is the cofounder of his eponymous Covent Garden salon, with over 15 years of styling experience.
