Hair Dryer Diffusers, We’ve Got The Best For Natural Hair!

A Hair Diffuser is a curly-on-the-go’s best friend. Not only do they help speed up drying curly and natural hair, but diffusers also adds volume without making hair frizzy. While these attachments are widely popular among women with curly hair, natural women in the black community haven’t been using diffusers as much in previous years. That has changed and for good reason because they are great for our natural tresses.

As the weather gets dryer and cooler as we get close to fall, it makes sense we discuss their purpose and why you need them.  This is especially important as science is showing air drying is not great for natural hair, even though I love it and still do it.

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What is a Hair Diffuser?

Hair Diffusers are blow dryer attachments that disperse its airflow over a large area. This design allows the attachment to aid in drying without disturbing the curl pattern or causing frizz. One of the best things about diffusers is the fact that it adds volume and body, which is great for those of us with fine hair.

The benefits of using a diffuser includes: maximized shine, decreased frizz, enhanced curls, increased  volume, minimized heat exposure and, most importantly, hair that is dried quickly but gently.

How to Diffuse Curly Hair

You gotta also know HOW diffuse your hair properly because the object is not just to dry the hair but to gain as much volume and definition as possible. Here are videos on two different hair textures to give you some guidance as each hair type may require different techniques and even different dryers and/or attachments.

Most who use these types of heat styling tools want to safely dry their hair and keep as much definition while hair is no longer wet. This is the reason why they opt for a diffuser and yes, all textures will benefit from them!  There are hundreds of diffusers on the market ranging anywhere from $5 to $120, but here are 5 of the best diffusers on the market for naturals/curly girls:

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Universal Finger Diffuser

This diffuser brags of the implementation of Nano titanium technology, allowing it to dry hair faster than other diffusers on the market. This diffuser features medium length “fingers” which aid in lifting and separating the hair so that the air can reach the bulk of the hair and also releases natural ions that seal the hair’s cuticle which helps to keep frizz at bay.

According to reviews this diffuser dries in nearly a fraction of the time of other diffusers. Although it boasts to be “universal,” some customers have complained that it didn’t fit their dryer so make sure to check that out prior to purchase.

Ceremonia Collapsible Hair Diffuser de Rizos

The collapsible diffuser is one of the more recent designs that have graced the beauty scene. It folds for easy storage, unlike its bulky counterparts, and also so you can take it along with you when you travel! This collapsible silicone diffuser that’s compatible with blow-dryers that reach up to 400°F, and for coily, curly and wavy hair types.

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Xtava Black Orchid Large Diffuser Advanced Airflow

The Black Orchid is another unique design, featuring shorter fingers that are widely spaced. Xtava brags that its wide surface area allows more hair-to-heat contact, which shortens drying time and disperses the air evenly. The fingers are also designed with holes, which means that air is not only coming through the base but through the entire attachment. This diffuser is great for those who have long and or thick hair due to its design.

According to reviews, this unique diffuser dries the scalp quickly and effectively and leaves the hair shiny and curls intact. This dryer is not universal, so it is important to know the dimensions of the barrel of your dryer before purchasing.

Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser

 Drybar’s The Bouncer is a universal diffuser that broadens and reduces the speed of the airflow from your blow-dryer to gently dry, define curls and reduce frizz in naturally curly hair.  Although designed for Drybar’s Buttercup and Baby Buttercup, this diffuser can fit on most other blow-dryers as well!

DevaCurl ‘DevaFuser’ Diffuser

From the ever-popular DevaCurl company, the DevaFuser diffuser lends a “hand” to your diffusing woes. This innovative design features a hand-shaped design which aids in separating the curls and getting close to the scalp more efficiently. Unlike its wide, rounded counterparts, the DevFuser’s sleek design allows the attachment to dry the hair from the roots to the ends as opposed to focusing primarily on the ends.

DIRECT HEAT VS. INDIRECT HEAT ON NATURAL HAIR

According to reviews, this diffuser achieves a decent amount of volume in addition to encouraging curls to pop. However, if you use this diffuser with a dryer that very hot, it will melt. Since it is designed to be used with low-heat, it’d be best to either purchase the DevaBlow blow dryer or use your blow dryer on its lowest setting.

Since I last updated this post, Pattern Beauty has come out with a winner so I gotta share the deets!

the pattern blow dryer for curlies, coilies & tight textures

Experience the freedom & versatility of styling your natural hair with the high-performing PATTERN Blow Dryer designed for curlies, coilies and tight-textured hair. Equipped with a powerful AC motor that reduces dry time, & an ion generator to smooth the cuticle. This hair dryer includes 4 unique attachments (brush, wide tooth comb, concentrator nozzle & diffuser for curly hair) to help shape, stretch, smooth, & and define your natural curl pattern.

The hair diffuser attachment and concentrator nozzle were designed with curly hair types in mind for both volume & curl definition. Dry curls & style natural hair with both the wide tooth comb & brush attachment.

 

Conair Pro Styler Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer

I also wanted to mention the Conair Pro Styler Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer because my readers RAVED about it and it is another favorite among curly girls. This hair dryer provides natural ion output that helps fight frizz and bring out your natural shine or sheen. Reasonably priced, this is a great dryer to attach your favorite diffuser.

One important lesson I’ve learned researching this topic was the fact that you can have a favorite hair dryer and diffuser and they do not have to come from the same brand. As long as they fit, you have a marriage made in hair heaven!

What’s your favorite hair diffuser?

Sabrina