How to Diffuse Your Hair for Defined Curls or Waves

Key Takeaways

• If you have curly or wavy hair, try adding a diffuser to your blow-dryer to help enhance your hair’s curl pattern.
• Diffusing your hair can also help prevent frizz.
• To diffuse your hair, place small sections of your hair into the diffuser and move to the next section once your hair is 80% dry.

Jump to

• What Is Diffusing?
• Types of Hair Diffusers
• How to Use a Diffuser on Curly or Wavy Hair

How to Diffuse Your Hair for Defined Curls or Waves

Are you looking for a way to dry your curly or wavy hair without frizz? If you have a blow-dryer, all you need is an extra attachment for beautiful waves or curls. Learn more about how to use a diffuser on curly or wavy hair.

What Is Diffusing?

Has blow-drying your hair ever made your curls look flat or frizzy? Fortunately, there’s a solution for that. Diffusers are excellent tools for styling wavy to corkscrew hair types. They work by providing a softer, dispersed airflow instead of blowing direct heat onto your curls. This drying method can help minimize frizz, enhance your wave or curl pattern, and, in some cases, add body to your hair.

Types of Hair Diffusers

There are different types of hair diffusers, each providing different benefits. For example, some diffusers are more travel-friendly, while others can help boost body. Here are a few different types of hair diffusers that you might come across:

Cup Diffuser

Cup diffusers, also known as bowl diffusers, are the most popular diffuser type and are usually made of plastic. Their cup-like shape distributes hot air evenly, which is a gentler way to dry your hair. If you have medium to long hair, a cup diffuser might be a perfect tool to help reduce frizz and define your curls or waves.

Sock Diffuser

Sock diffusers are made of fabric, so their softness makes them great for fragile curl patterns. They can help prevent frizz and are ultra-portable if you’re traveling. The downside to sock diffusers is that they may not volumize your hair as much as a traditional cup diffuser.

Hand-Shaped Diffuser

This diffuser is shaped like a hand and features plastic “fingers” that glide into the hair for easy blow-drying. Hand-shaped diffusers spread heat evenly through your hair for a natural, air-dried look. They can help prevent hair shrinkage and frizz, but hand-shaped diffusers may not add much body to your hair.

If you’re looking to buy a diffuser, make sure it’s compatible with your blow-dryer first. If you’re not sure which diffusers can attach to your hair dryer, look for a universal diffuser.

How to Use a Diffuser on Curly or Wavy Hair

Now that you know about the different types of diffusers, it’s time to learn how to diffuse your curly or wavy hair. Follow these steps to dry your hair with a diffuser:

1. Wash Your Hair

The first step before diffusing your hair is to wash it. Choose a shampoo like OLAPLEX® Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo to gently cleanse, nourish, and strengthen your hair for improved manageability and softness. Give your curls or waves some love with a conditioner like Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner for smoother, healthier hair.

2. Apply Product

Once you step out of the shower, it’s time to add curl-enhancing products to your hair. You can try scrunching your hair with Nº.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel. Scrunch your hair in an upward motion to enhance your natural curl pattern. You’ll love Nº.10 because it works well with other styling and moisturizing products, provides heat protection, adds shine, prevents frizz, and re-links disulfide bonds for a more defined, repaired curl shape and structure.

3. Start Diffusing

It’s time to dry your hair with your diffuser. Here’s how you should use your diffuser:

• Keep your hair dryer on low heat and low-medium air pressure to prevent heat damage and frizz.
• Start by diffusing the root area first, making your way down to the ends. The root and mid shaft areas will likely take longer to dry.
• Take a section of your hair and place it into the diffuser. You can use your fingers to place your curls or waves inside of the diffuser, but don’t use a comb or brush. Once one section starts to feel dry, move on to the next section of hair.
• For extra volume, flip your head upside down while diffusing your roots and tilt your head from side to side to create even volume throughout.
• Stop diffusing your hair once it’s about 80% dry. Letting your hair air dry will help keep your curls or waves bouncy.

If you struggle with blow-drying your wavy or curly hair, a diffuser might be the answer. Your curls will appear bouncier and less frizzy when you use a diffuser. Head to the OLAPLEX Blog for other curly-hair techniques (like plopping), and explore more OLAPLEX products that support your curls.

Sources

1. https://www.today.com/shop/how-diffuse-hair-tips-products-t243452
2. https://www.essence.com/hair/hair-products-tools/hair-diffuser-types
3. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a34359/how-to-use-a-diffuser-curly-hair/
4. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-use-a-diffuser-5218806

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