Hair Care

Step-By-Step: How to Diffuse Curly Hair

This expert guide will get you perfectly defined, frizz-free curls

by Sarah Carrillo

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If you have curly hair (or just want curly hair) then a diffuser is a must-have item in your beauty arsenal. What is a diffuser? It's an attachment for your blow dryer that changes the air flow from a direct stream of air to a more diffused (get it?) wide circle of air. This helps to minimize frizz, since there's less hot air aimed at any one part of your hair, so it's perfect for curls. If your blow dryer didn't come with a diffuser, you can buy a universal one that will attach onto the nozzle (just make sure it's the right diameter before you buy).

For help using this tool, we talked to Ouidad, a curl expert and founder of the Ouidad line of hair products (specifically for curly girls) and Ouidad salons, which specialize in cutting and styling curly hair. She walked us through the step-by-step process for diffusing hair — everything from the products to use, the temperature of the blow dryer and even exactly what to do with your hands. Follow her guide and you're sure to wind up with defined, frizz-free, volumized and shiny curls.

Even if you don't have naturally curly hair we got tips to get it that way with a diffuser. See how you can go from wavy to full on curly in a snap.

Image via Imaxtree

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Older comments

Excellent advice. I have a lot of natural curl, and I see stylists following these steps instead of using any curlers or curling irons. They simply work the curls with their fingers.

by GigiSD Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Very good advice!

by luckygal79 Monday, December 31, 2012 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips!

by T_rod93 Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 03:34AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks! This was very helpful! I'll be sure to keep this in mind when my karmin salon pro hair dryer arrives! It comes with a diffuser so I hope they hurry up with the shipping :D

by laura_wolfhart Friday, June 22, 2012 at 08:32PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful! i will try on my frizzy mess!

by pamken Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

I have a diffuser for my curl hair, it works great at enhancing my curls. Having a pro hair dryer helps too, mine is a Karmin G3 Salon Pro Professional and it's the best i've used so far :)

by mtaylor722 Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 05:59PM Report as inappropriate

VERY helpful tips, I just wish there were pictures or a video to make it easier to understand.

by mrselliott08 Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

Very true..it's taking a long time!

by maryjane_baja Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:21PM Report as inappropriate

WOW I learned so much! Thank You for publishing this!

by Mishashawnea Friday, March 16, 2012 at 01:16AM Report as inappropriate

Maybe I'll get it right, now!!

by powerwoman033 Monday, March 12, 2012 at 08:06AM Report as inappropriate