What exactly does a diffuser do anyway?
A diffuser is a super-handy tool that is connected to a blow dryer. It helps disperse the heat of the hairdryer over a large area.
Diffusers resemble showerheads and serve a similar purpose. Like showerheads help disperse water, diffusers disperse the heat from a hair dryer. This gives you an even drying experience and prevents damage. They are used for curly hair to protect the natural wave or curl pattern and prevent frizz.
There are lots of different diffusers – flat vented diffusers, mitt diffusers and finger diffusers. They add volume to natural hair.
Diffusers are a great way to maintain the natural form of your hair. They are also good for straight and wavy hair. They not only protect hair from heat damage but also add volume to it.
Do Diffusers Do Something Different For Straight Hair?
A diffuser, while more suitable for curly or natural hair, can be used on straight hair too. It enhances the volume of straight hair by adding more texture. Diffusers are great to get beach waves. Curls are also achievable with a diffuser, depending on the method used.
How Do You Use A Diffuser On Natural Hair?
Maintaining natural hair is a great struggle that many of us face nowadays. If you want your hair to look gorgeous and curly, then a diffuser is your best friend.
They are a great tool, especially for curly hair. Diffusers tend to be very delicate and don’t affect the natural curl pattern of your hair.
Here’s how you use a diffuser on natural hair without compromising on hair definition:
- Make sure your hair is clean (shampoo or co-wash it).
- Let your hair air dry for a bit as it shouldn’t be dripping wet.
- Apply conditioner or the hair product you use.
- Attach the diffuser to the hairdryer. Set the dryer to high air and medium or cool heat.
- Press the diffuser into your hair and hold it on each section for 30 seconds.
- If you want to make your natural hair appear longer, stretch a part of your hair with one hand and press the diffuser into the roots.
- Change the temperature of the diffuser to cool and the speed to high. Moving it around your hair quickly will add shine to your natural locks.
Do You Diffuse Hair With Hot Or Cold Air?
Almost all hairdryers have the same settings, which let you adjust the heat and speed of the dryer. The heat setting options are: low, medium, high and a cool shot button.
Hairdryers also have a speed setting option. You can adjust your hairdryer setting and choose among low, medium and high. One should avoid using hair dryers at high heat settings because it’s damaging, even if you use it with a diffuser.
The best option is to start the drying process with low heat and low speed. As your hair starts drying, you can change the settings to medium heat and switch it to low heat every once in a while.
If you diffuse your hair every day, then maintain the settings at low heat to prevent heat damage. The recommended settings are high air and medium heat.
Is Diffusing Bad for Your Hair?
Diffusers are popularly used for curly hair. Since curly hair is more prone to heat damage, a diffuser helps cut back on that.
However, there are three ways in which diffusing may adversely affect your hair. Diffusing reduces heat damage but can’t nullify it completely as it’s connected to a hair dryer. Lingering heat can lead to more damage, which is why you should move the diffuser around to ensure the even distribution of air.
You should never place the settings of the diffuser on high heat. While some hair types may be able to cope with the damage, others cannot. Even if you use a diffuser, if the hairdryer is on high heat, it will most definitely cause heat damage.
Diffusing daily can be very damaging. You should only do it a few times a week. Even if you do it daily, make sure the settings are warm or cool.
Are Hair Diffusers Damaging?
The purpose of a diffuser is to reduce the damage caused by hairdryers. It is less damaging than using a normal dryer as it disperses heat over a large portion of hair instead of focusing it on a particular area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use a Diffuser?
A diffuser is usually used to dry hair. The first step is to wash your hair and apply hair serum or other hairstyling products. Attach the diffuser to the hairdryer and add essential oils if you want to. Now, using cold air, flip your hair and start drying from the ends.
Should A Diffuser Be Used With High Heat?
The main job of a diffuser is to disperse heat so that it spreads equally. Using it on high heat can damage your hair in the long-term. It’s preferable to turn up the air pressure but keep the temperature on either medium or cold. Cold air can also help prevent your hair from getting frizzy.
Can Essential Oils Be Added To A Diffuser?
Essential oils can most definitely be added to a diffuser if it has the option. Essential oils are great because they will leave your hair smelling amazing.
How Can Essential Oils Be Added To A Diffuser?
Here’s how you can add essential oils to a dryer diffuser:
- Remove the cap from the diffuser.
- Dip a tiny piece of cotton in your preferred essential oil such as lavender.
- Place the cotton in the space beneath the cap and close it.
- Set the dryer on cold setting and start diffusing your hair.
Conclusion
Diffusers are very handy tools, but they should be used carefully. If the temperature of the dryer is set at hot while you are using a diffuser, then the whole purpose of using it is nullified. Even though it is great at protecting your hair from heat damage, it can still cause some damage if you don’t use it the right way.