Have you been trying to get those flawless beachy waves in your hair but seem to fail at it every single time?
Do you get disappointed when your hair ends up in very rigid defined curls because you were aiming for a different look altogether?
Do you look at magazines covers and wonder how hairstylists get such subtle curls and voluminous hair?
Well, worry no more girls because I’m going to let you in on a little secret that will solve your problem once and for all! We have the perfect tool for you to get the luscious wavy hair you’ve been dreaming of.
All you need to do is attach a diffuser on a hair dryer and you’ll be able to create that gorgeous effortless beach wave look within minutes! The best part is it’s not time-consuming and easy to do! Once you start using a diffuser, you’ll never go back to your old ways.
How to Use A Diffuser On A Hair Dryer
A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer that helps create wavy hair. Remember that black plastic add-on that you’ve seen lying around in your mom’s bathroom? Yes, that is the tool that can do wonders for your hair.
Most branded hair dryers have the option of buying a diffuser with them. Diffusers are also commonly available separately.
All you need to do is attach it at the top of your hair dryer. You will hear a clipping sound once it’s attached and then you can begin using it. Once you’ve styled your hair, you can pull out the diffuser from your hair dryer and store it. It is detachable.
A diffuser is one of the most underrated hair styling tools of all times. Most people don’t know how to use it so its powers remain overlooked.
Once you learn how to use a diffuser, you’ll see how easy it is to get the results you were after. It’ll become an essential tool for your hairstyling routine.
How to Use a Diffuser on Short Hair
Having short hair can prove to be an advantage if you like to style your hair with a diffuser. It’s only a matter of minutes until you and your girls walk out the door with flawless curls that you‘ll be flaunting all day long.
The method is simple and super quick. The first thing to do is to prep your hair. This includes washing it and then drying it. Next, you’ll have to apply a heat protecting serum to protect your hair from any damage.
Once finished, brush your hair if you want to create more subtle waves. Otherwise, you should twist your hair to form better-defined curls.
The best part about short hair is you don’t have to spend much time sectioning your hair. The shorter length makes it much easier to handle and style.
After this, all you need to do is switch the diffuser on and move it in circular motions around your head. Within a few minutes, you’ll finish and be ready to head out and start your good hair day!
How to Use a Diffuser on Natural Hair
A diffuser is a helpful tool to give your naturally curly hair a picture-perfect look. It works well to dry curly hair because it keeps the natural shape of your curls while reducing frizz. This makes the curls look well defined and neat.
Wash Your Hair or Wet It
The first and most important step for styling with a diffuser is to prepare your hair. This includes washing your hair if you feel the need to. Otherwise, you can wet your hair without actually shampooing it.
I recommend you use a conditioner to add moisture to your hair. This will give your hair a healthy glossy look rather than making it dry and frizzy once you dry it.
Dry Your Hair
The next part of preparing your hair for styling is to dry it. It is never ideal to work on soaking wet hair so make sure you get rid of the excess water. A useful tip for drying your hair is to use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to dry them instead of a towel.
Apply Some Leave-In Products
The last step for preparing your hair for styling with a diffuser is applying a leave-in product. Use a heat protecting serum or spray to reduce the risk of heat damage to your hair.
Healthy hair is beautiful hair so make sure you safeguard your hair against damage every time you style it. Using such a product will provide thermal protection and prevent any damage to your hair.
The products you use will depend on the texture of your natural hair and the look you are trying to create. You can apply a leave-in conditioner to give your hair a shiny smooth finish. Use your fingers to twist your curls as you apply the product into the strands of your hair. This will help you get more defined curls if that’s what you’re aiming for.
On the other hand, most people who have wavy hair do not prefer using a leave-in conditioner. The leave-in conditioner can be heavy on the hair strands and make it flatter. So, don’t apply a leave-in conditioner if you’re going for a voluminous look. Instead, you can use a styling mousse for curly hair.
In case you have flat straight hair, you can apply a product designed to give hair volume. These products are massaged onto the roots to uplift your hair and give it volume.
Section Your Hair
This is the next thing you need to do before you start styling your hair with a diffuser. Make sure you divide your hair into sections by using grippy hair clips to keep it separated.
You can also comb out any tangles in your hair with the help of a wide-tooth comb. Avoid using a brush because that will spoil the natural curls in your hair.
Start Working with the Diffuser
Now all you need to do is drop one section of your hair into the bowl of the diffuser and switch it on. Move the diffuser around a little bit to make sure you get an even distribution of the heated air.
I recommend you don’t overwork the diffuser. Try to stop drying each section of hair when you feel it has gotten about 80% dry.
After this, repeat the same process with all the five sections in your hair and you’re done. Voila! You got those perfect bouncy waves you wanted all along.
I have one last tip to keep those beautiful curls.
Once you finish using the diffuser, make sure you don’t touch your hair and let it rest. Letting the leftover moisture dry naturally will give it a bouncier, smoother finish.
What is the Purpose of a Diffuser on a Hair Dryer?
The main purpose of a diffuser on a hair dryer is to regulate the airflow. A hair dryer has a very narrow opening through which it blows hot air onto our hair. This powerful flow of heated air can add unneeded frizz and make our hair look rough.
With a diffuser, air blows into our hair through a larger opening. As a result, this air spreads out evenly and is gentler on our hair.
How Do Diffusers Work?
When you attach a diffuser to your hair dryer, it starts to circulate the heated air in the bowl of the diffuser. This way, the heated air is evenly distributed through your hair.
This is why a diffuser is less damaging to your hair. It is gentler on your hair than a direct blow-dry. The circulating air locks your curls to keep their shape while reducing unneeded frizz.
How to Scrunch Straight Hair with a Diffuser
You can use a diffuser to create a wavy look with your straight hair. Hair diffusers work best on wet hair so the first thing to do is to make your hair wet. You can shampoo it for a fresh clean start or wet it if your hair is already clean.
The next step is to apply a product that will enhance the waves or hold them together. You can apply a holding gel to make the waves last longer, otherwise, your hair will straighten over time.
Last but not least, scrunch your hair while you are drying it with the diffuser. Use your fingers to scrunch it while you are drying it. This will help form waves on your straight hair to give you the wavy bouncy look you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are a hair dryer and a hair diffuser the same thing?
No, a hair diffuser is a tool that you can attach onto your hair dryer. This makes the airflow less concentrated and makes it easier to dry curly hair without ruining the natural shape of the curls.
If I have naturally curly hair, do I have to use a curl enhancing cream?
No, you don’t have to use a curl enhancing cream if you have curly hair. You can use Argan oil for a smooth finish instead.
If I already have a hair dryer, can I buy a diffuser separately?
Yes, you absolutely can. Usually, a diffuser will come along a hair dryer in its box but if you don’t have one you can buy it separately. Diffusers are available at hairstyling tool shops and online.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a hair diffuser, it is definitely a valuable tool you should invest in! It will give you those flawless beachy waves you’ve always wanted.
Even if you have naturally curly hair, this tool will help you maintain the curls in your hair and dry it without adding freeze. So, start using a diffuser and don’t delay getting your dream hair any longer!