If you've been a Curly Girl for more than a minute, you'll know the importance of a quality diffuser to get those curls looking their very best.
The good news is that a tonne of hair dryers, diffusers and attachments are available to diffuse your hair and enhance your curls.
So how do you wade through the enormous range on the market, find one that works for you, is good value for money AND will last? We're here to help!
Do you need a hair diffuser?
A variety of tools are available to help you achieve the perfect look. Don't get us wrong, a strong hold gel and curl cream are truly you're best friends, however A diffuser is one of the most essential tools for anyone with wavy or curly hair. FACT.
You can air dry; however, if you want bouncy, defined and voluminous curls, a diffuser is absolutely the way to go.
A diffuser is an attachment that you attach to your hair dryer, evenly distributing the air flow. Adding a diffuser helps to define and enhance your natural curls.
Industry professionals know how important it is to have the right tools to help achieve great curls. So we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of what we think are the best curly hair diffusers on the market right now.
Best All-rounder
Our number one recommendation for overall volume, styling and definition is the Bellissima Difon diffuser. This Diffuser is designed to give your curls the definition and volume you desire without frizz. It is made with a unique design that distributes the heat evenly and is designed to minimise drying time. This Diffuser is also equipped with various settings to customise your look to your liking.
What we like
- Even heat distribution
- Minimised drying time
- Ergonomic design
- Various heat settings
- Great for thick hair
What we don't like
- All-in-one styler
The Best for Budget
The KingKam Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer at $11 on Amazon is the perfect solution if you're looking for a quality diffuser without breaking the bank. It helps funnel and soften your hairdryer's airflow and is small enough for easy travel and storage.
What we like
- Budget Friendly
- Compatible with multiple dryers
- Great for travelling
What we don't like
- Collapses during use
- Won't last as long as other brands on the market- durability
The Best for Volume
The Drybar Bouncer Diffuser stands out because of its large size, allowing you to quickly dry much larger sections of hair. The circular shape ensures the heat is evenly dispersed from roots to ends for great volume and shape. Additionally, it is incredibly lightweight, so you don't need to worry about your arms getting tired from styling your hair.
What we like
- Dries larger sections of hair
- Adds volume
- lightweight
What we don't like
- Some reviewers have noted that the Diffuser can fall off
The best for definition
The Remington Pro Dryer + Diffuser is designed to help define and control curls while reducing drying time. It is also equipped with a cool shot feature, which helps to lock in your style. Made with a unique design that helps reduce frizz and static.
What we like
- Special design reduces frizz + static
- Reduced drying time
- Low-noise
What we don't like
- Whilst affordable, this dryer + diffuser combo may have a shorter life expectancy than more expensive models
The best everyday staple
The Conair Infiniti-Pro is another great diffuser for curly hair. It is designed to help create natural-looking curls in a fraction of the time. It is also equipped with various settings, including a cool shot button so that you can customise your look to your liking.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Purchase in a dryer + Diffuser package
- Multiples heat settings
What we don't like
- Noisy
- Heavy
The best for Fine Hair
The T3 Cura Luxe. This Diffuser helps create long-lasting curls with minimum effort. Equipped with various settings, you can customise your look to your liking. Additionally, this Diffuser is designed to help reduce frizz and static.
Things we like
- Great for fine hair
- Reduces frizz
- Affordable
Things we don't like
- The diffuser attachment is only compatible with the T3 Dryer
The Best "Treat Yo Self"
Though the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is quite costly, users love it and say it's worth every penny! This unique dryer provides plenty of power and heat, yet it won't dishevel the hair even at the highest air setting.
With the ability to dry hair in half the time and reduce frizz, this technology is revolutionary.
Curly-haired men and women love the benefits of 75% increased smoothness and 132% decreased frizz, which helps protect hair from heat damage. Though it is a pricey investment, this hairdryer has won the hearts of many who vow by its results - making it worth the big spend.
What we like
- Reduces damage
- Unmatched styling capabilities
- Diffuser included
What we don't like
- It's pricey
The Best for Thick Hair
The CONFU Professional Lightweight hairdryer + diffuser attachment, is perfect for those with thicker hair, as it has extra-long prongs that reach the roots. The lightweight, ergonomic dryer provides comfortable styling. To get maximum definition and reduce frizz for tighter curls - hover the Diffuser 4-6 inches over the hair, moving it in the direction the hair grows from root to end, and don't touch it until it is 60-75% dry.
What we like
- Longer prongs reach all the way to the roots
- Lightweight
- Multiple heat settings
What we don't like
- Noisy
What to look for in a good quality Hair Dryer + Diffuser for curly hair
When shopping for a good quality hair dryer and Diffuser for curly hair, there are several important factors to consider.
- Compatibility with your hair dryer
- The size of the prongs
- The level of venting
First, you will want to ensure that the hair dryer and Diffuser you choose are compatible with your hair dryer.
"Compatability is essential as different diffusers require different wattages and voltage levels to function correctly."
You can usually find the wattage and voltage of your hair dryer printed on the back or side. The Diffuser should match the wattage and voltage of your hair dryer, or it may not work.
Second, the size of the prongs is also important. Too small prongs can damage your curls, while prongs too large may not effectively distribute the air. When shopping for a diffuser, look for one with prongs that are the right size for your hair type.
Lastly, the level of venting in the Diffuser is key to great curls.
"Vents help to direct the airflow so that the heat is evenly distributed, helping to reduce frizz and create beautiful, defined curls. Look for a diffuser with plenty of vents to ensure your curls are evenly dried and styled."
When shopping for a hair dryer and Diffuser, taking the time to consider these factors will help ensure that you end up with a diffuser that works for your hair and helps create beautiful, defined curls. Not to mention will give you the best bang for your buck.