10 Best Diffusers for Curly Hair in 2023 — Tested and Reviewed

Feb 07, 2024

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When it comes to managing curly hair, there are plenty of methods you can use to achieve defined, springy strands. Whatever path you decide to take, your journey will most likely involve cleansing and conditioning your strands, followed by applying some sort of styling product, such as a leave-in conditioner, gel, or mousse. And although the quality of these products, and the way in which they are applied, are both crucial steps in the process of perfecting your curls, how you decide to dry your hair afterward is equally as important. Before you reach for a towel—please don't unless it's a microfiber towel— we'd like to introduce you to the magic of a diffuser.

A diffuser is a bowl-shaped attachment equipped with prongs that diffuse airflow from a hair dryer. This process of dispersing air helps to reduce the intensity of the airflow, ultimately forming more defined and voluminous curls while preventing wispy strands from ruining a good hair day. On the contrary, if you were to use a hair dryer on your curls without a diffuser, you would likely disturb your natural curl pattern while causing a muddled mess of frizz and tangles.

Given the fact that there are countless diffusers on the market, we've decided to help you narrow down your selection process by crafting a detailed roundup of the best diffusers for curly hair (organized by category). And we've even called on a few experts to provide their personal opinions. Ahead, find a diffuser that best suits your hair type and your personal preferences.

Pros: Fast-drying, curl-enhancing, engineered for all types of hair.

Cons: High price, cord is a bit bulky.

It's a cult favorite, an award-winning beauty tool, and undoubtedly falls into the category of luxury haircare. You've guessed it, our pick for the best overall diffuser for curly hair is The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer which comes with a coveted diffuser attachment. "I love the way Dyson diffuses the heat, which is healthier for the hair while enhancing the shape of the curls in a beautiful way," says Christophe Robin, hair salon owner and luxury haircare line founder.

Though the Dyson Supersonic is one of the most pricey hair dryers on the list, what makes it worth it for curly hair is not just the diffuser, but how the dryer works with the diffuser to get you perfect curls. It contains negative ions that help diminish static, which helps prevent frizz. Plus Dyson's intelligent heat control technology helps to prevent heat damage, which is especially important for those with fragile curls. According to New York City hair colorist and Founder of Abby Haliti Color Studio Abby Halit, the dryer "gets the job done quickly, but still keeps the definition and shape of the curls."

Pros: The attachment fits most hair dryers, is fast-drying, spreads airflow over a large area, and is budget-friendly.

Cons: The prongs are plastic which some reviewers don't like because the material seems to be fragile.

Investing in a diffuser is important for curly hair, but that doesn't mean you have to go out and buy an entirely new beauty tool. In the case that you already own a hair dryer, all you need to do is purchase a diffuser attachment that aligns with the size of your dryer. Conair's Volumizing Hair Diffuser is sold between $10 and $13 depending on the retailer and can fit any hair dryer between 1.8 to 2.3 inches. In addition to not breaking the bank, this diffuser is substantial with regard to quality. The prongs attached to Conair's Diffuser are designed to lift and dry hair gently to mold perfectly defined curls Reviewers also love that the diffuser attachment cups curls nicely while enhancing volume.

That said, if your hair dryer is not compatible with the Conair Volumizing Hair Diffuser (i.e., if it's less than 1.8 inches or more than 2.3 inches), there are plenty of diffuser attachments on the market that come in a variety of sizes.

Pros: Great size for traveling (only 1.26 lbs), multiple heat settings, tourmaline technology reduces frizz.

Cons: Must purchase the whole hair dryer since the diffuser is built in, reviewers note that the sound of the airflow is loud.

If you're constantly on the go but want to keep your curls fresh during travel, you'll need a small tool with a diffuser that you can easily store in your suitcase. If you don't want to buy a separate travel hair dryer and then fuss with buying a diffuser that fits, this is the perfect tool since it comes all in one. Revlon's 1875W Natural Texture Diffuser Hair Dryer is probably the cutest hair dryer you'll ever see, plus it's only $35.

When you're traveling, the last thing you want to do is spend endless time in your hotel bathroom styling your hair, so this tool definitely comes in handy as it allows you to dry your hair quickly and effectively. Designed with 1875 watts, Revlon's diffuser has a super strong airflow and the mouth of the dryer is much larger than most which allows air to spread widely across the hair.

Another noteworthy feature of this diffuser is that it's crafted with tourmaline technology, which boosts the output of negative ions, taming frizz and helping curls to retain their moisture, shiny, and smooth in the process.

Pros: Versatile multi-styler with several attachments, regulated temperatures to prevent heat damage, powerful airflow.

Cons: Large size, a bit cumbersome.

One of the most mesmerizing qualities of curly hair is its capacity for versatility— ringlets and spirals can shapeshift into a variety of hairstyles, from twists, braids, blowouts, and more. With such an array of hairstyles, curly heads need a beauty tool that's going to match that energy. That's when Shark's Flexible Style Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler comes into play. Unlike other dryers, this one comes with an array of diffusers that are great for curly hair. It includes:

Pros: Deep bowl which accommodates longer lengths, even distribution of heat, durable quality.

Cons: Some reviewers claim that it's difficult to attach to other hair dryers (not universal).

If there's one thing curly-haired folks aren't usually worried about, it's achieving volume. Whether you have tighter coils or looser waves, the spiral-like shape of curly strands automatically adds a sense of natural dimension. But there's no harm in enhancing what's already there! Thanks to Segbeauty's Hair Diffuser, creating a voluminous look is easier than ever. "The Segbeauty Hair Diffuser is great for volume because it distributes heat evenly and has a larger bowl for hair to sit in, which also helps cut down on drying time," says hairstylist Cassandra Olivia.

In addition to dispersing steady airflow, large diffuser bowls are also great for drying and defining long hair. Those with lengthy curls know that diffusing can be a hassle, especially if you're dealing with an attachment that has a shallow bowl with short prongs. Diffusers designed in this way often cause hair strands to spill over the sides of the bowl, which leads to uneven drying and a lack of curl definition. So if you're someone with long hair who is looking to enhance the volume of your stands, you'll want to add this product to your shopping cart.

Pros: Evenly distributed airflow for frizz-free curls, fast-drying, lightweight, enhances shine.

Cons: The nozzle is magnetic, so it's not compatible with all hair dryers (best to purchase Laifen's accompanying hair dryer).

Due to the spiral-like shape of curls, it can be difficult for natural oils to spread from your scalp throughout your hair strands, leading to a lack of moisture and increased dryness. In other words, frizz is inevitable, but there are certainly ways to manage wispy strands. Hair stylist Cassandra Olivia notes that the first step is to apply a leave-in product before diffusing curls to help enhance their shape as they dry: "I apply LEAF + FLOWER CBD Instant Curl Defining Cream to my clients' hair before diffusing as it helps to fortify curls, locking in their shape and creating a flexible hold."

Second, you need to help to lock in moisture and define the curl's shape with a proper diffuser tool, such as Laifen's Swift High Speed Hair Dryer Diffuser, which we think is the best diffuser for eliminating frizz on curly hair. One of the great hallmarks of Laifen's Diffuser is its ability to enhance shine and tackle frizz. And from first-hand experience, I can attest to the magic of Laifen— I use this diffuser after I wash and condition my hair, and I'm always blown away by the final look. After drying, my curls are left with little to no flyaways. For optimal results, I would suggest pairing Laifen's diffuser attachment with their Hair Dryer Swift SE, an ionic blow dryer that has 200 million negative ions.

Pros: Long prongs for thick and tight textured hair, cool shot setting which helps close hair's cuticle after styling, great price point.

Cons: Heavy weight, might be uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Curly hair is not one-dimensional, there are so many types, patterns, and textures that exist. This means that not every product or tool will work universally across curly hair, and as someone with tight curls, finding the right products for my coils can be difficult.

Tight curls are typically more dense and difficult to dry, so using a diffuser tool that has sufficient airflow that spreads evenly across hair strands is essential. "I like the Confu Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser for curly and coily hair," Cassandra Olivia tells Insider. "The diffuser has extra-long prongs, so it can get into thicker hair right to the scalp to ensure I am evenly and effectively drying hair."

Pros: Extra large 8-inch diffuser attachment, specifically designed for waves, several speed and heat settings.

Cons: High price, difficult to store because of large size.

Washing and drying wavy hair can be tricky because wavy hair strands are easily weighed down by water. Some people with loosely shaped waves might even experience their hair drying straight, with a lack of curl pattern. That's why it's essential to use a diffuser that will tactfully enhance definition and form voluminous waves.

The Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer's deep-reaching prongs gently support wavy hair strands while drying from tip to root, encouraging the formation of bouncy ringlets. For undeniably defined waves, we would suggest filling each section of hair into the diffuser bowl and bringing the bowl close to your scalp for a few seconds. Keep repeating this motion until your entire head of hair is dry, and you'll notice stunning waves beginning to take shape.

Pros: Great for protecting hair from heat damage, innovative technology protects hair's inner moisture, three attachments included.

Cons: High price, loud noise from airflow.

Maintaining healthy hair is essential, and although you can get away with purchasing cheap beauty tools that will do the trick, sometimes you have to spend a pretty penny. Yes, the Zuvi dryer with a diffuser costs almost $350, but let us explain why it is the best diffuser for curly hair if you're looking to splurge. Zuvi's Halo Hair Dryer, which comes with a sizable diffuser attachment featuring eighteen prongs, uses a combination of infrared light, high-speed air, and cooler temperatures to define curls and reduce frizz.

This unconventional method, which Zuvi calls their LightCare technology, is so unique because it dries water droplets on the hair's surface while leaving the internal moisture within your hairshaft undisturbed. In fact, this process is intended to mimic the natural evaporation of sunshine and wind. For those struggling with damaged hair or sensitive scalps, or if you simply want a healthy alternative to beauty tools that use aggressive heat, we'd recommend using this diffuser to protect and rejuvenate your curls.

Pros: Fast-drying, curl-enhancing, volumizing.

Cons: Some reviewers note that the shape is awkward and difficult to pair with other hair dryers.

"The faster you dry your hair, the more moisture it will lose, and the loss of moisture is not good for maintaining the curl pattern," says Christophe Robin. The reason for this is because drying your hair often requires high heat, and elevated temperatures can weaken curly strands, giving rise to a brittle, dehydrated texture.

With this in mind, it's important to take your time while diffusing. However, many of us have busy schedules, so time isn't always on our side. In the event that you're in desperate need of a quick dry, but you don't want to compromise the health of your curls, The DevaDiffuser by Deva Curl will do the trick. DevaCurl's hand-shaped diffuser is one of a kind— it's literally patented— and its structure is designed to target the roots, helping to dry curls efficiently.

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