Best Hair Diffusers For Wavy and Curly Hair 2024.
Written by Helen Turner - 14/06/2023.
Here is a list of my favourite hair dryers and diffusers for curly and wavy hair. Finding one that suits your hair type, length and curl pattern is important and I hope this article is helpful in finding a hair diffuser that works for you. Using a diffuser on your waves and curls will enhance your curl pattern, reduce frizz, list your roots and give you more shape and volume. It also cuts hair drying time significantly.
How To Choose The Right Hair Diffuser For Your Hair Type.
An important part of any curly or wavy hair routine is having a good hair dryer with a hair diffuser attachment. They are great for reducing drying time when you are in a hurry or you want more definition and volume in your waves and curls.But for some people they are a necessity. Long curly hair can take what seems forever to dry and a diffuser will give you bouncier and more defined curls than air drying. It’s important to buy the right hair diffuser for your hair type. Here are my top picks for hair diffuser for different hair type/length or situation. I mostly air dry my curls but as I have loose curls and waves (2B, 2C type) sometimes when I apply my stylers they can easily become weighed down and flat, so drying with a hair diffuser helps to encourage my curls and gives me both more volume a definition. Also air drying is not practical for everyone time wise so diffusing is the best way to speed up drying your curls or waves. Whenever using heat on your hair it’s a good idea to use a heat protectant first. You can find my favourite heat protectant HERE. Make sure that you have a good quality hair dryer first off, you want one with multiple heat setting or a cool shot button, this means you can dry your hair at a lower heat and prevent damage and frizz. Other features to look for are a long cord (for me this is so I can sit down whilst diffusing!), high voltage (faster drying), Ion technology or ceramic finish (for less frizz).
Investing in a high quality hair dryer is well worth it. As long as you look after the hair dryer the can last you many years so don’t just go for the cheapest option. However, the most expensive are not necessary and you should only go for these ones if you can easily afford it.
Best Overall Curly Hair Diffuser.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer With Diffuser.
This Dyson Supersonic Dryer with diffuser attachment is a game changer and although it’s the most expensive (as with any of the Dyson Supersonic Dryer products) it is by far the best quality and it’s well worth the investment in my opinion. The hair diffuser attachment is a bit smaller on this hairdryer but still fits long hair well. The lowest speed and heat settings are perfect for creating defined curls in a very short space of time. This is the main advantage of this hair dryer/diffuser is that it dramatically reduces your drying time compared to other hair dryers without creating frizz or drying out your hair. It’s never a good idea to go outside with wet hair so even if you mostly air dry you can always finish off the last bit with the diffuser or vice versa, start with the hair dryer diffuser and air dry to finish.
Runner Up - Elchim 3900 Light Ionic Hair Dryer.
The Elchim 3900 Light Ionic Hair Dryer is another stylish looking hair dryer. You need to buy the diffuser as a separate attachment. Perfect for thick or long hair. Also a very reasonable cost if the Dyson is a bit too pricy for you (I don’t blame you as it is a little excessive).
Best Curly Hair Diffuser For Long Curly Hair.
Shark HD113BRN Hair Blow Dryer.
The Shark HD113BRN Hair Blow Dryer diffuser is larger and deeper than most other diffusers which works well for those like me who have longer hair. As the hair is not as squashed into the diffuser cup it allows the air to circulate easier and dry faster than those with a smaller cup. It also works great for those with thicker tighter curls as the long prongs also have airflow and allow drying nearer to the root area.
Runner Up - BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Universal Finger Diffuser.
The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Diffuser is a great option to buy if you already have a hair dryer and just want the diffuser attachment. fits most hair dryers and has infrared heat which penetrates hair to dry more quickly. You can buy the separate diffuser attachment HERE.
Best Hair Diffuser For Short Curly Hair.
Bedhead Curls In Check Diffuser Hair Dryer.
The Bedhead Curls in Check Diffuser is perfect for those who only ever diffuse there hair and don’t use their hair dryer for regular blow drys. The diffuser aspect is non-detachable which makes it a lot smaller than the normal hairdryer and diffuser combo. This Bedhead diffuser has a lot of great reviews and has three heat settings, two speeds and a cool shot button which helps to keep the curls tighter and less frizz.
Runner Up - GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser.
I have a funny connection with GHD which is perhaps another story for another time. But my hair straighteners which I have had for almost 20yrs (don’t use that often these days)are still in full working order. So the longevity of GHD products definitely makes them worth the expense. The ghd Helios 1875w Advanced Professional Hair Dryer is a great hair dryer for really all types of hair and looks very stylish. BLOW DRY your hair in half the time and get gorgeous results.
Best Curly Hair Diffuser For Travel.
The Curly Co. Collapsible Hair Diffuser.
Most hotels provide hairdryers to use but there is often not a diffuser attachment. This Curly Co. Collapsible Diffuser which fits mosts regular sized hair dryers is a great option to take with you when traveling without taking up too much space in your suitcase. It’s also very reasonably priced so worth while purchasing for sure.
Runner Up - Curly Hair Dryer Diffuser Attachment Metal Mesh.
The Metal Mesh Diffuser is great for stylists on the go with its lightweight and compact design.
Best Curly Hair Diffuser For Volume.
This hair dryer is great for people with finer hair who want a bit more volume from their curls. There are many prongs to help distribute the air into your hair. It also looks very stylish and the hair drier comes with various heat and speed settings to choose from.
Runner Up - Segbeauty Hair Blower Dryer Diffuser.
The Segbeauty Hair Diffuser uses ionic nano titanium technology to make sure your curls are frizz free. Comes with 14 adjustable air holes that maximise drying and speed up total drying time. You can also buy a set including a collapsable diffuser attachment for travel.
Best Hair Diffuser For Wavy Hair.
T3 really make a lot of great hair styling accessories that also look very modern. This diffuser with the shorter prongs works well for those wanting looser waves or curls and shorter to mid length hair.
Runner Up - RUSK PRO Speed Titanium Hair Dryer.
This diffuser eliminates frizz with 6 speed and heat settings for fast styling.
Best Hair Diffuser For Thick Curly Hair.
The Bio Ionic diffuser is great for thicker hair which takes a long time to dry. The longer prongs penetrate deeper into the hair towards the scalp to make sure the roots dry as well as the ends.
Runner Up - GAMMA+ XCell Professional Ultra-Lightweight Hair Dryer.
For enhanced performance and optimized filtration. Ionic technology adds shine while reducing frizz for a softer finish. LED control interface clearly displays any of the 12 heat/speed settings.
Best Hair Diffuser For Fine Curly Hair.
With fine hair you don’t want too many prongs to break up your curl clumps, this is why this Devacurl diffuser is perfect for drying fine hair without losing definition or making it frizzy. You can use it to hover diffuse rather than collecting the curls in the diffuser.
Runner Up - Moroccanoil Power Performance Ionic Hair Dryer .
A professional-grade hair dryer that features a durable, high-performance Italian AC motor for efficient drying time, plus ionic technology to lock in moisture and reduce static.
Scroll down for my best hair diffuser recommendations based on hair type.
Best Overall Hair Diffuser - Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Wavy Hair - Bed Head Curls in Check Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Curly Hair - ghd Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Short Hair - Shark Hair Blow Dryer Curl-Defining Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Long Hair - Conair The Curl Collective Curly Hair Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Travel - BaBylissPRO TT Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer.
Best Hair Diffuser For All Hair Types - T3 AireLuxe Ionic Hair Dryer & Diffuser.
Best Budget Hair Diffuser - Bed Head Curls in Check Diffuser.
Best High End Hair Diffuser - Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
Best Hair Diffuser For Fine Hair - Moroccanoil Ionic Hair Dryer & Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Thick Hair - Segbeauty Hair Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Quick Drying - Laifen Hair Dryer & Diffuser.
Best Universal Hair Diffuser - Universal Hair Diffuser Hair Dryer Diffuser.
Best Hair Diffuser For Volume - Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser.
Best Collapsible Hair Diffuser - Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser.
A diffuser is a device that can be used on curly hair to create a more natural look. It also makes the hair appear more voluminous. The diffuser can be used to add volume and curl pattern to straightened or wavy hair as well. The main purpose of the diffuser is to provide gentle, even heat distribution which will not damage the hair or scalp like other styling tools might do if they are used too close to the root of the hair. The diffusers come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have two important components - an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle which controls airflow and heat distribution.
Is a diffuser good for wavy hair?
Diffusers are not just for curly hair. They can be used on any type of hair to create volume, add bounce, and give the perfect shape. Diffusers can help make wavy hair more defined and reduce frizz.
How do you diffuse wavy hair with a diffuser?
It’s best to add either a curl gel or cream to your hair whilst it’s still wet then turn you head upside-down and diffuse the hair until 80% dry on a low heat setting.
I hope this has helped you select the perfect diffuser for your hair type. If you have any further questions let me know in the comments below.
Here are some more curly hair blog posts that you might be interested in:
Disclaimer: This post does contain some affiliate links which if you do make a purchase I may receive a small commission which helps me to keep writing these posts for you about my curly journey and hair recommendations.