These Are the Best Diffusers for Frizz-Free Curls
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If you’re lucky enough to have gorgeous, look-at-me tendrils, you know that keeping them in pretty shape can be a challenge. Since heat damage is the enemy of curly hair, investing in a great diffuser—combined with a phenomenal styling product—will make a world of difference.
The benefits of using good tools like a diffuser are numerous: A diffuser leads to less frizz, better hair health, faster drying time, and more defined curls, says Julissa Prado, founder of the curly hair products empire Rizos Curls. But not all diffusers are created equal, and it’s important to pick one that’s best for your unique needs.
If you have short hair, Prado recommends selecting a diffuser that’s shaped like a hand with areas in between that your hair can fall through. If you have longer hair, however, it will dry unevenly with that type of attachment. In that case, she says, opt for a diffuser that’s wide and round enough that your hair can fall evenly. Being collapsible is a plus, and, of course, you want to make sure it fits your blow-dryer. Here are the best of the bunch.
Nano Titanium Universal Finger Diffuser
“This diffuser fits on any blow-dryer, which is key when picking the best one for you—and the large dome helps to evenly distribute heat so you’ll minimize damage," says hairstylist Aaron David of Chicago salon Boss Hair Group. “It’s a classic design and uses far-infrared heat to dry your hair quickly and professionally, while reducing frizz and lifting hair for an increase in curls and volume.”
DevaFuser
“My favorite is the DevaCurl green diffuser,” says celebrity hair stylist and curly hair expert Daniel Koye. “This gets into the hair and dries it at the scalp. Other diffusers help the ends look great, but won’t dry the root.”
Curls in Check Diffuser Hair Dryer
Johnson recommends this blow-dryer for curly hair. It has a built-in diffuser that allows you to dry your curls without a blower.
Black Orchid Large Hair Diffuser
“I love the large design of this diffuser, especially if you have long hair and heavy, thick curls,” says Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair Addict Salon. “The fingers within this diffuser feature drying vents, so you get simultaneous air flow at both the root and the tips, which speeds up the process—and who doesn’t love that?”
The Bouncer Diffuser
This universal diffuser, a beauty editor favorite, is specifically designed to help coax hair into frizz-free, luscious curls.
Collapsible Silicone Diffuser
A collapsible diffuser makes a huge difference in terms of storage, but this one really delivers on performance, too. It yields gorgeous bouncy curls in a fraction of the time. And, perhaps best of all, this silicone diffuser stretches to fit a wide range of blow-dryers.
Collapsible Hair Diffuser
Stylist Jaila Johnson of Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City recommends this travel-friendly diffuser: It’s silicone, collapsible, adjustable, and unlike other more bulky diffusers, it’s simple to travel with!
Diffuser Sock
“Great for people with heat damage or transitioning curls, this one is more gentle on the coils with no direct heat,” says Johnson.
Supersonic Diffuser
Jon Reyman, founder of Spoke & Weal, says, “Perfect diffusing is a combination of focused heat and controlled airflow. Dyson has taken this to the next level with their design. Their tool allows you to create strong defined curls without the heat damage.”
SoftTouch 3 Diffuser
This professional-grade diffuser will last forever, says Johnson. It’s especially great for fine hair, too—the vented finger extensions distribute heat more gently and evenly to lift and separate, ultimately enhancing both volume and body.
Diffuser
“Featuring longer fingers, this diffuser has vents that will speed drying at both the root and tips while lifting your curls,” says Cleveland. “I also love the soft rubber grips on the inside that help securely keep the diffuser attached to your blow-dryer.”
Italian Series Slide-On Diffuser
“The BaBylissPro is one of my favorite diffusers because it’s super strong, super hot, and won’t damage your hair," says Stephanie Angelone, lead stylist at RPZL, a blowout and extension salon in New York City. “Use a great curl cream (I like DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel), put it in your hair wet, and diffuse on high heat.”
Diffuser Attachment
Darrius Peace, master hairstylist and natural hair expert with Hayah Beauty, loves the attachment “because it can be used on any length or texture of curly hair.”
Diffuser
Looking for a diffuser you can easily stash in your carry-on? Then Hot Sock is the option for you. This little wonder fits on virtually every hair dryer and protects your precious spirals from heat damage.
Diffuser Cover
This customizable cover can be manipulated to fit most hair dryers, and its shape allows for it to be adjusted to face all directions.
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