How To Blow Dry Curly Hair With A Diffuser: 14 Steps - WikiHow

Home » How To Use A Diffuser On Curly Hair » How To Blow Dry Curly Hair With A Diffuser: 14 Steps - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: May 2, 2025

PDF download Download Article
  • Prepping Your Hair
    • |
  • Blowing It Dry
    • |
  • Finishing Your Look
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 262,869 times.

If you have a curly or frizzy hair type, using a diffuser attachment is a great way to dry your hair without causing your curls to fall apart and look fuzzy. The diffused air gently dries your hair while keeping your curls sleek and shiny. Prep your hair with the right products to protect your curls, then finish with a serum to hold your look in place.

The Best Way to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser

Stylist Jasmin Todd says to start with clean, conditioned hair. Gently pat out excess water with a microfiber towel. Apply a curl-defining cream and section your hair, then blow-dry on low-medium heat with the diffuser. Keep each section in the diffuser for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrunch. Finish with a cool blast.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Hair

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Apply conditioner in the shower. 1 Apply conditioner in the shower. This will keep your hair moisturized and help your curls stay together instead of frizzing. After you rinse out your shampoo, apply it about an inch (2.5 cm) from your roots (since your scalp's natural oils will keep your roots area conditioned) and use your fingers to comb it through to the tips.[1]
    • Some people with curly hair opt to wash with conditioner only, since shampoo tends to dry out curly hair. Find the routine that feels right for your hair's texture. If your hair has been dry and brittle, conditioner washing might be worth a try.
  2. Step 2 Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. 2 Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. Rinsing with cool water (as cool as you can handle) is better for curly hair. It causes the hair shaft to lie flat, rather than frizzing up, resulting in sleeker curls. Taking this step will help hold your curls together when you diffuse them after showering. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 3 Gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Flip your hair upside down and use your hands to squeeze out the water rather than twisting or wringing it out. Again, this will help your curls stay pretty and bouncy. When you towel-dry your hair, the curls separate and frizz up.
    • You can also gently pat or squeeze your hair with a clean t-shirt or a microfiber towel to soak up excess moisture. These will not cause frizz like a regular terrycloth towel.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 4 Smooth leave-in conditioner into your hair. This is optional, but it's a great help if your hair tends to get very dry and frizzy. Rub some leave-in conditioner between your palms and gently work it through your hair, section by section, until all of your curls are covered.
    • If leave-in conditioner tends to weigh your hair down, try applying it to just the ends. It’s most critical to condition your ends, since they are the part of your hair most prone to frizz. Put a little conditioner in your hand and rub your palms together, then gently scrunch the ends of your hair with your hands.
    • You can also add in a curling cream or custard at this point, as it is harder to add when your hair is dry. This is a good time to add other styling products, such as mousse, gel, or styling cream, as well.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 5 Get your diffuser ready. Most hair dryers come with a diffuser attachment. It looks like a wide, circular nozzle with several prongs sticking out. Attach it to your hair dryer and set the dryer to a cool or warm setting.[2]
    • Using a cool or warm setting, rather than a hot setting, is much better for curly hair. A hot setting will cause your hair to dry out and get brittle.
    • If your dryer has a separate airflow setting, select medium or low instead of high.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Blowing It Dry

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Flip your hair upside down. 1 Flip your hair upside down. Most curly-haired people know that volume at the roots is important, since curls are heavy and tend to flatten at the top of the head. To avoid this, start by flipping your head upside down. Your hair will dry in an upside-down position, and once you're finished, your roots will have much better volume.
    • If keeping your head upside down gets uncomfortable, you can lean your head to one side or another instead. The important thing is not to sit upright, since gravity will cause your roots to flatten as your hair dries.
    • Another option is lifting the roots with hair clips. Use claw clips to lift the roots from your head, and dry your hair with the clips in place. That way, you won't have to hold your head upside down to get volume.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 2 Turn on the diffuser and hold it pointed up. Remember to use a low or medium heat setting. Hold the dryer so that the bowl-shaped diffuser is pointing to the ceiling.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 3 Lay a handful of curls in the bowl of the diffuser. Take a small handful of hair, keeping the curls intact, and coil it in the bowl of the diffuser. Just drop the hair into the diffuser; don't push it down or bunch it up. Handle your hair gently at all times.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 4 Lift the diffuser until it touches your head to dry your roots. You should feel the prongs separating the hair at your scalp in order to access your roots. Hold the diffuser there for several seconds to allow your roots to get dry. Move it in a circular motion to lift the roots and make sure all the hair in the section gets dry. When the roots feel mostly dry, lower the diffuser and let your hair drop out of the bowl.[3]
    • Don't hold the diffuser in place for too long. You just want your hair to get about 80% dry. If you dry it too much, it will frizz up.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 5 Move on to the next section of hair. Take another handful from next to the first section and repeat the process. Coil your hair in the diffuser, then bring it up to your head to dry your roots. When your hair is 80% dry, lower the diffuser and let your hair loose.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 6 Continue until your hair is mostly dry. Section by section, dry your roots and curls with the diffuser. Since you'll need to have your head upside down, you might want to take a few breaks. Stop when your whole head is 80-90% dry.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Finishing Your Look

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 1 Apply hair serum or gel. This will define your curls and keep them from getting frizzy. Put a little product in your hand and rub your palms together, then gently scrunch your hair with your hands to apply. There's no need to use a brush or comb; just use your fingers.
  2. Step 2 Try not to handle your hair too much during the day. 2 Try not to handle your hair too much during the day. Curls tend to puff up when they're over-handled. Now that your hair is dry, just let it be for the rest of the day. Tuck your hair up under a hat or pin it into a loose bun to protect your curls.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser 3 Use light-hold hairspray if needed. Avoid using firm or maximum hold spray, since it tends to make curls look rigid and helmet-like. Use a light hold spray that allows your curls to move and bounce easily.
    4. Advertisement

Video

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can you use essential oils in a diffuser? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer This is a different type of diffuser. Hair diffusers should not be combined with essential oils. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question How do you dry your hair without a blow dryer? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You can squeeze excess moisture gently from your hair with a microfiber towel. Then, add some styling product, gently arrange your hair into the desired style with your fingers, and allow it to air dry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question Do hair diffusers really work? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Yes, diffusers are excellent tools for drying curly hair without creating frizz. For best results, apply a styling product like a curl-enhancing gel before drying your hair with the diffuser. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • This may not work for everyone. Adjust your technique to fit you. Thanks Helpful 28 Not Helpful 8
  • As your hair gets dryer, try not to touch it with your hands or this may result in frizz. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 15
  • There are also sock diffusers; these can go on any diffuser and are good for traveling but cause a bit more frizz. To use one, hold it close to the curls and move up and down. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 16
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • As always, be cautious with electronic appliances and do not use them around water. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly HairHow to Revitalize Your Curls with the Curly Girl Method Blow Dry HairThe Best Way to Achieve a Salon Quality Blowout Blow Dry Hair With Natural WavesHow toBlow Dry Hair With Natural Waves Get a Haircut for Curly HairHow toGet a Haircut for Curly Hair How to Plop Your Hair: The Right Way to Define Your Curls or Waves Style Curly Hair for VolumeHow toStyle Curly Hair for Volume How toUse a Hair Diffuser Blow Dry Curly HairHow toBlow Dry Curly Hair Curl Hair with a Blow Dryer3 Easy Ways to Curl Hair with a Blow Dryer Blow Dry Short HairHow toBlow Dry Short Hair Scrunch HairHow toScrunch Hair Dry a Pixie HaircutHow toDry a Pixie Haircut Blow Dry Hair Without FrizzHow toBlow Dry Hair Without Frizz Dry Your HairHow toDry Your Hair Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://styles101.homestead.com/curls.html
  2. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/3-easy-steps-to-a-perfect-home-blow-dry
  3. ↑ http://styles101.homestead.com/curls.html

About This Article

Jasmin Todd Co-authored by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 262,869 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 13 Updated: May 2, 2025 Views: 262,869 Categories: Blow Drying Hair | Curly Hair Article SummaryX

To blow dry curly hair with a diffuser, start by conditioning your hair in the shower and then gently squeezing excess water from your hair when you get out. Then, attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and set the dryer to a cool or warm setting, holding it so the diffuser is facing up. When you're ready, place a handful of your curls in the diffuser bowl and lift up the diffuser until it's touching your head. Hold it there for a few seconds, then repeat with the rest of your hair until it's about 80-90 percent dry. To learn how to prevent frizz when you're using a diffuser, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Russian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 262,869 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sarah M.

    Sarah M.

    May 26, 2020

    "I'm desperate to dry my hair as quickly as possible in this heat but don't want to air dry it as I..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jasmin Todd Co-authored by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist Co-authors: 13 Updated: May 2, 2025 Views: 262,869 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Sarah M.

Sarah M.

May 26, 2020

"I'm desperate to dry my hair as quickly as possible in this heat but don't want to air dry it as I..." more Jessica B.

Jessica B.

Mar 7, 2017

"My hair is right above my shoulders. I'm letting it grow out from an angled bob, so the cut looks kind of..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 23, 2016

"It worked perfectly! My hair instantly gained volume and wasn't very frizzy afterwards, and I was able to get..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 26, 2017

"Using a diffuser. Teasing hair. Helpful." Anonymous

Anonymous

Mar 31, 2018

"Understandable, easy, and effective!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly HairHow to Revitalize Your Curls with the Curly Girl MethodBlow Dry HairThe Best Way to Achieve a Salon Quality BlowoutBlow Dry Hair With Natural WavesHow toBlow Dry Hair With Natural WavesGet a Haircut for Curly HairHow toGet a Haircut for Curly Hair

Trending Articles

How Rare Is Your Name?How Rare Is Your Name?The Different Kinds of Dimples: Types, Causes, & Social PerceptionThe Different Kinds of Dimples: Types, Causes, & Social Perception151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained

Watch Articles

Calculate the Volume of a PyramidHow toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)Save Money as a KidHow toSave Money as a KidPolish AluminumHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPointHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Are You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsAre You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizGen Beta Slang QuizGen Beta Slang Quiz24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras Explained Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

What Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizRizz Game: Test Your RizzRizz Game: Test Your RizzTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Texture
  • Curly Hair
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --899

Tag » How To Use A Diffuser On Curly Hair