Whether you’re getting ready to hit the town and beach clubs and rooftop bars of vibrant Perth or take a seat at one of Sydney’s Michelin Star restaurants, you want to do it with flawless, fabulous hair. When talking to a wide range of people about their beauty routines and products, it was obvious even the lowest maintenance among us are already pretty handy with a hairdryer. It was surprising to discover how many people misunderstand what a diffuser is for, or how to use one most effectively. Here are some basic concepts and handy steps for getting the look you want with a hairdryer, a diffuser, and optional products as desired.
What is a hair diffuser and what does it do?
A hair diffuser is a large attachment for the end of your hairdryer, usually round with several prongs following the direction of airflow. Their primary function is to keep your hair away from direct heat, helping protect and preserve it by dispersing the airflow over a larger area.
Can I use a diffuser on any type of hair?
Diffusers are principally used with wavy and curly hair because the risk of disturbing the hair’s natural form and creating frizz is reduced, however, there is no reason a disperser cannot be used with straight hair.
How to use a diffuser
Here are some tips and tricks to get smooth, lazily coiled waves using a diffuser attachment.
1) Wash/condition hair
An optional step, it is also fine to simply wet the hair without washing
- Top tip: Choose products containing natural oils, not soap for a healthy, glossy look. Avoid shampoos with sulphates, as these encourage dryness and frizz.
2) Towel dry
Pat dry gently, preferably using a microfibre towel or even a clean t-shirt. It’s fine to squeeze out excess water, but don’t twist or wring it out as this can damage the hair shafts.
3) Use a good quality leave-in conditioner
This gives hair lingering moisture and prevents it from drying out too fast. With naturally wavy hair, consider skipping this step as the product can weigh it down, making it harder to retain curls and volume.
- Top tip: Twist each curl around your finger before using the diffuser, aiding definition
4) Attach the diffuser and start drying
Place the diffuser near the roots, holding it there until they are dry. Work in a circular motion, gently massaging your hair to promote volume and enhance natural curls and waves.
- Top tip: Always start with low heat and airspeed. It will take longer to dry your hair, but the chances of over-drying will be reduced.
5) Work slowly and methodically
Continue massaging your hair until it is dry down to the tips, gently pushing up curls as you work downwards.
- Top tip: Try letting the ends of your hair dry naturally when encountering the dreaded frizz
6) Apply products
Even the gentlest drying can be hard on hair, so consider aftercare products to give back life and shine. Australians are no strangers to spending on haircare products so don’t be afraid to experiment with several until you find the one that works best for you.
The hairdryer you choose is another very personal decision but for one of our personal favourites, with a ton of great attachments and heat control, see here for an affordable Dyson hairdryer. We’ve found it to be a superb, versatile tool to help cajole even the most stubborn, flyaway hair into perfect shape.
