When I first heard of a diffuser, I was clueless about it, including using it to benefit my natural hair.
Neither did I know the best one to use.
I decided to watch different videos and read some articles online to perfect my hair routine.
Today, I am sharing this article to help you get an insight into using a diffuser on natural hair, the best diffusers to select, and much more tips.
You may have seen a hair diffuser in a salon, a curly-hair influencer using it online, or whatever place you can mention.
But spotting it is not a big deal. You have to know how to use it.
So, are you looking for an elite way to dry your natural hair for curl definition and volume while avoiding fizziness and heat damage?
Fret not, for, with the guide below, you will learn more than enough.
Get yourself some reading snacks because things are about to get interesting:)
HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER ON NATURAL HAIR?
First, let us review the basics. Diffusers resemble showerheads, but instead of scattering water, they disperse heat from the hair-dryer.
They provide low-pressure airflow, which speeds up your hair’s drying process without manipulating its natural texture.
I am pretty sure you know that maintaining natural hair is a struggle.
Here is a game-changing systematic procedure on using a diffuser on natural hair without altering its definition.
Step 1: Hydrate
The journey to having well-hydrated and defined curls starts in the shower with a three-layering technique (LOC method) to retain your hair’s moisture.
You should try it! But first, your hair needs to be clean. Shampoo and follow with some hydrating conditioner to moisturize your strands.
Step 2: Detangle
Before getting out of the shower, detangle your conditioned hair using a wide-toothed comb without ruining the delicate strands. Then, avoid combing your hair when it has started drying because you will destroy its pattern; hence, encouraging frizz.
Step 3: Dry
Wrap your hair in a less-abrasive fabric like a t-shirt, cotton rag, or a microfiber towel. Squeeze out excess water until your hair is not dripping wet.
Curly hair tends to be dryer because its natural oils have to travel around coils to reach the hair shaft. Therefore, the LOC method will be its excellent remedy.
After cleaning your hair, hydrate it with a mousse or leave-in conditioner so that it can hold its shape as it dries. Then, apply oil to lock in the moisture, and finally, add a layer of cream to prevent water loss.
Step 4: Diffuse
1). Attach the diffuser to your hair-dryer and set the dryer to low heat and air
2). Mist your hair with a thermal protectant and lift a section of it into the diffuser
3). Flip your hair upside down and start drying it from the ends as you move up towards the roots. Be sure to keep the diffuser still for 2-3 minutes because agitating the curls will cause frizz
4). Turn your dryer off before moving it from your hair. When your next hair section is ready, please turn it on again. Run your fingers through your strands periodically to check how dry they are; over-drying will cause frizz
5). When your hair is at least 80% dry, start scrunching it forward and back to add volume to your curls
6). Give your hair time to dry naturally for a shiny, bouncy look with much hydration
7). Please keep your hands off your hair because the more you touch it, the worse it looks
So, why do hairdressers recommend using a diffuser on natural hair? Because it guarantees better hair health!
Correct use of diffusers reduces frizz and promotes maximum absorption of hair products; thus, encouraging more defined curls. Lastly, they accelerate your hairs’ drying process with minimal damage.
Remember, not all diffusers deliver the same result.
Therefore, you need to pick one that suits you better.
Below are the six most popular types of hair diffusers you should consider, but before purchasing one, make sure it is compatible with your hair-dryer. Here’s a highly recommended dry
6 TYPES OF DIFFUSERS TO KNOW ABOUT...
It is a two-way 1875 watt diffuser hair-dryer uniquely designed with fingers to define and enhance natural curls/waves for a silky texture.
It has three heat and two-speed settings for style customization and a cool shot button for locking in your style.
It uses tourmaline IONIC technology to fight frizz and boost shine.
An ion mesh fabric that breaks down water molecules; hence, fastening the drying process.
The material contains silver and titanium particles responsible for converting the dryer’s blast into a soft, gentle, and manageable diffuser heat.
Besides, its opening can stretch to fit into any dryer. You can fold this diffuser to fit into tight or small spaces easily.
It has a heat-resistant silicone material that stretches to accommodate most hair-dryer sizes.
It is lightweight, has a cool touch surface, and collapses easily for storage.
You can use this diffuser on any hair texture to make the strands dry faster, evenly, and develop less frizz.
The prong cup diffuser has an extra-large design to maximize airflow; hence, speeding up the drying process.
Its fingers are long with drying vents to ensure sufficient airflow for root to tip drying, maximizing volume, and eliminating frizz.
Although it does not fit all dryers, it has inner banded silicone grips for a firm fit of its hair-dryer.
They are made of quality, durable plastic in a design that makes them adapt to most hair-dryers models.
They are compatible with permed, naturally curly or wavy textures to give them more life and shine.
Hand-shaped diffusers are lightweight, and their model favors travel and storage in even more compact places.
As the name and shape suggest, this diffuser lifts hair with its fingers and diffuses air to your strands gently, allowing you to dry them while adding volume and style.
It works more efficiently with permed, naturally curly, or wavy hair patterns. Besides, it fits virtually on all hair-dryer hair-dryers.
IS IT BETTER TO AIR DRY OR DIFFUSE CURLY HAIR?
Many people prefer air drying because it does not involve subjecting your hair to heat.
However, the strands take a long time to dry. C
urly hair always demands close attention; exposing them to air for long will make them vulnerable to frizz.
Since your goal is to obtain curls with a well-defined pattern and more life and volume, diffusing them will be the best option to dry them.
SHOULD YOU USE A DIFFUSER WITH HOT OR COLD AIR?
The point of a diffuser is to prevent too much heat from blasting onto one part of your hair.
Setting the dryer too hot will not do your hair any right other than making the strands stretchy and frizzy.
The cold setting exists, not to dry your hair thoroughly with cold air, but to help define shine in your hairdo, prevent frizz, and set your strands in place.
It is always best to start diffusing your hair with low heat and low speed and finish with cold air for maximum glossiness and volume.
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