by Erin Blubaugh

Created on: July 30, 2010

Hair diffusers are one of the easiest styling tools available on the market.  They provide body, curl, and volume, and can even be used for straight hair.

Many hair dryers come with a fitted diffuser, but if yours did not, you can purchase one at a beauty supply store that has a universal attachment made to fit almost any dryer.  There are also some dryers that function solely as a diffuser.

If this is your first time using a diffuser, don’t wait until your special day.  Give your hair a few trial runs so that you can produce the look you want consistently.  It is also best to use it the day before your intended occasion, which helps to train your hair into your desired style.

To start, you will need wet hair.  You can either shampoo it first or simply mist it with a water bottle until it is moist enough to manipulate. It doesn’t have to be drenched, just moist. 

If there is no product in your hair at the moment, you’ll need something to help you retain the wave or curl you’re attempting to produce.  If you have straight hair, try a firm gel and/or a good hairspray.  Unlike most techniques, this one doesn’t require an aerosol hairspray.  Any type will do.

Wavy or curly hair will need either a light gel, foam, hair oil, or a frizz reducer.  Choose the product based on how much curl you hope to gain and the amount of frizz your hair aspires to hold.  Hairspray is a great follow-up.

Now you’re ready for your new power tool!  Turn your dryer on medium flow with the warm setting.  If you turn it on high, chances are you’ll risk frizzing out.  Now place your dryer at the ends of your hair and slowly push into the hair, letting your hair turn onto itself.  This produces the curl or wave.  If you want lots of volume, you can also dry your hair upside down.  Hoping for more curl?  Use your free hand to gently lift and squeeze the hair while aiming the diffused air at that section, a technique called scrunching.

If you need some height, slide your fingers into your hair, against the scalp.  Now gently lift hair straight up.  You don’t need to pull it up into a Bride of Frankenstein look, just an inch or less is fine. 

With wavy or curly hair, it isn’t necessary to get hair bone dry.  It just needs to dry enough to hold the desired amount of curl, approximately 85% dry. 

If you find that despite your efforts your hair has become frizzy, it’s an easy problem to fix; use a curling iron to whip that frizz into shape or use wet fingers to twist small pieces in that area so that they look natural and blend with your style.  Should the wet fingers fail, try squirting a tiny bit of spray onto your digits and try again.  With a little practice, you’ll get the look you want every time!

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