Alyssa Brascia
Growing up with tight coils, I remember wishing that my hair didn't take an exorbitant amount of time to wash and style the way I wanted. Because of this, I mostly wore my hair in twists, braids, and ballet buns to save time as I dashed between school and dance classes, relying mostly on my mom's hairstyling talents to keep me looking presentable. By the time college rolled around, I had kept to such a strict rotation of styles that I had to make an effort to get out of my comfort zone with my chemically treated 4c curls. Enter: hair diffusers.
Hair diffusers are generally round attachments (although, modern-day versions of the tool come in a variety of shapes) that direct the hot air from your blow-dryer into multiple streams, spreading the heat over a larger area of the hair. When used correctly, diffusers can reduce heat damage and frizz while helping to promote the definition and volume of your strands. Biolage curl specialist and celebrity stylist Cynthia Alvarez helps us ID which diffusers do what. "There are five different types of diffusers that each work to achieve different looks and work for different hair types," she tells us. These include cup diffusers, hand-shaped diffusers, pronged diffusers, collapsible diffusers, and snap-on diffusers.
While word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly helpful, most people need to go through some trial and error before they're able to find a routine that works for their hair needs. Luckily, helpful hairstyling tools like diffusers can cut the amount of work in half. Keep scrolling to learn more about the transformative tool with tips and tricks from stylists (plus recommendations for the best hair diffusers on the market).
The Best Diffuser Attachments, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Conair Double Ceramic Universal Diffuser
- Best Collapsible: The Curly Co. Collapsible Hair Diffuser
- Best Multi-styler: Shark Flexstyle Hair Blow Dryer Diffuser Attachment
- Best for Volume: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
- Best for Long Hair: Ghd Professional Hair Diffuser
Best Overall: Conair Double Ceramic Universal Diffuser
Pros: Low price, fits most dryer nozzles, deep bowl holds more hair
Cons: None!
Nozzle diameter: 1.75-2.10 in. | Weight: 4.8 oz. | Hair type: 2a-4c
When you imagine hair diffusers, there's a good chance a styling tool that looks like this one by Conair is what first comes to mind. "Cup diffusers are the most popular since they disperse hair evenly to reduce frizz and create defined curls," says Alvarez. "To use, place your hair in the cup and move the diffuser close to your roots and back down the length of the curls."
Customer review: "I am very happy with this diffuser. It fits my old Conair blow dryer perfectly and I blow dry my hair on low heat. It definitely helps with giving my hair more volume and my waves/curls look softer and more defined."
Best Collapsible: The Curly Co. Collapsible Hair Diffuser
Pros: Travel-friendly, easy to store, accommodates all hair lengths
Cons: Not suitable for dryers with small barrels
Nozzle diameter: 2.25 in. | Weight: 5.5 oz. | Hair type: 1a-4c
Alvarez tells us that collapsible hair diffusers like this one from The Curly Co. are great for all curl lengths since they stretch out to a full diffuser but can also condense into a flat, round surface. They're also great for traveling since they collapse into a small disc. "If you're using the flat surface, point the diffuser downward and dry hair in that motion, moving it around the head as the curls dry," she says.
Customer review: “This diffuser is just what I was looking for. It collapses easily and pops back open when I put it on my dryer. It doesn’t collapse during drying and distributes heat well. It fit on my dryer since it’s silicone. If your hair dryer has a really small barrel then this won’t work. Any other standard dryer is fine. Look no further—this is it!"
Best Multi-styler: Shark FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer Diffuser Attachment
Pros: Cupped shape holds curls close to head, durable design, cuts down drying time
Cons: Sold separately, only works with the Shark FlexStyle
Nozzle diameter: 1.8 in. | Weight: 6.56 oz. | Hair type: 1a-4c
For fast, even drying from root to tip, try the Hair Blow Dryer Diffuser Attachment by Shark Beauty. It has retractable and extendable prongs in a petal design to create natural hold on curls and a deep bowl design for large sections. Consider picking up the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System since this diffuser is designed to work with it.
Customer review: "This diffuser is a must addition to the Shark dryer if you have curly hair. I like that it’s adjustable and it can be adjusted for longer or shorter hair. Would definitely recommend. Love my Shark dryer."
Best Universal: Hairizone Universal Hair Diffuser
Pros: Low-priced, fits several nozzle sizes, large bowl
Cons: Some shoppers mark flimsy material
Nozzle diameter: 1.7-2.6 in. | Weight: 6.3 oz. | Hair type: 1a-4c
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly that can be attached to pretty much any standard hair dryer, you’ll want to consider this diffuser from Hairizone. Compatible with a range of widely used nozzle dimensions (between 1.7 and 2.6 inches) and outfitted with sturdy prongs that help define and shape curls, this universal diffuser is great for basic hair-drying and offers great value for the price. It has a large bowl that makes it easy to gently dry long hair, and it’s great for controlling frizz, too.
Customer review: “This is a wonderful little diffuser. Right out of the box, it fit my old hairdryer without having to add any attachments to it. My ultimate hope is [that] the days of having to pack a hair dryer with me anytime I go on vacation are long gone, as I believe this diffuser may actually fit onto any hotel hair dryer I run into.”
Best for Frizz: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser
Pros: Optimized air vents for volume, deep bowl, pronounced fingers offer curl definition
Cons: Bulky, might feel heavy after prolonged use
Nozzle diameter: 1.8 in. | Weight: 12.8 oz. | Hair type: Curly, type not specified
This cup diffuser uses over 90 air vents to minimize frizz while boosting volume and curl definition. Created with curly hair in mind, this unique diffuser also fits around any blow-dryer with a 1.8-inch-diameter barrel. To use, twist the diffuser attachment onto the blow-dryer and push. (It uses a silicone grip to keep the tool secure.)
Customer review: “I’m a fairly recent entry to the 'curly girl' world who has been using this diffuser attachment since early summer (5+ months). It does a wonderful job drying my natural curls without adding unwanted frizz. Definitely recommend this product!"
Best for Long Hair: Ghd Professional Hair Diffuser
Pros: Prolonged prongs shape long curls; dries hair evenly, reduces frizz
Cons: Everything is sold separately from the dryer
Nozzle diameter: Not listed | Weight: 7.41 oz. | Hair type: Curly, type not specified
Alvarez tells us that diffusers with prongs rising from the base of the attachment like this one are generally larger in width and, as such, are designed to be used on long, thick curls that require some extra attention. The GHD Professional Hair Diffuser provides perfectly formed curls and waves as you blow-dry. "Use as you would the cup diffuser, working in smaller sections as you go," she says.
Customer review: "I have a GHD hairdryer and have naturally wavy hair. I bought this product to help style my hair properly and it did just that. The product has been designed great, not massive gaps in between, and has given me a professional finish."
Best Adaptable: Rijatragar Universal Hair Diffuser Adaptable Hair Dryer Attachment
Pros: Flexible adaptor, fits a range of nozzle sizes, budget-friendly price
Cons: Doesn’t fit as many as the Hairizone
Nozzle diameter: 1.7-2.2 in. | Weight: 10.76 oz. | Hair type: Wavy to curly, type not specified
Looking for a universal diffuser to add to your haircare routine? This one uses a slip-on design that allows the diffuser to be added to any blow-dryer nozzle for easy use. Crafted with high-quality PC material with good resistance to water and heat, this diffuser is effective and budget-friendly. Pro tip: Start with a lower level of heat and damp curls for a flawless finish.
Customer review: "I have shoulder length curly/wavy hair. Finally decided to start embracing the waves instead of fighting against them with a straight style. This diffuser made the transition easy. The bowl is a perfect depth for fine hair. Highly recommend!"
Best for Volume: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
Pros: Defines curls in record time, adds shine, gently dries with light airflow
Cons: Pricey
Nozzle diameter: Not listed | Weight: 10.8 oz. | Hair type: Wavy to curly, type not specified
It's no secret that Who What Wear beauty editors are big fans of Drybar's extensive collection of hairstyling tools and products. This diffuser is essential for achieving full, bouncy curls since it broadens and reduces the speed of airflow from your blow-dryer to dry and define curls while adding ample shine for naturally curly hair. Your curls will be completely frizz-free—plus, you can use this nozzle on most standard hair dryers.
Customer review: "I have extremely thick and curly hair that is very frizz prone. I used this diffuser and not only was my hair dry in 30 mins it was frizz free! I am so impressed!"
Best for Thick Hair: BabylissPro Snap-On Hair Diffuser for Rapido
Pros: Smooths frizz, boosts shine, prolongs curl life
Cons: Designed for a specific hair dryer
Nozzle diameter: Not listed | Weight: 7.36 oz. | Hair type: All
If you're looking for another snap-on diffuser to add to your curly haircare routine, consider picking up the Italian Series Diffuser Snap-On. This tool snaps onto your BabylissPro Rapido Dryer (sold separately) to define and separate hair while drying to help you achieve the frizz-free, soft, bouncy curls of your dreams. I especially love this one for use with thick, long hair.
Customer Review: "Exactly the attachment I needed for my BaBylissPRO hair dryer. The item was reasonably priced and shipped out quickly. I love both the BaBylissPRO hair dryer and this new diffuser."
Best Fast-Drying: DevaCurl DevaFuser
Pros: Cuts down dry time, long fingers reach roots easily, defines and shapes curls without frizz
Cons: Not great for volume
Nozzle diameter: 2-2.5 in. | Weight: 1.6 oz. | Hair type: 1a-4c
Alvarez describes hand-shaped hair diffusers like DevaCurl's universal DevaFuser as "the best at preventing shrinkage and frizz but … not ideal if you are looking to achieve voluminous curls." To use this type of diffuser, Alvarez advises placing the tool at your roots before lightly stretching the ends to achieve optimal definition.
Customer review: "Works like a charm. Use this item attached to a blow dryer and it helps dry curly hair faster than air dry. Lifts more curls towards the roots then normally without this item. Love it."
Diffuser and Blow-Dryer Sets
This best-selling Curlsmith blow-dryer stands out from the rest because it comes with an eight-inch diffuser specifically designed to enhance natural curl patterns while controlling frizz and reducing heat damage. It also has prongs at the back for easy use and offers even, gentle airflow.
Customer Review: "This diffuser changed my life. This dried my curls fast, and they were so bouncy and the ringlets were so defined! They’ve never looked so good until I bought this! Im obsessed!! Worth it if you want perfect round curls every wash day!"
I love The Blow Dryer from Pattern because it has four amazing attachments (a diffuser, brush, wide-tooth comb, and Concentrator Nozzle) that can all be used to help create the perfect style. The dryer itself has a powerful AC motor and ceramic-coated grill for even heat distribution and to reduce hot spots.
Customer Review: "This is an amazing hair dryer but the attachments are the star of the show. I love using them. They make my dry time so much faster and I don't have to use a brush with them."
Remember when I mentioned the Double Ceramic Universal Diffuser? This is the iconic dryer that comes with it. With double ceramic technology and frizz-fighting conditioning ions, the dryer works to provides infrared and uniform heat for fast drying. It also has three heat and two speed settings for different hair types.
Customer Review: "This is quite a powerful blowdryer that comes with a diffuser. The multi-heat setting gives hair a break from full-on HOT. Nice addition to the hair routine."
The Texture Hair Dryer and Diffuser is designed for natural, wavy, and naturally textured hair. I like this one because it has a has a circulating airflow system for gentle drying, ceramic technology for fast drying, ionic technology for up to 75% less frizz, and a diffuser with a multi-chamber design.
Customer Review: "This diffuser made a huge difference in my curls. I did not realize how ineffective my last diffuser was at encouraging my curls to come. I highly recommend this as it is affordable and does a great job of not blowing my curls around."
Use it With
What to Look For
Pinpointing the special care your curls need to reach their peak health, bounce, and shine takes a combination of gentle touch, lots of moisture, and the right products and tools. To find the best diffuser for you, there are a few things to consider before clicking “purchase.”
- Hair type: While most diffusers are made to work with any curl type—from type 1 waves to type 4 coils—some diffusers are better suited to certain textures and curl patterns than others. Make sure to identify your hair type and confirm that your diffuser is suited to your texture before heading to checkout.
- Technology: Sure, many diffusers look similar. But did you know that many come equipped with different technologies, especially when they’re specifically made for a certain hair dryer (ahem, the DryBar Bouncer Diffuser)? From the Xtrava Black Orchid diffuser, which is specially designed with over 90 air vents to reduce frizz, to the Rijatragar Universal Hair Diffuser, which has an adaptable base that can squeeze onto almost any hair dryer nozzle, each is accented with its own quirks that make it stand out from the others.
- Price: As with all things, price is a major player when picking out your next best diffuser. Our top pick, the Conair Double Ceramic Universal Diffuser, only costs $13 (on sale right now!) while the beloved Shark FlexStyle diffuser retails for $40—which you have to spend separately after buying the $350 FlexStyle. Though there are pros and cons to each, it’s up to you to see which one makes the most sense for your budget.
How to Use a Diffuser
Before using a diffuser in your haircare routine, she recommends adding styling products to damp or wet curls for the best results. "Since diffusers apply a gentle heat, make sure to prime hair with a heat protectant, like the Biolage All-in-One Coconut Infusion Multi-Benefit Spray,” Alvarez says. For voluminous curls, she advises flipping your hair sideways or upside down before cupping your hair with the diffuser, moving the hair up and down to thoroughly dry your tresses.
To create loose, elongated curls, Alvarez recommends focusing the diffuser at the roots to speed up the drying time for the ends of your strands. "You can move the diffuser around your head, but be careful not to disrupt the curls. You can also stretch your ends while drying," she says. To ensure even coverage, consider placing your hair in small sections, aiming for roughly 80% dryness to maintain natural moisture.
Should you diffuse your curls from damp or wet?
According to celebrity hairstylist Suzette Boozer, you’re likely to get the best results when you diffuse your strands from damp. “Allow your hair to air dry for about 15–20 minutes or blot gently with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt before diffusing,” Boozer suggests. “This helps reduce drying time and minimizes heat damage while still setting your curls in place.” She explains that diffusing your curls from post-shower wet can prolong the drying process and even increase frizz if done hurriedly.
Should you diffuse curly hair with hot or cold air?
It depends on how much of a rush you’re in and how sensitive your scalp is. “Ideally, use a low to medium heat setting with low airflow to protect your curls and prevent frizz or damage,” Boozer instructs. “High heat can dry the hair too quickly, making curls lose their shape or become brittle.” She also recommends finishing the job with a cool shot—how you’d lock in any style with a hair dryer—to seal the style and boost shine. However, she reiterates that the main act of drying should be done with warm, not hot, air.
What are the cons of using a diffuser?
There are many advantages to using a diffuser on curly and wavy hair, but Boozer says that there are a few drawbacks to be aware of when picking out your product:
- Time-consuming: Diffusing curls is more meticulous and may take longer than traditional blow-drying.
- Heat damage risk: Using too high of a heat setting to or overusing your diffuser can dehydrate your curls or cause breakage.
- Frizz: If used at too high a speed to hurry the process or not handled with the proper technique, diffusing may disrupt the curl pattern and create frizz.
How We Chose
After members of the WWW beauty team tested hair diffusers of their own and gave their feedback, we researched the most popular and highly rated diffusers on the market before going out to hair experts to see which are worth their weight. Celebrity hairstylists and curl specialists sounded off on their picks, tips, and tricks regarding diffusing as a category and a practice.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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