Marie Claire

Hair

The 12 Best Diffusers for Perfectly Defined Curls, Tested By Editors

 

The ultimate curly-girl secret.

If you have curly or coily hair, I'm sure you can relate when I say it took me years to perfect my haircare routine. As much as I always wished my hair would style like the people I saw in shampoo ads, that was just never my truth. No matter how many of the best curl-care products or shampoos for curly hair I used, my hair would always have some level of frizz, dry out quickly, or poof out at really odd angles. I'll be honest—it's still like that, but using one of the best diffusers for curly hair has made a huge difference in my styling routine.

Having a diffuser to lock in moisture and styling products as you dry has made my 4A curls happier than ever. New Jersey-based celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab tells Marie Claire that using a diffuser is one of the best ways to dry curly hair because "it enhances natural curl patterns while reducing frizz." She explains that by distributing airflow evenly, diffusers help maintain the shape and definition of curls without disrupting them. Its gentle drying method also minimizes breakage and promotes healthier hair while lifting the roots to add volume for a fuller, more vibrant look. "Overall, using a diffuser is an effective way to dry curly hair while preserving its natural texture and beauty," she adds.

If you haven't yet discovered what this magical little hair tool can do for you, you're going to want to keep reading. I've compiled a list of the best diffusers for curly hair that I've personally tested, along with a few other editors and stylists. If you don't even know what a diffuser is or where to start, I answered every question you could have about buying and using a diffuser. Get ready to level up your curls.

Best Diffuser for Curly Hair Overall

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and Diffuser

This classic pick from Dyson is the beauty editor, stylist, and salon professional favorite, thanks to its versatility and effectiveness for all hair types. While the Dyson comes with multiple magnetic attachments, what really stands out is the diffuser, which features longer prongs. This help you tackle thicker densities and hair lengths without sacrificing control.

Number of Attachments: 4

Special Features: Contains a microprocessor which regulates temperature to help prevent extreme heat damage

What I Love: Magnetic attachments are easy to attach and remove; Longer diffuser prongs

What I Don't: Expensive

Review for MC: "First, I feel like this hair dryer and diffuser combo gives my curls the most volume without making them look overly puffy. I like to use this on hair that's only a little bit damp for five or so minutes to minimize heat use on my hair. Like I mentioned above, my hair can get pretty frizzy, but I feel like this dryer and diffuser give my hair just the right amount of a boost without causing it to look scraggly." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer

Best Lightweight Diffuser for Curly Hair

Bio Ionic Smart-X Hair Dryer With Diffuser

This option from Bio Ionic is one of the lightest and slimmest hair dryers I've ever used. For this reason, I love taking it on trips because it packs well and the diffuser attachment is A-1. While the drying time isn't the fastest, it does give my curls a lot of definition and spring.

Number of Attachments: 2

Special Features: Self-cleaning micro-filter with an auto-alert light

What I Love: Slim, compact, and lightweight; Great airflow distribution; Makes curls springy and soft

What I Don't: Drying time isn't as fast

Review for MC: "Finding the right hair dryer and diffuser can be tricky if you have curly hair, but this combo is one of my favorites because it's so slim and lightweight. I love the way it dries my hair because it leaves my curls soft and defined with just the right amount of volume. It also significantly reduces frizz at the crown of my head, which is my biggest hair concern. The only con is that it dries my thick curls a little slower than other diffusers and dryers I've tried." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer

Best Diffuser for Damaged Curls

Babylisspro® Nano Titanium™ Ionic Hair Dryer With Diffuser

If your goal is Tracee Ellis Ross on Girlfriends-level hair, this is the diffuser for you. The long prongs really make a difference in its drying abilities, thanks to the reach they have on curls. The longer, ventilated prongs also help to prevent too much curl shrinkage. It works great for anyone dealing with curl damage because it dries quickly without causing excess heat damage.

Number of Attachments: 3

Special Features: Flash memory stores your preferred settings

What I Love: Compact design; Fast drying time

What I Don't: Doesn't volumize as much

Review for MC: "This is another great lightweight option. If you have thicker hair like me and don't like bulky hair dryers because they hurt your arms after a while, it's definitely worth trying out. I love this dryer because it dries my curls quickly without causing them further heat-induced breakage. The only downside is that it doesn't volumize quite like my Dyson or Bio Ionic." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer

Best Diffuser for Bouncy Curls

Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser

This diffuser from Drybar has a wide mouth that holds large portions of hair for a more efficient dry time and envelops even, thick layers of curls thanks to the vented prongs. And while this tool works best with the Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer, it can also be used on most other standard dryers.

Number of Attachments: 1

Special Features: Longer prongs

What I Love: Diffuser has a wider bowl that fits larger sections; Adds a lot of bounce and volume to curls quickly

What I Don't: May not fit as well on other dryers

Review for MC: "This Drybar diffuser and dryer combo add a lot of volume and bounce to my curls. I like to use this on damp hair for five or so minutes just to give curls a boost. I also like the wider bowl on this one because it suits my thick hair and is able to diffuse larger sections of hair." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer

Best Diffuser for Maximum Volume

Featherweight Stylemax Professional Hair Dryer With Automated Heat

I love T3's Featherweight Stylemax Dryer and Diffuser—both of them are on my top five list of hair tools. Not only that, every celebrity stylist I speak to always names both the diffuser and dryer as some of the best tools on the market. The vortex-like shape of this diffuser allows for controlled airflow that works well for those who are looking for ultimate volume. For more defined curls, section hair in multiple parts. Then, using this diffuser, focus on wrapping the hair around the vented prongs for individualized shaping.

Number of Attachments: 4

Special Features: Vortex-like shape allows for the most volume

What I Love: Attachment is easy to take on and off; Dries my curls quickly; Boosts volume without making curls puffy

What I Don’t: Expensive

Review for MC: "I'm a huge fan of this dryer and diffuser—they both came recommended by my stylist. It dries my curls beautifully with the diffuser, and it does, in fact, add some serious volume without making them dry or frizzy." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer

Best Budget Diffuser for Curly Hair

Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer Blow Dryer With Diffuser

Wavytalk tools are the go-to for Sabrina Carpenter's personal hairstylist Scott King. He loved using this affordable hair dryer on her Short n' Sweet tour to create her iconic styles, and I was thrilled to learn that the brand offers a diffuser attachment! The compact size and variety of colors are hard to beat, but the best part is the price point, which comes in right under the $40 mark.

Number of Attachments: 3

Special Features: 1875-watt motor blow dries twice as fast

What I Love: Comes in a variety of cute colors; Budget-friendly; Compact size

What I Don't: Diffuser attachment is smaller than other options

Customer Review: "This little hairdryer packs a powerful punch and dries my thick hair quickly. I love that it comes with a diffuser, condenser, and comb to allow versatility to my style. It’s small enough to pack in my luggage and is a great value for the features. It has three heat settings and two blower settings. The comb attachment along with the ions kept my hair from tangling." — Amazon

Best Travel Diffuser for Curly Hair

Defrizzion Travel Hair Dryer & Diffuser

While the Bio Ionic hair dryer is a favorite for its compact, lightweight design, this Curlsmith option is also perfect for traveling because it folds up nicely into any suitcase. The diffuser attachment is also larger with elongated prongs, making it perfect for thicker curls.

Number of Attachments: 3

Special Features: Extra large diffuser

What I Love: Dual voltage; Extra large diffuser; Perfect for traveling

What I Don't: Drying time isn't as fast

Customer Review: "This hairdryer makes my curls look so pretty and full of volume! I love that this hair dryer is so light weight and folds up for travel. It is so easy to use and my arm doesn’t feel tired when using it. The diffuser attachment is nice as the air flow comes out gently but enough to help my curls dry. I also enjoy using the volume attachment for my roots, I normally have issues with my roots staying wet so I was pleased to find this worked to dry those and add volume to my hair! Ontop of that my hair looks way less frizzy than with my normal hair dryer! I would definitely recommend this product." — Sephora

Best Diffuser for Everyday Use

Eva NYC Healthy Heat Pro-Lite Dryer

This dryer is perfect for everyday use because it features tourmaline-infused ceramic components that radiate far-infrared heat. This locks in moisture, eliminates frizz, and speeds up drying time without causing any excess heat damage to hair.

Number of Attachments: 2

Special Features: Tourmaline-infused ceramic components that radiate far-infrared heat

What I Love: Great for everyday use; Less heat on your curls

What I Don’t: Dryer is a bit bulky

Customer Review: "This is the first diffuser that I've ever bought. WOW, does it make a difference. My hair is naturally curly and my style now lasts days longer than when I used to air dry. Not only that, but I also have more volume...." — Eva NYC

Best Fast Dry-Time Diffuser for Curly Hair

DevaCurl Devafuser

What feels like a large hand massaging your head is actually a pretty powerful diffuser that even Zendaya is a fan of. The goal of this diffuser is to provide a 360-degree airflow that speeds up dry time while still keeping hair in shape.

Number of Attachments: 1

Special Features: Ceramic inner core helps preserve moisture to reduce frizz and enhance shine

What I Love: Unique shape helps nicely dry curls at the root; Speeds up drying time

What I Don’t: Expensive

Customer Review: "This DevaFuser is worth it if you are looking to dry your curls carefully. It is pretty universal - I'd assume thicker barrels would be harder to get on it (mine is 1.75")...I'm very happy with it, along with the fast shipping. One of the best investments I've made towards my journey on beautiful curly hair!" — Amazon

Best Collapsible Diffuser for Curly Hair

Rizos Curls Pink Collapsible Diffuser

I already trust Rizos Curls to take care of my hair thanks to their hair-defining products, and they just gave me one more must-have with this conveniently collapsible diffuser attachment. Perfect for travel and the minimalist, this is a straightforward choice that’ll fit most hair dryers. The flexible neck is perfect for the long-haired beauties who worry about awkward hair flips.

Number of Attachments: 1

Special Features: Collapsible

What I Love: Heat-resistant silicone collapsible attachment; Lightweight; Dries curls fast

What I Don’t: Doesn't fit every hair dryer

Customer Review: "I love how portable and universal this diffuser is. Sadly I didn't discover what the diffuser was for until many years of just disregarding it when I would get a blow dryer. I was one of the few with curly hair in my family so no one new how to manage or deal with curls. When I found out what it was for I was mind blown! Such a difference. This will be your best friend for your curls!!!" — Rizos Culrs

Best Diffuser for Thick Curly Hair

GHD Professional Hair Diffuser

This is for the thick and curly girls out there. GHD knows that you’ve probably broken a brush or two, and might be concerned about the state of a flimsy pronged diffuser. Have no fear: this diffuser is built tough to form coils and curls for all hair textures.

Number of Attachments: 1

Special Features: Contoured, elongated prongs that easily separate and lift the hair

What I Love: Great for thick, curly hair; Minimizes frizz

What I Don’t: Expensive for one attachment

Customer Review: "I bought this about a month ago and couldn’t be happier. I love using it! Never fails to make my hair look great!" — Sephora

Best Diffuser for Fine Curls

Shark Beauty FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser Attachment

If you have finer curls or waves, this diffuser will do the trick. While it does have a deeper, larger barrel, the unique flower-like design accommodates all curl types, making it super versatile. The prongs are also retractable—the extended prongs are recommended for longer, thicker hair while the retracted prongs are recommended for shorter, finer hair (and less heat on the scalp).

Number of Attachments: 1

Special Features: Retractable prongs

What I Love: Unique petal design creates a more natural hold on curls to maintain volume while styling; Prongs are retractable to accommodate different curl types

What I Don’t: Only works with the Shark Beauty SpeedStyle Pro Flex Professional Hair Dryer

Customer Review: "This product is great for a curly hair attachment!! It helps to define the curls and dry them quick and easy. The shark blow dryer is able to heat at 3 different settings and even a cold setting if you're trying to avoid heat damage!! Love this product!!" — Ulta

What is a Diffuser?

A diffuser is a special attachment for your hair dryer that helps distribute airflow more evenly throughout your hair. According to Korab, a diffuser is great for drying curly hair as it enhances natural curl patterns while reducing frizz. "Its gentle drying method minimizes breakage and promotes healthier strands," she shares. Overall, using a diffuser is an effective way to dry curly hair while preserving its natural texture and curl definition.

What to Look for in a Diffuser for Curly Hair

There are a few things that help a diffuser for curly hair stand out. First, Korab says you'll want to look for one with a wide bowl and long prongs to evenly distribute airflow and gently lift curls while drying. "Opt for a model with adjustable heat and speed settings to reduce frizz and protect hair from heat damage," she says. "A design that ensures consistent, gentle airflow helps maintain curl definition without disrupting the natural pattern."

Chicago-based hairstylist Jenna Spino also stresses the importance of grabbing a diffuser that's made to fit your specific blow dryer because it will fit more securely and provide better results. Additionally, she says, "Long prongs are nice for long hair because they allow you to get closer to the scalp without smashing your curls." Remember—you want to avoid disrupting your curls to minimize frizz.

Should I Use a Diffuser?

According to three veteran hairstylists, you should use a diffuser if you have curly or coily hair. Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland says that all curl types can benefit from using a diffuser—from 2A waves to 4C curls. Blow drying curls without a diffuser may also damage them. Cleveland says diffusing curls allows them to dry in their natural shape, preventing them from stretching out or being damaged by excessive heat.

How Do I Use a Diffuser?

To diffuse your curls properly, Korab says to first apply heat protectant and curl-enhancing products to damp hair. Once you attach your diffuser to your blow dryer, put it on a low or medium setting. Spino recommends you first flip the hair upside down and start drying the roots for extra volume before diffusing the middle and ends.

Once the roots have dried, you'll then flip back over and cup the hair in the diffuser bowl section by section, gently lifting each section up towards the scalp to enhance curl definition and volume. "Try not to touch the hair too much during this process because it will add frizz," says Spino. "Stop at about 75 percent dry—most hair types will get frizzy beyond this point. Dry naturally the rest of the way." You can add an oil to finish or leave-in conditioning spray if your hair is extra dry. Then you and your curls are ready to go!

Why Trust Marie Claire

Marie Claire is a leading expert in haircare having covered every topic from the best shampoos and conditioners to the best curling irons and best hair straighteners. Marie Claire is constantly updating their list based on new editor, celebrity stylist, and user favorites.

The products on this list have all been vetted by Marie Claire beauty contributor, Shawna Hudson, who brings over five years of experience as a beauty editor to this article. She also consulted three celebrity hairstylists and combed through thousands of customer reviews to create this list of best diffusers.

How We Tested

Our testing process merged long-time beauty editor favorites with real-time testing. Hudson has tried over 30 diffusers for curly hair, narrowing down Marie Claire's list to just 12 of the best. Every diffuser that landed on this list meets the high standards of hairstylists, is easy to use, and comes highly rated by reviewers. We evaluated each diffuser by considering the length of prongs, distribution of airflow, and curl result after using each.

Meet the Experts

Jennifer Korab
Celebrity Hairstylist

Jennifer Korab is the creator and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. She has been in the hair industry since she was 17 years old, before opening Renaissance Salon & Spa in 2006. She is a certified colorist, specializing in all coloring techniques. She also holds many certifications in hair coloring, hair-cutting, hand tied extensions and hair design. Her love for editorial and session styling has given her the privilege of working New York fashion week shows, Miami fashion week shows, and on multiple celebrity photo shoots.

Michelle Cleveland
Celebrity Hairstylist

Michelle Cleveland is a New Jersey-based celebrity hairstylist, extension artist, and educator at Hair Addict Salon. Michelle has studied and trained in the art of advanced cut and color in cities like London, Miami, and New York and has multi-certifications with advanced academies such as Vidal Sassoon, Toni & Guy, and Wella.

Jenna Spino
Hairstylist

Jenna Spino is one of Maxine Salon's veteran stylists having joined the team in 2011. The Chicago native’s specialties include long layered cuts, bobs, keratin treatments and polished men’s looks. Her favorite style to create is a bouncy, bombshell blowout. Jenna continues to improve her craft with educational classes outside of the salon.