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The 14 Best Diffusers For Curly And Wavy Hair That Promise Less Frizz, Tested And Reviewed

 

Shiny, bouncy curls coming right up!

When you're short on time or just want to show off your natural strands, a wash n' go is a solid option. However, for those of us with curly or wavy hair, it's not always as simple as it sounds. After showering, you still have to use several products, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel, and scrunch everything just perfectly to achieve the desired look (sounds like a lot, right?). Well, if you want to streamline this process and get straight to the fabulous results, you might want to consider using a hair diffuser.

As curly-haired girls, we know what it feels like to leave the house in a hurry knowing your hair will poof up at any second (especially when it's wet!). Diffusers can help you avoid that worry completely by leaving your curls dry, frizz-free, and even more defined. "It’s a great way to quickly dry curly or wavy hair without blowing it around too much," says Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Peep some of the best hair diffusers below:

A diffuser for curly hair evenly distributes air through a blow dryer attachment that's usually bowl-shaped, allowing you to work on big chunks of hair at a time. It applies dispersed heat directly to the hair without crazy airflow, so it sets your curls in place without blowing around any wispy strands or adding unnecessary volume. The bottom line: If you're still spending time air-drying and manually scrunching your hair up for more definition, it's time to level up.

Don't know where to start? Shop this list of the best hair diffusers for curly hair in 2023, many of which have been tested by Women's Health editors and are adored by reviewers.

Shop this list of the best hair diffusers for curly hair in 2023, per rave reviews.

BEST DIFFUSER FOR ADDING VOLUME

Conair InfinitiPro Hair Dryer

Pros

• Adds volume without impacting frizz
• Reviewers say that curl pattern lasts a few days after using this

Cons

• Some reviewers say it feels inexpensive

Some dryers just accommodate curly and wavy hair and others are designed for it. This Conair dryer and diffuser is the latter. It's made with a unique circulating airflow system that is made to dry and add volume to natural hair without leading to heat damage or frizz. Plus, it uses infrared heat generated with ceramic technology for gentle, even drying.

Customization is a breeze with this dryer, thanks to its three heat settings and two-speed options, allowing you to cater to your specific preferences. And for those with a lot of hair, rest assured—the diffuser comes equipped with a generously-sized bowl that covers all your hair.

Rave Review: "After reading all the curly hair gals' reviews, I decided to purchase this diffuser. I blow dried my hair on a medium heat/low setting and was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of curls the diffuser brought out. What I was really happy about was that I did not need to mist my hair the next day to bring my curls back to life. I highly recommend anyone with curly hair to purchase this blow dryer."

MOST HIGHLY-RATED DIFFUSER

Hairizone Universal Hair Diffuser

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Retractable buttons allow it to fit almost any blow dryer

Cons

• Doesn’t have long enough fingers to really dry your roots

With nearly 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you can bet this diffuser will give you something to rave about. In addition to even heat distribution (thanks to its 211 holes) and frizz-free drying, the diffuser is also made with retractable buttons that allow it to snap onto almost any blow dryer.

And if you're questioning its versatility, one reviewer will calm your nerves. "It was so stable on my hairdryer that I was able to hold it upside down," they wrote. "The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because it doesn’t have long enough fingers to really dry your roots."

Rave Review: "I love this diffuser! I have always had wavy/curly hair and never liked wearing it natural because air drying made it weigh down. But, this tool has completely changed the game and I love wearing my hair natural now. It's also very easy to use."

BEST DIFFUSER FOR DRY HAIR

Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer

Pros

• Leaves hair looking hydrated and healthy
• Super affordable

Cons

• Some reviewers say it only lasts about a year

If you have dry, brittle hair, blowdrying it can sometimes accentuate split ends or dullness. But, this super affordable diffuser changes the game. It's designed to avoid over-drying your strands in order to maintain your hair's natural moisture. Plus, it features a cold shock button that helps you lock in definition after drying, per the brand.

This dryer comes with two attachments: a smoothing concentrator and a volumizing diffuser. But, no matter which one you use, you have the benefit of two heat and speed settings, a triple ceramic coating to help reduce heat damage, and infrared technology to heat the hair from the inside-out, helping to maintain its natural moisture.

Rave Review: "I was looking for an affordable hair dryer with a good diffuser and decided to give this one a try. Wow, I am beyond impressed! I have thick, medium-length hair and it dried my hair to 90 percent in under 10 minutes. It’s super quiet and the diffuser is nice and big. My curls tend to get dry and dull when I diffuse, but they were soft and shiny with this one."

BEST DIFFUSER FOR TRAVEL

Ouidad Made For Curls 3-in-1 Universal Diffuser

Pros

• Snaps on to most hair dryers
• Great to travel with

Cons

• Makes your hair dryer feel heavier

Own a blowdryer but not a diffuser attachment? There's no need to buy an entire new tool—just add a few attachments to-cart. For my curly girls out there, this diffuser has three customizable attachments that allow you to create volume, shape, and definition on all lengths and curl textures.

Testers love that this diffuser is oval-shaped instead of round and bulky, which makes it easier to travel with. It goes perfectly with a travel-sized hairdryer if needed, but it also fits on your everyday dryer. The only downside testers noted was that adding the attachment to your dryer can make it feel a bit heavy.

Rave Review: "I've had this diffuser for about two months now and I really like it. It is oval, which makes it a little easier to travel with versus a round diffuser. The shape is great and I like the ability to customize the prongs. I use it with my travel hairdryer—a GHD. My hair looks great when I use it."

BEST DIFFUSER FOR PREVENTING HEAT DAMAGE

Shark HyperAir Blow Dryer

Pros

• Prevents heat damage
• Diffuser attachment has a deep bowl and extendable prongs

Cons

• Some say this device is heavier than expected

The last thing you want is to damage your precious curls with heat. So, it's important to use tools that offer your ideal style without using suuuper high heat. Look no further than Shark's affordable, cult-favorite blow dryer (many say it competes with the editor-loved Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer), which taps both high velocity air and ionized air instead of extremely high heat to dry strands.

The dryer constantly checks heat output, up to 1,000 times per second, to guarantee fast and uniform heat distribution. This means when you attach the diffuser, you can trust that it will evenly cover all your coils. What sets it apart from the other attachments is that when you use the diffuser, the dryer automatically switches to a gentle temperature and low air pressure, minimizing frizz. Additionally, it's designed with a deep bowl for even the thickest hair and extendable prongs to reach the roots.

Rave Review: "I have naturally curly hair and have been researching this blow dryer. I had read about it and the selling point was the diffuser. I can say this dryer is even better than I was hoping. It dries my hair faster and my hair is less frizzy. I wish I had bought it sooner."

MOST EASY-TO-CLEAN DIFFUSER

Bed Head Curls-in-Check Hair Diffuser Dryer

Pros

• Diffuser is detachable
• Dries hair super fast

Cons

• Some reviewers say it's not suitable for long hair

If you have a lot of hair, you know how frustrating it is to constantly clean out your hair tools and combs. Well, with this tool, you can skip that step. The removable diffuser pops out of the device so easily, allowing you to easily swipe up any excess hair.

Plus, it's super lightweight, so it's easy to bring on-the-go if you're anything like us and can't live without your diffuser. When you're in a pinch, it dries hair quickly, so you can spend less time styling and more time relaxing.

"I also like the option of separate switches for heat and speed so I can get just the right combination for my curls," writes one reviewer. "I have short hair that goes to the top of my shoulder and this dryer can dry my curls in just two minutes." This reviewer also likes how quiet the tool is, so it doesn't disturb her household every time she uses it.

Rave Review: "I always wanted to use a device that worked fast and effectively—found it! I love that it is not heavy to carry. Its design is very convenient for traveling and my frizzy hair turned out spectacular."

BEST CULT-FAVORITE DIFFUSER

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Pros

• When you purchase the dryer, it comes with many attachments
• Stimulated natural drying

Cons

• Super expensive

You literally can't talk about hair styling tools without mentioning Dyson. While Dyson's most famous product is probs the AirWrap (if you haven't seen it on TikTok, WYD?) the brand's hair dryer with a diffuser attachment is a cult-favorite pick for its temperature-regulated air that prevents heat damage, but locks in shine. To see what the hype was really all about, associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner had to give it a try for herself.

"I love that it has plenty of attachments like a flyaway smoother and a styling concentrator, but the diffuser is awesome to define your curls, keep them locked in place, and reduce frizz," she says. While it disperses air around each of your curls, it stimulates natural drying to improve definition. The brand recommends sticking to the lowest airflow setting when using this attachment to avoid blowing your hair around and creating more frizz.

"I won't lie—diffusers are hard to get the hang of," Wohlner continues. "But, the brand told me that the trick to using this tool is to avoid moving your hair around too much. Once I followed their advice and gently pressed the device into each section of curls, my hair came out so bouncy and beautiful. I can no longer air dry my hair knowing I have this waiting in my drawer."

Rave Review: "For the naturalista curl friends out there, don't contemplate this buy. It is the best decision I have made. My dry time improved by legit 60 percent. Act now! You won't regret it—it is worth every penny."

BEST DIFFUSER FOR SHORT HAIR

DevaCurl DevaFuser

Pros

• Dries hair super fast
• Super small, so targets the roots super easily

Cons

• Some reviewers say the attachment pops off their hair dryer

The DevaFuser quite literally looks like a tiny hand, so it can simulate manual scrunching (without the mess!). And, it's super small, so you can get close to the roots. Because of its size, it might not be the best option for those with long hair. But, it's perfect for scrunching and defining shorter strands.

In a pinch? This attachment offers 360-degree airflow for much faster drying. If you have a busy schedule, this one gets the job done fast without compromising the health of your precious curls.

Rave Review: "I saw this diffuser on 'Hoda & Jenna' and decided to give it a try. It's the best diffuser ever! It's hard to describe, but it's like using a hand. You can get right to the roots and it really lifts the hair and seems to dry faster. I'd give it more stars if I could!"

BEST DIFFUSER FOR ADDING SHINE

Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser

Pros

• Adds definition and shine to curls
• Fits on any blowdryer

Cons

• Doesn't fit all blowdryers

Drybar is a household name for a reason: They know a thing or two about heat-styling without damaging locks in the process. This diffuser applies that philosophy. Its wide surface reduces the speed of heated airflow to your curls, adding definition and a whole lotta shine.

And it's not only suitable with Drybar blowdryers, but with most blowdryers as well. Testers note that no matter which dryer you use it on, the rubber bands inside the attachment help keep it in place. Plus, you can open or close the holes on the diffuser by turning the top of it, letting more or less air go through.

Rave Review: "Best diffuser I've used so far! This attachment fits my Babyliss blow dryer perfectly and grips it nicely. I have very fine, wavy—sometimes curly—hair and the prongs on this device work really well to shape the waves/curls in my hair."

MOST QUIET DIFFUSER

Hot Tools Quietair Power Dryer

Pros

• Super quiet
• Features a long cord

Cons

• Some reviewers say it's not super powerful

This blow dryer/diffuser combo has everything you could want: a wide attachment for quick drying, a cool shot button to reduce frizz, and eight speed and heat settings. Plus, it has an ultra-quiet motor, so it's perfect for diffusing hair if you have working roomies or sleeping children.

Another pro? It has an extra long cord for easy styling and a built-in illuminating light ring, which makes it look nice and sleek (not to mention easy to find in a dark room!).

Rave Review: "Okay, this is the best blow dryer I have ever used!! I love the diffuser attachment. When they said it's a 'quiet' blow dryer, they weren't kidding! Huge difference from my current blow dryer!"

MOST VERSATILE DIFFUSER

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

Pros

• Creates a bunch of different styles
• Makes hair look shinier and more moisturized

Cons

• Some testers say the curls don't last more than a day

The De-Frizzion Dryer is all about taking good care of your hair. It's equipped with clever technology that gently smooths your hair, making it shinier and more moisturized. Plus, it does a great job at taming static and frizz. With the diffuser attachment, you can easily create different styles by scrunching, hovering, or stretching your hair, depending on the look you're going for.

Rave Review: "I got this for my sister-in-law and she is in love with this! Her curly hair feels amazing and now she isn't struggling drying and styling her hair for hours!"

BEST OVERALL DIFFUSER FOR CURLY HAIR

Pattern Blow Dryer

Pros

• Made for super coily hair types
• Comes with many attachments

Cons

• Some reviewers say it doesn't get hot enough

This complete system from Tracee Ellis Ross' Pattern brand is everything your curly hair needs (and more!). It includes a blow dryer, diffuser, wide tooth comb attachment, and concentrated nozzle, all of which are made to style coily hair. They can also be used to achieve any style, whether you're going for sleek and straight or full-blown 'fro.

But, let's get down to the diffuser. Testers love it because it releases a controlled airflow that quickly dries the hair no matter which angle you tackle it from. Plus, the attachment (and all of the other ones!) has a dual-locking mechanism to ensure it stays firmly in place during styling.

Rave Review: "This is a phenomenal blow dryer and I would recommend it to anyone with textured hair that struggles with a blowout. This product is made to withstand normal wear and tug, leaving your hair looking fantastic! Great investment!"

BEST EXPERT-APPROVED DIFFUSER

Trademark Beauty Speedy Blo

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Super customizable with three heat settings and two speed options

Cons

• Some testers say it doesn't get hot enough

Hardges loves this hair dryer/diffuser combo from Trademark Beauty because it is small, lightweight, and offers high heat that's distributed evenly. "It also has long appendages that will help reach into thicker hair," she adds. Basically, it checks every box.

Reviewers also love this dryer because it's customizable. With three heat settings, two speed options, two concentrator nozzles, and a diffuser, it caters to all hair types from curly to straight.

Rave Review: "This hair dryer blew me away with its powerful and quick-drying technology. Its diffuser has been a lifesaver for me on more than one occasion, and the two extra nozzles have assured me a professional style every time. It's lightweight and the handles feel secure in my hand as I blow a masterpiece in front of the mirror."

BEST COLLAPSIBLE DIFFUSER

Ceremonia Collapsible Hair Diffuser De Rizos

Pros

• Collapses for easy travel
• Made with heat-resistant silicone

Cons

• Can collapse while blowdrying

If your beauty closet can't handle one more styling appliance, Ceremonia's got you covered. This diffuser attachment will snap onto most hair dryers that reach up to 400 degrees. But, when you're done using it, you can fold it down and store it super easily.

It's also made of silicone, which is heat-resistant and super lightweight, so you don't have to worry about the device getting super hot and damaging your hair. Testers also love how it doesn't add any extra weight to your blow dryer, making it easy to style your hair as you wish.

Rave Review: "I was pleasantly surprised how well this dries hair without frizz! This was the first time I've used a diffuser that doesn't frizz up my curly hair, and I've tried many diffusers... I love that it collapses for easy travel and saves space."

How we chose the best diffusers for curly hair

For the past year, Women’s Health associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner and e-commerce editor Jasmine Gomez have been testing and researching the most popular, top-rated diffusers for curly hair. They consulted with Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, for the story, and, together, they compiled a list of the best options for every budget and preference.

What should I keep in mind when shopping for a diffuser for curly hair?

To make sure you achieve the best curls you can, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you shop:

Your hair's thickness

Some diffusers are capable of accommodating more hair than others, or are designed to get closer to your root if you have shorter hair. The fuller your hair, the deeper the diffuser you buy should be, says Hardges. "A deep cup will hold more hair and long appendages can reach into thick, full hair."

Compatibility with your hair dryer

If you're purchasing a diffuser that doesn't come with a hair dryer, you should check its measurements to make sure it's compatible with the blow dryer you have at home. The best hair dryers for attaching diffusers are those with long nozzles, says Hardges.

Design

Diffusers come in all types of sizes and styles. Like Hardges said, the deeper the cup the more hair it will accommodate. You also want to shop for diffusers with lots of openings. "Lots of holes will help dry the hair quicker," says Hardges.

What are the benefits of using a diffuser?

A diffuser is designed to control the way heated airflow reaches your hair. This makes for less frizzy hair and more defined curls. "With a diffuser, the hair dries so much quicker than air-drying, too," says Hardges.

How do you use a diffuser?

For the best results, you should use your diffuser on high heat with low airflow, says Hardges. "Hold the diffuser at least six inches from the hair to gently dry the ends. You can also flip your head over to dry it upside down and crest volume in the crown of your head." Bouncy, shiny curls coming right up!