7 Best Diffusers for Perfect, Frizz-Free Curls
Updated: Apr. 17, 2024
Hey, curl. For more bounce and definition, try a hair dryer diffuser.
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After years of seeing pin-straight hair everywhere from runways to PTA functions, curly hair is bouncing back into the spotlight. And it’s easier to achieve than ever, thanks to the modern hair-dryer diffuser. The handy blow-dryer attachment is typically round and cuplike, with finger-like vents that gently diffuse air over a large surface area to dry curly hair and tame frizz. For curly girls, it’s as essential a beauty tool, used in conjunction with a heat protectant spray.
“Diffusers are ideal for anybody with wavy, curly, coily and kinky hair textures to enhance curl, dry curl, stretch curl or reduce shrinkage,” says Gregory Patterson, celebrity hairstylist and DIY expert for Sally Beauty. A curly hair diffuser also helps reduce frizz and set hair when doing twist-outs, rod sets or wave patterns. For the smoothest effect, use low heat settings and lower speeds. “This helps to allow the curl pattern to form and dry in a much more gentle way, which the curls will always love,” he says.
Before investigating how to use a hair diffuser, browse this list of the best hair dryer diffusers available. We tapped hair experts for their favorites and read through hundreds of reviews from curly-haired folks. One thing to note: Some of these diffusers come prepackaged with a blow-dryer, while others are sold separately and work exclusively with a paired blow-dryer.
Best diffusers of 2023
- Best overall: Revlon Infrared Heat Hair Dryer
- Best budget: Conair Volumizing Diffuser Hair Dryer Attachment
- Best for fast drying: DevaCurl DevaFuser Universal Diffuser
- Best for coils: T3 Fit Diffuser
- Best for natural-looking curls: Drybar The Bouncer
- Best for big, bouncy curls: Flower Hair Tools Ionic Pro Dryer Diffuser
- Best for volume: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Universal Finger Diffuser
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Best hair diffuser overall
Revlon Infrared Heat Hair Dryer
Prefer curly hair only some of the time? You’ll want a blow dryer with several attachments, including a diffuser for curly hair. This Revlon hair dryer offers tourmaline ionic technology, which helps smooth away frizz. Take a pick of the attachments, based on your ideal style for the day. Want smooth hair worthy of a straightening iron? Use the concentrator. Creating soft, bouncy curls? The diffuser works hard while maintaining volume.
“I need a dryer with a really good diffuser for when I wear my hair curly,” writes one 5-star reviewer Karen S. “This totally fit the bill. Airflow is strong, but the diffuser prevents it from straightening out the curls.”
Pros
- Sold with blow dryer and concentrator attachment
- Ionic technology reduces frizziness
- Comes in three colors
- Ceramic coating provides even heat distribution
Cons
- Reviewers state the hair dryer is slightly larger than average
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Best budget diffuser
Conair Volumizing Diffuser Hair Dryer Attachment
If you’re not looking to replace your hair dryer, consider Conair’s diffuser attachment. There’s an impressive list of blow dryers that this diffuser fits and an even longer list of rave reviews. Don’t have naturally curly hair? The product also works to create natural-looking or beachy waves in addition to frizz-free curls.
“Thought my hair dryer was from Conair. Whoops. Mine is a Revlon model. Still fits,” says verified reviewer Martina B. Another reviewer, Diana F., uses it on low heat for the perfect curls. “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 curls look softer and more defined.”
Pros
- Affordable price
- Fits most Conair blow dryers and even those from other brands
- Lightweight construction
- Compatible with permed, naturally wavy and curly hair
Cons
- Doesn’t fit every hair dryer
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Best diffuser for fast drying
DevaCurl DevaFuser Universal Diffuser
This DevaCurl DevaFuser hair dryer diffuser is the pick for the impatient or those who don’t have enough time in the morning. It looks like a funky green hand that might tousle curls as it dries. But from a design standpoint, it’s genius. It boasts 360-degree airflow, which surrounds the curls and speeds up drying time without leaving hair looking parched. This hair dryer diffuser works on all curl types—from natural texture to braids, twists or knots.
Pros
- 360-degree airflow
- Fits most blow dryers
- Ceramic inner core helps preserve moisture to reduce frizz and enhance shine
- Made of durable heat-resistant material
- Works on all curl types
Cons
- Some reviewers state it’s tough to attach to their hair dryer
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Best diffuser for coils
T3 Fit Diffuser
The T3 brand has an excellent reputation for delivering quality hair tools, like this sleek and affordable T3 Fit diffuser. It’s designed to fit the T3 Fit Hair Dryer (sold separately), but we tested it out with different models—it worked on some, not on others. It’s worth a try, but consider the return policy before committing to trying this diffuser on another brand’s hair dryer.
The product lifts and separates hair for added body, so even heavy curls or coils won’t be weighed down. Pro tip: If frizz is an issue, use a frizzy-hair product before diffusing.
Pros
- Ideal for tight coils
- Lifts and separates curls
- Vented finger extensions distribute heat evenly
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Designed to work on only one hair dryer (sold separately)
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Best diffuser for natural-looking curls
Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
The Drybar Bouncer diffuser has “fingers” of different lengths, which helps it create springy curls that look polished but not too “done.” Drybar products have a massive following for a reason—they almost always produce perfect blow-out-worthy results, even for styling newbies. Many reviewers rave about its curl-defining ability, and most (though not all) report that it fits their blow dryer, no matter what brand or model.
Pros
- Fits many blow dryers
- Good for all hair types
- Distributes airflow evenly for defined curls
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- May not fit every blow dryer
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Best for big, bouncy curls
Flower Hair Tools Ionic Pro Dryer Diffuser
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty line has a huge following for a reason, and it’s not (only) because the products are so darn cute. Just about all of them are as bold and colorful as the pink diffuser, and they also get results.
Reviewer Laya says it’s perfect for her 3C hair. “I started wearing my hair naturally and don’t want to dry it out with too many products every day. This diffuser revives my natural curls every morning, and I am so grateful. I get so many compliments.”
Pros
- Air reaches hair at roots
- Inexpensive
- Works for all curly hair types
- Free 90-day returns
Cons
- Only available in one color
- May not fit every hair dryer
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Best for volume
BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Universal Finger Diffuser
Everyone assumes that curly-hair automatically has tons of volume. Not so. For those who want to add lift to their fine hair, the BaBylissPro diffuser combines fingers aimed at creating volume and titanium ion technology aimed at tackling frizz. Even though loads of air disperse while drying, there’s no disruption to the curl pattern or the natural wave.
Pros
- Adds volume to fine curls
- Fits most blow-dryers
- Far-infrared heat speeds up drying
- Works on all curl types
Cons
- Some reviewers note it slides off their hair dryer
Originally Published: February 03, 2022
