Hello lovelies! Today, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The reason I love the Curly Girl Method SO much is that I’m low-maintenance. I honestly don’t want to spend hours styling my hair every day. And, with this method, I can just wash and go and have great hair for a couple of days. Most of the time, I air dry my hair, but, if I’m in a hurry or want it to look especially nice, I’ll diffuse my hair. You might wondering how to diffuse curly hair. And today’s post is all about how to diffuse hair the right way!

Here’s how to diffuse curly hair.

Get A Diffuser Attachment

Now, using a blowdryer the “normal” way is a big no-no for the Curly Girl Method. But, if you add a diffuser attachment, you CAN blow-dry your hair. That’s because a diffuser will soften the pressure of the rushing air and spread it evenly among your curls. And it will help your curls bond into tight clumps. My curls are always more defined when I diffuse with a blowdryer + attachment. 

When you use a diffuser attachment, always use the “cool” button on your blowdryer. Or turn it on the lowest heat setting. Also, use your blowdryer on a low speed to minimize frizz. If I’m in a hurry, I will alternate a few seconds of warm air with a few seconds of cool air to speed up the process.

Depending on your blowdryer brand, you may be able to buy a diffuser attachment specifically to fit it. But, if that’s not an option, you can also try a universal blowdryer attachment that is designed to fit almost any blowdryer. 

You can scroll down to the bottom of the post for my top picks for a curly diffuser.

Let Your Hair Air-dry to 50% Dry

For best results, don’t start with dripping wet hair. I always scrunch out as much water as I can with a t-shirt before applying products. Next, I wait until my hair is about 50% dry before blowdrying. This seems to work best for my hair- and cuts down on blowdrying time. (I told you I was low-maintenance!) Also, less blowdrying means less frizz and possible damage to your hair.

Use Gravity to Diffuse Curly Hair for Volume

If you want to know how to diffuse curly hair for volume, this tip is SO critical! First, flip your hair to one side, and use one hand to scrunch a handful of hair toward your scalp. This should be a section of hair- not ALL your hair. With the other hand, gently place your diffuser/blowdryer underneath the hair, and slide your hand away. Then, turn the blowdryer on to a low speed and low heat setting. Count to 5, then gently release that clump, and repeat with another section of hair. Don’t spend too long on any one section.

After you’ve spent a couple minutes on one side, flip to the other side and repeat. Then, flip your head forward and diffuse your hair upside down for a couple minutes. When you use gravity as your friend, your hair will have bigger + better volume!

Scrunch Out the Crunch

When your hair is completely dry, flip it upside down. Use your fingers to shuffle your roots and boost volume. Then, use your hands to gently scrunch your curls upward and release the gel cast. If you want your hair to be extra shiny, you can coat your palms with a thin layer of hair oil before doing this!

Then flip your hair upward and part it as you normally do. Way to go—your hair is happy, healthy, and naturally gorgeous!

How to Diffuse Curly Hair Without a Diffuser

Now, what if you don’t have a diffuser attachment? Or your budget is just too tight for any extras this month? Well, I did pick up a DIY curly hair hack from a curly hair Youtuber, Curly Susie. She recommended using a mesh strainer over your hair instead of a diffuser attachment. You would just tilt your head sideways, gently cup the strainer around your hair, and rotate the blowdryer around the strainer. Keep it moving, and keep the blowdryer several inches away to minimize frizz. This will work almost as well as a regular diffuser attachment! 

Tips to Diffuse Curly Hair Without Frizz

If your hair turns into a frizzy mess when you diffuse it, here are a few tips to try.

• Make sure you are following a Curly Girl routine with hydrating products.
• Leave in some conditioner, or add a moisturizing curl cream before you apply gel.
• Use the blowdryer/diffuser on a low heat and low speed.
• Avoid using a regular towel to dry your hair, as it will cause frizz. Use a microfibre towel or t-shirt instead.

Shop This Post

If you’re looking for a diffuser attachment for your blowdryer, here are my top picks from Amazon.

Amazon.com Picks:

This diffuser attachment is designed to fit an Xtava hairdryer, but it will also fit any blowdryer with a 1.8 inch diameter.

This Conair dryer comes with its own diffuser attachment, which is very similar to the one I’m using. It works beautifully!

Amazon.ca Picks:

Let’s Chat:

Do you like to diffuse your hair or let it air-dry? Curly girls, did I leave anything out on how to diffuse curly hair? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

p.s. Some of the items in this post are affiliate links. I only post about products that I love + think you’ll probably love, too! As an Amazon Associate or affiliate for other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through my link, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you SO much for your support!