How To Use a Hair Diffuser: A Cloud Nine Guide

The hair diffuser is one of a hair dryer’s most versatile attachments. Often misunderstood and left on the side, it’s the tool for defining natural curls, adding root lift to naturally flat and straight strands, boosting volume, = locking in shine, and banishing frizz while you dry.

So, if you’re ready to get it out of your drawer and feel its potential, this guide will make you a diffuser hair dryer expert in no time.

What does hair diffusing mean?

Simply put, using a diffuser spreads airflow evenly across the hair, reducing direct heat
and pressure on individual strands to prevent the hair's cuticle from being disturbed.

That means it’s perfect for enhancing natural curls or wave patterns, adding volume,
reducing frizz, and speeding up drying time without adding excess heat.

Diffusing is the ideal blow-drying method for curly to wavy hair types as it can help to
shape the natural curl pattern. Without a diffuser, you can easily blow curls
out of shape and into a frizz.

What is a hair diffuser?

A hair diffuser is a large, round, plastic attachment that you can click onto the
nozzle of your hair dryer. Some diffusers also have small, spike-like structures on their surface.

A hair diffuser is also one of the best tools for a hair detox because it uses less heat, so is gentler on the hair.

Different types of hair diffuser

Hair dryer with diffuser

The mostcommon form of hair diffuser is an attachment to your standard hair dryer. Diffuser hair dryer attachments offer maximum versatility as they can be interchanged with other nozzles, depending on the style you want to achieve.

You can also buy a separate diffuser blow dryer attachment for your existing hair dryer – universal diffusers fit most hair dryers.

The Airshot Pro hair dryer comes with a Magnetic Diffuser Attachment which smoothly clicks into place, offering the chance to mix up your usual look.

Fixed diffuser hair dryer

Some diffusers come as a single unit – a blow dryer diffuser. For these products, the diffuser ‘end’ of the hair dryer is permanent. This is the best hair diffuser for curly hair, if you’re happy to stick with your natural style every day.

Who can use a diffuser hair dryer?

While anyone with any hair type can use a diffuser, they are more commonly used by people with naturally curly or wavy hair.

Regardless of your natural hair type, condition, pattern, and any previous dyes, bleaches or treatments, a diffuser could be a great way to bring out your natural texture while minimising heat damage.

Diffused curly hair

When diffused, curly hair looks defined, volume-packed, and free from frizz. Diffusing enhances natural curl patterns and adds bounce.

Diffused wavy hair

Diffusing adds volume to wavy hair, defining the waves into a clearer ‘S’ shape, with fewer flyaways.

Diffused straight hair

By diffusing straight hair, you can add lift and volume to the roots and even reveal a slight subtle wave, depending on its natural weight and texture.

How to use a diffuser to dry straight hair

If your hair is on the straight side and doesn’t frizz easily, you can use a diffuser as a
hair dryer to quickly dry your hair with volume. Follow our step-by-step guide
for how to achieve a bouncy blow dry using a diffuser.

Step 1: Gently squeeze out excess water after washing your hair.

Step 2: Before you use any heated styling tool on your hair – even a lower heat option like a diffuser – spritz with a heat protection spray such as the Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion.

Step 3: Place a section of hair onto the
diffuser and press it up against your scalp as you blow dry. This scrunches the hair up and keeps it in position while the air flows around it. For added lift and volume, focus close to the roots.

Step 4: Repeat for each section of hair, then
apply a styling product such as a hair spray or root powder to preserve the added volume.

Pro tips for using a diffuser for straight hair

To perfect your straight diffused style:

· Use clips at the roots: Clip sections of hair at the roots and crown before using the diffuser to generate more lift and shape.

· Tip your head upside down: Tilt your head into the diffuser or tip your hair completely upside down to give your diffuser better access to your roots, maximising bounce.

· Finish with lightweight styling products: Apply products designed specifically to add and hold volume in straight hair, without weighing it down.

How to use a diffuser for curly hair or wavy hair

If you have frizz-prone curly or wavy hair, you’ll need to take a little more time to style
your hair as you diffuse it, ensuring perfectly shaped curls. Follow our step-by-step guide below to ensure maximum results.

Step 1: While washing your hair, use the Cloud Nine Wet Hairbrush to detangle and separate your curls.

Step 2: Once out of the shower, gently squeeze out excess water using a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel to minimise friction. To promote kinks and waves, give your hair a really good scrunch from tip to root.

Step 3: To define your curls, wrap or twist small sections of hair around your fingers to encourage even and defined spirals to form.

Step 4: Before you use any heated styling tool on your hair, including a hair dryer with a diffuser, spritz your hair with a heat protection spray such as the Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion.

Step 5: Apply a curl enhancing product such as a lotion, gel, or mousse to encourage and enhance your curls or waves. Cloud Nine Magical Remedy makes the ideal moisturising base and has add heat protecting power.

Step 6: With your Airshot Pro hair dryer on a very low heat and flow setting, and with the Magnetic Diffuser attached, start drying from around 30cm away from your hair. Gently blow air across your head for 1-2 minutes. This ‘hover’ method will create a ‘cast’ around your curls, setting the outer layer of your curls to reduce frizz.

Step 7: Turn your head upside down and place a section of hair onto the diffuser, pressing it up against your scalp as you blow dry in a scrunching motion, keeping it in position while the air flows around it. Leave each section in position for at least 30 seconds to ensure it is dry before moving on.

Step 8: Repeat for each section, then apply a curl or wave-enhancing styling product such as a hair spray to hold your style.

Pro tips for using a diffuser for curly hair

For the perfect diffused curly look:

Detangle your hair in the shower: Don’t use a comb or brush once your curls have started to dry.
Avoid rubbing your wet hair with your towel: Instead, wrap your hair in either a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel and squeeze out the excess water.
Use curl-friendly products: Apply a curl-defining product before diffusing, such as a mousse for curly hair, curl cream and/or a leave-in conditioner to hydrate your curls and help them keep their shape as they dry.
Switch off between sections: Make sure you turn off the diffuser when moving it between sections – this will reduce the chance of random bursts of air disrupting your curl pattern.
Know when to stop: Use the diffuser until your hair is around 80% dry. This will ensure your curls stay defined and shiny, instead of frizzy and dry.

Pro tips for using a diffuser for wavy hair

To sculpt the perfect natural waves with your diffuser, try these techniques:

Massage the roots with the diffuser: With your head upside down, hold the diffuser next to your scalp to boost volume at th root.
Scrunch the crunch away: If your hair feels crunchy when dry, this is because your hair products have created a ‘cast’ around your hair. If you want more movement, or softer waves, gently scrunch your hair to remove this. Don’t be tempted to run the brush thorough your hair – you’ll smooth out your carefully-created waves.
Finish with a pomade or serum: Apply an anti-frizz pomade or serum once your waves have formed for maximum shine.

Benefits of using a hair dryer with a
diffuser

Switching from a standard hair dryer to a hair dryer with a diffuser could bring new life
to your hair. Here’s why:

Time saving: A diffuser is a great tool for drying curly or wavy hair faster than if you let it dry naturally. If you need perfect curls as soon as possible after a hair wash, a diffuser is the best way to achieve this.
Kinder to hair: Instead of using a hairbrush, the cooler air flow of a diffuser and its gentle scrunch motion is kinder to your hair.
Prevents frizz: When used properly, a diffuser can prevent frizz and flyaways, ensuring curls and waves are well-defined.
Enhances your natural curls or waves: Unlike a traditional hair dryer nozzle, which blasts heat between strands, the dispersed air of a diffuser is designed to float around your curls – preserving their shape and pattern and reducing unwanted frizz.
Tailor the flow to suit your hair: The beauty of a diffuser is that you can adjust the heat and flow of the air to suit your hair type. Some diffusers allow you to rotate the diffuser itself to adjust the air flow, or you can just adjust the heat setting on your hair dryer.

Common hair diffuser mistakes

Getting the perfect results from your hair diffuser requires bit of finesse and some trial
and error to get the best results. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when
using a hair dryer with a diffuser:

Starting with dry hair: You might have been told to let your hair air dry partially before styling, but when it comes to diffusing curly hair, this rule doesn't apply. Gently scrunch your hair with a T-shirt or microfibre towel if it's too wet but avoid rough handling that can lead to unwanted frizz.
Skimping on product: After towel-drying, don't skimp on products that provide moisture and control. A good leave-in conditioner will nourish and define your curls and serum or pomade will add shine. Try Cloud Nine’s Magical Remedy, formulated to repair, protect and strengthen.
Using high heat and airflow: Opt for low heat and low flow settings on your hair dryer to avoid frizz. Though it may take a bit longer to style, the results will be worth it.
Moving the diffuser too much: Avoid creating frizz by keeping the diffuser still as you dry each section. For even better results with curly hair, switch off the diffuser in between sections.
Touching your hair: Resist the urge to touch your hair during the diffusing process as it can cause frizz. Instead, wait until your hair is fully dry before gently scrunching it to maintain the curl pattern.

Whether you've got natural curls that benefit from added definition or have straight hair in need of a little extra volume and texture, mastering the art of the hair diffuser is well within your reach.

Now you know how to unlock bouncier, shiny and healthier-looking hair, discover the
Cloud Nine Airshot Pro – which comes with a Magnetic Diffuser Attachment – or share your diffuser tips with us on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.