Fall is here. With it comes pumpkin spice lattes, colorful leaves, and autumnal holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Additionally, we can’t forget the chillier temperatures, either. That means we’re likely trading in our summer air drying days for diffusing our curls.
“This fun tool allows you to turn your blow dryer into an enhancer for defining your curls giving you that fun, bouncy defined definition,” says master cosmetologist, Stanley Shavon. A diffuser can help you achieve more uniform, less frizzy, and voluminous curls. However, the question still begs—how do we diffuse the right way?
A celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, Andrew Fitzsimons, tells NaturallyCurly that it’s all about starting with the right products when washing your hair. “Specific shampoo and conditioner work well as they are packed with strengthening oils to help moisturize the hair, leaving your curls defined and shiny.”
Below, discover more about how to diffuse your hair the right way for optimal results.
Prep your hair
The key to diffusing your hair is using the right products when washing and diffusing your hair. To start, make sure your hair is nice and clean. “After washing your hair with the shampoo and conditioner, apply serum to really lock in moisture, without added weight, along with the leave-in conditioner for extra hydration and protection.” Shavon also recommends not to use your hands when preparing to diffuse as it can frizz up your hair. “The hair should not be completely drenched as it will slow down the process that should be super convenient and not daunting.”
Choose the right heat setting
The next step is to select the right heat setting for your curly hair. When diffusing your curls, start with the lowest heat and speed settings, then increase as your hair dries. Use the cool button at the roots for added volume.
Work in sections
To start diffusing your curly hair, dry the ends of your hair and use the diffuser attachment to softly scrunch the curls. “When you’re ready to diffuse, tilt your head to one side and place sections of hair over the diffuser attachment,” says Fitzsimons. “Using medium heat, press the diffuser toward your scalp for 10 to 20 seconds per section to add volume.”
Then, you can continue until you’re done and head is dry. Shavon also recommends using a mouse for your curls. This product adds shine and is lightweight for the hair as it doesn’t produce a crunchy look or feel.
“The scooping of the hair and bringing it to the scalp produces and mimics that scrunch effect while avoiding frizz that using your hands can create,” says Shavon. “This enhances your natural curls and fights against frizz.”
