Q&A for How to Use a Hair Diffuser

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  • Question
    What is a hair diffuser and how does it work?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A hair diffuser is an attachment that you add to a hair dryer to make the flow of air less concentrated so that it can dry curly or wavy hair without disrupting the curl pattern. It works by spreading out the air flow.
  • Question
    How do you use a diffuser for curls?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    First, apply a product for curly hair. Then, wrap your curls around your finger to help them form. Slip your finger out, then use the diffuser on them. Work your way around your head. This will give you defined curls.
  • Question
    Do all hair diffusers work the same?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    No. When you purchase a diffuser, make sure you know what type of hair dryer you have. Many diffusers will work on a variety of hair dryer styles, but some hair dryers will need a certain diffuser
  • Question
    Do you put product in your hair before diffusing?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It's best to apply conditioner to your hair. You might use leave-in conditioner or styling cream so your hair looks its best.
  • Question
    How do you use a diffuser on short hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A diffuser is great for short hair, just comb your hair into your desired style before diffusing. Move the diffuser in circular motions around the head.
  • Question
    Can I use the diffuser without hair products?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can, but it won’t be as effective. Even if you don’t like a lot of product, add some leave-in conditioner and finish with a little styling cream for best results.
  • Question
    What products should I use with my diffuser?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You can use curling cream or gel. I usually prefer curling cream because I love the softness of it. You apply it to wet hair—it helps the curl to kick in, but it's not crunchy.
  • Question
    Does diffusing your hair make it curlier?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, and it will help the curl last longer when it's dry. Try lifting the hair from the bottom, then diffuse starting at the scalp. Work section by section, and use low speed and low heat.
  • Question
    If I buy a hair dryer, does the diffuser come in the box or separate?
    Ayyat Khurram
    Community Answer
    It should come in the box.
  • Question
    Are a blow dryer and a hair diffuser the same thing?
    Community Answer
    No. A diffuser is an attachment that either screws in or clicks on to the business end of a hair dryer.
  • Question
    I have slightly wavy hair. Can I use this without curl enhancing cream or mousse and get better enhanced curls?
    Community Answer
    Yes! I use with without cream or mousse. I use the CROC Silicone diffuser, it's gentle on hair and it has a slot to insert an oil (Moroccan, coconut, lavender, etc.).
  • Question
    I already have a blow dryer. So can I buy a diffuser only?
    Community Answer
    Yes. They can be found anywhere you would buy a hair dryer.
  • Question
    Does a hair diffuser dry my hair, or is it used for styling?
    Community Answer
    You can really use a diffuser for both.
  • Question
    Why does the diffuser pop out of my hairdryer while in use?
    Community Answer
    It pops out because it probably isn’t clicked or placed in properly. Check on your instructions.
  • Question
    What happens if I use a diffuser on a higher speed or heat than is recommended?
    Community Answer
    It will most likely cause frizz.
  • Question
    Do I have to use leave in conditioner? Will my hair get damaged if I use normal conditioner?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to, but it is recommended to use some kind of product as a heat protector. Leave-in conditioner encourages moisture and bounce in wavy and curly hair, which tends to be more dry than straight hair.
  • Question
    How can I refresh wavy hair that’s been slept on?
    Community Answer
    Wetting it would be your best option. And to make the waves come up better, scrunch it with your hands.
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