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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
For curly hair, there’s often a love/hate relationship with blowdryers. Sure, they can speed up your drying time—but the fast, hot winds can leave your curls feeling frizzy, dry, and looking less than defined. Enter diffusers: a curly girl’s hero accessory to blow dryers. These handy, bowl-shaped attachments distribute the air throughout your hair so that your curls can dry more evenly, resulting in more defined curls.
Aeleise Ollarvia, the co-founder of Black Girl Curls, shares that “a diffuser is a great portable way to take curls from wet to dry with minimal frizz. It can also enhance volume during the drying process if desired.”
We conducted hours of research on the best diffusers for curly hair, evaluating each model by its design, benefits offered, and what type of hair it works best on. After consulting with a haircare expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
DevaCurl DevaFuser
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Amazon
Unique design
Minimizes frizz
Ceramic lining
Not compatible with all hair dryers
You’re probably familiar with the curl innovation of DevaCurl, so it’s no surprise that the brand would have a one-of-a-kind diffuser made with curly hair in mind. The ceramic inner core preserves moisture to reduce frizz for shinier curls. Plus, the wide, hand-like head delivers 360 degrees of airflow to shorten your drying time.
Price at time of publish: $55
Type: Diffuser
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"I enjoyed using the DevaCurl DevaFuser and thought it yielded great results—it takes longer to dry hair but leaves curls frizz-free." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Budget
KingKam Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser
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Amazon
Affordable
Travel-friendly
Compatible with a variety of dryers
May collapse while using
You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality diffuser. This collapsible blowdryer attachment is ideal for travel and easy storage, funneling and softening the airflow of your hairdryer while also collapsing to a convenient size.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Diffuser
Best for Volume
Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
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Amazon
Dries bigger sections
Adds volume
Lightweight
Reviewers note diffuser can fall off
This convenient diffuser gets major points for its large shape that’s able to dry big sections at a time. The circular shape cups your hair to distribute heat from roots to tips for great shape and volume. It’s also surprisingly lightweight so that every wash day doesn’t also have to be an arm workout.
Price at time of publish: $34
Type: Diffuser
Best for Travel
Hot Sock The Ultralight Diffuser
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Amazon
Lightweight
Travel-friendly
Compatible with a variety of dryers
Not as much control as traditional diffusers
No room for your standard diffuser in your carry-on bag? This Hot Sock diffuser is the next best thing. While it doesn’t feature fancy prongs, it conveniently glides over the nozzle of your blowdryer to reduce heat damage, limit frizz, and promote more defined curls.
Price at time of publish: $8
Type: Diffuser
Best Compact
Chi 1875 Series Advanced Ionic Compact Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Lightweight
Three heat settings
Includes diffuser
Pricier than other options
When you want all of the bang of a quality hair dryer with less of the bulk, this compact ionic dryer is a great solution—and of course, it comes with a handy diffuser attachment. With three heat settings and two speed settings, you can control the amount of heat you subject your hair to while diffusing the airflow for a more precise drying experience. This is pricier than other options on our list—but you're getting a whole drying system, not just an attachment.
Price at time of publish: $120
Type: Dryer + diffuser
Best Splurge
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
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Dyson
Reduces damage
Unmatched styling capabilities
Includes diffuser
Pricier than other options
This Supersonic hairdryer is quite the splurge, but users who love it say it’s worth every penny. Aeleise says that this dryer “has power and heat but doesn't displace the hair even on the highest air setting. It's game-changing because the hair can dry in half of the time with minimal frizz.” Its technology takes blowdrying one step further by protecting your hair from heat damage for 75% increased smoothness and 132% decreased frizz—that’s a curly girl’s dream. Yes, it's expensive, but it's also won over fans who swear by its results, so we think it's worth the spend.
Price at time of publish: $600
Type: Dryer + diffuser
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
Best Classic
Conair InfinitiPro Hair Dryer
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Ulta
Lightweight
Includes diffuser
Three heat settings
Noisy
There’s a reason why Conair is celebrated for making quality hair tools—they just get it right, and this classic hairdryer is no exception. The ceramic technology makes for safer drying, and you can also use the cold shot when you want to avoid heat. The diffuser also has prongs with multiple lengths so it can evenly distribute air through thick hair.
Price at time of publish: $45 for Full Size Orange
Type: Dryer + diffuser
Best for Frizz
Revlon Salon Infrared Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Includes diffuser
Adds shine
Minimizes frizz
Reviewers note diffuser can fall off
This blowdryer and diffuser set was made with frizzy hair in mind. With infrared heat technology and a diffuser with widespread prongs, you reduce your risk of over-drying your hair. The results? Smoother curls and enhanced shine.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Dryer + diffuser
Best Adaptable
Hairizone Universal Hair Diffuser Adaptable for Blow Dryers
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Amazon
Compatible with a variety of dryers
Minimizes frizz
Comes in various colors
Not durable; can break easily
When you buy a diffuser that doesn’t come with your blowdryer you can run the risk of it not fitting—but not with this adaptable head. With a quick squeeze, it can adjust in size to fit 90% of blow dryers on the market. Use the diffuser for a more even dry with less frizz.
Price at time of publish: $32 for Shiny Black
Type: Diffuser
Best for Thick Hair
CONFU Professional Hair Dryer With Diffuser
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Amazon
Longer prongs than other options
Lightweight
Three heat settings
Noisy
Having a diffuser sounds like a great curly-haired solution unless your hair is too thick for tiny prongs to penetrate. That’s why this diffuser is such a standout. It has extra-long prongs that can reach the roots of thick hair, and the convenient, lightweight dryer is ergonomic for comfortable styling.
For tighter curls, Aeleise offers her advice for maximum definition and frizz-free diffusing, “When using a diffuser on tighter curls do not put it into the hair. Hover it over the hair 4 to 6 inches like a portable hood dryer. Move it in the direction the hair grows, root to end, not end to root, to reduce the possibility of frizz. Don't put your hand in your hair either till the hair is 60% to 75% dry.”
Price at time of publish: $36
Type: Dryer + diffuser
Best Hair Tool Set
Lovppy Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser Set
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Amazon
Reduces damage
Includes diffuser, detangling brush, and two combs
Affordable
May collapse while using
If you’re ready to give your entire wash day styling routine an upgrade, this set of hair tools is a great place to start. It comes with a collapsible silicone diffuser, detangling brush, plus fine-tooth and wide tooth combs for reduced breakage.
Price at time of publish: $17 for Black
Type: Diffuser + combs
Best for Loose Curls
Bed Head Curls in Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Adds volume
Affordable
Three heat settings
Hair can get sucked into dryer
This diffuser sets itself apart from the pack for its unique design that has a large surface area—making for quick drying and faster results. The removable diffuser is evenly spaced for added definition, texture, and increased volume.
Price at time of publish: $35
Type: Diffuser + dryer
To create definition and volume in loose curls, work slowly from the ends towards your roots, gently massaging your hair in a circular motion with the diffuser's "fingers."
Best Hooded Dryer
Glow by Daye Soft Bonnet Hood Dryer Attachment
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Amazon
Even heat distribution
Compatible with a variety of dryers
Affordable
Reviewers note its not comfortable to wear
Now, this isn’t exactly a diffuser, but the even distribution of the air gives you all of the benefits of a hairdryer with the convenience of an attachment. It’s great for setting roller styles or twist-outs, but it can also be used on wash-and-go styles for easy, effortless drying. Plus, the flexible material fits virtually any blowdryer.
Price at time of publish: $22 for Purple
Type: Hood attachment
Best for Fine Hair
T3 Soft Curl Diffuser
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Amazon
Affordable
Volumizes and combats frizz
Only compatible with a T3 blow-dryer
This do-it-all diffuser works for both curly and coily textures, and for all hair types. However, it’s especially choice for those with finer strands. The vented extensions evenly disperse heat, helping to both add volume and fight frizz, all while defining your spirals in the process.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Diffuser
Best Multi-Tasker
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System
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Amazon
All-in-one tool that’s great for creating a variety of styles
Minimizes heat damage to hair
It's an investment
This isn’t a diffuser, it’s not a dryer, and it’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill hot tool. There are not one, not two, but three different attachments included: a blow-dryer head, two different size curling wraps, a round brush, and a unique, flower-shaped diffuser. The diffuser is noteworthy in and of itself, with retractable and extendable prongs that help shape your curls to perfection. Plus, this also gives you the option of wearing your hair smooth if you want to blow it out, or adding back waves with the curl wraps. Not to mention that it measures and regulates the air temperature a whopping 1,000 times per second, helping to drastically cut down on the likelihood of heat damage.
Price at time of publish: $299
Type: Diffuser + dryer + attachments
Final Verdict
The DevaCurl DevaFuser made the top of our list for its practical design that delivers frizz-free curls every time. If you’re looking to add a budget-friendly tool to your arsenal, look no further than the KingKam Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser. And finally, if you’re nervous about a diffuser attachment fitting your blowdryer, the Hairizone Universal Hair Diffuser Adaptable for Blow Dryers can adjust to the blowdryer you already have.
Meet the Expert
Meet the Expert
Aeleise Ollarvia is a tight curl educator, licensed cosmetologist, and the co-founder of Black Girl Curls and Cut It Kinky.
What to Look For When Shopping for a Diffuser
Size and Shape
When you’re buying a blow dryer that already comes with a diffuser attachment, you’re in the clear. But if you are searching for an attachment, Aeleise says, “make sure the one you purchase fits securely on your preferred handled dryer. This will reduce fumbling and possible frizzing of the hair.”
Your Hair’s Thickness
Thick hair obviously needs a bit of assistance to dry quickly, so those with thick hair should choose a diffuser with longer prongs that can penetrate your curls and coils to dry your hair at the root.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013. Whether contributing to some of the top women’s lifestyle magazines or working in-house with global brands, Kindra has collaborated with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable beauty professionals. When she isn’t writing or trying out Instagram recipes, she’s giving wellness tips and sharing fashion news on The StylingSOUL Podcast.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough diffusers for curly hair from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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