The diffuser: the underrated hairdryer add-on that everyone owns, and not many of us know what to do with. By gently spreading airflow, it enhances texture rather than blowing it to pieces. Curly, wavy, coily hair? Diffusers love them all. Here, celebrity hair stylist Luke Hersheson shares four foolproof steps to make the diffuser your new styling secret weapon…

How to use a diffuser

Step 1: Start with damp hair

Apply a lightweight styling cream or curl enhancer to damp hair. This helps define your natural texture and keeps frizz at bay. For curls, make sure your hair is detangled and scrunched gently before you begin.

Step 2: Keep the heat and speed low

Diffusers are all about gentle drying. Use a low heat setting to avoid disrupting your curl pattern, and a low airflow to minimise frizz. High heat or speed can cause unwanted fluffiness.

High heat or speed can cause unwanted fluffiness.

Luke Hersheson

Step 3: Use a sock diffuser for maximum ease

Use a sock diffuser as a soft, flexible alternative to the traditional hard bowl. Simply slip it over your hairdryer nozzle and use it to form any look you can think of. Since it blunts airflow while retaining heat, it’s a new-gen take on a classic, helping create effortless texture without frizz.

Step 4: Don’t over-dry

Stop diffusing when your hair is around 80-90% dry. Letting it finish drying naturally helps curls set without frizz. Once dry, resist the urge to touch your hair too much – this keeps the curl definition intact.

Once you get the hang of it, a diffuser is one of the simplest ways to enhance your natural texture.

Luke Hersheson

The best curly hair products to know

The “sock diffuser” is proof that great hair doesn’t need fancy tools, just a little DIY and a willingness to look mildly ridiculous for major results.
1
A silicone-free shine oil seals the cuticle and delivers a glossy, mirror-like finish that enhances your curl pattern without leaving residue.
Smooths down stubborn flyaways and locks in moisture, making frizz a thing of the past even in the most humid weather.
2
A lightweight curl-enhancing mousse adds shape and movement without weighing hair down, so loose curls stay soft, shiny, and effortlessly defined.
3
Delivers definition without crunch, giving tight curls the structure they need while keeping them soft, hydrated, and bouncy all day.
4
A curl-refreshing spray that revives flat or stretched-out strands instantly, adding volume and spring so your curls look freshly styled in seconds.
5
A sulphate-free cleansing cream, gently cleans without stripping natural oils, leaving curls nourished, balanced, and perfectly prepped for styling.
6
A weekly deep-conditioning mask strengthens from root to tip, restoring elasticity and manageability so curls stay healthy, defined, and easy to style.
Beauty, Hair & Nails

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