Styling hair with a diffuser involves using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to gently dry and enhance curls and waves while minimizing frizz. Here's how:
- Prep Your Hair: After washing and conditioning, apply your usual curl-enhancing products (leave-in conditioner, curl cream, mousse, or gel).
- Scrunch: Before diffusing, scrunch your hair to help define the curls. Gently scrunch sections of your hair upwards towards your scalp to encourage curl formation. This helps give your hair a fluffier appearance.
- Hover Diffusing: Start by hovering the diffuser around your hair without making direct contact. Use a low heat and speed setting to avoid frizz. Focus on the roots to build volume.
- Pixie Diffusing (or Cupping): Gently cup sections of your hair into the diffuser bowl, lifting it towards your scalp. Hold it there for a few seconds before moving on. Let the curls "fall" into the diffuser. This helps maintain the curl pattern and reduces frizz.
- Alternate Techniques: Alternate between hovering and cupping to dry your hair evenly.
- Focus on the Roots: To add volume, flip your head upside down and diffuse your roots.
- Avoid Over-Drying: Diffuse until your hair is about 80-90% dry. Air-drying the rest of the way helps prevent frizz and keeps your curls soft.
- Finishing Touches: Once your hair is dry, gently fluff the roots with your fingers for added volume. You can also scrunch out any crunch from your styling products if needed.