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How to use a hair diffuser
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Find out how to use a blow dryer and a diffuser to coax out natural curls and waves or add body to naturally straight hair.
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By Natalie Bahadur
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Summertime style is all about going low-maintenance. Your hair takes a beating throughout long, cold winters so during the hot summer months, it's time to give your hair a break. So put away your flat iron and try something different. Using a blow dryer and a diffuser to style hair is a fast and easy way to get simple, stylish locks.
So how do you get the look? Celebrity hair stylist Marc Anthony shares tips for diffusing your hair for an easy, stress-free, summertime look.
Homemakers.com: What exactly does it mean to diffuse your hair?
Marc Anthony: Diffusing your hair is simply working with its natural movement instead of against it. You can do this naturally by letting your hair dry on its own, or you can use a diffuser. A diffuser is a blow dryer attachment that stops warm air from blowing directly onto your hair, leaving only the heat to dry your hair.
HM.com: A lot of women tend to diffuse their hair during the summer months. Why?
MA: Summer hair is a bit more relaxed than fall/winter hair; partly due to the warmth of the season and partly because summer fashions tend to be more relaxed. This trend allows hair to follow suit and be less structured. Summer is also a time to spend more time outdoors where the heat and humidity may not be "hair friendly." More natural styles are easier to sustain when exposed to the elements.
HM.com: What kind of hair is diffusing best for? Straight? Wavy? Curly? Fine? Full?
MA: With a good cut, all hair types can be diffused. Your results will, however, vary depending on your hair type.
The general misconception about diffusing is that it is strictly for the purpose of creating curls or waves in the hair. In reality, it is simply a method of drying your hair in its natural state with a bit of enhancement. For example, if you have a slight wave to your hair, using a diffuser can enhance its natural wave while keeping its inherent movement and flow. If you have pin straight hair, a diffuser may not necessarily create waves, but will dry your hair in a similar manner as drying it naturally, but with more volume and less frizz.
HM.com: What's the ideal length for diffusing hair? Short, medium, long ... or does it matter?
MA: There isn't a specific length that works best for diffusing hair; it can work with all hair types.
HM.com: How do you prepare hair for diffusing?
MA: After washing and conditioning your hair, it is important not to fuss with it too much. You want to enhance its natural movement, so the less you touch it the better. The more you fuss, the more you will pull it towards frizzing.
Since diffusing is all about natural movement, we recommend using a curl-enhancing product; this will help to draw out any natural wave or curl you have. It will also help to eliminate frizz and control your curl without looking too contrived. A good curl product will not leave your hair crunchy so it is OK to be generous with it. Apply and run the product through from roots to ends.
If your hair tends to be frizzy, now is the time to add a frizz-controlling serum to the mix. Apply a serum gently to wet hair without creating too much movement in the hair. Remember, less really is more when it comes to handling your hair.
If you are letting your hair dry on its own, you can give yourself a round of hair spray and leave it as is.
If using a diffuser, concentrate on the root area first. Switch your blow dryer on to a hot setting if your hair is really wet or medium heat on just damp hair. Use a medium intensity or speed. Once most of the moisture is removed from the crown area, gently flip your head over and place the dryer under your hair. Continue to let the warm air dry your hair allowing the natural curls to form.
Once your hair is dry, flip your head back up and with your fingers gently move your hair about to the shape you like.
Click to continue...
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