Choose to Diffuse

By Stylist Intern, Ferrara

Hey curly girls!  If you have wavy or "swavy" curl type and desire more volume and bounce, try using a diffuser to dry your hair!  A diffuser is an attachment that fits on the end of your blow dryer that allows the air to flow gently, rather than forcefully.  The results is dry hair while keeping your curls in tact.  Here are some tips and tricks for adding this tool to your curly girl regimen.

Make sure your diffuser fits secure on the end of your blow dryer.  Some blow dryers will come with one, or you can purchase a "universal" diffuser which will fit most dryers.

The purpose of the diffuser is to have a soft air flow so that your curls are not disturbed, causing frizz.  Start with medium/low air flow and medium heat.  Once you get comfortable, you can play around with the settings and find out what works best for you.

On to the drying technique:  Bend and turn your head upside down, or to the side, and "cup" the ends of your curls into the the diffuser, and lift gently towards your scalp, coiling your curls into the diffuser from the ends all the way to the scalp.  Also, start drying right away so that the curls on top do not dry in a downwards motion.  Make sure you do not move the diffuser around too much.  Be gentle and hold the hair cupped in the diffuser in one spot as long as possible before moving to the next. Continue this until the hair is dry or nearly dry.

When you have finished drying your curls, turn the dryer on cool. Most blow dryers have a button on the handle grip, known as a cold shot.  By pressing this button and giving your hair a "cool shot" will set the curls and leave you with more volume and definition.

All done! Just shake your curls around and follow the next step of your beauty regimen.

As a curly girl myself, I use my diffuser every time I style my hair and I love it!  This will work with all product lines.  This technique just takes a little practice and is totally worth it!  All curls are different though, so you will just have to try it and see what works for you!