Try all-natural products that cleanse with oils, rather than soap agents, to help your hair look healthy and glossy when it’s dry. Avoid using harsh shampoos made with sulfates, which can dry out your hair and cause it to look dull and frizzy.
There is one exception to this rule. If your hair is wavy, it might be best to skip the leave-in conditioner. This can weigh down your hair, decreasing the curls and volume you’re trying to achieve through using a hair diffuser. [2] X Research source Styling lotion for curly hair can also be helpful. If you have wavy hair, go for a lightweight product like curling cream, or mousse. [3] X Expert Source Martin NeptonProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020. Try twisting each of your curls around your fingers and then slipping your finger out of the coil before you use the diffuser on them. This will help to define them. [4] X Expert Source Martin NeptonProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020. Some advise what is called the “rake and shake” method to try and bring out natural curls before diffusing. Divide your hair into 5 sections: 1 in front and 2 sections on either side of your head. Work in leave-in conditioner and hair products section-by-section. When you finish a section, hold it by its end and gently shake it out in a way that allows natural curls or waves to begin taking shape. [5] X Research source
To start, tilt your head to 1 side. Take the diffuser and place it near your hair’s roots. Hold it there until your roots are dry. [8] X Research source Use circular motions as you dry the hair near your scalp. Use the diffuser’s prongs to gently massage your hair, promoting volume as well as natural waves and curls. [9] X Research source
Keep in mind, if your hair’s naturally curly you may want to use the diffuser differently. Many women with natural curls feel their hair dries better if they stop after drying the roots. If you feel a diffuser makes your natural curly hair frizzier, try letting your ends air dry. See if this leads to better results. [10] X Research source Try lifting each section of hair from the bottom as you dry it with the diffuser. This will add more lift at the roots, and it will prevent your wet hair from weighing down your curls as they dry. [11] X Expert Source Martin NeptonProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020. After your roots are dry, you can take sections of curls and put them into the diffuser. Keep the curls intact as you do this to help prevent frizz. Use your hands sparingly as you diffuse your hair. Touching can create frizz and cause natural curls and waves to lose shape. It may feel like it’s taking a long time relying on the diffuser alone. However, keeping your hands out of your hair will lead to better results. [12] X Research source
Gently mist your hair with styling spray once it’s dry. This will help your hair retain its shape all day. [13] X Research source If your hair feels crunchy or dull after drying, there are a variety of products you can use to combat this. Consider pomade or shine serum, both of which you can purchase at a local salon. Rub some of the pomade or serum into your hands and then gently work it into your hair. Pull your hands through your hair, as if you’re trying to pull your hair into a ponytail, and then continue pulling until you reach your ends. [14] X Research source
Leave your regular conditioner in for 3 to 5 minutes instead of washing it out immediately. This will keep your hair a little softer and more moisturized going into the diffusing process. [15] X Research source Make sure to rinse out shampoo and conditioner completely. Leaving in any residue can dry out your hair and cause damage. Rinse until you no longer see any suds leaving your hair. [16] X Research source
To continue drying, squeeze excess water of your hair. Do not rub dry with a towel. This can leave hair frizzy and difficult to manage. [17] X Research source If your hair is still dripping wet, it’s better to blot dry with a towel than rub. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it is still wet. [18] X Research source
Any products you use should have some kind of moisturizing agent. This is because heat can dry out your hair. Look for lotion-based mousse, foam, or gel to use in your hair before you begin diffusing. [20] X Research source
As with simply drying your hair with a diffuser, natural curls may be best left alone. If your hair is normally curly, try drying the roots and letting the ends air dry. [23] X Research source Use the same circular motions as you continue diffusing your hair. As always, keep your hands out of your hair during this process. This can interfere with the style.
Place clips in your hair near the roots. Keep them at an angle. This will lift the top section of your hair, encouraging volume as you dry. [24] X Research source You can either continue to use the diffuser or allow your hair to dry naturally with the clips in place. Different types of hair will respond in different ways. You may have to do some trial and error to see which methods best bring out volume in your hair. Try diffusing your hair with the clips in one day. The next day, allow your hair to air dry. See which results you prefer. [25] X Research source
Your hair should have natural bounce after diffusing it. Don’t apply too much hair spray or another heavy product, since this could weigh your hair down. Once again, apply product by acting like you’re pulling your hair into a ponytail. Then, run your fingers all the way to the ends of your hair. [27] X Research source Pay attention to product instructions. Many products advise that you apply at the roots to prevent your hair from looking greasy or weighed down. [28] X Research source
Products designed to give hair volume can be applied to your roots. You can find volumizing shampoos and conditioners at the super market. Your local salon will likely also sell leave-in products designed to encourage volume. Read the instructions on the products you buy carefully. Some are spray-on and some should be massaged into your scalp. [29] X Research source Mousse can work well when you’re trying to make straight hair curly. Consider adding a small bit of mousse to your hair, focusing specifically at the roots. [30] X Research source As heat can damage hair, a heat protectant is important. This is especially true if your hair is thin. Blow dry sprays and oils are usually sold at local salons. You usually do not need to use more than a drop of such products. [31] X Research source If your hair is especially prone to frizz, see if you can find a protectant with a moisturizing agent.
Another option is to twist your hair in small to medium sections before you start diffusing it. This will form curls in your hair after you finish diffusing it.
Gently mist your hair with your favorite brand of hair spray. This will help solidify your new style. Avoid using too much spray. This could cause a strong odor and could also make your hair look stiff. [33] X Research source Use pomade or serum to make your hair look soft and natural. Smooth it gently over your hair, running your hands from your roots to the tips of your hair. [34] X Research source
