These Are the 11 Best Hair Diffusers for Defined and Bouncy Curls, According to Experts
Perfect your curly blow-dry and let your natural texture shine with one of these expert-approved hair diffusers.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for curly hair. Anyone who is used to experimenting with styling their natural hair texture will know that curls come in so many different patterns and porosities, which means that products and curl creams that work on my texture might not necessarily work for yours. However, when it comes to drying curly hair, experts agree that there is one tool that is non-negotiable when it comes to perfecting a curly blow-dry, and that’s a diffuser.
“Diffusers allow heat and very gentle airflow to ambiently dry curls without moving them around too much,” says expert hairstylist and hair trend forecaster Tom Smith. “It basically mimics the natural air drying process but sped up, and the curved bowl shape allows you to contract the curls while drying to further enhance their tightness and definition.”
Simply put, if you’re not already using a diffuser with your hair dryer and you have curly hair, then it might just be the secret to achieving more defined curls, shinier texture, and bouncier volume. But before we delve into our list of the best hair diffusers in more detail, I wanted to pick Smith’s brains on how to get the most out of your diffuser if you’re new to using one.
How Do You Use a Diffuser?
Once you’ve attached your diffuser to your hair dryer, Smith points out that the key to success is using it on the lowest speed setting possible with medium heat. “Without touching the hair, slowly move the diffuser around your head, allowing your curls to slowly dry and set,” explains Smith. Slow and steady is key here.
For extra curl definition, Smith suggests tipping your head forward. “Try using gravity by leaning your head over and letting your curls fall into the bowl of the diffuser, keeping it still in place for a few seconds before tipping a different direction to tighten, contract and enhance your curls.”
How Do You Prep Hair Before Using a Diffuser?
As someone who avoided using a diffuser for years because I never liked how my hair looked after using one, it turns out that I was missing one key step: prep. “You need to prep your curls with a suitable product and shake and scrunch your hair into the desired position before diffusing,” says Smith. “Olaplex No.10 is my top favourite curl product of the moment, thanks to its reparative and nourishing benefits without crispness or stickiness.”
And, most importantly, whether you’re prepping, diffusing, or air-drying your hair, Smith’s most crucial piece of advice for achieving curly hair is to try not to touch it. “The more you touch and move the hair while diffuse drying, the more you’ll cause fluff and irregularities. Keep the hair still while drying, and the curls will be more resilient and defined,” he explains.
The Best Hair Diffusers
- Best Pro Diffuser: Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Curly + Coily (£400)
- Best for Speed Drying: Shark FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser (£25)
- Best Affordable Diffuser: Tresemmé Pro Pure Curl Define (£31)
- Best for Hydrating: BaByliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Hair Dryer with Diffuser (£60)
- Best for Shiny Curls: GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser (£29)
1. Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Curly + Coily
Specifications: 4 heat settings and 3 speed settings
Almost every hair expert that I speak to about curly hair swears by the Dyson hair dryer diffuser attachment, and it’s Smith’s diffuser of choice, too. “The micro fine mesh used in the Dyson diffuser attachments is highly superior to any other for controlling air flow in my opinion,” says Smith. Unfortunately, you can’t currently purchase it as a standalone attachment, but if you’re in the market for a new hair dryer, then it makes a great option for curly or wavy hair. It’s been specially engineered to evenly disperse air with longer prongs that reach deeper into the air for more effective drying.
Pros
- Like a professional blow dry
- Good for curls, coils and waves
- Hair is left volumised and lifted
Cons
- Very expensive
2. Shark FlexStyle Diffuser
Specifications: 3 heat and speed settings
The Shark multi-styler has to be one of the most viral hair tools of the last few years, and it's undeniably worth the hype—in no small part because of the curl-defining diffuser that comes with the set but can also be purchased separately. Diffusers have a bit of a reputation as being slow, but this one dries textured hair from root to tip incredibly quickly. Plus, it has extendable prongs to lift the roots and add bounce.
Pros
- Dries hair incredibly quickly
- Curls are so separated and defined
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only for Shark tools
3. TRESemme Pro Pure Curl Define Hair Dryer With Diffuser
Specifications: 3 heat and speed settings
This diffuser dryer is incredibly inexpensive for how powerful it is. The dryer is 2200w, but the diffuser softens the airflow, and it has added ionic technology, which helps to prevent flyaways. Plus, the diffuser tips are soft, so it’s gentle on the scalp.
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- Leaves hair soft and flexible
- Good for waves and curls
Cons
- None
4. Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe Hair Dryer With Diffuser
Specifications: 4 heat settings and 3 speed settings
This hair dryer claims to maintain 1000 times more moisture than a regular hair dryer, which is important for curly and coily hair that can often be on the drier side. The diffuser is compact but still achieves even airflow.
Pros
- Great price
- Versatile settings
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- A little slow
5. Babyliss 2100w Hydro-Fusion Dryer
Specifications: 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings
The advanced plasma technology in this dryer, with the dual ionic power, means it helps with hydration within the hair. I particularly like the spacing of the prongs on the diffuser, as they offer great airflow.
Pros
- Hydrates and softens hair
- Leaves hair silky
- Fast drying
Cons
- None
6. BaByliss Pro 3 in 1 Universal Diffuser
Specifications: 3 separate fittings
If you own a BaByliss Pro hair dryer, then you need to pick up this diffuser pronto. It’s compatible with the Mega Turbo, Black Magic Radiance Crimson Edition, Brilliance Cobalt Edition and Diamond Special Edition dryers and has three attachments depending on the finish you desire, whether you want lift, volume or smoothing.
Pros
- Different attachments to personalise finish
- Large size so great for long and short hair
- Great for volume
Cons
- Not a universal attachment
7. T3 Fit Diffuser
Specifications: 6 heat and speed combinations
This diffuser for the T3 dryer is excellent for defining even the tightest coils while keeping hair soft. It's compatible with the T3 Afar dryer, a compact design that is great for travelling and comes with six heat and speed combinations.
Pros
- Great curl definition
- Doesn't leave hair feeling frazzled
- Gentle flow
Cons
- Only fits T3 dryers
8. GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser
Specifications: Use with the GHD Helios and Air dryers
This diffuser fits the GHD hair dryer and the Helios, too. Personally, I think the diffuser and Helios combo is *chef’s kiss* for curls. The dryer’s Aeroprecis technology gives the most powerful airflow, but the diffuser provides even coverage over your curls for quick but non-damaging drying.
Pros
- Distributes air flow evenly
- Bouncy finish
- Creates sleek curls and waves
Cons
- Only compatible with GHD hairdryers
9. Salmue Universal Foldable Diffuser
Specifications: Foldable design
A foldable diffuser is key for travel, and this one really does fit most hair dryers if you’re not in the market for a new dryer, too.
Pros
- Universal fit
- Easy to store
- Large so great for long hair
Cons
- Not the most powerful
10. Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer Travel Edition
Specifications: 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings
It's so rare to find a travel hairdryer with an accompanying diffuser, but this petite dryer comes with an XL diffuser attachment to ensure that your curls and coils are looked after when you're away from home. There are different speeds and heat settings for gently drying whatever your hair porosity.
Pros
- Compact size dryer
- Full size diffuser
- Minimises flyaways
Cons
- None!
11. Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Hair Dryer with Diffuser
Specifications: 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings and a cold hair shot
Unlike most hair dryers, which come with a diffuser attachment, this innovative tool puts curl styling front and centre—drying hair while keeping curls intact. It uses ceramic technology and argan oil to ensure that curls stay hydrated as they dry, while Supreme Curl Flow technology, developed by leading engineers and curl experts, helps with delicate drying to enhance your natural texture and curl pattern.
Pros
- Diffuser and hairdryer in one
- XL size for faster drying time
- Keeps curls in tact
Cons
- It's expensive
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
