You had to go on a quick trip and forgot to pack your diffuser or maybe the one you brought doesn't fit the hotel blow dryer? Or maybe you just want to try the newest TikTok trends and need tips on how to get the best out of seemingly outlandish ideas! We’ve got you covered.
A diffuser is a bowl-shaped attachment for your blow dryer that is specifically designed to dry curly hair. The role of a diffuser is to disperse and control air evenly so it doesn't disrupt and mess with your curl pattern while you're drying. This helps with volume, minimizes frizz, and gives your curls definition. It also helps your gel cast set faster which can improve the longevity of your style.
Here, you'll find interesting and easy at-home or away DIY techniques you can use in place of your diffuser.
Let's look at six alternatives to using a diffuser to dry your curls:
1. Sock DIY Diffuser Method
This is perhaps the easiest hack ever! All you need to do is grab a clean ankle-length sock and cover the end of the hairdryer with it, making sure to leave a little bit of space for airflow. After that, secure the sock with a hair tie. Choose one that is not plastic if you are using anything but the cold shot setting on your dryer. And that's it! Your curls are ready to be diffused. The sock will disperse the air as it comes out, lessening the impact of direct heat on your hair.
2. Using a Strainer or Colander to Diffuse Your Curls
This "hack" has been all over social media lately. A colander or strainer can serve as a quick fix for diffusing curls - with some caveats.
After blotting out excess water, apply a leave-in conditioner or your preferred styling products and a heat protectant spray - Hair Love Prep Spray is a good one and also check out Curlsmith's Miracle Shield - then raid the kitchen of your Air BnB for a strainer.
The trick is to bend forward, dip your curls into the colander or strainer, scoop the curls, and bring it to rest close to your scalp. Use the blow dryer on low heat—I repeat, low heat—to avoid burning your hair. This is important because most strainers are made of stainless steel. Using high heat could cook your hair and burn your hand, as the handle can get too hot.
When you use a food strainer, you have a much larger drying surface, so you can dry more hair at the same time. This helps in creating a more uniform curl definition and in cutting down on your drying time.
If you want to give this a shot and avoid heat damage, use low heat and hold your dryer at a good distance away from the strainer. Avoid using a plastic colander because it may melt.
While this method has yielded amazing results for many, it is not a feasible long-term option as working with both hands can be harder to do. Also, the curls do not really stay in the strainer very well, which may make diffusing this way frustrating. Additionally, there's always the risk of burning your hand or your curls. We'd only recommend trying this in an absolute pinch when you know you can dry with cold air only.
3. Use Your Hands or Counter to Hold Your Curls While Blow Drying
Here’s another major workaround for diffusing without a diffuser: using your hands or bathroom counter to hold your curls while drying so they don't blow around everywhere. After plopping your curls and removing as much water as possible, start by hovering the dryer closely around the roots of your hair on a low, warm setting to dry them.
For the lengths, hold a clump of your curls in your cupped hand as if you’re going to give them a good squeeze (but don't actually squeeze). Then, stick the nozzle in the middle so the air passes over your curls to escape. This way, there’s no separation or disruption of your curl pattern, which could lead to frizz. Again be sure to use a very low heat setting - or even the cold setting - to avoid burning yourself.
You can also try putting a towel over your bathroom counter and lowering your hair down onto it, almost as if you are plopping your hair. Then blow dry downwards onto your curls with a gentle speed.
4. Use the Vents in Your Car To Dry Your Hair
This is a handy trick when you're pressed for time and your hair isn't completely dry. We've all probably done it at some point because it's accomplishing two things at once: you're on your way to class or work, and your hair is getting a full blast of air from your car vents. To help with volume, you could also add a clip or two prior to getting in the car. Don't forget to remove them when you get to your destination!
5. Try Cheesecloth or Fabric Over Your Dryer as a Makeshift Diffuser
You can also use a cheesecloth or any breathable fabric (spaces between the fibers) to diffuse your curls. Simply cover the end of your blow dryer with the fabric and secure it with a fabric hair tie similar to the sock suggestion above.
Make sure there is a little bit of space between the fabric and the dryer, i.e., don't pull it tight across the front of the dryer opening. You don't want to be tightly sealing the ends of your dryer. Set the blow dryer on low heat to prevent the cloth from getting too hot.
6. A Laundry Sheet For Diffusing Your Hair?
A laundry dryer sheet can also work wonders for your curls. Wrap the sheet around the end of your blow dryer and secure it with a hair tie, similar to the fabric or cheesecloth above.
The interesting thing is that, since it's a dryer sheet, it's able to withstand heat. It's also soft and easy to work with. So, if you ever find yourself in a pinch, give this a try.
Are any of these hacks something you would try or will you stick to a trusty diffuser designed for curly hair?
