Pros and Cons of Diffusing vs. Air Drying

Pros and Cons of Diffusing vs. Air Drying

Posted by Chisom Onuoha on

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether diffusing or air drying is better for your curls. The best drying method depends on your hair type, routine, and the results you’re looking for—and for some, it’s all about avoiding heat completely!

By weighing the pros and cons of air-drying and diffusing, you can get a clearer picture of which method might (or might not) work for you. This will help you decide whether to stick with your current drying method, try something new, or even switch things up!

Let’s break it down.

Diffusing Your Curls

As a low-porosity, dense, tightly curled girlie, drying my hair can take half of an entire day—and if you're part of the low-porosity club, you totally get it! The struggle of waiting for your hair to dry can make wash day feel like it stretches on indefinitely. 

So, here's where the diffuser comes into play. A diffuser is a big, usually plastic attachment that goes on your blow dryer and is specifically designed to dry curly hair.

Not only does it speed up the drying process, but helps distribute airflow in a controlled way, allowing you to dry your curls without disrupting their natural pattern. While it has several benefits, it also comes with a few downsides.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of using a diffuser:

Pros of Diffusing:

  • Faster Drying Time: This one takes the crown! A diffuser cuts down your drying time significantly—like, a lot—so you can actually move on with your day instead of waiting forever for your hair to dry. If you need to style your hair quickly or have somewhere to be, having a diffuser on hand can be helpful.

  • Reduces Frizz: Because a diffuser controls how air flows onto your curls (instead of blasting them from all directions like a regular blow-dryer), your curl pattern stays intact. No roughing up, no excessive movement—just defined curls with minimal frizz. 

  • Adds Volume: If big, voluminous curls are your goal, diffusing is the way to go! It lifts your roots and enhances your natural shape. For even more volume, try adding metal clips or something like Bounce Curl's Root Volume Clips at the roots while drying. If you are using clips, be sure to keep your diffuser on low; metal can heat up, and plastic can melt if you use high heat! Another trick? Gently place your hands beneath your scalp while diffusing—just place them, no moving around—to create lift without causing frizz.

Cons of Diffusing:

  • Heat Damage: Heat is still in the mix, which means there’s always a chance of damage. That might make you want to skip diffusing altogether, but hear me out— studies show that hovering your diffuser at least 15 cm away from your hair and using low to medium heat can reduce the risk of damage. And for added protection, using a good heat protectant spray is a game-changer. Some top picks include Miracle Shield Heat Protection Spray by Curlsmith, Innersense Hair Love Prep Spray, Curl Defence Spray by Bouclème, and AG Hair Deflect Fast Dry Heat Protection.

  • Requires Practice: Diffusing is a skill—you need the right technique, or it could go south fast. It takes a little trial and error to figure out what works for your hair, but once you nail your method, there’s no going back! Especially when you’ve got a top-tier diffuser like the Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser or The Great Big Diffuser from Curl Warehouse—because in this case, bigger definitely means better!

  • Risk of Frizz: There’s a right and wrong way to diffuse, and if you’re not using the right technique, you’re practically inviting frizz.

  • Added Expense: To diffuse your curls, you’ll need a diffuser, which might seem like an added expense. Added? Yes! Unnecessary? Very unlikely. There are a few budget-friendly options you can explore, that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets, like Curl Keeper’s Pop-Up Silicone Curl Diffuser. It features a flexible silicone band that fits into almost any hair dryer. Plus, there’s the Great Big Diffuser from Curl Warehouse.

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a diffuser but want to ease into the idea, a few at-home alternatives can help you mimic the diffusing effect—no special attachment needed! 

Air-Drying Your Curls

Air-drying is the most natural way to let your curls dry. It's effortless, heat-free, and requires no tools—just patience. While it’s the least stressful method (you essentially just let your hair be), it does come with a few downsides. 

Pros of Air-Drying:

  • No Heat Damage: If you want nothing to do with heat and the damage it brings, in the long run, air-drying is the safest option for maintaining your hair's health.

  • Doesn't Require Much Effort: Air-drying curly hair is possibly the least tasking thing you can do—you just apply your products, let your curls hang free, and go about your day. No fuss! 

  • Natural Curl Shape: Your curls will dry in their most natural pattern since there's no manipulation after styling. Air-drying lets your curls form as they naturally would.

Cons of Air-Drying:

  • Damage to the CMC: It might sound surprising, but air-drying can actually be more damaging than diffusing. Here's why: When your hair stays wet for too long, it’s continuously absorbing water, which affects the Cell Membrane Complex (CMC) inside the hair. Water causes the hair shaft to swell, and prolonged contact with moisture can damage the CMC. While heat damages the cuticle (the outer layer), leaving hair wet for extended periods can have deeper internal consequences. 

  • Time-Consuming: If you have low-porosity hair, air-drying can seriously test your patience. With tightly closed cuticles that make it harder for moisture and products to absorb, your hair takes much longer to dry naturally—a real hassle when you’ve got places to be!

  • Flat Roots: The longer your hair stays wet, the more gravity comes into play, which can weigh down your curls—especially at the roots. If you’re looking for volume, this might not be the method that helps you achieve it.

  • Increased Frizz: Air-drying can lead to more frizz, mainly because you’re less likely to leave your curls alone while they dry. Touching or scrunching them may seem tempting, but it can disrupt the curl pattern, leading to frizz instead of defined curls.

  • Not Ideal for Your Scalp: A damp environment creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and other scalp irritants. Leaving your hair wet for too long can lead to issues like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and itching, so it’s important to be mindful of how long your curls stay damp during the air-drying process.

Just because air-drying has its downsides doesn’t mean it’s a no-go! 

There are plenty of ways to speed up the process. For example, plopping your curls with a specially designed product like the Hair Plop from MoonstonSeven or using a Tee-Owel T-shirt Towel can soak up a ton of moisture. Plopping not only accelerates drying but also enhances curl definition, helping to maintain your curls’ natural pattern without disrupting them.

Another option? Combine both methods! Try diffusing your hair until it’s about 50% dry, then letting the rest air dry. Or, do the reverse—air-dry first and finish with a bit of diffusing for a balance of volume and definition. 

The key is to experiment and find what works best for you, your curls, and your lifestyle. Ultimately, no one knows what's best for you better than... you!

Need help choosing the right method or personalized product recommendations? Feel free to email us at products@curlwarehouse.com or visit us in-store.







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