Diffuser for hairdryer: what is it and what is it for, choice and operation

A rare woman does not dream of well-groomed beautiful hair. However, not everyone can boast of thick and shiny curls by nature. Therefore, the arsenal of each fashionista includes all sorts of devices in order to make her hair more fluffy, shiny, curly or, conversely, straight. And a hair dryer is that device without which no truly complex hairstyle will take place.

To facilitate the shaping process, they came up with a diffuser - a nozzle for a hairdryer, which helps to fluff the hair, add volume, movement to it, and also (if used for its intended purpose) turn the locks into tight locks.

A diffuser is a round or oval nozzle strewn with “spikes”. The size of these spikes is of great importance in the formation of hairstyles, so you need to choose the right nozzle. The diameter of the circle or oval is also important. If you have short or medium length hair, you will need a large diameter diffuser, but the spikes should be short. If your strands reach the shoulder blades or descend lower, then everything should be the other way around: the diameter is small and the spikes are long.

Diffusers are constantly being improved, as are the hair dryers themselves. If earlier the spikes were solid, now holes have appeared on them. Using this design, you can dry the strands faster without causing them much harm, since the roots will not have as much heat as under the influence of a directed jet of hot air. In addition, such a device does not greatly inflate curls, so the styling is more accurate. There are still nozzles with spikes not of plastic, but of silicone, they are soft. In use, they are about the same as solid ones, just in addition to drying, they also slightly massage the scalp.

The advantages of the diffuser are as follows:

• the area of ​​its action is larger, therefore drying is faster;
• it is very easy to use, even a beginner can master it;
• it is safer to dry the strands with a diffuser than if this were done with a cone-shaped nozzle, since the heated air dissipates and gets non-hot to the roots. And this means that less damage is done to the hair;
• drying with a diffuser raises the hair in the root area, since its shape is designed specifically for this effect in the drying process and fixing them in a raised form;
• The massage effect of the nozzle improves blood circulation and stimulates hair growth. But massaging the skin with too hot spikes is undesirable because it can cause a burn.

However, one should not underestimate the thermal effect on the hair, even if it is reduced compared to a directed hairdryer. Regular use of the diffuser leads to overdrying of the strands at the ends and, as a result, an increase in brittleness and the appearance of split ends.

The diffuser works on the principle of air flow distribution. Due to the increased area of ​​the nozzle, even strongly heated air cools down, as it does not get directed to the hair and scalp, but to a defocused one. At the same time, it is possible to dry more hair than with a cone nozzle. The task of the diffuser is to disperse the air coming from the hair dryer, accelerating the drying process and simultaneously creating styling thanks to the spikes that lift the strands from the roots or form curls.

Diffusers are very different. The standard nozzle is equipped with perpendicular protruding straight or rounded spikes. Thanks to this design, the air flows are distributed evenly, eliminating the possibility of injury to the scalp with hot air. If you love, so that the basal volume is more palpable (as with styling in the style of the 1960s), you need a nozzle with long spikes and better if there is a hole in each of them, and in the nozzle itself too. So the styling will be more accurate, the air dispersion will be even stronger.

For lovers of tight curls you will need a diffuser, on which there are fewer spikes than on the standard one, and they are also smaller in size. It is with such a nozzle that it is easier to curl hair with rotational movements, forming curls. If the spikes are too long or frequent, then with a high probability the strands will become tangled. Owners of long hair should use a nozzle with silicone spikes, because silicone will prevent tangling.

Those with thin hair need to use a diffuser of a special design - with a pressed center and spikes of different sizes. Such a nozzle is the least traumatic for the scalp. The more often the spikes, the more convenient they are for laying short hair. Accordingly, a spike with rare teeth is ideal for working with long or very long hair. To work with this length, the spikes must be thick, and for short strands - thinner.

The diameter of the diffusers also differ. The more powerful the hair dryer, the larger the nozzle diameter, this is necessary so that the air flow is better distributed. This primarily concerns professional and semi-professional hair dryers.Those intended for use at home are not so powerful.

The shapes of the spikes are also different: cylindrical, flat, curly. The former are the most versatile, flat only needed to create volume at the roots. Curls with such a nozzle cannot be made. But curly spikes are just right in order to create curls.

More recently, hair dryers with active diffusers, that is, with vibrating spikes, have appeared on the market. Such a nozzle does not need to be rotated, it copes with the task of creating the largest basal volume.

Almost every manufacturer of household appliances has a line of hairdryers - with and without diffusers. However, some products are especially good and easy to use.

• Braun - A German brand that has earned fame in the domestic market. Recently, however, a large number of competitors have appeared, offering modern, semi-professional and professional products at significantly more humane prices than Braun. At this company, one of the qualities that are not winning for the consumer is precisely the price - its hairdryers stand as professional products, not being such. In addition, the diffuser nozzles from this manufacturer are not suitable for most women with short hair. Thus, the popularity of hairdryers of this brand falls.

• At Rowenta another problem is that its diffusers are completely unsuitable for use by long-haired women. Although the brand was a revolutionary in the production of such nozzles, it was the first to offer hairdressers equipped with diffusers to customers. Everything, as always, rests on a pricing policy that does not provide for lowering product prices. Buyers vote in rubles - but for other brands.

• Inexpensive brand Vitek It offers a large selection of hairdryers, but they have one significant drawback - a large weight, which makes them uncomfortable to use. Nevertheless, the brand does not lose popularity due to the budget of products.

• Philips offers customers semi-professional hair dryers of excellent quality. Products are popular both among ordinary consumers and hairdressers. Not the most budget products, but they serve for a long time and without complaints.

• Mark Bosh perhaps represented in the largest number of hairdryer options. A lot of diffusers are also offered, including separately for straight and separately for curly hair. The latter is equipped with spikes resembling fingers, thanks to which the strands during drying are transformed into curls, while not combing, but combing. However, the problem of the bulkiness and heavy weight of products also exists.

• Remigton - relatively new brand in the domestic market. Products have both humane prices and good quality, which makes them very attractive in the eyes of customers. The diffuser nozzle offered by the brand is universal and suitable for styling hair of any length.

• Babyliss - hairdryers of very high quality. They are professional, so you should be prepared for the off-budget cost of products. However, they are reliable, durable, equipped with ionizers, which reduces the negative impact on the strands. Hair dryers are powerful, yet lightweight and manoeuvrable.

• Dyson - the most expensive hair dryers. But those who used them, note the highest quality, power and ease of use. Hair dryers have a unique design, unlike any of the existing models on the market. The diffuser is offered alone, but it is universal and is suitable for short and long hair.

First of all, you need to proceed from your needs. The following criteria are important:

• the length of your hair;
• how often do you plan to use a hair dryer and a nozzle;
• the state of your hair - how healthy it is, whether your hair breaks, if there are any cut ends;
• condition of the scalp - is there dandruff, peeling, itching;
• the amount you can spend on a hairdryer.

By answering these questions, you can decide which brand you should pay attention to. If the condition of your hair and scalp is imperfect, first fix the existing problems. Do not overdry an already dry scalp, exacerbating its condition. Drink a course of vitamins, use scrubs and shampoos to eliminate irritations on the scalp, make oil wraps and hair masks to eliminate their fragility.

Nozzles are sold separately. For example, compact hair dryers rarely come with a diffuser, so they just need to purchase it (unless, of course, you need it). But for hairdryers, for which the corresponding nozzle is attached, it is possible to purchase a different configuration of the diffuser. For example, you purchased a hair dryer with a diffuser for short hair, but you have grown hair and now need a nozzle for styling long strands. You can not buy a hair dryer (especially if your one suits you perfectly) and purchase a compatible nozzle.

To do styling on short hair with a diffuser, you need:

• wash hair and dry it naturally 80%;
• apply a small amount of foam or mousse for styling, evenly distributing it;
• turn on the hairdryer at the lowest speed (with the diffuser on), the air should be warm;
• if you need basal volume, do massage movements with a diffuser in the area of ​​the hair roots;
• if you want to create waves, then the diffuser needs to be moved with rotational movements;
• Having completely dried the strands, give them the desired shape with your fingers;
• apply a small amount of hairspray to fix the hairstyle.

If you have strands that have an average length, you are more fortunate than others, since it is easiest to stack them with a diffuser. The following manipulations should be performed:

• the entire volume of hair must be divided into five equal (approximately) parts: it is the occipital, two temporal, vertex and parietal, each must be fixed with a clamp or “crab”;
• you need to start from the back of the head, mousse or foam is applied to this part of the hair, after which the switched off hair dryer with a diffuser is brought to the strand, and it is placed in spikes, rotating the diffuser;
• then the hairdryer must be turned on to minimum mode and warm the air for several minutes to dry the strands;
• stack areas in the same way at the temples and in the crown;
• on the parietal zone, you must decide whether you will have a parting and on which side, then it is necessary to apply mousse or foam, to dry, tilting your head to the side where the parting “looks”, if there is no parting and the hair is laid back, then the head should be slightly thrown back;
• After finishing the strands, turn off the hairdryer, finish styling with your fingers, and then fix with varnish.

If you need to style long hair, proceed according to the following algorithm:

• hair that has dried 80% naturally (any styling should be started in this way), divide into 4 parts - the back (the back of the head and the crown), two on the temples, parietal;
• having previously wrapped the hair of the back on the diffuser, dry the locks with the help of non-hot air;
• fix with a small amount of varnish or spray, then dry the hair on the temples in the same way;
• the front part of the hair is dried in the same way, after which strands are worked out with fingers, giving the necessary shape, the resulting hairstyle needs to be fixed.

To form curls or waves (at any length) by the diffuser, the hair must be divided into strands, each of which should be twisted into a bundle before drying.

After drying your hair completely, do not rush to immediately untie the plaits. Do this in a few minutes as soon as you make sure that all the strands are thoroughly dried. The longer the spikes on the diffuser, the smaller the curls. Do not forget that to create curls with this device you will need training, so you should not start styling directly on the day of the event.

If you need to straighten your hair, this can also be done using a diffuser, but it is much easier to use an iron or a cone-shaped curling iron for this. However, if you try, you can get voluminous and at the same time straight and smooth strands using a diffuser. How to achieve this?

• Hair should be wet. They need to apply a special straightening agent. The thicker your hair, the more carefully it will have to be worked out.
• Each strand should be combed.and then “scratch” the diffuser with movements from top to bottom. In order to straighten hair, they need to be slightly pulled down during the drying process. Start from the back of the head, from the bottom and move up. Each strand should be completely dried.
• After the mane is dried, you can structure the tips with wax or modeling paste. This will help to make the hair more neat.

• Laying on short hair with the creation of small curls is an excellent option both for a way out and for every day.

• The emphasized careless hairstyle gives out the creative nature of its owner.

• Basal volume and large curls - a classic evening styling with a diffuser.

• Such a hairstyle is a matter of training, but to make it is not as difficult as it seems.

• First, make a volume at the roots, and then twist the hair into curls - this will turn out an interesting styling for every day.

It is generally recognized that using a diffuser is more gentle for hair and scalp than a hair dryer, curling iron or ironing machine. However, this does not mean that the nozzle is harmless. This is not true. Daily or even frequent use can lead to dry hair, especially in the ends. In addition, constant exposure to warm or hot air can cause dry scalp, itching and peeling, as well as dandruff. Hair can become brittle at the roots.

Try to dry your hair naturally as often as possible, never dry wet strands. If you still use a hair dryer, be sure to use thermal protection products, regularly make masks - both ready-made and folk remedies - castor oil, honey, onion juice, nettle or chamomile infusions (depending on the color of your hair). If you cannot at all without volume in the root area, Use not only a diffuser, but also less traumatic methods, for example, soft curlers made of foam rubber or silicone. They create almost the same volume, and harm hair much less.

Reviews on styling using the diffuser nozzle on the Internet are contradictory - from delight to recognition of the complete uselessness of the device. Curly girls note that it is very convenient to lay wavy hair, giving them volume and shape. Owners of long hair believe that the device is not of particular benefit to them personally. Lovers of styling with a basal volume call the nozzle indispensable, as well as those who stretch their hair, previously creating a volume.

Creating curls without prior training through the use of a diffuser, as consumers say, is not an easy task. Much more convenient for these purposes are tongs, curling irons or curlers.

See how to dry your hair with a diffuser in the next video.