Considering a Dyson Diffuser? An Expert Talks Us Through How to Use It

The wonders of Dyson’s hair tools are unmissable. Plastered across social media are creative Air Wrap tutorials or shared shock and awe at how the Air Strait gets your hair from wet to dry in seconds.

But as someone with tight, coily hair, I always thought that the tools wouldn’t work for my curls unless they were straightened, stretched or blow dried. Essentially, I was on the outside looking in, and I wasn’t alone. “Convinced Dyson hair dryers are just not for the curly babes,” one X user wrote. Another chimed in: “I’m saddened to announce that after 16 months of trying to convince myself otherwise, the Dyson Air Wrap does not work on curly hair.”

Haircrush, a Black haircare platform, pledged to change the narrative around Dyson tools by holding an event which re-introduced the products like the Dyson diffuser with curly and coily hair in mind, spotlighting how the features work for our hair type. I have to admit I was impressed. I left feeling like I could finally, confidently, use the Dyson tools.

Experts Featured in This Article

Dionne Smith is a celebrity hair stylist and has worked with the likes of Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Bridgeton’s Golda Rosheuvel and India Amateifio and BBC presenter Clara Amfo.

Dyson stylists and technicians re-introduced us to the Supersonic Hair Dryer (£280, originally £330), using the Wide Tooth Comb (£30) attachment and the Wave+Curl Diffuser (£30) for two separate styles. The Wide Tooth comb uses triangular shaped tongs to carefully detangle and comb your hair, without poking your scalp or breaking as it combs your hair. A standout feature is the magnet that keeps the Dyson attachments firmly in place, making the wide tooth comb “more ergonomic and allows for more tension without restraint”. I’ve been through many so-called universal comb attachments, dangerously taped in place or holding on for dear life while I struggle to blowdry my hair at home, so this sold it for me.

But it was the Dyson diffuser that I immediately added to my basket on my walk home. Celebrity hairstylist Dionne Smith styled model Kemmy’s hair using the popular finger coiling method. Smith used the Dyson diffuser to elevate the style, adding more volume and definition to the finished look.

At £30, the diffuser attachment is like no other. Its dome shape allows heat to flow into the bowl, rather than directly to your scalp or onto the tongs, reducing how hot it feels when using the tool – IYKYK. This increases definition without the excessive heat (the Dyson only goes up to 140 degrees, 160 in “boost” mode).

If you’re intrigued about how a Dyson could work on your hair, or whether to take the plunge and get a Dyson diffuser, here are Smith’s top tips for using the attachment to get defined coils and bouncy curls.

Your Hair Needs to Be Wet

Smith says that the main mistake people make when defining their curls is trying to style on dry hair. “Your hair needs to be soaking wet,” she tells us. “Even when taking the style down, you’ll need to wet your hair before detangling.”

A gentle hand is key here, as your hair can be more fragile and more susceptible to breakage when wet. It’s best to avoid detangling your hair in the shower, so use a spray bottle to dampen your hair instead.

Soft Versus Hard Curls

Through your own experimentation, you may already know the difference between using a curling cream or a curling gel. Smith explains that using a curling cream results in softer curls, while a gel can give you harder curls which hold a little longer.

“Sometimes a gel can be a nightmare to take down once you’re done with the style, so I prefer to use a cream, like Aveda’s Be Curly Curling Cream,” she recommends.

Start on the Lowest Setting

Since you’ll be starting with wet hair, as explained above, it’s best to start on the lowest setting when reaching for the dryer. This goes for heat and airflow.

When it’s time to diffuse, start at the ends of your hair. “I rest the ends of the hair into the dome, which helps to spread the heat throughout the hair and softly dries it,” Smith shares.

Want More Volume?

While definition is the main goal, sometimes a little more volume can push your style to new heights. Smith says if your hair is long enough, toss your hair over and diffuse the ends by placing them into the bowl.

If your hair is shorter, diffuse as normal and then lift your roots slightly by picking them with a wide toothed comb or Afro pick. This will keep the definition in the ends of your hair too.

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.