These Hair Diffusers Gave Testers Smooth, Defined Curls and Coils Every Time (2025)

TL;DR

Our favorite diffuser is the DevaCurl DevaFuser, which adds volume, straightens strands, and dries roots quickly thanks to its 360-degree airflow and unique hand-shaped design. We also loved the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, a pricey but luxurious hair dryer designed to use less heat for faster drying (how cool is that!). It also increases shine, smooths strands, and reduces flyaways.

Our Top Picks

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 1 | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: None

You’re probably familiar with the curl innovation of DevaCurl, so it’s no surprise that the brand would have a one-of-a-kind diffuser made with curly hair in mind. The ceramic inner core preserves moisture to ensure shinier, sleeker-looking curls. Plus, the wide, hand-like head delivers 360 degrees of airflow to shorten your drying time. Just keep in mind that it takes a while to dry longer lengths.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: "This is a nutty-looking hair dryer, but it definitely does what it claims to do—make diffusing curly hair simple and easy. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you figure out which angles of the attachment are best for your drying purposes, it works well. I achieved decent curls and didn't create much frizz at all, thanks to the ionic button on the handle."

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 6 | Attachments: 4 | Warranty: 2 years

Now, this isn’t exactly a diffuser, but the even distribution of the air gives you all of the benefits of a hairdryer with the convenience of an attachment. It’s great for settingroller stylesortwist-outs, but it can also be used onwash-and-gostyles for easy, effortless drying. Plus, the flexible material fits virtually any blow-dryer.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: "It dried my hair completely in about 10 minutes, which is really good considering how thick my hair is. The diffuser is among the top three of the best I’ve ever used—it added volume without frizz and made my curls look like I’d used a curling iron. I loved the easy access cool shot button and how quickly you can switch between attachments (you just stick it on, and it locks in place, then you release it by pressing the buttons on the side of the nozzle). This one’s definitely a keeper."

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 2 streams of high-speed airflow| Attachments: 3 | Warranty: 2-year limited

This isn’t a diffuser, it’s not a dryer, and it’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill hot tool. There are not one, not two, but three different attachments included: a RapidGloss Finisher, a QuickSmooth round brush, and a DefrizzFast diffuser. The diffuser is noteworthy in and of itself, with retractable and extendable prongs that help shape your curls to perfection. Plus, this also allows you to wear your hair smooth if you want to blow-dry it straight or add back waves with the curl wraps. Not to mention that it measures and regulates the air temperature a whopping 1,000 times per second, helping to drastically cut down on the likelihood of heat damage.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: “I love how lightweight the Shark is, and the attachments that come with it are surprisingly useful. But the diffuser was on another level. It has these spokes that you can adjust up and down to boost volume at the roots. (If you already have the SpeedStyle, you can purchase the diffuser separately.)

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 4 heat/3 speeds | Attachments: 5 | Warranty: 2 years

This Supersonic hairdryer is quite the splurge, but users who love it say it’s worth every penny. Ollarvia says this dryer “has power and heat but doesn't displace the hair even on the highest air setting. It's game-changing because the hair can dry in half the time.” Its technology takes blow-drying one step further by doing the work of your favorite heat protectant and guarding your hair against damage for 75% increased smoothness and 132% decreased flyaways—no matter the humidity. Yes, it's expensive, but it's also won over fans who swear by its results, so we think it's worth the spend.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: “I could not get over how quickly this dried my hair (10 minutes, no joke), all without heat. That was a major plus, considering my hair is color-treated. I can definitely tell the difference in the texture when I heat style, but my hair felt so healthy and smooth after using this one. I know the price is a lot to stomach, but the technology, coupled with the amazing extras, are simply unmatched.”

Type: Diffuser | Settings: None | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: None

You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality diffuser. This collapsible travel-friendly blow-dryer attachment offers easy storage, funneling, and softening the airflow of your hairdryer while also collapsing to a convenient size.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: None | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: None

This convenient diffuser gets major points for its large shape, which allows it to dry big sections at a time. The circular bowl shape cups your hair to distribute heat from roots to tips for great shape and volume. It’s also surprisingly lightweight, so every wash day won't have to feel like an arm workout.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: None | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: None

No room for your standard diffuser in your carry-on bag? This Hot Sock diffuser is the next best thing. While it doesn’t feature fancy prongs, it conveniently glides over the nozzle of your blow-dryer to reduce heat damage, limit flyways, and promote more defined curls.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 3 heat/2 speeds | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: 1 year

When you want all of the bang of a quality hair dryer with less of the bulk, this compact ionic dryer is a great solution—and of course, it comes with a handy diffuser attachment. With three heat settings and two speed settings, you can control the amount of heat you subject your hair to while diffusing the airflow for a more precise drying experience. This is pricier than other options on our list, but you're getting a whole drying system, not just an attachment.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 3 heat/2 speeds | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: 4-year limited

There’s a reason why Conair is celebrated for making quality hair tools—they just get it right, and this classic hairdryer is no exception. The ceramic technology makes for safer drying, and you can also use the cold shot when you want to avoid heat. The diffuser also has prongs with multiple lengths so it can evenly distribute air through thick hair.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 3 heat/2 speeds | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: None

This blow-dryer and diffuser set was made with humidity in mind. With infrared heat technology and a diffuser with widespread prongs, you reduce your risk of over-drying your hair. The results? Smooth curls and enhanced shine.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: None | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: None

When you buy a diffuser that doesn’t come with your blow-dryer, you can run the risk of it not fitting—but not with this adaptable head. With a quick squeeze, it can adjust in size to fit 90% of blow-dryers. Use the diffuser for a sleek finish.

Type: Diffuser | Settings: 3 heat/2 speeds | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: 3-year limited

This diffuser sets itself apart from the pack for its unique design that has a large surface area—making for quick drying and faster results. The removable diffuser is evenly spaced for added definition, texture, and increased volume.

FAQ

• What are the benefits of using a diffuser for curly hair?

  A diffuser helps to control the air coming out of your hair dryer so that your curls can remain more intact and defined.

• How do you use a diffuser for curly hair?

  Gently comb through your hair with a brush and dry it softly with a towel after showering. Apply your styling products and a heat protectant. Then, divide your hair into sections. Put individual sections of your hair into the bowl-like part of the diffuser, pushing up from tip to root so that the prongs touch your scalp. From there, massage the diffuser into your hair by moving your dryer upward in a slow, circular motion. Set the dryer to low heat and speed settings to prevent your hair from becoming tangled and difficult to handle.

  "If you can expose your hand to the airstream from the diffuser without much discomfort for the same time you would hover over a section of your hair, then it's fine," notes Ollarvia. "Indirect heat use is like walking down the street in central Florida in July. Hot and uncomfortable but not dangerous."