9 Best Diffusers for Curls (2024), Tested and Reviewed

Everyone is different and it may take some trial and error to determine the correct diffusion routine. Maybe you want to blow-dry your hair completely, or maybe you want to blow-dry it to 80%. Maybe you need a leave-in, curling gel and pomade, or maybe you just need a little heat protectant. These are some of the products we like to use in our own hairstyling sessions that might work for you.

Turbie Twist Microfiber Towel ($17): I like plop my hair Let it soak up some moisture for a few minutes after showering before diffusing. These microfiber towels are designed to stay put, and they absorb lots of moisture without overdrying my hair. Others swear by wearing a t-shirt, but this works best for me.Lauren Strapp

Patterned Leave-in Conditioner ($28) and Not Your Mom's Curl Talk Cream & Gel ($17) After plopping, I put a drop of no-rinse conditioner in my hair, then a palmful of curling cream, and finally a generous amount of hairspray. This is what makes my naturally curly clumps look their best when diffused. It may be too heavy for some curl textures, but this is my favorite method. —Lauren Strapp

Kristin Ess Style-Assist Blow-Dry Spray ($15): This is one of the most effective heat protectants I've tried and actually shortens drying time – during the blow-drying process, I can actually tell where I sprayed it and where I didn't. I wish it were as easy to apply as the Milk_Shake Foam Primer below, but still has a well-targeted spray on the bottle and the product is light enough that it doesn't leave a residue. —Kate Merck

Milk_Shake Lifestyling Blow-Dry Primer ($26): This lightly scented heat protectant is designed to prevent fading and reduce drying time. It doesn't do the latter as effectively as the Kristin Ess above, but it shaves a few minutes off the time and gets high marks for coming out of the bottle as an easy-to-apply lather, so it's a quick way to ensure you'll get an even coverage. —Kate Merck

Davines This is a gel oil for curls ($32): This gentle curl gel oil is perfect for my fine hair, helping my curls shape and keeping them moisturized without weighing them down or leaving my hair brittle. It feels like a gel on the hands at first and then turns to an oil on the hair. Best used with a diffuser, although I get equally good results by occasionally using it on dry days. —Nena Farrell