Looking for a Diffuser?
If you have sat in my chair or read the Wash Day Run-Through article, you are fully aware of the value of setting your hair. “Setting”, in this context, refers to completely drying your hair after styling it, generally with a blow dryer (diffuser) or standing dryer. This allows your style to last much longer. (The healthier the hair the longer the style holds.) This article compiles the tools that I have used personally and would recommend within different price points.
What are we looking for in a blow dryer?
You want to look for a blow dryer with multiple heat settings (including a cool shot) and fan speeds so you can control the amount of heat you’re using. I don’t recommend getting too caught up on whether it has ionic, ceramic or tourmaline technology. These technologies do help to minimize frizz and static while drying your hair faster than your super basic, standard dryer and are commonplace now.
Wattage! Lower wattage = Lower Power = Longer Diffusing Time
Generally, 1800 watts is good for home use.
If you have curls to loose waves, a shallow diffuser will help to make your curls look springier. If you have long or tight curls, a deeper bowl will help to avoid smashing the curls. If you mainly hover the diffuser, the style of diffuser doesn’t quite matter.
We will be looking at diffusers (attachments and full blow dryers) under $100, $200 and above. Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: I am only including items that I have tried and used myself.
Under $100
The Xtava Black Orchid Diffuser
$22.49
If you already have a blowdryer laying around and looking for just the diffuser attachment this one will be your best bet.
PRO:
Large Bowl to fit lots of curls
Fingers have air vents for great airflow
Doesn’t add too much weight
Under $30
CON:
Small nozzle size, you might need an adapter
NITION Negative Ions Ceramic Hair Dryer
$42
PRO:
1875 Watt
2 Speed / 3 Heat Settings
Removable Air Inlet Grille (makes cleaning the air filter easier)
Comes with multiple attachments and extra filter
2 year warranty
Fits Xtava diffuser
CON:
LOUD
Shallow bowl
Under $200
Gold 'N Hot Professional Ionic Stand Bonnet Hair Dryer
$156.49
I had to throw a stand dryer in the mix because it truly is a great option for those who have tightly, dense curls or love the option of multi-tasking. If you’ve sat in my chair before, you know how big of a fan I am of an overhead dryer!
PRO:
1875 watts
2 Speeds and 4 Heat settings
Adjustable stand with wheels that lock
LARGE bonnet to fit lots of hair
CON:
Storing a standing dryer
To add volume or spot dry any interior wet spots you will need a diffuser
Modern Elements 1875W Ionic Pro Roll About Tourmaline Dryer
$129.00
If you have been with me long enough you remember when I had this very dryer. She is a trooper and is still going strong at my house. I’ve had this dryer for going on 2 1/2 years and it is now starting to wear. However, I guarantee you’re not going to be putting it through the trials I have. Solid option, doesn’t break the bank.
PRO:
1875 Watts
Adjustable stand
Multiple fan speeds and heat settings
Large bonnet
CON:
Storing standing dryer
To add volume or spot dry any interior wet spots you will need a diffuser
Pattern Blow Dryer
$189.00
While I am not a huge fan of Pattern’s products, I am a fan of their gorgeous design for their new diffuser.
Keep in mind that any newer blow dryer is going to preform better than an older one. A huge necessity in prolonging any blowdryers life is to keep the filter clean.
Yes.. That filter on the back of the blow dryer.. Take that off and clean it. Your blow dryer will last much longer!
PRO:
1875 Watts
3 Heat settings & 2 fan speeds
Dual-locking mechanism ensures that attachments stay firmly in place
Removable filter for easy cleanup
Great design
Includes four attachments with vertical and horizontal positioning capabilities
CON:
Relatively new to the market
Fan speed isn’t as powerful as I thought it would be
Dual-locking mechanism is cool but took me a minute to figure it out (LOL)
Compared to the Dyson or Buttercup this one doesn’t get as hot but that may be a pro if you’re new to diffusing and don’t trust yourself with heat styling
Over $200
Buttercup Blow-Dryer $199.99
+
The Bouncer Diffuser $34.00
I have the Buttercup at home and use it when I leave my Dyson at the salon. It works really well, very lightweight and powerful. Also, I am really into the cheery yellow color. The biggest downfall of this blow dryer is that the diffuser is sold separably. It’s honestly a big fail on their part that they offer no package that includes the diffuser too. Besides that, this diffuser preforms excellently.
PRO:
1875 Watts
Lightweight
3 Heat and 2 fan speed settings, powerful.
Quality blow dryer
9 ft cord
It’s yellow
CON:
Diffuser bowl did fall off on two separate occasions
Diffuser does not come with it, additional purchase
It’s yellow
Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer
$429.99
Besides the initial sticker shock this blow dryer truly is the GOAT. I’ve had the Dyson for going on three years now at least diffusing 12x a week and I have never had a single issue. Like all blow dryers you need to clean the filter consistently for it to work at full capacity. Keeping the filter in good shape plays a big role in prolonging your blow dryers life, especially this one.
I think it does slightly have a learning curve. You need to make sure while using you are not covering the filter (located at the bottom) with your hand and it is more powerful than most blowdryers.
PROS:
1,600 Watt
Lightweight
9 ft. Long Cable
3 Speed settings
4 Temperature settings
Intelligent heat control
The Dyson digital motor V9
Quieter than your standard dryer
Magnetic attachments (very secure and easy to use)
Removable filter for easy cleanup
Very Powerful, Cuts down drying time significantly with less frizz
CONS:
Expensive $$$
