How to Diffuse Straight Hair

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A diffuser is an attachment for a blow dryer (sometimes included, sometimes aftermarket) that evenly disperses heat and moisture to the hair. It’s a popular tool among professional hairstylists, who use it to create volume and add shine to their client’s hair. However, it is almost always associated with curly hair.

Does a diffuser do anything to straight hair? Yes, it can help those with straight hair, too!

In this article, we’re going to go over how to diffuse straight hair, and break it all down for you.


Contents

Purpose of Hair Dryer Diffuser

Hair dryer diffuser

The main purpose of using a hair diffuser is to dry your hair quickly and efficiently while maintaining its natural texture of hair. A hair diffuser is a product designed to help the user achieve the look of natural, healthy-looking hair.

Moreover, implementing the correct diffusing method helps form beachy waves, a perfect look for summer… and all year round! 

A blow dryer can cause significant damage to your hair if it’s not properly handled. That’s why you should consider a diffuser, which will distribute the airflow and make the heat more gentle.

Usually, it is recommended for women with curly or wavy hair. However, many people wonder whether a hair diffuser is used for straight hair. 


Can You Use a Hair Diffuser on Straight Hair?

Generally, hair dryer diffusers are always associated with curly texture, even in advertisements. However, this amazing transformation tool is used for straight hair as well.

It can really improve the volume and texture, even for those with straight hair.

Straight hair can look amazing, but it’s often hard to maintain. It’s a good idea to diffuse your straight hair if you want your hairstyle to have more shine and movement. 

Straight hair looks more natural when it is diffused properly. The diffusing process is gentle and prevents your hair from losing extra moisture.

In addition, it prevents straight hair from looking flat and provides body and volume to the hair. 

A hair diffuser is the best option for straight hair to achieve a voluminous look. Ultimately, your thin straight hair looks less artificial and more like what you would see in nature.


How Does a Diffuser Create Shape in Straight Hair?

You can successfully achieve shape in your straight hair with the help of the diffuser technique. First, try to get a lightweight gel or leave-in product that suits your hair texture.

Next, run it through the hair strands properly and braid or pin-curl your hair for a while. 

Now you can diffuse your prepared hair with the general diffusing technique. Your straight hair will achieve a perfect wavy hair texture.

The suggested heat setting while diffusing straight hair is medium to high. The specific blow dryer temperature setting helps to reshape the hair bonds to bend and establish more volume. 


How to Use a Diffuser on Straight Hair

You will be surprised at the results if you decide to diffuse your straight hair. Here is the step-by-step guide you may follow to inject shape and style into your straight hair.

1. Wash Your Hair

Never use the diffuser technique on dry straight hair, as it may lead to an extremely dry and frizzy texture. It is important to wash your hair before starting the heat process. Keep in mind that straight hair loses moisture quickly due to its porous texture. 

Wash your hair with moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that can hydrate your hair strands deeply.

2. Dry Your Hair

Next, dry your wet hair with a microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing your hair with a cotton towel, as it can also damage your hair. Instead, gently wrap your hair with a soft microfibre towel to soak the water from the hair strands. 

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Avoid rubbing your hair with a cotton towel.

3. Apply a Heat-Protectant Product

Make sure to apply thermal-protectant products to your damp hair before going for a diffuser. Also, make sure your hair is not fully dry. The process will only take place in damp hair.

Grab a good quality leave-in conditioner or styling cream specifically for straight hair. Coat the product properly on your hair so no hair strand gets damaged during the diffusing process. 

A heat protectant is highly recommended as it works like a strong barrier between your hair and the heat. You can further comb your hair with your fingers and scrunch them to give it a natural shape. 

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4. Use A Diffuser

Now it’s time for the diffuser to take action.

Attach the diffuser at the end of the hair dryer or blow dryer. After the leave-in product is settled in your hair, tilt your hair and place the diffuser above your head at a 90-degree angle.

Turn on your heat device and keep the setting on low heat at the initial stage. 

Next, start diffusing on the roots in a circular motion. When the head portion is moderately dry, move towards the end with the same circular motion. Finally, flip your head and apply a diffuser at the back of your hair to provide heat to the left hair strands.

Once you have achieved the perfect shape and volume, stop the process. 

5. Lock the Style

To lock your style for a longer period, apply some drops of nourishing serum to your diffused hair to give them a shine. Avoid running your fingers through the hair, as it may ruin the texture.

Rather, you must rub the serum on your palm and scrunch your hair with your hands. Subsequently, the serum would be absorbed in your hair evenly. 

Some professionals prefer to spritz hairspray on the diffused hair to provide a stronger and long-lasting hold to your hair. The hairspray method is considered safe as it doesn’t disrupt the final look of your hair.


Conclusion

If you use a diffuser on straight hair, it can look more natural and voluminous, with greater shine and texture.

Although straight hair is hard to manage, it is not impossible to diffuse it. A diffuser is a unique and reliable tool for straight hair that allows you to create curls or waves in seconds.

You only need to follow the appropriate diffusing method to get good, desirable results on your straight hair.  

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).