Diffusing your curly hair has got to be the most boring part of a curly routine, but with the right hairdryer, it doesn’t have to be such a chore. Hairdryer technology has come a long way, and there are now loads of great diffusers on the market for curly hair.

I have rounded up some of the most popular, viral and highly rated hairdryer models and compared their stats (because I’m a dork). They vary in price and features, but are often on sale, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.

Things to consider before you buy a hairdryer for your curly hair

Speed: as diffusing scatters the air and heat to dry your curls gently, the time it takes to dry your hair is an important factor. Some hairdryers can dry curly hair in about 15 minutes, whereas others can easily take 30-40 minutes or more.

Heat levels: some scalps are quite sensitive to heat, especially if your hair is thinner or lower-density. And some curls can frizz up quickly or get dehydrated if they are dried on too high a heat, so it’s useful to have a range of heat settings to choose from.

Noise: this might not be a factor for you, but as someone who likes to wash their hair at night, it’s always good to have a hairdryer that won’t wake the whole street up. The lower the decibels (dB), the quieter it is.

Weight/size: some older and cheaper hairdryers can be a bit on the cumbersome side, which can make your arm hurt if your curls take a long time to dry. On the flipside, a wider or deeper diffuser can be useful if you have long or thick curly hair.

Dual voltage: as the voltage levels in Europe are double those of the US, plugging a US appliance into them is not going to end well for you. If you want to travel to other continents with your hairdryer, look for one with dual voltage or buy a voltage converter to travel with.

Cost: of course, this is the big factor – you want to get a diffuser that’s worth the money, but maybe not have to sell a kidney in order to pay for it.

Most popular hairdryers for curly hair

The below products are models or brands that include a diffuser that I have seen around social media a lot, so let’s compare their stats (and their reviews) to see which one really sounds best!

Bellissima Diffon Supreme

The Bellissima Diffon has a unique all-in-one shape where the diffuser is the hairdryer. Its ceramic technology is infused with argan oil.

Pros:

• Really gentle airflow – hair does not move at all
• Great for long hair
• Many people find it easier to hold than traditional hairdryers
• Gentle temperatures

Cons:

• Longer drying time compared to others on this list
• Can’t detach the diffuser so it might be bulky for travel
• Loudest hairdryer on this list

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Bellissima website | Boots | Argos

Additional notes: The Bellissima Diffon Ceramic is a cheaper (but also smaller) model at £69.99/$99.

Curlsmith Defrizzion Hairdryer

Already well-versed in formulating curly hair products, Curlsmith’s hairdryer includes a very wide diffuser to gently and quickly dry hair.

Pros:

• Huge diffuser holds lots of hair at once
• Includes concentrator nozzle and pick attachment
• Prongs on the back create a hands-free stand

Cons:

• Some find it too big/unwieldy
• Some reviews mention issues with attaching the diffuser attachment or keeping it attached

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Curlsmith website (get 15% off with code COAST15) | LookFantastic (get 25% off with code LFTFCOAST) | Boots

Additional notes: Curlsmith also sells a travel edition of this hairdryer, with a foldable handle and dual voltage (£109/$139).

Dyson Supersonic Nural

One of the most popular (and most premium) hairdryer brands out there, Dyson has levelled up its Supersonic model to include some smart heat-sensor technology.

Pros:

• Lots of attachments with this model, including a root pick
• Diffuser prongs can be removed for more defined results
• Automatically adjusts temperature based on your movement (e.g. how close you are to your head, or if you have stayed in one area for too long)

Cons:

• Some reviews say it is not worth the high price
• Some do not like the auto-adjust heat features (it may lower the temperature when you don’t want it to)
• The diffuser is on the smaller side

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | LookFantastic | Boots | Argos

Additional notes: The regular Dyson Supersonic is cheaper (£249/$300), but the diffuser is sometimes sold separately and some find the heat settings too hot.

Laifen Swift Special

The Laifen Swift Special went viral on social media a few years ago for being a “Dyson dupe”: all the power of a Dyson hairdryer at half the price.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Fast drying
• Gentle heat with a variable heat setting included (cycles between hot, warm and cool)
• Quietest model on this list
• “Special” model comes with smoothing nozzles for blowouts too

Cons:

• Some find the low air speed still too strong
• Some reviews say theirs broke quickly (but for the record, I’ve never had a problem with mine in the 3 years I’ve owned it)
• The diffuser is on the small side

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Laifen Website | Boots UK

Additional notes: Cheaper models include the Laifen SE and Laifen Neo, but you may have to buy the diffuser attachment separately for these.

Shark Speedstyle Pro

Another brand known for its powerful motors, this Shark hairdryer includes a Scalp Shield mode to instantly reduce the temperature to an optimum safe level to protect your roots.

Pros:

• Lots of attachments with this model
• The diffuser prongs retract for different styles/needs
• Lightweight, thin design
• Scalpshield mode button quickly adjusts temperature

Cons:

• Reports of the filters clogging easily
• Extra attachments are potentially unnecessary if you only wear your hair curly
• Buttons are in an awkward place (behind the handle at the bottom)
• Some reviews say it’s too hot

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Shark Ninja website | LookFantastic | Argos

Additional notes: If you don’t want all the attachments, Shark’s website offers a “build your own hairdryer” option where for £40 less, you pick just 2 attachments.

Wavytalk Turblow Pro

Originally an Amazon-only brand, Wavytalk has popped up all over social media with their more reasonably-priced but still high-performing hair tools.

Pros:

• Super-fast drying
• Under £/$100
• Lightest hairdryer on this list in weight

Cons:

• Top heat setting is quite hot
• A little more blowy than the Laifen/Bellissima
• Smallest diffuser bowl on this list
• More of a cheaper feel compared to others on this list

Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Wavytalk website

Additional notes: Wavytalk also has an even cheaper model called Blown Away (~£44/$60).

Which hairdryer is best for curly hair?

As mentioned, this totally depends on what your priorities are in a hairdryer. I have personally tried the Laifen, Wavytalk and Bellissima, and although the Laifen feels more expensive and feels nicer to use, the Wavytalk Turblow Pro dried my hair just that bit faster (in 12 mins!). Some people find the Bellissima easier to hold, but I personally found it harder because the handle was wider.

Be sure to read reviews before purchasing – the 2-4 star ones as well as the best and worst! If you need more tips on how to dry your curls with a diffuser, check out How to diffuse your hair for defined (and voluminous) curls.

How to diffuse your hair for defined (and voluminous) curls