Diffusers Compared

Comparing all my diffusers, from $35 to $430 | Which diffuser is best for your curl type?

How do you select the right hair dryer and diffuser with so many options out there? I know it can be tough to decide, and when you’re investing so much money you want to make sure it’s right for your curls. I’ve tested so many hair dryers and diffusers over the years and wanted to compare five of the most recent ones I’ve used.

I’m breaking it down by which hair lengths, thickness, and damage level each dryer is best for. 

Watch the video below to see demos using each dryer.

Dryer/

Diffuser

Price

$430

$230

$189

$135 (dryer)

$30 (diffuser)

$50 ($35)

Where to Buy

BioIonic.com, 20% off with code GENAMARIE

Amazon

Walmart

Ulta (diffuser only)

Ideal Hair Types

-Very healthy hair that can withstand high heat
-Too hot for curls
-Short curly hair or very low density hair due to the small design

-Healthy hair that can withstand high heat
-Curls that takes a long time to dry
-All densities, specifically very dense/thick hair due to the extra long prongs
-All hair lengths

-Fragile to healthy hair
-Curls that takes a long time to dry
-All densities, but may be too large for very small heads or very low-density hair
-All hair lengths

-Fragile to healthy hair
-All densities
-All hair lengths, specifically great for long hair due to the deep bowl

-Fragile to healthy hair
-All densities
-All hair lengths, specifically great for long hair due to the deep bowl
-May be too deep for very short hair that is looking to achieve shrinkage

Diffuser Design

-Round shape
-Small, compact design
-Round, shallow bowl
-Short prongs
-Only fits Dyson

-Petal shape to the rim
-Large, deep bowl
-Adjustable prongs
-Very long prongs or short prongs
-Only fits Shark

-Round shape
-Extra Large 8” size, shallow bowl
-Long prongs and short prongs
-Only fits Curlsmith

-Round shape
Small size, deep bowl
-Very long prongs and short prongs
-Adjustable airflow
-Universal diffuser (sold separately)

-Round shape
-Medium size, deep bowl
-Long prongs and short prongs
-Holes in base
-Only fits Conair

Dryer Design

-Very compact size
-1.8 lbs
-Air intake on handle

-Compact size
-1.65 lbs
-IQ-technology that auto adjusts settings when attaching accessories

-Large size
-1.25 lbs (Dryer) 1.63 lbs (with Diffuser)
-Kickstand

-Medium size
-1.2 lbs

-Medium size
-1.6 lbs

My Dry Time*

~14 min-20 min

~10 min-15 min

~9 min-15 min

~14 min-20 min

~14 min-20 min

Heat Settings*

-4 heat settings:
    -High: 212°F
    -Medium: 176°F
    -Low: 140°F
    -Cold shot: 82°F
-Regulates temp 40 times per second

-4 heat settings:
     -High: 208°F
     -Medium: 178°F
     -Low: 137°F
     -Cold shot: 76°F
-Regulates temp 1,000 times per second

-4 heat settings:
    -High: 140°F
    -Medium: 106°F
    -Low: 77°F
    -Sustained cold shot: 76°F

-4 heat settings:
    -High: 142°F
    -Medium: 110°F
    -Low: 77°F
    -Sustained cold shot: 75°F

-4 heat settings:
    -High: 157°F
    -Medium: 115°F
    -Low: 96°F
    -Sustained cold shot: 75°F

Speed Settings

-High
-Medium
-Low

-High
-Medium
-Low

-High
-Low

-High
-Low

-High
-Low

Noise Level

77 dBA, quiet

76 dBA, quiet

? quiet/average

? quiet/average

? quiet/average

Cord Length

108”

96”

108”

108”

69”

Wattage

1600W

1680W

1875W

1875W

1875W

Other diffusing videos:
Shark HyperAir vs. Dyson Hair Dryer Compared, Testing Dry Time, Diffusers, Results
8 Diffusing Mistakes that Cause Frizz + Best Universal Diffuser
How to Diffuse Curly Hair without Frizz for Beginners

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Youtube

Struggling with flat roots and a lack of volume? Diffuse is key! 1. After applying styling products (gel or mousse is critical for hold), scrunch hair with a hair towel. ⭐️BONUS TIP: For extra hold and to tame frizz, apply another light glaze of gel or mousse after microplopping. 2. Flip hair upside down and plop it over a counter or other flat surface. Hover your diffuser around. No flat surface? Gently cup your hair in sections. This will prevent elongation. Hover the whole time if you want elongation. 3. Flip right side up and cup the ends of your hair in the diffuser and press up towards the head. Angle the diffuser towards your hair versus straight up to prevent frizz. 4. Use the prongs to lift the roots up and hold. Having a diffuser with long enough prongs that extend out past the end of the bowl is key! ⚠️This is why I don't recommend the Dyson because the prongs are not long enough and it gets way too hot. 5. After hair is dry, fluff out the roots and scrunch out the cast with dry hands. ⚠️ You can finish air drying if needed but wait to fluff after it's fully dry! Settings I use are high heat and low fan speed. I alternate to medium heat on the ends sometimes. This diffuser does not get too hot even on high! Link in my profile to get this diffuser. #diffusingcurls #diffusing #curlyhairtips #hairvolume #diffusingroutine
How to Diffuse Curls for Volume & Root Lift | Curlsmith Defrizzion Demo
10 reasons your curls become frizzy, stringy, and flat after wash day and a long-lasting routine that will not require refreshing. Soft hold vs. strong hold routines compared. Get the Curly Hair Tracker & Planner: https://genamarie.co/product/curly-hair-tracker-planner/ ➜PRODUCT LINKS • AG Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft Hold Styling Cream 20% off with GENA20: https://agcare.sjv.io/1rR6Xm Amazon: https://amzlink.to/az0XmfVnNokN9 • AG Liquid Effects Extra Firm Styling Lotion (not used in this routine) 20% off with GENA20: https://agcare.sjv.io/xkQBev • Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel 25% off with code GENAMARIE: https://bit.ly/3Q9XlkM Amazon: https://amzlink.to/az0i7jAWvgL3D Retailer: https://howl.me/ckulgzWavIK • Bounce Curl Define Styling Brush 10% off with code GENAMARIE10: https://glnk.io/x26q/genamarieco10m • Bounce Curl Volume Root Clips 10% off with code GENAMARIE10: https://glnk.io/x26q/genamarieco53q • Curlsmith Root Boost Uplifting Spray Curlsmith: https://tidd.ly/4aCkhnp ULTA: https://howl.me/cl12z3S8Sfm • Curlsmith Miracle Shield Heat Protection Spray Curlsmith: https://tidd.ly/3BfRzdn ULTA: https://howl.me/ckueKlAojr7 • Bouclème Flairosol Mist Spray Bottle 15% off with code GENA15: https://collabs.shop/y3cj1c • Bouclème Flexible Hold Hairspray 15% off with code GENA15: https://collabs.shop/ed8fms • Hair RePear Ultimate Hair Towel: https://amzlink.to/az0vWrwyXAAj9 • Satin bonnet with adjustable band: https://amzlink.to/az0reQ4Kr6e1L • Curlmsith Satin Pillowcase: https://tidd.ly/450xlAI ➜TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:23 Strong hold vs soft hold 0:47 How to get long-lasting hold 4:00 What to look for in gels 6:26 How to style for longevity 10:17 Air drying vs diffusing 15:01 Day 1 Results compared 15:24 Day 2 compared 16:20 Day 3 compared 17:55 Sleep protection & how to put on a bonnet 19:42 Porosity and its effect on longevity 21:57 Documenting what works 22:40 Outro ►How to Improve Consistency in your Results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX7Ayx6uk9A&list=PLcFghU1dAGroRYDMHB9FAj7O-Sa8Djxoy&index=1&pp=gAQBiAQB ►Comparing the 2 Best Strong Hold, Anti-Humidity Gels | Ouidad vs. AG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWcz7zzYGF8&list=PLcFghU1dAGrqi8ZTt_pu5PNiJHvDDunga&index=1&pp=gAQBiAQB New videos every Sunday, so please subscribe so you don't miss a new video! https://www.youtube.com/genamarie?sub_confirmation=1 🗓 Subscribe to my blog via email and receive a Free Wash Day Calendar & Guide! https://genamarie.ck.page/d45316eaa1 Emails are sent 1x per week and include a copy of my latest blog post. ➜FOLLOW • BLOG: http://www.genamarie.co • EMAIL (business inquiries): info@genamarie.co • INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/GenaMarie.co • TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/GenaMarieCo • FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/GenaMarie.co • PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/GenaMarieCo ➜FEATURED VIDEOS ► Curly Haircare for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcFghU1dAGrq5QdJZqxWxuZc7uoqBRK3y ► Top 10 Curly Hair Products by Type: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcFghU1dAGrqPfuZqWDjZCo9xgJGWbZlf ► Curly Hair Problem Solving: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcFghU1dAGroRYDMHB9FAj7O-Sa8Djxoy ➜HAIR TYPE • 3A-3B curls • High porosity • Medium to coarse texture • Low density ➜FAVORITE PRODUCTS http://genamarie.co/shop/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/genam ➜MY DISCOUNT CODES ★ INNERSENSE 15% off with code GENA15: https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1024874&u=3789261&m=72573 ★ OUIDAD 25% off with code GENAMARIE: https://bit.ly/GMOuidad ★ AG HAIR 20% off with code GENA20: https://agcare.sjv.io/eKgoyZ ★ BOUCLÈME 15% off with code GENA15: https://boucleme.us/GENA15 ★ TRÉLUXE 15% off with code GENAMARIE15: https://discovertreluxe.com/?ref=36 ★ BOUNCE CURL 10% off with code GENAMARIE: https://glnk.io/x26q/genamarieco ★ MINHA BEAUTY 10% off with code GENAMARIE: https://www.minhabeauty.com/?ref=GENAMARIE ★ CURLFRIEND COLLECTIVE 10% off with code GENA10: https://bit.ly/CurlfriendCollective ★ KITSCH 15% off with code GENA15: https://bit.ly/KitschGena15 ★ HOT HEAD THERMAL HAIRCARE 10% off with code GENAMARIE: https://bit.ly/ThermalHaircareGM ★ LILY SILK 12% off with code GENA12: https://lilysilk.sjv.io/n1VPj9 ★CURLS MONTHLY 10% off with code GENAMARIE10: https://curlsmonthly.com/?ref=GENAMARIE ★ HOLISTIC HAIR TRIBE $5 off with code HHT4495: https://www.holistichairtribe.com/discount/HHT4495?rfsn=7306440.a3391c&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7306440.a3391c ★ DIME BEAUTY SKINCARE 20% off with code GenaM20: https://bit.ly/DimeBeautyGM FTC DISCLAIMER: This is not a sponsored video. Products are gifted. Links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage when you order through my links. This does not impact the price you pay and is a way to support my channel in exchange for helping you discover the product.
This is Why Your Curls Don’t Last + Longest-Lasting Routine
🔗 in profile to download. The #1 way to improve consistency is to track and plan routines. 📝 🗓️ How does tracking help? -Log what products & techniques you use -Assess how your hair reacts -Analyze trends over time to identify what's working and what's not -Plan your routine, tweak for your desired results, & achieve balance In this example, I share how I wanted to achieve more volume while using my favorite gel for max definition & hold. I used less cream, went with one that's more lightweight, and added the volume booster spray. 👆🏼For best testing results, only change one variable at a time! You'll get to see this routine in an upcoming YT video on May 5. Watch the full video on Improving Consistency on my channel. #curlyhairroutine #digitalplanner #curlyhairtips #3acurls #lowdensityhair #curlyhairjourney
How to Tweak your Routine for Volume + Definition

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