Hair diffusers, concentrator nozzles, and other hair dryer attachments take up valuable space in your bathroom cabinet. If you’re not using them now, you might be inclined to get rid of those tools and reclaim your space. Don’t do it.
Attachments expand the capabilities of your hair dryer, which should help you maximize its value. You know that cost-per-wear concept I’m regularly harping on? You can apply a related concept, cost-per-use, to your beauty devices. And learning how to use your hair dryer attachments is one place to start.
What hair dryer attachments do
Hair dryer attachments control where the air goes. Without one, the dryer’s hot air blows all over the place. This can cause inconsistent styling results, even when you’re using the same dryer, brush, and product.
Controlled air flow dries your hair faster and, generally, produces more precise results. It can also minimize heat damage. When the style takes shape quickly, you don’t have to pass over the same sections repeatedly, which is a common cause of hair damage.
The three main attachments are the concentrator nozzle, diffuser, and comb.
1. Concentrator nozzle
Many stylists use the concentrator nozzle by default. It’s flat, narrow shape focuses airflow into a tight stream, which helps with smoothing and straightening. If a salon-style blowout is what you’re after, this attachment gets you there.
How to use
Concentrator nozzles work well on straight, wavy, or frizz-prone hair. To use one:
- Dry about three-quarters of the moisture from your hair using only your fingers and the dryer.
- Clip your hair into sections.
- Work through each section with a brush, pointing the nozzle down along the hair shaft. Aiming down keeps the cuticle flat, so you get that smooth and shiny finish. Hold the dryer no closer than 6 inches from your hair.
- Finish with a cool shot. A cool blast of air at the end seals the style and adds shine.
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2. Diffuser
The diffuser is the round attachment with prongs. It spreads airflow across a wider area with reduced air pressure and lower direct heat. This attachment defines natural curls and waves, while minimizing frizz. When you dry curly or wavy hair without a diffuser, the dryer can blast your curls into unruliness.
A diffuser can also add volume to straight hair.
How to use
To use a diffuser:
- Start with clean, detangled hair.
- Apply styling product.
- Set the dryer to a low heat.
- Cup sections of hair into the diffuser and lift it to your scalp.
- Dry each section for 30 seconds or so.
- Avoid handling your hair while it’s drying to minimize frizz.
- Finish with a cool shot for hold and shine.
Read next: The science of heat styling: A practical guide
3. Comb attachment
The comb attachment, sometimes called a pik, is a good choice for thick or textured hair. It smooths roots, reduces tangles, and leaves hair looking neat without a lot of effort. It also works nicely on hair that tends to get knotty when wet.
How to use
To use a comb attachment:
- Divide damp hair into sections.
- Glide the comb from roots to ends using steady, gentle movements.
How to choose the right attachment
The attachment you reach for on any given day will depend on what your hair needs. The concentrator nozzle provides sleekness, the diffuser enhances curls, and the comb tames a thick, textured mane.
Also, the nature of your hair will dictate which attachments should be taking up space in your cabinet. You might have all three because your dryer came with a full set of hair dryer attachments (as some GHD dryers do, for example). But if you have straight, thin hair, you don’t need that comb. You can safely give it away to a friend.
Tips for success with attachments
Protecting your hair from heat damage is a proactive styling tip — because the more damaged your hair is, the more unruly it gets. This can kick off that vicious cycle where you keep applying more heat to control your hair and continued damage makes it more uncontrollable. Follow these strategies for style without over-drying.
- Use a heat protectant.
- Work in sections.
- Avoid repeated heat passes over the same section.
- Use the lowest heat setting possible to get the results you want.
Read next: The best budget shampoos and the best drugstore conditioners
Salon finish at home
If you have hair dryer attachments that came with your dryer, get to know them. Start experimenting on low-key days to see what kind of looks you can create. It only takes a little practice to get that salon finish at home.