Bellissima Italia

How best to use the diffuser according to the type of curl

Written by Bellissima Italia | Jul 18, 2024

If you’re wondering which curl types can benefit from a diffuser, the answer is simple – it’s all of them. Whether you have type 2A hair with loose, gentle waves or tightly wound type 4C coils, you can rely on diffuser technology and the specialised features of this kind of hair tool to create perfectly formed curls every time you style. Precisely which elements will work hardest for your strands depends on your curl pattern, so we’ve broken down the most important features, plus some styling tips, by hair type…

Diffusing type 2 hair

Type 2 hair is categorised as wavy. Type 2A hair is the loosest, type 2B has a bendy, beachy wave and type 2C is the most curly, with a wide ‘S’ shape. When you’re diffusing type 2 hair you want to encourage your waves to take on as much bounce and spring as possible, rather than causing them to fall flat. 

The key features of diffuser technology that will help you do this are:

  • Low-speed settings: Keeping the speed slow ensures you avoid accidentally straightening out your waves or blowing them into one big mass. 

  • Ergonomic design: To get lift at the roots and volume through the lengths, you’ll want to vary the angle at which you hold your diffuser. What’s great about the Diffon Supreme is that it has been designed to be held in various positions. Even better, the professional-length cord allows you to adjust your blow-dry approach without getting in a tangle. 

As for techniques, the best tricks to master when diffusing type 2 hair are:

  • Turning your head upside down: This will boost volume at the crown and roots, giving you more volume and lift. 

  • Moving your head from side to side: Shifting your head from right to left when diffusing rather than keeping it in one place will give wavy hair the persuasion it needs to take on natural movement.

  • Pixie diffusing: A technique that has (confusingly) nothing at all to do with fairies, pixie diffusing is when you turn your head upside down and gather large sections at a time onto the surface of the diffuser. From there, you lift the diffuser and hold it close to your scalp, keeping it in this position until the hair in this section is fully dry.

Looking for a way to make your curls last longer between washes? Discover "The ultimate guide to keeping your curls looking great between washes".

Diffusing type 3 hair

Type 3 hair is curly hair. Type 3A is the widest, with big, bouncy curls, type 3B is your classic ringlet and 3C is the narrowest and springiest of all, with each spiral around the diameter of a pencil. Unlike type 2 hair, type 3 curls already have plenty of volume and bounce, so you want to focus your diffusing techniques more on adding definition and avoiding frizz. The most important diffuser technology features for anyone with type 3 hair are…

  • Wide surface area: Styling curly hair can be considered a time-consuming process, but the large surface area of the diffuser head means you can dry much bigger sections at a time than you could with a narrow nozzle. The perforated grid also evenly distributes airflow to encourage spring. 

  • Cool shot: The change in temperature from hot to cool helps to seal the hair cuticles that coat our strands, meaning there are fewer gaps for moisture to sneak in and create frizz. 

  • Variable heat and speed settings: It’s very common for curly-haired folk to have more than one curl pattern across their head. For example, some people find that their hair takes on a 3C shape on the lower layers, and 3A on the top. Adjustable speed and heat settings are great in this instance, letting you tweak your approach based on the section you’re styling. 

The most effective techniques for diffusing type 3 hair are: 

  • Drying the roots first: The hair closest to the root is the newest and also the healthiest as it hasn’t had the same exposure to sunshine and styling as your lengths. That means it’ll take longer to dry, so it’s always a good idea to start here before moving on to the rest of your curls. 

  • Adjusting the temperature as you style: You may want to use higher heat settings when you’re diffusing close to the root or to remove the bulk of the moisture, before moving onto gentler settings to set your curls in place.

  • Holding the diffuser upwards: By focusing the airflow upwards you’ll enhance the spring and elasticity of your spirals, giving you maximum bounce for your buck. 

 

Diffusing type 4 hair

Type 4 hair is coily, and is also referred to as coily or afro. 4A coils will have either a distinguished ‘S’ or ‘Z’ shape to them, 4B has a very clear zig-zag pattern and is dense with plenty of volume, while 4C is the most tightly wound, with very little definition between the individual coils. Out of all the different curl patterns, type 4 is the most fragile and needs to be treated with extra care to maintain its elasticity, health and spring. The diffuser technology and features that’ll work hardest for type 4 hair are… 

  • Caring coatings: Diffon Supreme is finished with a ceramic coating that’s kind to hair and enhances shine. Its coating goes even further, with argan oil that infuses into the hair for an extra boost of moisture. 

  • Finger-like nodules: Shrinkage is a sign of healthy, elastic coils, but if you’d prefer to elongate your hair instead, you can use the nodules on your diffuser tool to stretch it out. They’re topped with silicone so they’re soft on the scalp and won’t snag at the hair. 

  • Low heat settings: As we’ve mentioned, type 4 hair is fragile, so you want to keep the heat as gentle as possible for minimal damage to your coils. 

If you have type 4 hair, you must try:

  • Hover diffusing: For a softer approach, hold the diffuser 15cm away from your head rather than directly onto your hair. This extra distance will minimise heat damage even further; 

  • Stretching and elongating: To stop your hair from looking shorter than it is, use the nodules of your diffuser, or even your fingers coated in a little nourishing oil, to gently stretch out the shape by pulling down towards the ends;

  • Working in sections: As type 4 hair is dense yet porous, some sections can dry faster than others. To avoid any damp missed spots in the underneath layers, make sure you’re lifting the outer ones to concentrate the air and heat flow here too.

Diffon Supreme: one diffuser for all curl types

Forget the struggle for frizz-free, head-turning curls – Bellissima Italia's Diffon Supreme uses cutting-edge technology to make it a reality for all curl types.  This innovative tool goes beyond simply distributing heat; it understands your curls.

The secret's in the details

Diffon Supreme leverages Italian engineering to deliver gentle, controlled airflow through a perforated grid. Imagine twelve long fingers gently cupping your curls, promoting even drying and definition without disrupting your natural pattern. No more heat damage worries – the Digital Heat Control with 3 temperature and 2-speed settings lets you customize drying for perfect results.

Frizz-free shine, effortlessly

But the magic doesn't stop there.  Diffon Supreme's Ion Care Technology neutralizes frizz by infusing your hair with negative ions, leaving it smooth and shiny.  And while power is important, low wattage shouldn't compromise performance.  The Diffon Supreme's 770W motor is specifically designed to deliver a healthy drying while protecting your delicate curls.

Experience ultimate comfort with the professional 3-meter cord and high-quality silicone diffuser tips. Diffon Supreme isn't just a styling tool; it's an investment in healthy, beautiful curls.

Ready to unleash your curl potential? Add the Diffon Supreme to your cart today and join the Bellissima curl revolution!