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What Are the Different Types of Hair Dryer Attachments?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

Most hair dryers will usually come with a set of attachments to streamline the hair styling process. These hair dry attachments consist of a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser, a detangling comb, and a portable dryer bonnet to help set certain hair styles. These hair dryer attachments have certain functions, and will have a place in a person's hair care regimen depending on the type of hair that he or she has. 

A concentrator nozzle is the most common type of attachment that comes packaged with most hair dryers. These attachments essentially focus the hot air in a smaller area, increasing the velocity in order to dry the hair faster. Concentrator nozzles are more suitable for those who have thick hair or straight hair. The concentrated hair will allow for systematic drying, though concentrator nozzles may be too harsh on hair that has been chemically treated. 

Most hair dryers will usually come with a set of attachments to streamline the hair styling process.
Most hair dryers will usually come with a set of attachments to streamline the hair styling process.

Diffusers are hair dryer attachments that are designed for curly hair. The air that passes through a diffuser is dispersed into many small holes, allowing for a gentler force of air, especially when compared to the air that comes out of a concentrator nozzle. The diffuser will help to preserve the natural curl pattern of the hair and to give it a softer finish. Hair that has been chemically treated in any way can also benefit from a diffuser, since it won't lift up the hair follicles.

Hair dryers with concentrator nozzles are suitable for thick,straight hair.
Hair dryers with concentrator nozzles are suitable for thick,straight hair.

Some hair dryer attachments will also include a detangling attachment. Detangling combs are beneficial for those who want to skip the detangling process of a hair styling regimen. It will comb out any knots and gnarls while drying the hair at the same time and the wide teeth will help to prevent potential breakage often caused by a brush on wet hair. 

To dry hair put up into a roller set, a portable hair bonnet dryer attachment is a great option. These bonnets allow a person to attach his or her hair dryers directly to them, essentially drying the hair with ambient heat. Hair dryer attachments like these can also help those who want to dry their hair without using direct heat on the hair causing potential damage. 

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

My cousin has naturally curly hair just like I do. Recently, her hair has been looking better. It's more curly but not frizzy or messy. I asked her what she has been doing and she told me that she started using a diffuser with her hair dryer. I did not know what a diffuser was until that point but I decided I would get one too.

I have been using a diffuser to dry my hair since then and my hair is looking great. I wish I had discovered this hair dryer attachment before. I just use a soft-hold hair spray afterward and my hair looks very neat and curly the whole day. I love it. It's such a simple tool to use but it makes a huge difference in the way my hair looks.

SarahGen

@ysmina-- I use a comb attachment sometimes when my hair is particularly tangled or if I don't have enough time to brush through. I think that this attachment works best on fine hair that's short to medium length. People with very long hair and very thick hair may have trouble using the attachment.

ysmina

My hair dryer came with a comb attachment but I have no idea how to use it. It's supposed to comb hair while drying it. It's supposed to be more efficient and save time as well. I was curious once and tried to use it but could not manage it. It was too much of a hassle to move the hair dryer in a way so that the attachment would comb my hair. It's much easier to comb my hair separately.

I think that this attachment is kind of a waste. I don't even know why they manufacture this piece and include it with the hair dryer. Has anyone here actually used it successfully?

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    • Most hair dryers will usually come with a set of attachments to streamline the hair styling process.
      By: fuzzbones
      Most hair dryers will usually come with a set of attachments to streamline the hair styling process.
    • Hair dryers with concentrator nozzles are suitable for thick,straight hair.
      By: puhhha
      Hair dryers with concentrator nozzles are suitable for thick,straight hair.