A hair dryer is a perfect tool for rough-drying hair, but the right attachment can really bring the look together for a salon-worthy blowout. Designed to direct airflow for different hair types and desired styles, they can straighten, smooth, and define curls.
At the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab, we recently tested 15 hair dryers. Although they include about two attachments on average, some manuals or packaging didn’t describe what they are or how to use them. To understand each attachment’s full potential, we identified the three most common attachments and interviewed Tippi Shorter, Global Artistic Director & Textured Hair Expert at Mizani, to find out what they are best for and how to use them. Consider this our hair dryer attachment guide.
1. Concentrator
✔️ What is it? If a hair dryer includes an attachment, it will most likely be a concentrator. This attachment, used with a round brush, funnels airflow into a thin stream, which helps target and smooth smaller sections of hair. It can come in two sizes: narrow and wide.
The difference between the two lies in the airflow and the size of the sections you are looking to target. The short and wide concentrator is “ideal for drying thicker hair or larger sections at a time, since it distributes airflow across a broader area,” says Shorter. Whereas the longer, narrow concentrator is for precision styling. It “provides more focused, precise airflow, making it especially helpful when using a round or styling brush to smooth the hair, create shape, or target smaller sections.”
✔️ Who is it best for? According to Shorter, concentrators are great for all hair types and for those seeking to straighten and smooth strands.
✔️ How to use it? It is best used after rough drying with a hair dryer. Grab a smaller section of hair about two to three inches wide. With the concentrator attached, place the round brush over or under the section of hair and slowly brush through with tension following with the hair dryer from root to tip. Placing the round brush under the section of hair can give strands volume while under gives a straightening effect. Keep the concentrator perpendicular with the section of hair and brush.
2. Diffuser
✔️ What is it? The bowl-like attachment contains prongs to evenly diffuse airflow for shaping and setting natural waves and curls. It helps “dry the hair without the strong, direct blast of air that can disrupt the hair’s natural pattern and contribute to frizz,” says Shorter.
✔️ Who is it best for? Shorter confirms that the unique shape “is especially helpful for curly or wavy hair because it allows you to enhance and preserve the natural shape and definition of the curls.”
✔️ How to use it? To protect the curl pattern and reduce frizz, low and slow is the way to go with a diffuser. Shorter recommends using it on a low heat and low airflow setting. Divide hair into smaller sections and place the section of hair into the diffuser bowl. “Bring it towards the scalp, holding it in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next section,” she says. “Try not to move the diffuser around too much or continuously touch the hair while drying.”
3. Comb
✔️ What is it? This attachment resembling a wide tooth comb is created for curls to detangle and stretch while drying. It can lift hair at the roots or smooth and straighten strands.
✔️ Who is it best for? “The comb attachment is best for tight curly hair or when wanting to stretch curls for length or blow out hair for a silk press,” says Shorter.
✔️ How to use it? She recommends using it just like a comb. “You will start mid-shaft to the ends to ensure there are no tangles, then root to end.” For this attachment, “keep the heat and airflow at a medium and comb through hair until dry.”
Do hair dryer attachments fit all models?
Unfortunately, hair dryer attachments are not universal and may not fit every brand or model. Before buying a hair dryer, check the packaging to see which attachments are included. If you already have a hair dryer you like, visit the brand’s website. Some brands, like Dyson, often sell attachments separately. Just make sure it is compatible with your specific model.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek has spent more than 12 years testing beauty products, including hair tools, at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For this article, she reviewed the attachments and manuals included with the hair dryers in the Institute’s latest study, and interviewed hair experts on how to use them.
