The Different Hair Dryer Attachments And What They Do

Categorized as Hair Dryer Guide

Last Updated on April 1, 2022 by Rei

We usually see four types of attachment included in our hair dryers. The Concentrator nozzle which focuses the airflow to a targeted area. The Diffuser attachment spread out the air coming out making it much gentler to the hair. The Picks are used to create volume. And The Styler is basically a brush that allows you to blow dry and brush your hair at the same time.

When using these different attachments one should be aware of what their current hair type is and what they want to achieve. What some of you might not know is that using the right attachment can be the difference in you going out with frizzy hair or having the best hair day ever. We recommend that you always use your hair dryer attachment.

Table of contents

What does hair dryer attachments do?

The Concentrator Nozzle

The concentrator nozzle is the flat vent that is probably the most included attachment in any hairdryer. Instead of your hairdryer spewing out hot air in a large section a concentrator nozzle is basically a vent that you attach to your hairdryer. It focuses on the airflow so that you can dry specific sections of your hair.

This would make it easier for you to style your hair or add volume if you want.

Tips on using the concentrator nozzle:

Partially dry your hair without the concentrator nozzle to about 80 percent. Then brush your hair smooth. After attaching the concentrator nozzle, set the heat to hot and if your hair dryer has a gentle setting go ahead and use that. Then brush your hair from the inside while blow drying from the outside to create some tension. While sliding the brush and hair dryer together down the tip of your hair turn the brush inward. Then repeat the process for cool shot air to lock the hairstyle.

 


The Diffuser Attachment

Loved by those who have wavy or curly hair, the diffuser attachment is usually a  bowl with “fingers” on it to lift the hair, while the hot air flows through the holes. This makes a gentler volumizer for those who want to get volume and reduce frizz.

Tips on using the Diffuser attachment

To get the most out of the diffuser you must make sure that the moisture level of your hair is maintained. You don’t want your hair to be super dry and risk damaging your curls. First set the heat setting to lowest and make your way up as needed. You can also dry upwards near your head to dry the roots of your hair if you need to.


The Picks

These hairdryer nozzles are mainly used to create volume. But consider the length of your hair because short picks are best used for short hair while long picks are best used for long hair.


The Styler

These are for people who are tired of brushing with one hand while blow-drying on the other. It’s basically a brush attachment that you can use especially for those of you who are uncoordinated. This type of attachment is not that widespread yet but it gained a lot of popularity lately.


Are hair dryer attachments universal?

“Big Shot!” by sirwiseowl is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

It depends, the one that is included on your hairdryer might not work on other hair dryers. But there are separate attachments you could buy that are universal. Meaning that they would work on 99% of the different hairdryers available on the market. It would also fit almost all the hotel hair dryers that you might encounter during your travels.

Summary

Different hair dryer attachment can be a great tool to increase the styling process of your routine. But the problem is that not everyone knows how to properly use them.

In summary, there are four types of hair dryer attachment that might be included on the hair dryer you bought.

The concentrator is mainly used to direct the airflow to a specific area.

The diffuser is mainly used by those who have curly hair, they spread out the airflow to allow a more gentle dry. While the picks are used to create volume.

And lastly the styler is basically a brush so that you don’t have to hold the brush on the other hand while blow drying on the other.

By Rei Garnet

I've been a hairstylist and worked for salons for over 8 years and I want to share my passion and knowledge with a wider audience. My goal is to give everyone the best hair they could possibly have.