Hair styling tools often come with several attachments, but it is not always obvious which one to choose. A diffuser, concentrator or styling brush can make a big difference to both how you style your hair and the result you get.
Here is a simple guide to what the most common attachments do and when to use them.
Diffuser – for curls and waves
A diffuser spreads the airflow over a wider area, so the hair dries more gently and with less disturbance to its natural shape. It is a good choice if you want to enhance natural curls or waves while helping to reduce frizz.
Use it on damp hair with a low or medium airflow. Place sections of hair into the diffuser and lift gently towards the roots. Try not to move the diffuser around too much, as this can break up the curl pattern.
Best for: Natural curls, waves and textured hair
Styling tip: Tilt your head slightly and lift at the roots for more volume.
Concentrator – for smooth and controlled styling
A concentrator directs the airflow into a narrower area. This gives you more control and makes it easier to smooth the hair or focus on one section at a time. Point the airflow down the length of the hair while using a brush. This helps smooth the surface and can create a more polished finish.
A slim concentrator gives even more precise airflow and is useful around the roots, fringe and ends.
Best for: Smooth drying, precise styling and straighter finishes
Styling tip: Keep the airflow pointing downwards to help reduce frizz.
Round brush – for shape and movement
A round brush attachment helps create shape, movement and a soft bend through the hair. It can also be used to add lift at the roots or shape the ends.
Wrap a section of damp hair around the brush and move slowly from the roots towards the ends. Turn the brush slightly as you go to create more movement. Smaller round brushes usually give a more defined bend, while larger brushes create softer shape and volume.
Best for: Shaping layers, styling ends and adding movement
Styling tip: Let each section cool briefly before releasing it to help the shape last longer.
Oval brush – for volume and a blow-dried finish
An oval brush combines a wider surface with rounded edges. It is useful when you want to smooth larger sections of hair while adding lift, shape and volume. Place the brush underneath the hair at the roots and lift as you move it through the lengths. The larger shape makes it especially useful for creating a fuller, smoother blow-dried look.
Best for: Root lift, fuller lengths and smooth volume
Styling tip: Work in sections that are no wider than the brush for more even results.
Curling barrels – for waves and curls
Curling barrels use airflow to attract and wrap the hair around the barrel. They are a good choice when you want to create soft waves, loose curls or more defined movement without manually wrapping the hair around a traditional curling iron.
Different barrel sizes create different results. A wider barrel normally gives softer, looser waves, while a narrower barrel creates a more defined curl.
Some multistylers include separate left- and right-turning barrels. Use the barrel that directs the hair away from the face on each side for a balanced result.
Best for: Loose waves, bouncy curls and face-framing styles
Styling tip: Start with slightly damp hair and use smaller sections to help the barrel catch and wrap the hair.
Comb and flat brushes – for smoothing and control
Comb and flat brush attachments guide the hair while it dries. They can help detangle, stretch and smooth the hair at the same time, making them useful when you want more control through the lengths.
Work slowly from the roots towards the ends and avoid using sections that are too large. This gives the airflow and brush more contact with the hair and helps create a smoother result.
Best for: Detangling, smoothing and stretching the hair while drying
Styling tip: Start at a lower airflow setting until the hair is detangled, then increase the airflow if needed.
How to choose the right attachment
Start with the result you want:
- Choose a diffuser for natural curls and waves.
- Choose a concentrator for smooth and precise drying.
- Choose a round brush for shape and movement.
- Choose an oval brush for volume and a fuller blow-dried finish.
- Choose curling barrels for waves and curls.
- Choose a comb or flat brush for smoothing and more control.
You may also find that more than one attachment works for the same look. For example, you can start with a concentrator to remove excess moisture, then switch to an oval brush for volume or curling barrels for waves.
The most useful attachment is simply the one that suits your hair, your routine and the result you want to create.