California Cosmetology Written ExamHairstylingMedium
A client with naturally curly hair wants to blow-dry her hair without disrupting the natural curl pattern or causing excessive frizz. What technique and attachment should the technician use?
- AA diffuser attachment, cupping sections of hair in the palm on low speed and low-to-medium heat
- BA concentrator nozzle held very close to the hair while pulling it straight with a brush
- CA round brush pulled taut through each section from root to end
- DA vent brush pulled straight downward through the hair at high heat
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A diffuser attachment, cupping sections of hair in the palm on low speed and low-to-medium heat
A diffuser disperses airflow over a wide area and allows curls to be cupped and dried gently in their natural shape, minimizing frizz and disruption of the curl pattern, unlike concentrator nozzles or brushes that stretch and straighten hair.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A concentrator nozzle directs a focused, strong airstream that stretches and can straighten or frizz curls.
- C. A round brush is used to create smooth, straightened, or curled styles, not to preserve natural curls.
- D. High heat and pulling straight down will disrupt curl pattern and increase frizz.
Diffuser Attachment
A blow-dryer attachment with prongs that disperses airflow over a wide area, used to dry curly or wavy hair while preserving its natural pattern and reducing frizz.
- Used on low heat/low speed to prevent frizz
- Hair is cupped in the diffuser bowl rather than pulled taut
- Best suited for curly, wavy, or textured hair types
Memory trick: 'Diffuse the curl, don't abuse the curl.'