Final answer:
A diffuser is used to loosen the curl pattern in textured hair, often for braiding styles. It gently dries, stretches, and softens the hair without causing damage. This contrasts with more permanent methods like chemical straightening, where chemicals alter the hair structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diffuser loosens the curl pattern in textured hair for braiding styles, and it dries, stretches, and softens textured hair. Unlike direct heating tools like flat irons, which can significantly alter and damage the hair structure, a diffuser works alongside a hair dryer to disperse the airflow. This gentler method helps maintain the overall health of the hair while preparing it for styling.
Hair styles such as perms can be applied using thermal or chemical methods. In chemical straightening or relaxing, chemicals are applied to the hair. This process alters the hair's physical structure, causing it to flatten during the chemical reaction and thereby loosening curls.
Temporary waving is another styling technique where water molecules disrupt hydrogen bonds in keratin strands. This allows the hair to take on a new shape when it dries, as new hydrogen bonds are formed, temporarily maintaining the new style.