Best Hair Dryers for Perfect At-Home Blowouts

There’s nothing like the look of the perfect blowout, but weekly trips to the salon are just not in my budget. The first step to any DIY blowout is having a hair dryer fit for the task—but with thousands of models to choose from, narrowing down the best option for you and your hair type is no easy feat. The days of simply blowing hot air are long gone—between ionic technology to reduce frizz and powerful motors to cut down on dry time, it’s easy to hit a wall of decision fatigue. So I spoke to a hair stylist with over 16 years of experience and combed through hundreds of reviews to make that choice a little bit easier for you.

Our top picks for the best hair dryers

What to consider when buying a hair dryer

From how much to spend to advanced negative-ion tech, there are several factors to consider before making your purchase.

Quality

A California-based hair stylist with over 16 years of experience, Tessa Navarro—also known as @painted.by.tessa on Instagram—says to always consider the quality of your purchase, even if that’s “usually the higher price point.” A high-quality dryer will last longer and be healthier on your locks in the long run. “Your hair will thank you later,” Navarro says.

Ionic or tourmaline technology

The second I see a word that reminds me of science class, I want to run away from it, but both ionic and tourmaline (a gemstone) technologies work to cut down on frizz. They make use of negative ions to reduce static electricity or seal the cuticle, respectively, to leave your hair smooth and styled. Though when considering a product that boasts tourmaline benefits, it’s best to opt for a model made with the actual technology rather than just coated in the material.

Heat and speed settings

Versatility is the name of the game, and Navarro says you should opt for a dryer that gives you options. “Look for one that will allow you to control the heat and air flow, to prevent damage, and cut down on dry time,” she explains. Different dryers approach their settings in different ways, but you at least want to be able to make sure you can turn down the temperature. Navarro adds, “It doesn’t always need to be on the highest heat, they make lower heats on them for a reason.”

Ceramic coating

Dryers made with ceramic boast several benefits. The coating heats up quickly, leading to a faster dry. It also produces infrared heat that preserves your hair’s moisture, which is great for minimizing damage in the long run.

Cool-shot button

Navarro says to never buy a dryer without a cool-shot feature, or else “you will regret it in the long run.” She adds, “It’s the most important button on the blow dryer, in my opinion.” It helps keep the hair healthy, reduce frizz, and add shine.

How we chose the best hair dryers

With years of experience styling models and actors for professional shoots, Navarro laid out a series of qualities to look for when buying a dryer—such as versatile heat settings and a cool-shot button—so I kept those features in mind while conducting my search. I combed through Amazon reviews, as well as testimonials on trusted beauty sites like Ulta and Sephora, and prioritized models that offered decreased dry times, reduced heat damage, and anti-frizz technology, considering the needs for each hair type. I additionally factored in the price and array of attachments when evaluating the dryer’s relative value.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What’s the best hair dryer for my hair type?

Even though there’s technology that’s beneficial across the board—Navarro says “a ceramic hair dryer is great for nearly all hair types”—she specifically flagged that people with curly hair should be extra cautious of heat damage. “Be mindful not to use extreme heat when blow drying curly hair or there is a chance you can destroy your curl pattern,” she says. “If you’re looking to rock your curls, make sure you grab a hair dryer that comes with a diffuser attachment, place the setting on low speed to reduce frizz and keep the curls happy.”

Additionally, Navarro specifically recommends ionic technology for individuals with thick or curly hair to reduce frizz and keep your locks looking polished.

How much should you pay for a hair dryer?

As the adage goes: You get what you pay for. That said, hair dryers can sell between about $20 and $500, so it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what price range ensures a solid model.

“$150 to $250 will usually get you one that you will be pretty happy with and that should last you quite a long time,” Navarro says. “If you’re looking for something more cost efficient, don’t hesitate to check and see if the brand you’re set on has a smaller travel-size option, that way you can save some coins!”

What is the best fast-drying hair dryer?

Navarro said the Dyson Supersonic professional hair dryer is her go-to when she needs a quick blowout, and considering it processes 13 liters of air every second, there’s no question as to why. “I can trust every time I use it to cut down my dry time, while keeping your hair protected with the intelligent heat control,” Navarro says. “It’s so powerful that I use it as a fan on set to blow the models’ hair to get that perfect shot!”

What does a blow-dryer cool-shot button do?

The cool-shot button is the key to setting your style. Dry your hair with your chosen heat setting, then, Navarro says, “Once the hair is dry, you would use it to close the cuticle of the hair to reduce frizz, add shine, and if you are using a round brush, it will hold and lock in your style.”

How can you protect your hair from heat damage when using a hair dryer?

Although many technologies work to reduce heat damage during the drying process, Navarro still recommends you “do yourself a favor” and always use a heat protectant. (She prefers the Iles Finishing Serum). She adds, “If you aren’t protecting your hair, you will create thermal damage, and it's usually a gradual type of damage, and by the time it's really noticeable, it will be harder for you to repair.”

Bottom line

When looking for a hair dryer, it’s important to consider your price range and hair type. Before deciding the value of a potential purchase, make sure the model is worth investing in—technology that reduces heat damage, cuts down on drying time and leaves your hair frizz-free are all pros to look out for.