- Low price point
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
- Professional AC motor for quick drying
- Several heat and speed settings
- Cool-shot button to lock in your look
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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
Best value hair dryer: InfinitiPro by Conair Luxe Series Full Body and Shine Pro Dryer
Best value hair dryer
InfinitiPRO By Conair Luxe Series Full Body & Shine Pro Dryer
With a volumizing round brush included in the box, this dryer is your first step to a bargain blowout. Conair is a trusted brand in hair, and for about $55, you can own a tool that’s targeted to your do’s volume and shine. Promising 75 percent less frizz thanks to the ionic technology, this option offers you six total heat and speed settings to style your hair on your own terms, all for a reasonable price.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Three (hot, warm and cool)
- Speed settings: Two (high and low)
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator
- Weight: 2.36 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $55
Pros:
Cons:
- More basic than many higher-end models
- Shorter cord
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for a decent hair dryer at a lower price point, Conair’s InfinityPro offers ionic technology and two attachments, as well as a volumizing brush.
Get it here: InfinitiPro by Conair Luxe Series Full Body and Shine Pro Dryer
Best budget hair dryer: REVLON Infrared Hair Dryer
Best budget hair dryer
Revlon 1875W Infrared Heat + Ceramic Hair Dryer White
This ceramic-coated hair dryer could be yours for a little over $25—and I consider that a steal. It uses tourmaline technology to reduce frizz, plus the triple ceramic coating helps to reduce heat damage. Complete with a cold-shot button, two attachments, and sectioning clips to aid styling, you’d be hard pressed to find a decent dryer for less.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Two (hot and warm)
- Speed settings: Two (high and low)
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator
- Weight: 2.07 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $26
Pros:
- Very-low price point
- Tourmaline technology to reduce frizz
- Ceramic coating
- Cold-shot button to lock in your look
Cons:
- Compromised quality
- Limited heat and speed settings
The bottom line:
$25 is a great price for any hair dryer, especially one with ceramic coating to reduce heat damage and negative-ion technology to minimize frizz.
Get it here: REVLON Infrared Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for curly hair: Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer
Best hair dryer for curly hair
Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer
Specifically engineered for wavy and curly hair, this dryer promotes definition without the frizz. This Curlsmith model comes with an 8-inch diffuser to reduce styling time and evenly dry your coils—plus its long prongs help to dry your roots faster. Additionally, it’s built with a hands-free stand on the back, so you can give your muscles a break while the machine does all the work.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Three (high, medium, and low)
- Speed settings: Two (high and low)
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator, and pick attachment
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $189
Pros:
- Moderate price point
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
- Large diffuser to reduce drying time
- 9-foot power cord
- Cool-shot button to lock in your look
Cons:
- Large diffuser can be a bit awkward to position
- Heavier
The bottom line:
To define and protect your coils, look no further than this model, complete with an extra-large diffuser designed for all wave and curl types.
Get it here: Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer
Best hair dryer for thick hair: BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2
Best hair dryer for thick hair
Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer
With thick hair, you’ve got even more locks to protect, and this dryer’s iconic and ceramic technologies are designed for just that. Additionally, the negative ions minimize frizz by reducing static electricity, so you don’t need to worry about your mane getting out of hand.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Three (hot, warm, and cool)
- Speed settings: Two (high and low)
- Wattage: 1900 watts
- Attachments: Concentrator
- Weight: 2.25 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $95
Pros:
- Moderate price point
- Several heat and speed settings
- Ceramic technology to minimize damage
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
- 9-foot power cord
- Cold-shot button to lock in your look
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a diffuser attachment
- Heavier
The bottom line:
With dual ionic and ceramic technologies for less frizz and damage but more shine, this dryer was designed to work for all hair types, including thick locks.
Get it here: BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2
Best hair dryer for frizzy hair: DryBar Buttercup Blow Dryer
Best hair dryer for frizzy hair
Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer
If you’ve ever been to one of DryBar’s 150+ locations for a blowout, you’ve seen these cheery yellow (yet powerful) blow dryers. The Buttercup was designed for the pros (specifically to withstand constant use), which is what makes it such a great fit for anyone with frizzy hair. The powerful 1875 watt motor dries your hair 20% faster than the average hair dryer, the ionic technology conditions, and the wave heater evenly distributes heat so you don’t end up with damp spots. Together, these features handily defeat the main causes of frizz—not fully drying your hair, and breakage.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Three (hot, warm, and cool) and a cold shot setting
- Speed settings: Two (fast and medium)
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: Two concentrator nozzles
- Weight: 1 pound, 1 ounce
- Price at time of publish: $199
Pros:
- 2-year warranty
- Several heat and speed settings
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
- Professional length (9 foot) cord
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a diffuser attachment
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This quick-drying model’s ionic technology is designed to reduce frizz and leave your hair looking as smooth as a professional blowout.
Get it here: DryBar Buttercup Blow Dryer
Best hair dryer for fine hair: T3 Featherweight 3I
Best hair dryer for fine hair
T3 Featherweight 3I
Designed for optimally smooth styling, this T3 model combines ionic technology with a quiet design to ensure a hassle-free drying experience. According to a customer study, 93 percent of women said the product left their hair “looking shiny and healthy.” And since it includes two concentrators—a wide one for drying and a narrow one for styling—you can style even thin hair exactly how you want it.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Three
- Speed settings: Two
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: Drying concentrator and styling concentrator
- Weight: 1 pound
- Price at time of publish: $250
Pros:
- Two concentrator attachments for versatile styling
- Ion technology to reduce frizz
- Several heat and speed settings
- Lightweight
- Quiet design
- Cool-shot button to lock in your look
Cons:
- Moderately higher price point
- Doesn’t come with a diffuser attachment
- Final sale
The bottom line:
This lightweight and quiet dryer is designed with precise styling in mind, so you can keep your thin locks smooth and voluminous.
Get it here: T3 Featherweight 3I
Best hair dryer for damaged hair: Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for damaged hair
Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
This dryer’s LightCare technology is specifically engineered to reduce heat damage, using light to dry only the surface of each strand while maintaining the moisture within. The brand boasts that this product improves your hair's internal moisture and retains its color for over 50 percent longer than other models. The gentle dryer gets less hot than many mainstream options, so it’s also a great choice for individuals with sensitive scalps.
Specifications:
- Settings: Four (care, fast, soft, and style)
- Wattage: 680 watts
- Attachments: Concentrator and gentle-air attachment (though you can choose to add on a diffuser)
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $279
Pros:
- LightCare technology to reduce damage and retain hair moisture
- Lightweight
- Cool-air option to lock in your look
- 8.5-foot cord
Cons:
- Moderately higher price point
- Diffuser attachment is an add-on
- Combined heat and speed settings
The bottom line:
This Zuvi dryer’s unique LightCare technology is specifically designed to maintain and improve your hair’s moisture, making it a great option for heat-damaged locks.
Get it here: Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Best travel hair dryer: Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer
Best travel hair dryer
Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer
There’s no need to splurge on a dryer for one-off trips, and Conair strikes again with a model designed to be a compact, lightweight travel buddy. The handle folds in, making it easier to fit in your carry-on bag. Even though the voltage is versatile for international travels, the tiny model still offers 1875 watts of power to dry your hair quickly.
Specifications:
- Settings: Two (high and low)
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: None
- Weight: 1 pound
- Price at time of publish: $19.99
Pros:
- Folding handle for easy packing
- Dual voltage for international travel
- Cool-shot button to lock in your look
- Low price point
Cons:
- Relatively basic model
- Combined heat and speed settings
- Doesn’t come with any attachments
The bottom line:
Between the compact size and dual voltage, this tiny dryer is made for hassle-free travel.
Get it here: Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer
Best splurge hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Known for its household appliances (like vacuum cleaners and air purifiers), Dyson expanded into the hair tools space several years ago and quickly became a must-have for beauty enthusiasts, editors, and influencers everywhere. I personally tested this blowdryer and love it for frizz-free hair that dries at about half the speed it does with any other dryer—plus with much less damage. And while it’s absolutely a splurge at $429, this is a heat tool you’ll have for years and years to come. Plus, if you’re someone who pays for regular blowouts, this blowdryer will earn its keep within a few weeks as it’ll replace professional appointments. It comes with four attachments for all hair types and textures—a flyaway attachment, styling concentrator, diffuser, gentle air attachment and wide-tooth comb. The new flyaway attachment harnesses the Coanda effect—a phenomenon first engineered for styling with Dyson’s Airwrap styler. This attachment lifts and attracts longer hairs to the front and pushes all flyaways through the hair and blends it in with the rest of your hair so it’s out of sight. I’m blown away (ha) at how subpar other blow dryers are in terms of speed and lack of damage when I use pretty much anything other than this one.
Specifications:
- Heat settings: Four. High for fast drying and styling, medium for regular drying, low for cooler drying and diffusing, and a cold shot for constant cold to set your hair after styling.
- Speed settings: Three: High for fast drying and styling, medium for regular drying, and low for diffusing.
- Wattage: 1600 watts
- Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator, gentle-air attachment, wide-toothed comb attachment, and flyaway attachment
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $429
Pros:
- Can be used internationally
- Intelligent heat-control technology to minimize damage
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
- Four heat and three speed settings for versatile drying
- Cold-shot button to lock in your look
- Comes with a variety of attachments for different hair textures
- Air Multiplier technology cuts down on dry time
- 9--foot cord
Cons:
- High price point
The bottom line:
If you’re willing to drop a significant amount on your initial purchase, the Dyson Supersonic blow dryer pays off with regard to professional blowout appointments rendered unnecessary, plus the speed and less damage make it the best tool on the market for quick, smooth, healthy hairstyling at home.
Get it here: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best professional hair dryer: T3 Aireluxe Professional Hair Dryer
Best professional hair dryer
T3 Aireluxe Professional Hair Dryer
This is a superior professional blow drying experience. T3 AireLuxe launched two years ago and features a custom-engineered fan for wider airflow to significantly reduce dry time. (Their lightweight hair dryer also made our list.) It’s also ion-infused to help hair retain 60% more of its natural moisture. A smart microchip digitally controls 15 heat and speed combinations. Shopping tip: T3 also made our lists for the best flat irons, best gifts for moms, and best gifts for women.
Specifications:
- Settings: Five heat settings and three speed settings for a total of 15 heat and speed combinations
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Attachments: Styling and drying concentrators
- Weight: 17.1 ounces
- Price at time of publish: $199.99
Pros:
- Moderate price point for a professional hair dryer
Cons:
- A couple of reviewers complained that the attachments broke within a few months.
The bottom line:
The T3 Aireluxe is lightweight and ergonomic with multiple heat and speed settings for various hair types, but some users find the temperature options average for the price.
Get it here: T3 Aireluxe Professional Hair Dryer
Best hair-dryer brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot-Air Brush
Best hair-dryer brush
Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
I love a blowout but have yet to master a round brush, so brush dryers that cut the work in half are my saving grace. Revlon’s updated model uses ceramic and tourmaline tech to reduce heat damage and leave your hair looking smooth and styled. You can leave your hair as silky and straight as some of the best flat irons would or you can flip and twirl your locks for a wavy look.
Specifications:
- Settings: Four (high, medium, low, and cool)
- Wattage: 1100 watts
- Attachments: None
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
- Price at time of publish: $74.99
Pros:
- Moderate price point
- Ceramic titanium tourmaline technology to reduce heat damage and frizz
- The brush is detachable for easier packing
Cons:
- Combined heat and speed settings
- The brush design doesn’t come with a designation cool-shot button
The bottom line:
This dryer is a must-have if you want a voluminous blowout in a fraction of the time and without the hassle of a round brush.
Get it here: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot-Air Brush
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.
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