The 11 Best Hair Dryers for Every Hair Type, Texture and Blowout, Tested by Editors
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Updated December 10th, 2023: This article on the best hair dryers was updated with new product picks based on hands-on editor product testing, additional tips for selecting a hair dryer based on your hair type, and was fact-checked by a copy editor.
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The best way to prevent a dreadful bad hair day is to level-up your post-shower routine with one of the best hair dryers. If you’re working with a clunky or overworked model, it may be time to replace it with a shiny new blow dryer that’s easier to use and garners salon-quality results. Your daily blow dryer delivers heat from root to tip, so it’s crucial to select a tool that supports healthy strands, too. Our team of editors tested hair dryers that suit different hair types, textures, lengths, and styling needs, with cutting-edge technology systems, to point you toward your next secret weapon hair styling tool.
“Blow drying your hair should be quick and fun,” says Alex Osorio Castro, a stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad. “I hear complaints that dryers are too heavy, but drying your hair shouldn’t be a battle.” In recent years, the beauty market has exploded with professional hair dryers you can use in your at-home salon. Brands at every price point, from Dyson, Conair, Ghd, Pattern, Harry Josh, and beyond, have advanced hair dryers with new styling and hair care functions for everyone, whether you have kinky, curly, fine, thick, or color-treated hair.
“Using a really good blow dryer will allow you to dry your hair quickly,” says salon owner and celebrity hair stylist Kee Taylor. She adds that a high-quality blow dryer can also prevent harmful overheating that causes dry brittle strands and bacteria build-up on the scalp. Innovative hair dryer technologies specifically encourage healthy hair, with capabilities like even airflow, temperature control, and moisture retention. There are also affordable hair dryers with a myriad of settings that allow you supreme authority over the look and feel of your mane.
Choosing the right hair dryer for you “depends on what hairstyle you’re looking for,” says The Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa. “You really have to evaluate your own hair and your routine.” Different hair dryers will create disparate results, from a ’90s-inspired blowout, defined curls, or extra-shiny strands, so it’s important to keep your styling needs and natural in mind when selecting the best tool for drying your hair at home.
Since there are so many hair dryer options available with new, fancy features, WWD Shop editors put top players to the test to narrow down our picks of the litter. We consulted professional hair experts for invaluable insight and recommendations, as well as evaluated bestsellers and new releases from our favorite beauty retailers. We also dove into extensive research on hair dryer technology and evaluated key elements that benefit the range of hair types, textures, and styling preferences.
Top Hair Dryers of 2023
Best for Damaged Hair: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best Professional: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Best for Travel: Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer
Best Affordable Option: Conair Infinitipro Hair Dryer
Best for Fine Hair: Bio Ionic Smart-X Hair Dryer
Best for Thick Hair: Laifen Swift Hair Dryer
Best for Shine: Ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Best for Curly Hair: Pattern The Blow Dryer
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Testing Verdict: Top 3 Blow Dryers of 2024
These days, hair dryers come in all shapes and sizes, and offer benefits for different hair types and styling needs. It’s important to shop for a hair dryer based on your specific hair concerns, like if you have hair that’s prone to frizz, want to reverse prior damage, or have a curly mane to tame. Our editors selected the top three best blow dryers that offer different results, rather than one universal winner. Below, our elite picks:
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: While it’s a splurge purchase, our testers concluded that you get what you pay for with Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer. Not only was it designed with every hair type in mind, it also provides optimal control across a range of drying and styling needs. It leaves nothing to be desired, while offering more features than its competitors with exclusive attachments, extra gentle airflow, and a super speedy dry time — all without damaging even the most delicate hair types.
Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer: This weighs in as the lightest hair dryer of the bunch — and the entire world. This dryer supports healthy hair by delivering active oxygen with antibacterial properties as you dry, and its streamlined, travel-friendly design includes versatile heat and airflow settings. We’re enthralled by its ultra efficient self-cleaning technology, too.
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer: We love this option as much as the professionals do. Its lightweight, compact design bodes well for easy travel, while its short nozzle delivers concentrated airflow with several handy settings. For a salon-quality hair dryer, it’s the most user-friendly option on our list.
BEST HAIR DRYER FOR DAMAGED HAIR
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,600 watts
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Settings: 3 heat and cool shot
Attachments: Styling concentrator, flyaway attachment, wide-tooth comb, diffuser, and gentle air attachment
Special features: Air Multiplier technology, minimal heat damage
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$344 $429 20% off
$429
$429
Dyson’s hair dryer is definitely one of the more expensive hair dryer options, but our testers conclude that this TikTok-famous beauty tool is worth the splurge. With four heat settings and three speed settings, it was designed to be used by a variety of hair types and textures. “Thick, fine, coarse, processed and healthy hair can use this hair dryer,” says Castro. “Also, I love that it looks kind of sexy and is fun to use.” On top of looks and versatile settings, this dryer is a top option for preserving hair health: Rather than relying on high heat, the Supersonic employs ultra-fast airflow that dries your hair without causing breakage or split ends. And the latest iteration of the tool comes with five attachments suitable for pin-straight to type 4c hair.
Editor testing and review notes: “I have thick, long hair, so most hair dryers take me 20 minutes to go from wet to dry and styled. The Dyson Supersonic slashes that time in half. During testing, I was blown away with this tool’s ability to quickly dry my hair (and without high amounts of heat, mind you). The attachments are versatile for different finishes, but the Flyaway Attachment stands out for its ability to tame unruly pieces near my temples. Many hair dryers with multiple attachments I tested were complicated to operate; this one is simple and straightforward. Just select the attachment of your choosing and it magnetically secures in place and adjusts the heat and airflow settings automatically for best effect.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $429.99
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BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIR DRYER
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: Less than 1 lb
Settings: 3 speed, 3 heat, and cool shot
Attachments: Traditional nozzle and long nozzle
Special features: Cool Air Flex Technology, Dual Ion Functionality, AC motor
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
$261.75 $349 25% off
$349
This Harry Josh hair dryer is one of Castro’s all-time favorites and he recommends it to those that want a tool that’s “short, easy, and fun,” he says. “Those hair dryers that have a long nose are not so easy to manage, but I recommend Harry Josh to all of my clients because it’s so easy to work with.” The Ultra Light Pro Dryer is small but mighty, weighing under one pound with six settings and a cool shot. Its ergonomic design relieves strain as you style, and ion technology makes it particularly efficient for reducing damage and dry time.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact hair dryer to take on the go but one that can also serve as a daily hair dryer, Harry Josh’s Ultra Light Hair Dryer is for you. Many dryers are designed to be “lightweight,” but this one is noticeably lighter but still feels like it has substance. It’s easy to hold in the hand for an extended period and easy to maneuver. Even though it is compact, it has a very powerful motor, which makes for super-fast drying time. My only complaint is that since I have fine, slightly wavy hair that easily frizzes, I was hoping that the hair dryer would reduce some of the frizz, but compared to other similar tools, it did not.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
BEST TRAVEL HAIR DRYER
Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,700 watts
Weight: 10.3 oz
Settings: 3 speed, 3 heat
Attachments: Diffuser and two nozzles
Special features: Oxy Active technology, Auto Clean technology, led display
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$339.95 $399.95 15% off
$279.96 $399.95 30% off
Although this is the world’s lightest hair dryer, clocking in at just 10.3 ounces, the Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto hair dryer is shockingly powerful — with the ability to dry hair 30 percent faster than others. It’s also the cleanest blow dryer we’ve ever seen, featuring Oxy Active Technology that emits active oxygen with antibacterial properties. This travel-friendly hair dryer also includes a microfilter that blocks even the smallest lint particles from the motor and an auto-clean function for the filter. With this option, you’ll never have to deal with grime in your hair dryer’s motor again.
Editor testing and review notes: “This hair tool by Ga.Ma is the ultimate travel hair dryer — it’s astoundingly lightweight and its sleek silhouette is far less clunky than traditional dryers. Yes, this hair tool is great for packing in a weekender bag, but I’m drawn to it for at-home use, too. The featherweight build is ideal for those, like me, with a lot of hair: Your arms won’t tire while you style with it. Its buttons are cleverly placed on the sides of the handles, which prevents you from accidentally adjusting the heat or airflow during your styling session.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $279.96
BEST AFFORDABLE HAIR DRYER
Conair Infinitipro Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,874 watts
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Settings: 2 speed, 4 heat
Attachments: Concentrator, diffuser, and blowout hair brush
Special features: Ionic and ceramic technology, infrared heat, AC motor
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$39.99 $42.99 7% off
You heard it here first: You can still get one of the best hair dryers on Amazon without dropping a small fortune. “Price and quality are a big misconception when categorizing dryers,” says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims. “It’s important instead to consider technology versus price, what the dryer does, and how it reacts to the hair.” Don’t let the price tag fool you on the Conair Infinitipro. It’s the best Conair hair dryer because it’s loaded with all the good stuff, like a pro-AC motor and gentle ceramic and ionic technologies to dry hair up to 50 percent faster with less damage, less frizz, and more shine. According to our testers, this is hands-down the best hair dryer under $50, and a top Amazon beauty product to boot.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a no-frills blow dryer that gets the job done, this Infinitipro Conair option is for you. It gives incredible volume and ensures a fast drying time so there’s less heat exposure for your hair. Plus, it comes with a sleek concentrator that helps focus the airflow for precise drying. This is especially great for someone whose hair doesn’t need a lot of attention, just a quick dry so you don’t have to run out of the house with a wet head.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
BEST HAIR DRYER FOR FINE HAIR
Bio Ionic Smart-X Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,600 watts
Weight: 11.9 oz
Settings: 3 speed, 3 heat
Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator
Special features: Volcanic MX technology, Moisturizing Heat Technology, self-cleaning
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$329
$329
$329
This high-tech Bio Ionic hair dryer weighs in under one pound and will make you feel like a pro in the comfort of your home salon. Whether you’re straight-drying or crafting a bouncy blowout, the Smart-X Hair Dryer was engineered with high efficiency in mind, by focusing on the power of air rather than high heat. Its system features a broad-flowing brushless motor and technology that balances air and temperature at 100 times per second, which softens the impact of heat and results in a super soft sound. It also encourages moisture retention by emitting natural negative ions that push water molecules deeper into each strand.
Editor testing and review notes: “The shape of this hair dryer lends itself to great styling control. Its long, narrow nozzle allows me to blow air directly into the root and follow through to the ends of my hair with ease. While I’d normally reach for the concentrator attachment that comes with this hair dryer, it didn’t feel necessary. It has very powerful airflow, and I like that there are three intensity settings for both cool and hot temperatures. In just a few minutes, it leaves my hair smooth, shiny, and super soft. If you have super sensitive ears, keep in mind that this dryer emits a subtle hissing sound as it blows air.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $329
Moroccanoil Smart Styling Infrared Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,300 watts
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Settings: 2 speed, 3 heat, and cool shot
Attachments: Speed-Dry nozzle and Curl Defining Diffuser
Special features: Far infrared light, honeycomb technology
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$190
$190
To revive damaged goods or maintain healthy locks, try an infrared technology hair dryer, like this one from Moroccanoil. The tech gently warms up strands while reducing thermal exposure and sealing in moisture for maximum shine. It uses far-infrared rays to deliver gentle heat and features a ceramic core that cuts down on dry time and leaves your mane smooth and sleek. Plus, it has three settings that allow for plenty of heat control.
Editor testing and review notes: “Those who frequently color their hair know that dye often leads to dullness. While hair masks are one way to boost luster, I found this hair dryer equally helpful in imparting shine. Compared to others on our list, the Moroccanoil hair dryer outperformed in its ability to make thirsty, drab hair look hydrated and feel soft to the touch. Note that it’s on the heavier side: Short, thin hair types won’t mind this, but if you have long, thick hair, you may want to take a breather between sections.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
BEST HAIR DRYER FOR THICK HAIR
Laifen Swift Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,600 watts
Weight: 3.92 oz
Settings: 2 speed, 3 heat, and hot/cold cycle mode
Attachments: Concentrator nozzle
Special features: Thermo-Control microprocessor, Led ring light, negative ion technology
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$199.99
This Laifen hair dryer is not for the faint of heart — or hair. While it has a similar appearance to the Dyson blow dryer, our testers discovered that its airflow is significantly stronger, though it does weigh in slightly heavier. It’s equipped with negative ion technology that preserves hydration as it dries, while its innovative brushless motor gets the job done in no time. The Swift Hair Dryer’s sleek design also features an LED ring light that changes color as you switch through its settings — one of which is a unique temperature cycle mode that makes small airflow adjustments to avoid excessive heat exposure.
Editor testing and review notes: “When I first turned on this hair dryer, I was taken aback by its power. It created a large gust of wind that rattled the shower curtain in my bathroom — and that was on the low setting. Its strong airflow is great for super speedy hair drying, though it may be overwhelming for those who want tons of control with styling. I tend to dread drying my long hair because hair dryers can feel heavy after a while, but this one is compact, lightweight, and makes the entire experience feel less bulky and burdensome. This also may be the most quiet hair dryer I’ve ever used. I can tell its small size will be perfect for travel too. Overall, this innovative hair dryer is very efficient and adds a lot of volume to my heavy hair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99
BEST HAIR DRYER FOR SHINE
Ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: 0.11 oz
Settings: 2 speed, 2 heat
Attachments: Concentrator nozzle
Special features: Custom sounds levels, ionic technology, contoured nozzle, DC motor
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
$279
$279
$279
If shine is your end-all, be-all, add this Ghd hair dryer to your beauty routine. The extra boost of gloss is attributed to the blow dryer’s aerodynamic technology, which promises a 30 percent increase in sleek shine, coupled with ionic technology that smooths flyaways and frizz. It has a fast-drying air motor that travels at 75 mph from a concentrated, contoured nozzle to deliver consistent and even airflow. While this salon-quality hair dryer is ultra powerful, it has a whisper-soft hum that won’t overwhelm your senses, thanks to its low-acoustic system. This option won’t be the best hair dryer for oily hair, but if you deal with damage and dryness, this one’s for you.
Editor testing and review notes: “This dryer is my total lifesaver. It dries my hair in a flash and leaves it looking flawless — I see a difference in results with regard to smoothness, shine, and the frizz factor. The Ghd hair dryer has very simple airflow and heat settings, letting me control the dryer quite easily; however, my favorite feature is the contoured nozzle that focuses the high-power airflow for precise styling control. While this tool is slightly heavy, it’s worth it for its results.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $279
BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR
Pattern The Blow Dryer
Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: 1.12 lbs
Settings: 2 speed, 3 heat, and cold shot
Attachments: Diffuser, brush, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle
Special features: Ion customization, AC motor
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$189
$189
$189
Curly hair requires an extra level of care, which is why Tracee Ellis Ross specially developed Pattern’s blow dryer with a wide array of hair dryer attachments. The dryer itself is designed with a ceramic coated grill to reduce damaging hot spots, while a powerful airflow motor deposits even heat. It also provides the option to activate ion technology to smooth cuticles or turn them off to hone in on added volume. The set offers some of the best hair dryer attachments for curls, like an aluminum-plated bowl hair diffuser that heats up quickly to shorten dry time, and a comb that works to detangle coils while you style. You can click on the concentrator nozzle for more controlled airflow, or opt for the brush to stretch and smooth ringlets. Our editors agree that this is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair, and you can’t deny its super chic aesthetic as a notable bonus.
Editor testing and review notes: “Consider Pattern’s The Blow Dryer a Dyson Airwrap that’s been carefully designed for curly and coily hair textures. Rather than smoothing and curling attachments, the hair dryer includes three attachments that enhance hair types from 2A to 4C, plus a concentrator for days you want to stretch or smooth your curls. The device feels — and looks — like pure luxury, courtesy of its caramel color and sleek design. Its heat and airflow settings also cater to curly hair; you have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $189
T3 AireLuxe Professional Hair Dryer
Wattage: 1,875
Weight: 1.56 lbs
Settings: 3 speed, 5 heat
Attachments: Two drying and styling nozzles
Special features: Negative ion technology
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$149.99 $199.99 25% off
$199.99
$199.99
Sims never goes on set without his favorite T3 hair dryer, which offers a range of different heat and speed settings that allow you to master your strands. “For type 4 textures, you can use a higher setting for a smoother finish,” he says, adding that a good rule of thumb is “the looser the curl pattern you want to achieve, the lower the heat you should apply on the hair.” While heat levels determine how straight and smooth your strands lay, the T3 AireLuxe Professional Digital Ionic Hair Dryer adds an extra shot of an ion-infused airstream for super sleek results. “If you have a kinky texture, the hair needs more moisture,” Sims says, “leave-in conditioner is a must.” He also recommends the Flawless by Gabrielle Union heat protectant spray for more moisture and protection before you blow dry. Note that while this is a great hair dryer for curly hair, you’ll need to purchase the diffuser separately.
Editor testing and review notes: “T3’s Cura Professional Hair Dryer may look like a standard hair dryer, but it has near-magical capabilities of volumizing hair. I love using it on days when I’m wearing my hair wavy or curly, as it provides a nice lift at the root without overly smoothing out the lengths of my hair. For the price, I was impressed with the tool’s special features and extensive settings that allow a customized blowout at home. My only critique has to do with the cool shot button, which is placed where your hand naturally wraps around the dryer’s handle, so you may accidentally press it while styling.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $149.99
Flower Beauty Ionic Pro Hair Dryer
Wattage: 2,000 watts
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Settings: 2 heat, 2 ion, cool shot, and air flow dial
Attachments: Concentrator nozzle
Special features: Ionic technology, customizable airflow
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$76.97
$80
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty brand is constantly coming in hot with must-have beauty buys, and we’re especially impressed with the Ionic Pro Hair Dryer. Not only does the dryer’s playful colorway remind us of Barbie’s Dream House, it also creates a doll-like ‘do, too. This top hair dryer uses aerospace-designed airflow with an ion boost to bust frizz, plus offers you supreme authority over its force with a rotating dial. It also comes with a pink concentrator nozzle for added control. A tool this pretty shouldn’t be stowed away, and it doesn’t have to, thanks to its diamond-patterned head that sits solidly on your vanity.
Editor testing and review notes: “I was astonished at how shiny this dryer left my hair. I love to use the nozzle to dry my hair straight, which usually takes a substantial amount of time since my hair is so long. But with this, I can get the job done in well under 10 minutes. If you’re in the market for a new blow dryer but your budget caps at 100 dollars, this is a great option for smooth blowouts and simple drying. And can we talk about the design? It’s easily the cutest hair tool in my rotation.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $76.97
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What to Look for in the Best Blow Dryers
Heat and airflow settings: The more settings a hair dryer offers, the more control you have over potential heat damage and styling results. “It’s important that the hair dryer has at least three different heat settings with two speed options and a cool shot button,” says Kee. Additional ion-release regulation is a plus, because it can determine the level of volume and sleekness you achieve.
Versatile attachments: Kee explains that a hair dryer should come with attachments, like a concentrator and diffuser nozzle, because they “will give you enough versatility to create various hairstyles from the same blowdryer.” Attachments should also coincide with your hair type and texture. For curly and coily manes, diffuser attachments are a must-have, while straight and wavy hair will shine best from a concentrator nozzle.
A comfortable weight: Mastering your own blowout is an art — and not an easy one at that — but modern hair dryer models are lighter and stronger to give your arm a break. “I think the most important thing to consider is the weight of a hair dryer,” says Castro. “It needs to be light and easy to handle in your hand. As a professional, I’m standing above the hair, so getting the angle right is easy, but when someone’s doing their own hair, it’s such an uncomfortable position. It’s a workout, basically.” Keep in mind that weight also plays a factor if you anticipate traveling with your tool, as well as its size and assortment of attachments.
Special technology features: The best home salon hair dryers on the market will include features like ceramic, ionic, or infrared technology. Ion-emitting hair dryers are widely available, and Potempa says this quality particularly makes a big difference. “More ions equal less frizz,” she says. “As the negative ions come through the airflow toward the water molecules, which have a positive charge, they’re split and scattered quickly. This reduces the drying time but also neutralizes the positive charge, which causes frizz. That ionic output is really meant to make it easy for you to get that polished, soft finish.” Additionally, keep an eye out for temperature-regulating and self-cleaning features that simplify the entire drying process.
The Best Hair Dryers for Different Hair Types and Concerns
Best Hair Dryer for Fine Hair: Fine hair is most prone to damage and breakage, so it’s best to choose hair dryers with gentle airflow. It’s also important to select a hair dryer with hot and cold settings, so you have the option to dry on the cooler side. For thin locks, choose ceramic over ionic. “Ceramic generates infrared heat, which heats up evenly across the surface,” says Kee. “This helps prevent damage.”
Best Hair Dryer for Thick Hair: If you have a heavy head of hair, it can be a challenge to dry every strand in a reasonable time frame. Kee recommends selecting the best tourmaline hair dryers or blow dryers with ionic and ceramic technology, because they heat up quickly and do a thorough job. It’s also good to consider blow dryers with a stronger or faster airflow to cut down on drying time.
Best Hair Dryer for Frizzy Hair: Frizz-prone hair will benefit from hair dryers that support healthy shine. They likely use infrared heat or tourmaline ceramic technology to lock in moisture and smooth out each unruly strand, making a pass with a hair straightener purely optional. Make sure to select one with a hair dryer concentrator, as this will allow optimal heat control in various sections, which is especially helpful for type three and four hair.
Best Hair Dryer for Damaged or Color-Treated Hair: Applying heat to already compromised hair is a careful dance. If you have dehydrated, color-treated, bleached, or damaged hair, preserving moisture and minimizing heat is key. The best ionic hair dryer is the safest bet, but make sure you choose one that has a significant range of heat and speed options. “The trick here is to use a light power setting,” says Castro. “If you use a high heat or power setting on processed or bleached hair, you’d break your hair down.”
How We Selected the Best Blow Dryers
There’s an overwhelming amount of hair dryers to choose from on the market, which is why our WWD shop editors hunkered down to test over a dozen hair dryers to inform your next beauty buy. We examined best-selling tools, revisited old favorites, and made sure to address options from a wide range of price points. Our extensive product testing is based on thorough beauty market research, as well as expert insight and recommendations from professional hair stylists. We also sifted through and compared customer reviews to pinpoint the most user-friendly and satisfactory hair dryers. Out of over 25 hair dryers, our testers landed on a stellar 11-item lineup for different hair types and styling goals.
Elchim 8th Sense Hair Dryer: A true professional hair dryer, this option is lightweight, powerful, and durable. A close runner-up to making our list, we excluded it from the top 11 hair dryers as it features bells and whistles that many may deem unnecessary for everyday styling.
Revlon Airflow Control Dryer: This budget-friendly hair dryer has a uniquely chubby nozzle that caters well to curly hair types. However our testers found that with attachments clicked into place, the tool felt cumbersome to work around hair, particularly for those with short, fine hair.
Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer: While we appreciate this tool’s no-fuss design, our testers were able to pin down hair dryers that deliver similar results with a lower price tag, like Conair’s Infinitipro Hair Dryer. We also noted that this dryer heats up quickly to a high temperature, which caused some heat flares during styling.
How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Hair Dryers
Three WWD editors and product testers put more than 25 hair dryers to the test. Each hair dryer was used for various results, such as drying sopping-wet locks, straight-styling, or creating voluminous blowouts, across a three-week testing period. On top of personally testing these tools, we also evaluated them on different hair textures, including type 2a to 4c curls, on human hair wigs. During testing, we paid attention to key factors including airflow power, hand comfortability, setting variety, technology features, sound levels, tool size, and whether our hair was left feeling soft or dehydrated. Our testers also used infrared heat thermometers to evaluate the minimum and maximum heat settings of the tools. We examined whether hair dryers lived up to fast-drying or moisture-enhancing claims, so you can feel confident about your next hair dryer purchase.
Our list of the best blow dryers were tested across different hair lengths, types, textures, and concerns, so you can select the best blow dryer for your own hair goals. Below, our testing criteria for the best hair dryers:
Ease of use: The best blow dryers have professional technology and innovative features, but it shouldn’t be overly complicated to use. We judged hair dryer usability based on comfortable design, straightforward buttons and settings, and whether it dried hair in a reasonable time frame. We also paid attention to factors that impact a hair dryer’s overall experience, such as sound levels, weight, or if the tool overheated during use.
Durability: Hair dryers tend to travel with you, whether you’re packing them in a tote bag to use after the gym or in a weekender bag for a trip. Our testers put each tool to the test during long commutes to assess whether the dryers stayed in good shape after rattling around in suitcases and bags for hours. We also dropped the dryers from countertop height onto tile floors, making sure these tools can withstand everyday wear and tear without breaking or malfunctioning.
User-friendly attachments: Hair dryer attachments are important to keep in mind for your hair type, texture, and intended result for styling. Our list includes a variety of blow dryers with attachments for different uses, such as concentrator nozzles, diffusers, and combs, as well as specific functions like flyaway tamers or attachments that transform the tool into a hair dryer brush. We gave kudos to hair dryers that came with a full suite of attachments and paid attention to how attachments clicked into place on the hair dryer.
Weight: A hair dryer can have high-tech features and a large collection of attachments, but its weight and size can largely impact the entire experience. It also plays a role in its ability to pack well as a travel hair dryer. Throughout our examinations, our testers noted if their arms or wrists grew tired while drying their hair, and any hair dryers that were far too bulky were not included in our list.
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Meet the Experts
Alex Osorio Castro is a hair stylist at the Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care salon in NoMad. His work has been seen in Calvin Klein campaigns and manes of models such as Anwar Hadid. His styling has also graced the cover of Marie Claire and walked the runways at NYFW.
Kee Taylor is the owner of the Deeper Than Hair salon in West Philadelphia, founder of the hair care line of the same name, and a hair content creator on YouTube. She specializes in afro-textured hair, sew-in extensions, and straightened hair styles. Her porfolio of celebrity clients include Keke Palmer, Amber Riley, Estelle, Tika Sumpter, and Nafessa Williams. She’s also authored the children’s book All Hair is Good Hair.
Sarah Potempa is the founder of the Beachwaver hair tools brand, which employs innovative rotating technology to curling irons, along with offering smooth-gliding flat irons. As a celebrity hair stylist, she’s worked with the likes of Margot Robbie, Lea Michelle, Camila Cabello, Busy Phillips, Ashley Benson, Chrissy Teigen, Miranda Cosgrove, Reese Witherspoon, and magazines including Teen Vogue, L’Officiel, and Marie Claire.
Larry Sims is a celebrity hair stylist, who’s work has been seen across the entertainment industry, from television programs, such as Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, and Entertainment Tonight, to the magazine covers of Vogue, Allure, Elle, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Essence. He’s responsible for Victoria Beckham’s iconic “bob” hairstyle, as well as looks seen on celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Laverne Cox, and more.
Meet the Testers and Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of hair care products and styling tools on her naturally curly hair during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting hair dryers that make a meaningful difference in your beauty routine.
Nikki Chwatt is the former Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both wrote and edited stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a New York City resident, she’s garnered a love for handbags, shoes, and garments as well as a myriad of beauty products. As a result, she has tested many hair styling tools, including hair dryers, to see which ones work agree for her hair type and beauty goals, and which may work better for others with different needs.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found searching for a holy grail in a Brooklyn thrift store or surveilling newsstands for fashion magazines. She’s undergone several phases of her hair care journey, from trendy cuts to bleach damage and everywhere in between, so she feels confident recommending hair tools for different hair styling preferences and care concerns.
This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
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