You may think that once you’ve tried one hair dryer, you’ve tried them all. But you’d be surprised by the variation among this common hair styling tool. Whether you’re looking for a drugstore find at a low price, a specialized diffuser for curly hair, or high end a tourmaline ionic ceramic tool, this list will show you how to stretch your dollar and still look like a diva – without damaging the health of your hair. Here are the best blow dryers we found from $16 to $500 and everything in between.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published and has been updated due to discontinued products and reader feedback.
12 Best Hair Dryers
Bed Head 1875 Watt Ionic Turbo Dryer, $16.79
No worries of bed head with this dryer that gets even the curliest and coarsest hair dry in no time. It has dual heat and speed settings and the coveted cool shot button to lock in your style. This dryer fights frizz like a champ. Ionic technology, lightweight, and concentrator attachment are included at a reasonable price.
Remington T-Studio Silk Ceramic Dryer, $24.99
Get a blowout on a budget. It works with lightning speed, has three-heat setting, the much-loved cool-shot button, and nozzle and diffuser attachments. The dryer’s grills are infused with real silk proteins that will deliver smoother, silkier strands, thanks to the heat-activated silk conditioner blend built into the dryer.
Conair Curl Fusion Ionic Ceramic Styler Dryer, $29.99
This affordable dryer uses ionic technology to add shine and control frizz. The ceramic technology prevents heat damage and warmth injury. There are two heat or speed settings and the coveted cool shot button to keep your coils, curls and waves in place. There is a volume lift attachment to help define your natural curls, coils, and waves.
Conair Infiniti Pro Volume Dryer, $29.99
There is a powerful flow of air from this infinity pro dryer that will give you all the volume you crave with its volumizing attachment. It has 1875 watts for high airflow and faster drying time with less heat exposure and less damage. Cold-shot button with a removable filter to prevent lint buildup and clogged airflow.
Jinri Ceramic Ionic 1875W Negative Ionic And Far Infrared Hair Dryer, $35.99
Jinri is new to me but it’s the top rated brand on Amazon with a 5-star rating. It offers three temperatures, a cool shot setting, multiple speeds, and negative ion technology to cut down on frizz while managing the amount of heat your hair is exposed to.
Laila Ali LADR5604 Ionic Soft Bonnet Dryer, $39.97
One of the better soft bonnet dryers on the market, this dryer emits ion-infused airflow that dries hair quickly and adds shine. There are three speed, heat, a cool settings to set your style. Compact and convenient storage case, easily portable, and great for roller sets, braids, and processing chemical and conditioning treatments.
Tourmaline Tools 1059 Ionic Salon Dryer By Hot Tools, $100.74
A hooded hair dryer that has ionic nanotechnology that turns this dryer’s airflow into a hydrating spa treatment for your tresses. With the 1875 watt output, hair dries 50% faster for silky, shiny and less frizzy tresses. Two speeds and four heat settings with an adjustable front visor and large adjustable bonnet to accommodate even the largest rollers.
FHI Heat Nano Salon Pro 2000, $139.99
With the combination of the Nano technology and tourmaline crystals you get shiny hair with no frizz. Your tresses are conditioned as it dries, stays moisturized, and heat damaged free. There is a cool shot button, a ceramic heater to condition your tresses, and a diffuser and concentrator included to put the airflow exactly where you want it. The motor has two setting and there are three different heat settings.
DevaCurl Dryer and Diffuser, $140
Here we have the very first dryer and diffuser created specifically for textured hair. The hand-shaped DevaFuser produces 360 degree airflow to smoothly and evenly dry your hair. Lightweight, ergonomic design for easy maneuvering with a dual temperature, speed setting, and of course the cool shot button. May take some time getting used to since drastically different than other dryers but it is worth every penny.
Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic 4000i, $200
Great for thick or coarse hair, this dryer has 60% more powerful than a conventional dryer. It is lightweight, compact, and you can choose to use the ionic technology, which gives you choices in hairstyles. You can either have super sleek hair or add volume to a limp mane. The Sedu has six heat and speed settings, which make this great for all hair types.
T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i, $250
This ionic, tourmaline hair dryer will cut your blow-drying time in half. This engine is powerful so drying hair faster will cut down on damage. Experts even boast that using this hair dryer will have your hair healthier than air-drying. It seems no one has anything bad to say about this dryer.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $499.99
This is the ultimate splurge. The question on every curly’s mind is: is it worth it? The Dyson claims to dry hair faster, be quieter, and deliver better results than the rest of the dryers on the market. NaturallyCurly writer Diane Mary saved up her Ulta Rewards points and got the dryer for a bargain to see if it was worth the hefty price tag, and says that the time saved in her hair routine makes it worth every penny. You can see her full Dyson review here.
