What constitutes the best hair dryer depends on who you ask—everyone has an opinion, and there’s no shortage of impassioned reviews across the internet. Naturally, your hair type matters, along with a few other factors. To whittle down our list of top-rated models, we consulted professional stylists who use the tools on a regular basis. “All hair dryers are not equal,” says Matrix artist director Michelle O’Connor. “Each provides a benefit that you want to align with your hair’s characteristics and needs.”
To keep it healthy, you may want to spring for the latest tech upgrades, such as heat-adjusting smart sensors or magnetic attachments. “As with any other industry, ingenuity and innovation are going to give improved performance, as well as better results,” says O’Connor. Sure, you can find a basic blow dryer that gets the job done, but if you want one that will protect your hair and also hold up over time, you may want to invest one with more bells and whistles. Ahead, find the best hair dryers for every styling need, according to O’Connor and other haircare experts.
- Best Hair Dryer Overall: Dyson Supersonic
- Best Ionic Hair Dryer: BaByliss Pro Volare V1 Dryer with Ferrari Designed Engine
- Best Hair Dryer For Curly Hair: DevaCurl DevaDryer & DevaFuser
- Best Hair Dryer For Fine Hair: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer For Frizzy Hair: Drybar Reverse Ultralight Anti-Frizz Blow-Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer With A Diffuser: TineCo Moda One Smart Ionic Hair Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer Brush: Amika Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
- Best Hair Dryer For Thick Hair: GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer For Travel: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer
- Best Affordable Hair Dryer: Conair InfinitiPro
- Best Ergonomic Hair Dryer: Paul Mitchell Neuro Grip Handle-Free Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer Overall
A High-Tech Tool That Lives Up To Its Hype
- Wattage: 1,600 watts
- Attachments: 5
- Heat Settings: 4
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
Almost every stylist we talked to raved about this intelligent hair dryer, which has been an internet sensation since 2016. The beauty is in the details: the magnetic attachments that click on and allow you to achieve multiple styles (smoothing nozzle, curl-drying diffuser, shaping comb), the minimal weight and the v9 motor that generates heat without drying out strands. The downsides include the sticker price (it’s rarely discounted) and production issues, but this cult-ish pick sells out so if you really want it, grab it.
Pros:
- Quick drying
- Suitable for every hair type
- A sleek design that comes with multiple attachments
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not ideal for travel
Best Ionic Hair Dryer
The Zippy Sports Car Of Blow Dryers
- Wattage: 2,000 watts
- Attachments: 2
- Heat Settings: 6
- Weight: 15 ounces
This option’s robust engine is built by Ferrari and packs 2,000 watts of power for high-speed drying and a turbo button if you really want to rev up things, says Chicago hairstylist Amy Abramite. Reviewers also praise the cold shot setting, which closes the cuticle for shiny results. It comes with two concentrator nozzles, but you’ll have to purchase a diffuser separately.
Pros:
- Quick drying
- 4 year manufacturer warranty
- Very lightweight (just under a pound)
Cons:
- Diffuser not included
- May be too drying for some hair types
Best Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
A Hair Tool That Quickly Delivers An Air Dry Effect
- Wattage: 1,800 watts
- Attachments: 2
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 1 pound
This device’s 1,600-watt/AC motor and diffuser emit a gentle airflow, enabling you to efficiently dry your hair without making it crunchy or frizzy. It keeps curls and waves full of definition and body using three heat levels, two-speed settings and a nifty cool shot feature for sealing in your favorite leave-in products and setting styles in place. The model has a lightweight feel, ergonomic-friendly design and durable cord to boot.
Pros:
- Ionic technology
- Features a diffuser and concentrated nozzle
- 360-degree airflow
Cons:
- No warranty listed
- Expensive
Best Hair Dryer For Fine Hair
A Small But Mighty Option
- Wattage: 1,875 watts
- Attachments: 2
- Heat Settings: 8
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
Designed by celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh, hair pro to Gisele, this dryer generates so much buzz you’d assume it’s all hype. Nope, it’s really that good. This update to the original model is flawless: It weigh less than a pound, is compact enough for travel and has 12 settings (including an ion button you can turn on to reduce frizz and off to add volume). Plus it has tons of power to speed up your dry time, a built in “silencer” (you can have a conversation and not shout) and a minty green color, if that’s your thing.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Cord twists or tangles easily
- Warranty not specified
Best Hair Dryer For Frizzy Hair
The Smooth Operator
- Wattage: 1,875 watts
- Attachments: 2
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 1 pound
This hair tool reduces drying time and frizzing humidity by 85% using ionic technology and an 1,875-watt motor that distributes air at 100mph. Its super lightweight feel only enhances the user’s experience, making blow drying less of an arm-numbing workout. You can flip through three different heat settings to smooth out hair and enhance shine.
Pros:
- Great for all hair types
- Quick drying
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- Odd placement of controls
- Loud
- Expensive
Best Hair Dryer With A Diffuser
A Powerful And Smart Blow Dryer
- Wattage: 1,400 watts
- Attachments: 3
- Heat Settings: None (automated)
- Weight: Not listed
A rival to Dyson’s hair dryer, this option is also from a company known for making high-tech vacuums. The big selling point is the iLoop Smart Sensor, which senses your hair’s moisture and automatically adjusts the heat and airflow to avoid damage—a halo light changes from red to blue to indicate when strands are dry. Instead of fumbling with heat and speed switches, the futuristic unit is controlled by the app—you can flip through pre-set modes for yourself, your kids and even pets (yes, really).
Pros:
- Prevents over drying using moisture level indicators
- Magnetic attachments (including diffuser)
- Quiet
- 2 year manufacturers warranty
Cons:
- Bulky
- Can be hard to maneuver and operate
Best Hair Dryer Brush
A Pro-Favorite Styling Brush
- Wattage: 950 watts
- Attachments: None
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
Ideal for all hair types, this hair dryer brush from Amika is sturdy yet lightweight. It has an oval-shaped tourmaline-coated barrel, short nylon-ball-tipped bristles and three heat and speed settings (with a stylist-approved max of 240 degrees F).
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good for all hair types
Cons:
- Tip can get hot
- Shorter lifespan
Best Hair Dryer For Thick Hair
A Superior Design
- Wattage: 1,875 watts
- Attachments: 1
- Heat Settings: 2
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel is obsessed with this ergonomically-shaped model for its lightness (at 1.7 pounds, it weighs less than a MacBook Air) and contoured nozzle that directs airflow very precisely. It leaves hair straight and shiny enough that you might be able to skip the flat iron. And the “bespoke acoustic system” reduces sound levels, a claim that’s backed up by many Amazon reviewers who hail its “power without a very loud sound.”
Pros:
- Quick drying
- Ergonomic, sleek design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Attachments sold separately
Best Hair Dyer For Travel
A Compact Option With A Foldable Handle
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Attachments: 1
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
This compact hair dryer is small but powerful. It smoothes and dries hair as quickly as the brand’s standard model using IonAir technology. Plus, it features three heat settings and a collapsable handle that makes it easier to travel with.
Pros:
- Cool shot feature
- Compact design
- Comes with a travel pouch
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only two speeds
Best Affordable Hair Dryer
A Top-Rated Blow Dryer That Won’t Empty Your Pockets
- Wattage: 1,875 watts
- Attachments: 2
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
The salon-worthy performance, gentle infrared heat and powerful airflow are all reasons why this affordable hairdryer has racked up thousands of five-star reviews. Plus, it comes with a concentrated nozzle and diffuser to help you dry hair with even more precision.
Pros:
- Cold shot button
- Uses gentle, infrared heat
Cons:
- Long cord (approximately 8 feet)
- Loud
- Heavy
Best Ergonomic Hair Dryer
An Handle-Free, Lightweight Blow Dryer
- Wattage: 1,875 watts
- Attachments: 1
- Heat Settings: 3
- Weight: 1 pound
This handle-free hair dryer makes it easy to achieve a voluminous blowout without making your arms go numb in the process. With an 1,875-watt motor, it weighs just one pound, making it one of the lightest hair dryers we’ve come across—and the comfiest, too, thanks to the soft-touch rubber material.
Pros
- Ergonomic-friendly design
- Lightweight
- Comes with a universal silicon diffuser
Cons
- Handle-less design could take getting used to
- No warranty listed
What To Consider When Buying A Hair Dryer
“Thanks to constantly improving technology, certain features—heat-perfecting ceramic coils, frizz-defeating ionic generators and shine-enhancing tourmaline coatings—now come standard with most models,” says O’Connor. However, there are a few subjective but worthy considerations to keep in mind for separating the just-ok from the truly great options.
Hair Type
A hair dryer that gets too hot could cause damage to the scalp or hair, especially when it’s thin. “Think about [your hair type] and choose accordingly,” says O’Connor. “If your hair is fine, you can use a blow dryer with less wattage or turn down the heat setting and power. If you have thick or curly hair, look for a more powerful dryer.”
Materials
When it comes to materials, it’s worth knowing the basics. “Ceramic hair dryers distribute heat evenly and tend to be gentle on the hair. Titanium also distributes evenly but gets hotter,” says O’Connor, so it’s great for smoothing out thick curly hair quickly. There are also tourmaline dryers that use an electrical charge to keep water molecules out, making them a good option for smoothing frizz.
Attachments
The sky’s the limit when it comes to attachment options for hair dryers, so it’s best to match them to your hair needs. Some examples include a diffuser for defining curls or a wide-tooth comb for straightening hair as it dries.
Power
This refers to the motor speed and intensity of the heat; the greater the power, the hotter it gets. If you want a blow dryer that will do its job without causing heat damage, experts suggest selecting an option with 1500-1800 watts of power—a safe and effective output for thick and thin hair.
Settings
There’s one setting that tends to stand out when it comes to hair dryers: the cool button. While it’s useful for setting hair, some don’t get cold enough. The ideal option allows you to flick through multiple heat settings including a true cool temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Dryers
Are Hair Dryers Good For Hair?
“It can be good for your hair,” says celebrity hairstylist and Matrix ambassador Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. “It’s only damaging if you are overdoing it, have the temperature too high (depending on your texture) or are using it on dry hair.” Keep in mind, that applying a heat protectant is one way to add moisture to the hair while also protecting it from heat damage.
How Do You Blow Dry Hair Like A Professional?
“Make sure the hair is damp, meaning towel-dried,” says Sturdivant-Drew, who recommends massaging a lightweight oil from roots to the ends of hair. “Then you can section off your hair or blow it dry (at medium or high temperature) until it’s completely dry. If you’re using a blow dry brush try not to hit the scalp directly, and if using a comb attachment take your time doing it so the hair is evenly dried. Once it’s dried, not only will it feel soft and manageable, it will have a beautiful shine.”
Is It Okay To Blow Dry Hair Every Day?
Ideally, you want to give your hair some breaks from this styling tool. “If you want to [avoid] heat damage, don’t blow it dry every day,” says Sturdivant-Drew. And if you have coarse or curly hair, she suggests using a hair dryer every two to four days.
Which Is Better: Tourmaline Or Ceramic?
Tourmaline generates more negative ions when heated, so blow dryers made with the material do a better job at smoothing down frizz and flyaways and keeping hair straighter longer. On the other hand, ceramic blow dyers are less likely to singe your strands since they disperse heat evenly.
Are Expensive Hair Dryers Worth It?
High price tags don’t necessarily equate to better quality. There are affordable options that perform just great as high-end models and last just as long. But more expensive blow dryers may feature additional technology and specs that users deem worth the money, such as an ergonomic design, efficient power and smart sensors.
Are Ionic Hair Dryers Better?
This depends on the look you’re going for. If the goal is to achieve a sleek, silky straight blowout, an ionic hair dryer is the best tool for the job since it repels moisture that could lead to flyaways and frizzy hair. It also speeds up drying time. But if you want a more bouncy, voluminous blowout, a regular hair dryer is your best bet.
Best Hair Dryer Deals You Can Shop Right Now
A Next-Gen Hair Dryer With High Velocity
This innovative device dries hair and reduces frizz quickly, while also adding shine. It has three heat and speed settings and comes with attachments that will make blow-drying and brushing your hair easier, including a concentrator and styling brush. But the best part is that you can currently grab it on sale for $30 off.
A Professional Blow Dryer For All Hair Types
Drybar’s signature blow dryer is on sale for 15% off, and it has everything you need to achieve a salon-level blowout from the comfort of your home. It has an 1,875 watt motor, ionic technology, three heat settings and two power settings for smoothing out wavy, curly and straight hair.
A Dryer That Leaves Hair Smooth And Shiny
A Hair Dryer That Will Save You Time And Money
Conair’s InfinityPro Dual Switch Styler Dryer has an 1,875 watt motor and tourmaline ceramic technology—plus a fun baby pink colorway to boot. And at half off, you can put it to the test without breaking the bank. As a bonus, it also comes with three styling attachments.
A Quick Drying Option That’s Gentle On Hair
Macy’s Friends and Family sale includes steep discounts on beauty products like this Stylecraft hair dryer. It utilizes ceramic technology so it’s gentler on strands than an ionic or titanium device, but it still gets the job done. It’s perfect for fine hair textures and is on sale for 15% off for a limited time.
