Wet Hair after washing takes a long time to dry, especially when you’re in a rush to get out the door. And leaving it this way isn’t an option at certain times, especially in the winter when it will freeze in seconds. That’s why so many of us have added the best hair dryer to our normal hair care routine. But you can’t just pick any hair dryer. You need one that will work for your hair type. A few bonus features are also a great addition. These can speed up your drying time and leave your hair looking glossy and perfectly styled. Knowing how to use one properly is also a priority to keep you from damaging your hair while you dry them. Keep reading for all our tips on buying and using the best hair dryers around.

Short On Time? Here Is The Bullet List:

• Drugstore Hair Dryer: Remington AC2015PP Pearl Pro Ceramic Dryer
• Affordable Hair Dryer: VAV 1000 Watt Professional Ceramic Mini Hair Dryer
• Quietest Hair Dryer: Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt Purple Hair Dryer
• Travel Hair Dryer: Bestope Travel Hair Dryer
• Ceramic Hair Dryer: AsaVea Ionic & Ceramic 1875 Watt Hair Dryer
• Dryer for Fine Hair: Jinri Powerful Tourmaline Ionic Hair Dryer
• Hair Dryer for Professional Hair Stylist: Kipozi Nano Ionic Professional Salon Hair Dryer

**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Can a Hair Dryer Damage Your Hair?

The short answer is: yes, of course, it can. But it all depends on how you use it, and how often. To keep the damage to a minimum, follow these simple tips for healthier, stronger hair. 

Limit Your Use

Though many of us do this, it is best not to use your hair dryer every day. Three times a week should be the max. This is because hair dryers can dry out your hair, stripping it of its natural oils. Since these oils protect your hair, losing them causes unwanted damage.

Detangle First

It is so important to detangle your hair before you start to blow dry it. This closes the cuticle, smoothing out your strands. If the cuticle is left open, your hair will dry out faster. This will strip those oils away, along with the proteins that keep it strong. Your hair will also lose elasticity and break more easily. Instead of shiny hair, yours will look dull and lifeless.

Keep Your Distance

When you start to dry your hair, don’t hold your dryer too close to your head, or your brush. Heating up your brush while you dry can cause unwanted damage as it passes through your hair. To avoid this, use a concentrator nozzle to focus the air while still giving you some space. About half an inch between the nozzle and your brush is enough to dry your hair fast and still keeping it healthy.

Keep Moving

Focusing the air on one spot for too long is another way you can damage your hair. Whether using the dryer on its own or with a brush, keep it moving at all times.

Use Decent Styling Tools

This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on your hair dryer. It means buy one with great features to help protect your hair while you style it. These include multiple heat and speed settings, a cool shot, and a safe heating technology. No matter what hair type you have, these are most important for the health of your hair.

How to Use Your Hair Dryer

You’d be surprised how many people just turn their hair dryer on and point it at their head. Their hair blows around like crazy, tangling up and drying unevenly. There is a much better way to use your hair dryer for faster drying time and stronger hair. This method also changes if you use any attachments for your specific styling needs. 

Hair Dryer Alone

When you are ready to dry your hair, add some heat protection spray first. This will protect it from any heat damage.

Section your hair. There is no set amount of sections to use, it all depends on how thick your hair is. Pin up all but one of the sections and start with the loose one. This will help keep the wet hair and dry hair apart for a better result. Use your brush to pull your hair away from your head, angling it for easier drying. Keep the handle of your hair dryer parallel to the brush and move both of them down the length of your hair. Do not use a metal brush for this purpose since the bristles will overheat, damaging your hair.

When the first section is done, pin it up and move on to the next section. Repeat this process until you’ve completely dried every strand. Though you may not think it is necessary, a finishing spray is a great option at the end. These products will prevent frizz and flyaways, as well as sealing the cuticle for shiny hair. The ends need this the most, so start there and work your way up.

Using a Concentrator

For a smooth, sleek look, be sure to attach the concentrator nozzle before you start to dry. The method is the same as without, sectioning and then moving down the hair. But the concentrator focuses the air into a much tighter space. This is perfect if you are using your hair dryer to straighten your hair. The nozzle should be positioned vertically on the dryer. This way, when you hold the dryer sideways while you dry your hair, the nozzle will cover the whole section.

Using a Diffuser

Whether you have natural curl or are just trying to set your added ones, a diffuser is a great ally to have. These distribute the air through the small finger-like protrusions. This allows you to dry your hair without relaxing your curls, setting them for a long-lasting hold. To use a diffuser, you start at the bottom. Place the end of the hair in and lift the dryer towards your head. The curls will scrunch up between the diffuser and your scalp. Leave them this way for a few seconds, then move on to the next section. Since there is less heat coming through each small hole, you can repeat this process as much as needed.

How to Choose Your Hair Dryer

When it comes time to choose your hair dryer, there are a few things to consider. Heating technologies are most important since these depend on your hair type. Then there are many features to choose from. You don’t need them all, but having them is definitely a bonus. 

Wattage

Wattage refers to how powerful your dryer is, which means how much air it pushes through the machine. For home use, anywhere from 1300 to 1875 watts is perfect.

Heating Technologies

Ionic technology emits millions of negative ions. These break down the water molecules on your hair into smaller particles. Tourmaline dryers are either made from or coated with this substance. It also emits negative ions, but at a much faster rate. Both of these are best for those with thick or frizzy hair. Ceramic or porcelain can be used to coat or replace metal or plastic parts in the heating elements. They give you even heating, fast drying time, and reduced frizz. Infrared heating penetrates the hair, drying it from the inside out. These two technologies are best for dry or damaged hair.

Heat Settings

Different hair types also need different heat settings. Fine or dry hair needs low heat, while thick or coarse hair needs higher heat. A range is best to make it easier to find the right setting for your hair.

Speed Settings

This refers to the speed the air flows through your machine. Again, a range is best, depending on your drying or styling needs.

Cool Shot Button

Cool air will help seal the cuticle, locking in your style and increasing the shine.

Cord Length

The longer the cord, the more room you have to work with.

Weight

The lighter the weight, the easier your hair dryer will be to hold during your drying and styling routine.

Best Hair Dryers on the Market

The Best Drugstore Hair Dryer:

Remington AC2015PP Pearl Pro Ceramic Dryer

This Remington hair dryer has a Pro title because it has the ability to give you salon-quality hair. But you don’t have to pay salon prices to get it. And despite its low cost, it doesn’t skimp on the features. For starters, it has a 1875 watt AC motor for more power and fast drying times. It uses ionic technology for even more speed while conditioning your hair. The ceramic coating provides even heating, giving you silky-smooth hair. With 3 heat and speed settings, you’ll always have the right combination for your hair type. The cool shot button locks in your style. For easy cleaning, there is a removable filter on this lightweight model. Both a concentrator and a diffuser are also included.

Pros:

• This hair dryer is decently priced
• It comes with both a diffuser and a concentrator
• There are multiple speed and heat combinations
• There is a cool shot button for all-day hold

Cons:

• The controls are located where a hand is placed and could cause accidental changes when in use
• The cord is a bit too short for comfortable use

Learn More On Amazon

The Best Affordable Hair Dryer:

VAV 1000 Watt Professional Ceramic Mini Hair Dryer

This lightweight little VAV hair dryer comes with a low price tag that can fit into any budget. It is compact, perfect for smaller bathrooms or travel. The DC motor is long-lasting, giving you 1000 watts of power. It has two speeds to choose from and a separate cool shot button for setting your style. This mini hair dryer is lightweight with an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold. A 1.8-meter cord gives you room to maneuver. There is also a hanging loop near the handle for convenient storage out of the way. A removable filter makes it easy to clean your hair dryer after every use. The included concentrator gives you a sleek, smooth style every time.

Pros:

• The low price will fit into most budgets
• It has 2 combined heat and speed settings
• There is a cool shot button
• The compact size makes it easy to store or pack for travel use

Cons:

• The low wattage may not be powerful enough for thick hair
• The switch location makes it easy to press accidentally when drying your hair

Learn More On Amazon

Quietest Best Hair Dryer:

Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt Purple Hair Dryer

A motor running right next to your ear can damage your hearing if it is too loud. Though it uses a powerful 1875 Watt AC motor, the Conair Infiniti Pro is quiet enough to keep your hearing intact. It also speeds up your drying time for even less exposure. This hair dryer uses combined tourmaline ceramic and ionic technology. This evenly heats your hair, protecting it from damage while you style. The results are smoother, sleeker, shinier hair. There are multiple speed and heat settings, a cool shot button, and a removable filter. Two bonus attachments are also included to give you the perfect style. There is a hanging loop where the 6-foot cord meets the handle for easy storage.

Pros:

• There are 3 heat and 2-speed settings to choose from
• Both a concentrator and a diffuser are included
• It has a quiet motor
• It comes in a stylish purple color
• The cord is long enough for easy maneuverability

Cons:

• It may be a bit too heavy for some users
• The low speed may be a bit too powerful for decent styling

Learn More On Amazon

The Best Travel Hair Dryer:

Bestope Travel Hair Dryer

If you love to travel, you need styling tools that can travel with you. The Bestope travel dryer meets these needs in all sorts of ways. It has a folding handle for easy packing in any bag. The lightweight body won’t put you over any weight restrictions if you’re traveling by air. This dryer also has dual voltage technology. If you are traveling internationally, this eliminates the need for a converter. Best of all, this model has all the features of a regular home dryer. It uses negative ionic technology for less static and frizz. There are 2 combined heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot. Built-in overheating protection shuts your machine down for added safety.

Pros:

• The dual voltage technology allows you to use your hair dryer anywhere
• The folding handle makes it easy to pack and store
• A concentrator nozzle is included
• It is decently priced
• The auto-shutoff halts power if the dryer’s temperature gets too high
• This travel model is as powerful as a full-size hair dryer

Cons:

• The concentrator nozzle may not fit tightly, popping off during use

Learn More On Amazon

Best Ceramic Hair Dryer:

AsaVea Ionic & Ceramic 1875 Watt Hair Dryer

A ceramic coating on the motor parts gives you even heating for less static and frizz. But it also increases the shine for a glossy look you’ll be proud to show off. AsaVea takes it a step further, adding tourmaline and ionic heating to the mix. This combo protects your hair while speeding up your drying time. The AC motor gives you 1875 watts of power but is quieter than some other models on the market. 3 heat and 2-speed settings give any hair type the right combination to keep damage to a minimum. A cool shot button lets you set your style for the whole day. You’ll have all the room you need to work with thanks to the extra-long cord.

Pros:

• There are multiple heat and speed settings, along with a cool shot
• The filter is removable for easy cleaning
• It comes with a concentrator
• There is a long 2.4 m cord
• The outer case is made using fire retardant materials for added safety

Cons:

• It has a high price
• It is easy to hit the switches accidentally during use

Learn More On Amazon

Best Hair Dryer for Fine Hair:

Jinri Powerful Tourmaline Ionic Hair Dryer

Fine hair can be fickle, coming in thick or thin, curly or straight. You need a hair dryer that can work with all these traits for the best looking style you can get. The AC motor in this Jinri dryer gives you 1875 watts of wind power. Tourmaline ionic technology speeds up drying without stripping away your hair’s natural oils. This leaves your hair soft, shiny, and full of life. There are 3 heat settings and 2-speed settings, so you’ll always be able to find the right setting for your fine hair. The added cool shot closes the cuticles for long-lasting hold. There is a 6-foot cord with a hanging loop and cable ties for easy storage. It also has an ACLI safety plug to keep you and your machine safe.

Pros:

• It works for all types of fine hair
• Multiple heat and speed settings give you the right combo for thick or thin hair
• It comes with a concentrator nozzle
• It is lightweight

Cons:

• The awkward button placement makes it easy to hit them during use
• The filter holes are too wide, letting in hair

Learn More On Amazon

Best Hair Dryer for Professional Hair Stylist:

Kipozi Nano Ionic Professional Salon Hair Dryer

Stylists need a professional hair dryer that works hard, drying hair fast. But they also need to keep the damage to a minimum to keep their customers coming back again and again. The Kipozi professional dryer uses advanced Nano ionic technology. This dries hair fast, locking in the moisture for less static and frizz. The 1875 watt motor gives you all the power you need to dry even the thickest hair in no time. There are 2 speed and 3 heat settings plus a cool shot. There is also an 8-foot professional length cord with an ALCI safety plug. The removable filter lets you keep your machine clean. It weighs only 1.2 lbs, so won’t weigh you down, even after multiple customers take their turn in your chair.

Pros:

• It comes with a diffuser and concentrator for all types of styling
• The long cord gives you room to move
• The gold and black color look fantastic
• The motor runs quietly
• It is good for use on all hair types

Cons:

• The price is a bit high

Learn More On Amazon

Best Hair Dryer Final Thoughts

Having the best hair dryer can give you the perfect style every time you pick it up. But a good model also gives you the body and shine you want, without stripping your hair and leaving it dull. This means great options for heat, speed, and attachments. Though most of the hair dryers we’ve reviewed are similar in a variety of ways, there is one that made it as the top model. This is the Kipozi Nano Ionic Professional Salon Hair Dryer. Though its design makes it perfect for salon use, this is also an exceptional home hair dryer. It packs a lot of power into a quiet motor. The Nano Ionic heating protects your hair while you dry it. This increases the moisture while reducing the static and frizz. It also has multiple speed and heat settings that make it great for any hair type. It is as easy to clean as it is to use, but also has the safety features needed to protect you and your machine. Best of all, it is lightweight. No matter how long or thick your hair is, you won’t strain your arm before your style is complete. 

Thank you for visiting Bloomgorgeous.com. If you like any of the shampoos and conditioners that you see in this article, please click on one of the Buy Now buttons to make your purchase on Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate, we make a small commission off any purchase made from a click through from our website, which is how we are able to provide you with these informative articles. You will not pay more on Amazon by clicking through our website because the price is the same as if you go to Amazon directly. Please take a look at our other hair care buyers guides for all your hair care needs.

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