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THE 11 BEST HAIR DRYERS THAT BLEW OUR EDITORS AWAY

 

Turn up the heat, turn down the damage.

Fact: Behind every great head of hair is a great hair dryer. Sure, some of us may be born with tresses that dry perfectly without any heated styling tools, but that's not most of us. With that being said, the latest hair dryer options have come a long way since our subpar options of yesteryear, with some leaving your strands so smooth and defined that you won't need to pick up another heated styling tool.

BEST HAIR DRYERS OF 2022

• Best Overall: Remington Pro Hair Dryer With Pearl Ceramic Technology
• Best Budget Option: Revlon 1875W Volume Booster Hair Dryer
• For Smooth and Shiny Hair: Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer
• The Foolproof Pick: Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
• The Blowdrying Brush: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush
• Best for Straight Hair: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
• Best Budget for Curly Hair: Panasonic EH-NA65-K Nanoe Dryer
• Best Luxury for Curly Hair: Bio Ionic PowerLight Pro Dryer
• The Award Winner: ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
• The Crowd Pleaser: Dyson Limited Edition Gift Supersonic Hair Dryer

HOW TO SHOP FOR A HAIRDRYER

There are several reasons why you should use a hair dryer over air-drying. And a few of our favorite benefits include styling flexibility, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and maximizing volume. But with hundreds of options to choose from, it can feel like a continuous game of trial and error before you find the best hair dryer that cooperates with your strands. So, to help you shop smartly, we asked Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and celebrity hairstylist Nycole Jones, an ambassador for Cricket Tools, to spill the tea on what you should consider when shopping for a hair dryer.

• Thin and flat hair should look at dryers that add a bit of volume and substance and gain the most from choosing a ceramic hair dryer, which regulates heat to prevent damage to fragile hair strands.
• Curly-haired people looking to enhance their curls should opt for a hairdryer that includes a diffuser. These prong-like attachments help prevent frizz and to improve your hair's natural texture.
• Dull, thick, and frizzy hair will enjoy ionic technology because they help your strands retain moisture and provide a smooth finish.

HOW WE CHOSE

Real talk: Every single product featured in any of our content always goes through a diligent testing process. To help you discover the best hair dryers of 2022, our staff tested a slew of options across various price points to ensure you can find an effective product that's within your budget.

When testing these hair dryers, here's what we were looking for:

• How long does it take to dry hair?
• Any adjustable heat/speed settings?
• Any heat damage?
• How loud is it?
• Does it come with attachments?
• Is it really worth owning?

Best of all, most of these hair dryers have either been our editors' go-to favorites for years. Whether they’re brand-new finds or decades-old fan favorites, you can trust that our editors have had first-hand experience testing these blow dryers from one week to years worth of quick dries and at-home blowouts alike.

These hair dryers also have rave reviews from shoppers at retailers like Amazon, Sephora, Nordstrom, and more. Plus, a few of these blowdrying essentials have even won awards from major beauty publications like Allure, Glamour, and more. Here are the 11 best hair dryers that are undeniably worth owning.

BEST OVERALL

Pro Hair Dryer With Pearl Ceramic Technology

$25 AT WALMART$22 AT WALMART

PROS

• Affordable
• Pearl ceramic technology
• Multiple heat settings
• Highly rated

CONS

• Preset temperatures

Key Specs

• Heat Settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

Remington earned the top spot because it heats up relatively quickly and evenly for a $25 hairdryer. Plus, it's compatible with all hair types and boasts impressive Amazon reviews.

The ceramic barrel of this Remington hair dryer is infused with real crushed pearls. By transferring micro-conditioners through the air via the dryer, hair looks extra smooth, and the dryer also offers an impressive 40% faster airflow than its competitors.

Director of SEO and content Erica Murphy calls this her hair dryer of choice, saying she’s had this particular product for more than 5 years, and it “still works like a charm.” She also notes that this is her to-go for its powerful blow-drying skills, multiple heat settings, and simplicity. “All it takes is about five minutes, and my hair is perfectly dry,” she says.

BEST BUDGET OPTION

Essentials Volume Booster Hair Dryer

Now 20% off
$16 AT AMAZON$16 AT WALMART

PROS

• Most affordable hair dryer
• Comes with 2 attachments
• Great for frizzy hair

CONS

• Short cord

Key Specs

• Heat Settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

Save the big bucks for the hair serums because this top-quality pick is less than $20, a total steal. This option from Revlon covers all the bases with multiple heat settings, a cool shot button, and an included diffuser. Plus, it uses ionic technology to smooth hair and reduce frizz.

Christine Anderson, our executive director, recommends this dryer for those who usually air-dry their hair but occasionally need a quick dry.

“I purchased this hair dyer back in college and 17 years later it’s still kicking. I love a product that can last nearly two decades without a loss in performance," she says. "I’m not a daily shampoo person, so I probably only blow-dry my hair once a week. If your haircare regiment is low maintenance and you just need a reliable blow dryer for occasional use, the Revlon Essentials is the tool for you.”

Plus, its under-$20 price tag is pretty hard to beat, which is another reason why Anderson loves this hair dryer.

Buttercup Blow Dryer

$139 AT SEPHORA$139 AT NORDSTROM$139 AT ULTA BEAUTY

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

Made for the pros by the pros, Drybar's Buttercup Blow Dryer ensures the ultimate styling experience. It's a light-in-hand, quick-dry tool that works to not only dry but condition hair with nanobeads that seal cuticles to keep hair healthy and looking smooth.

It's a favorite of tester Zarah Kavarana, who says it's worth the investment for its ability to smooth and shine strands without causing any heat damage or frizziness.

Beauty editor Nicole Saunders adds that the Buttercup is worth the $200 price tag because it works on all hair textures, including her natural hair. “Whenever I can use this sunshine-yellow hair dryer, I can skip using an anti-frizz serum because it’s made with ionic technology,” she says. “The wider nozzle dries my thick hair fast, but I like to swap in the narrow nozzle when I want extra smooth and sleek hair.”

THE FOOLPROOF PICK

Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer

$39 AT AMAZON$65 AT WALMART$36 AT JCPENNEY

PROS

• Fast-drying
• Heats up evenly
• Minimizes frizz

CONS

• Extremely hot (be extra cautious!)

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

This lightweight, professional-style Conair option features a special tourmaline ceramic technology, which helps prevent heat damage. Plus, ionic conditioning smoothes your strands, leaving behind shiny-looking hair with less frizz. The best part? It's way cheaper than the other guys.

Senior technology editor Brandon Carte has been loyal to this hair dryer since 2015. He considers this Conair hair dryer an affordable, reliable, and low-maintenance hot tool. “The hair dryer is really easy to use and practically requires no maintenance whatsoever,” he says. “You can pop the back of its filter off to wipe away the dust and debris that block the air intake vent overtime.”

THE BLOW-DRYING BRUSH

One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush

Now 42% off
$35 AT AMAZON$35 AT BUY BUY BABY$60 AT NORDSTROM RACK

PROS

• Nylon pin and tufted bristles
• Ionic and ceramic technology
• Large oval barrel

CONS

• Not ideal for short hair

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 2
• Speed settings: 3
• Cool shot: Yes

Is it a hair dryer? A brush? Surprise: It's both! This best-selling Revlon hair-drying brush has garnered over 280,000 sparkling ratings on Amazon.

Our art production manager, Bridget Clegg, can't get enough of this brush for creating at-home blowouts that look identical to expensive salon ones. She also loves that this quick styler makes her reach for curling wands and flat irons less frequently.

Senior home editor Melanie Yates also loves using this iconic hot tool to style her shoulder-length hair. She considers this Revlon brush a “user-friendly device that does the work of two hair tools in just a fraction of the time.”

BEST FOR STRAIGHT HAIR

Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000

$249 AT DERMSTORE

PROS

• Less than 1 pound
• Multiple attachments
• Ergonomic design
• Long extension cord

CONS

• Expensive

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

It might be hard to imagine spending nearly $350 on a hair dryer, but after using this one from celeb stylist Harry Josh’s line of hair care tools, you’ll be hooked. Ion technology reduces frizz, the motor has a speed of 94 miles per hour for a faster dry-time, and it’s designed to be much quieter than the typical hair dryer.

Former beauty and style editor Ashley Phillips first discovered this magical dryer through her roommate, and she swears there’s nothing better for straighter strands. “It works wonders on my naturally straight hair, too, leaving it soft, shiny, and looking like I just got a salon blowout,” she said.

It's super pricey, but according to Phillips, the results are honestly that much better.

BEST BUDGET FOR CURLY HAIR

EH-NA65-K Nanoe Dryer

$99 AT AMAZON$106 AT WALMART

PROS

• Doesn't damage hair
• 2 attachments
• Ionic and nanoe technologies

CONS

• Not foldable

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

This under-$100 pick is one of the absolute best picks for curly hair, according to former beauty editor Jennifer Hussein. "I love how the large diffusing head defines and enhances my 2B curl pattern with minimal frizz," she says. "I have a lot of hair, and using this larger diffusing head makes drying time faster and easier than ever before."

But the diffuser head isn’t the only thing that keeps her hair looking its best. This hair dryer not only reduces damage caused by other heating tools but actually helps repair any damage caused by daily brushing. Its “nanoe” technology also infuses much-needed moisture into hair, allowing it to completely dry without becoming dry and brittle to the touch.

This Panasonic hair dryer also keeps things simple with two speeds and three temperature settings, which is really all you need for perfect blowouts and diffusing.

BEST LUXURY FOR CURLY HAIR

PowerLight Pro-Dryer

$200 AT BIOIONIC.COM

PROS

• Mineral-infused
• Lightweight
• Long cord

CONS

• Not ideal for coily hair

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

If you have curly or kinky strands, diffusing and blow-drying can get pretty tricky. Hairstylist Tonya Fairley says she loves this lightweight hair dryer because it's especially great for these hair types, thanks to its NanoIonic mineral technology, which leaves curls defined, shiny, and hydrated.

“That’s not the only reason why I’m obsessed with this hair dryer for curls: It has powerful airflow for quicker drying time, and it helps eliminate frizz and static,” says Hussein.

THE AWARD-WINNER

Helios Professional Hair Dryer

$279 AT SEPHORA$279 AT NORDSTROM$223 AT SKINSTORE

PROS

• Aeroprecis technology
• 75mph airflow
• Relatively low noise levels

CONS

• Costly

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

The Helios truly deserves a round of applause, according to Hussein. "I was a dedicated user of the Dyson Supersonic, but after using the Helios, I converted to this pick for its hair-defining power," she says.

This hair dryer works for all hair types, no matter how thick or curly, or thin your strands may be. Hussein also loves this hair dryer for its frizz-fighting abilities, saying that frizzy strands are now a thing of the past for her. “It’s incredibly light on my weak typer’s wrists, and it takes a measly 5 minutes to blow-dry my hair while getting the exact style I want — no other hot tools needed,” adds Hussein.

It's no wonder how the Helios swept every major beauty award out there (it even won a Best of Beauty award from Allure, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and many more!).

THE CROWD PLEASER

Limited Gift Edition Supersonic Hair Dryer

$430 AT DYSON

PROS

• Lives up to the award-winning hype
• Powerful V9 Dyson motor
• Includes 5 attachments
• 3 accessories

CONS

• Most expensive option

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 2
• Cool shot: Yes

You've probably seen the Dyson Supersonic before, and as cool-looking as it is, you probably thought it wasn't worth the hefty price tag — and boy, were you wrong. This hair dryer is a favorite of nearly every celebrity hairstylist with beautiful, silky hair.

This lightweight, fast-drying tool works by preventing extreme heat damage to help protect shine and uses negative ions to reduce static in hair. There's no wonder why Saunders and senior editor, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, are so in love with it.

“The Supersonic helps me achieve a salon-quality blowout at home,” says Saunders. "It's made with a powerful V9 motor and uses Air Multiplier technology to dry my hair quickly without heat damage. Plus, the variety of attachments is also important to me because it allows styling flexibility."

Saunders and Fitzpatrick recommend keeping the smoothing nozzle on to create a silky-smooth look that makes your hair feel light as air.

The solo hairdryer is currently sold out across your favorite retailers, but for an extra $30, you can order the limited-edition kit. Instead of three attachments, this set comes with five that stays cool to the touch, even when styling. You'll also receive a paddle brush and wide-tooth comb to perfect your coif, and a sturdy storage case.

FOR THE TECH-OBSESSED

HyperAIR Blow Dryer

Now 14% off
$197 AT AMAZON$200 AT WALMART$200 AT BED BATH AND BEYOND

PROS

• Multiple attachments
• Powerful airflow
• Automatic sensors

CONS

• The barrel overheats

Key Specs

• Heat settings: 3
• Speeds: 3
• Cool shot: Yes

Frizz will be a thing of the past thanks to this powerful hairdryer. It combines a consistent high-velocity heat control with ionized air to style hair quickly and heat up evenly.

If you’re looking for a high-tech hairdryer, Saunders recommends the Shark HyperAIR. “It’s equipped with two sensors that automatically adjust the airflow and heat based on the attachment you use,” she says. “You can also manually adjust those settings if you prefer.”

Frizz will be a thing of the past thanks to this powerful hairdryer. It combines a consistent high-velocity heat control with ionized air to style hair quickly and heat up evenly.

It comes with a concentrator nozzle and comb to achieve a salon-worthy blowout from the comfort of your home. Shark also sells a kit with an adjustable diffuser to volumize your curly hair. Choose between longer prongs when working with long or thick hair, while short diffuser claws are helpful for short or fine hair.

FAQ

Q: Do Hair Dryers Cause Damage?

Good news: The biggest misconception about hair dryers is they always cause damage. "Hair dryers do not cause split ends. Not getting your haircut on a regular basis and tons of curling or flat ironing can cause hair to split more quickly," explains Aguirre.

And guess what? Hair dryers are only an issue if you use them incorrectly — aka without a heat protectant and at an extremely high temperature. Your safest bet is to use a lower temp then slowly increase the heat setting when absolutely necessary.

Need another reason to upgrade to a new hair dryer? Using an outdated model can damage your strands, notes Aguirre. “The new technology [found in modern hair dryers] is superb and really does make a difference when it comes to keeping your hair healthy,” she says.

Q: Do Expensive Hair Dryers Really Make a Difference?

Jones and Aguirre agree that an expensive hair dryer is 100% worth the cost because they offer top-tier functionalities like a powerful motor and multiple heat and speeds settings that will speed up and improve your overall styling game.

If you're working with a tighter budget, don't worry: We researched and found four noteworthy options for less than $40. We also included several midrange options for less than $200, plus a couple of luxe models we will never stop using.