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15 Best Hair Dryers for All Curly Hair Types

 

From kinky to coily, curly hair will look amazing thanks to these dryers.

When you've got curly hair, finding a great hair dryer that won't encourage frizz can be particularly hairy. The right hair dryer can enhance natural curl patterns, and for 3A to 4C curl types, an ionic hair dryer that comes with a hair diffuser is a must for anyone who wishes to embrace their natural texture, says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann.

Thanks to our Beauty Lab experts, who test everything from hair dryer brushes to travel hair dryers, we put together a list of the top hair dryers for curly hair. Our dedicated team extensively tests hair dryers on human hair samples and with consumer testers to measure performance and potential hair damage. We evaluate all the important features you'd consider at home like the ease of use, drying time and overall performance.

Our list of the best hair dryers for every curl type includes models we meticulously tested, as well as favorite picks from our own editors and professional hairstylists, including Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and Candace Witherspoon, a curl specialist in New York, who helped us narrow down important features to look for in hair dryers for curly hair.

BEST OVERALL HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

Paul Mitchell Neuro Light Tourmaline Hair Dryer

PROS

• Digital LED display for heat and power settings
• Includes diffuser for curly hair
• Minimizes frizz

CONS

• May be heavy and uncomfortable to hold

Paul Mitchell's Neuro Light hair dryer minimizes frizz and adds fullness in record timing. With a digital LED display for heat and power settings, a "clean filter" indicator light and a diffuser for curly and natural hair, it received top scores for drying time and frizz reduction in GH Beauty Lab tests.

Testers found it easy to use and praised its controls, though a few found it uncomfortable to hold. It's important to note that the Neuro Dry is one of the heaviest hair dryers evaluated.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Silicone diffuser and nozzle | Heat settings: 4

BEST VALUE HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

Remington Pro Hair Dryer with Thermaluxe Advanced Thermal Technology

PROS

• Dries hair fast
• Affordable
• Great heat distribution

CONS

• Some testers found it noisy and heavy

Just as impressive as expensive options, the effective and affordable drugstore Remington hair dryer blew away our experts in testing. Testers enjoyed its fast drying capabilities, convenient control button placement and overall performance.

Despite its budget-friendly price, this model doesn't compromise on features, coming with both concentrator and diffuser attachments, plus hair clips. Two users specifically praised the powerful air pressure and well-regulated heat output, and another raved about the absence of frizz after using this dryer. The only caveats are that some users found it slightly heavy and loud.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

MOST POWERFUL TRAVEL HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

FHI Heat Innovator The Pro Power Speed Dryer

PROS

• Comfortable to hold
• Dries hair fast
• Lightweight

CONS

• Expensive

Our Beauty pros named this powerful dryer a 2023 Beauty Award Winner as it had the strongest airflow in Lab evaluations. While the dryer may have a compact size (ideal for travel), it dries hair fast and has easy to-reach controls. Plus, it's lightweight so you won't have to worry about it weighing down your carry-on or checked bag.

Our experts also liked that the dryer was comfortable to hold, but note that it carries a hefty price tag. Our previous powerful pick, the EVA NYC Mini Pro-Power Dryer, is significantly less expensive but is frequently sold out and hard to find online. Still, the Innovator isn't the priciest dryer on our list.

Ionic: No | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR THICK, CURLY HAIR

Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler

PROS

• Best scores for styling hair rapidly
• Top scores for easily brushing hair
• Left hair looking shiny

CONS

• Only for use on slightly damp hair

Hot Tools lives up to its packaging, securing the gold medal for effortlessly untangling and swiftly styling even the thickest, coarsest or curliest hair.

Its user-friendly controls outshined other models, featuring a rotating temperature control with three heat settings and vent platforms for accelerated drying, even on extremely thick and curly strands. In GH Beauty Lab tests, all expert testers unanimously agreed it styled hair quickly and glided nicely through strands. One user commented, "I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and how rapidly my hair went from wet to dry."

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY AND WAVY HAIR

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

PROS

• Includes five magnetic attachments
• Quickest drying time in Lab tests

CONS

• Priciest

The Dyson hair dryer, favored by professional hairstylists, stands out with its innovative motor in-handle design. In GH Beauty Lab tests, it achieved the fastest drying time ever recorded, drying an eight-inch hair sample in just 54 seconds, thanks to its powerful airflow.

The dryer includes five magnetic attachments for personalized use: two concentrators, a diffuser, a flyaway-smoothing attachment and a gentle air attachment. Testers praised its sleek appearance, and one user exclaimed, "Even on the most humid days, it left my hair smoother in less time than any other hair dryer I've used." The air pressure was also lauded, with users experiencing quicker drying results.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 5, including a diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

BEST TRAVEL HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer

PROS

• Perfect score for its strong airflow
• Diffuser attachment holds voluminious curls

CONS

• Diffuser sold separately

Drybar's top-rated dual-voltage travel hair dryer triumphed in the GH Beauty Lab's testing. This portable powerhouse received a perfect score for its easy-to-use controls, quick drying time and strong airflow.

Despite being slightly heavier than other models, it was hailed as the most maneuverable and comfortable to hold. Our experts marveled at its power, noting its ability to serve as both a travel and a home dryer. Additionally, Drybar's compatible cup diffuser attachment (sold separately) impressed users with its curl-enhancing and frizz-reducing properties. Even when used with other hair dryers, it still delivered excellent results.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY, FRIZZY HAIR

Hot Tools Professional 1875W Ionic Lightweight Turbo Dryer

PROS

• Tames frizz
• Top scores for fast drying and powerful airflow
• Quiet

CONS

• Concentrator attachment fits a tad loose

This Hot Tools hair dryer delivered a powerful performance in compact packaging during testing, earning top scores for drying speed and strong airflow. Testers loved its smaller size for easy storage. It received high marks for its convenient controls, comfortable shape and quiet operation.

One tester reported less frizz and added shine, praising its ease of use. Another noted significantly reduced drying time. The dryer has a generous cord length, but users found the included concentrator attachment to be a bit wobbly.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator and PIK | Heat settings: 3

BEST DIFFUSER-ONLY HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

Bed Head Curls-in-Check 1875W Hair Diffuser Dryer

PROS

• Helps minimize frizz, according to online reviews
• Lightweight

CONS

• Use on mostly damp hair
• Bulky and runs loud, per reviewers

Embrace your natural curls with a hair dryer with a sole focus on just that. This uniquely designed hair dryer basically has a diffuser built right in. It features ionic technology to help cut down on frizz quickly while its diffuser works to emphasize curl definition and texture.

Satisfied shoppers repped healthier and shinier looking hair. Another wrote: "Easy to manage my curls and easy to handle the back of my head because of its design." Though surprisingly lightweight per reviewers, the dryer is a bit bulky by design and runs loud. It also can't be used for anything other than diffusing, so you'll need a separate pick if you ever want to blow out your hair straight.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR WITH LAYERS

Shark HyperAIR Hair Dryer

PROS

• Lightweight and powerful
• Adjustable diffuser prongs

CONS

• Diffuser may be a bit bulky

The Shark HyperAIR hair dryer (a favorite of Witherspoon's) claims to use smart heat control to automatically adjust temperature and airflow for speedy, even drying. Most notably, its thoughtful pronged diffuser comes with rave online reviews from long, thick curly hair types who enjoyed the ability to change the length of the prongs. Brilliant!

"It's great for my curly hair since I have tons of layers and some need shorter more precise diffusing, others just need longer ones to get to the root," a curly-haired shopper wrote.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR ALL CURL TYPES

Pattern The Blow Dryer

PROS

• Trims down drying time
• Ion switch lets you smooth or add volume accordingly

CONS

• Some online reviewers noted it doesn't run as hot

Specially designed for those with curly, coily or tight-textured hair, the ultra-chic Pattern blow dryer is intended to deliver powerful airflow and less drying time. Its ceramic coating grill aims to deliver heat evenly and thus minimize damage and the Ion switch is said to smooth the cuticle to reduce frizz and enhance shine, as needed. An online reviewer reported back no tangles, with barely any shedding and heat damage.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 4, including a diffuser and a concentrator | Heat settings: 3

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer

PROS

• Intuitive heat and speed settings
• Easy to handle

CONS

• The buttons come with a learning curve

Automatically adjusting between five heat settings and three speeds, the T3 Featherweight claims it adjusts to your hair type and texture for speedier (and smarter) drying. The built-in ion generator works to minimize static frizz and improve shine.

Many reviewers enjoyed its sleek and lightweight design, with one noting: "I can easily hold the dryer and use it to give myself a blowout. It’s lightweight and very powerful. It has cut my drying time nearly in half and my hair is smooth and sleek after each use."

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 4, including a diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 5

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR FINE, CURLY HAIR

Conair INFINITIPRO Hair Dryer

PROS

• Claims to dramatically reduce flyaways
• Gentler on fine hair types

CONS

• May be heavier to maneuver

Ideal for fine and wavy hair types, the Conair dryer claims it features a circulating airflow system that gently reduces frizz while drying. Its diffuser enhances curls and waves, and for locking in styles, it comes with a cold shot button. Top it off with a leave-in conditioner to really cut down on frizz. Some reviewers just disliked that it felt heavier than other dryers they'd used.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR COILY HAIR

devacurl DevaDryer & DevaFuser

PROS

• Designed to give more volume
• Unique diffuser that dries 360º

CONS

• Some reviewers say it has a learning curve

Calling its diffuser shape "revolutionary," Hardges recommends the DevaCurl dryer to help dry curls. Its original diffuser attachment is designed to distribute 360º airflow around curls when working through the length of hair in a scrunching motion. The aim is to speed up the drying time from the root and give bouncy curls.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser | Heat settings: 3

BEST DRUGSTORE HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

Trademark Beauty Speedy Blo

PROS

• Long cord
• Affordable

CONS

• Some reviewers didn't find its concentrator as effective

"Trademark Beauty Speedy Blo is small but mighty," says Hardges. "This dryer is lightweight and meets all of my settings requirements. Bonus feature, it has a long cord that makes life so much easier." It comes with all the coveted hair dryer capabilities, like diffuser and concentrator attachments, ionic technology, plus three heat and two speed settings. Plus, it's incredibly affordable.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR THICK, CURLY HAIR

BIO IONIC 10x Pro Ultra Light Speed Dryer

PROS

• Great for wavy hair types, too
• Claims to dry hair quickly

CONS

• Diffuser sold separately
• Only one heat setting

A GH staffer who has thick 2C curls swears by the Bio Ionic dryer and its universal diffuser attachment (though sold separately). Weighing in at less than a pound and claiming to dry hair in as little as 10 minutes, the lightweight dryer makes it all too easy to style curls. Its ionic technology aims to dry curls with less frizz and more bounce.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Two concentrators | Heat settings: 1, with three speeds

How we chose the best hair dryers for curly hair

Testing hundreds of haircare products each year, the GH Institute Beauty Lab has expertise on all the best hot tools, from hair straightening brushes to hair straighteners to curling irons. Our scientists evaluated 41 hair dryers across price points when testing the best hair dryers. That included measuring drying speed on standardized human hair samples, airflow force, weight, air and surface temperature and cord length.

A panel of at-home testers also rated ease of use, including comfort of hold, ease of putting on and removing attachments, location and ease of controls and buttons. Many of those picks are included above, while others were sourced from our team of staffers and professional hairstylists.

What to look for when shopping for a hair dryer for curly hair

Ion technology has visible benefits, Wizemann explains. "Static builds up when you blast air without an ionizer and with it, the hair is more aligned and appears shinier," she says.

Attachments make a big difference in curly hair textures since they affect the airflow of a hair dryer.

• Diffusers are the bread and butter of hair dryers for curly hair because they spread the airflow over a larger area and provide gentler drying. By diffusing hair, the curl's natural shape and definition are enhanced, resulting in more bounce and less frizz. Most hair dryers include diffuser attachments, but they can also be purchased separately and are typically compatible with most hairdryers’ nozzles.
• Concentrators focus the airflow of a hair dryer, allowing for precise and targeted styling. For curly and frizzy hair, short and narrow concentrator nozzles are particularly effective in achieving a sleek blowout. The concentrated and powerful airflow they provide is ideal for eliminating frizz and creating a polished look.

Settings. Curly hair can be delicate and prone to damage, and hair dryers that offer multiple heat and speed settings allow for customized drying and may better suit specific curls' needs, says Wizemann. At least two speed settings and three heat settings, plus a cold-shot button is ideal, according to Hardges.

Are hair dryers good for curly hair?

Heat is OK in moderation. Otherwise, it can be too drying on the hair. "I prefer light diffusing to remove about 30% of moisture than letting air dry completely," advises Hardges. "Don’t forget no touching!" Thick hair types may find diffusing more helpful, too. Witherspoon adds: "You don’t want to keep your hair wet for hours, especially the roots."

Is an ionic hair dryer better for curly hair?

In short: absolutely! An ionic hair dryer is handy if your curly hair is prone to frizz and flyaways. It works by drying hair fast and locking in moisture, says Witherspoon.

What is the best hair drying method for curly hair?

Curly hair isn't limited to just one styling option. On days you want to skip the heat but give your natural curls a bit of bounce, the Curly Girl Method route scrubs away buildup and restores the natural curl pattern when drying naturally. And yes, even viral methods like hair plopping keep patterns intact by removing excess water before air drying or diffusing for stunning curl results.

What products are best when drying curly hair?

As for the best styling products pre-blowout, leave-in conditioners for curly hair are the crux of the equation, as they can add moisture, protect from heat and even guard against UV damage, depending on the formula. Top it all off with an anti-frizz product that fights any lingering pouf. You can also define waves without weighing them down or causing frizz by opting for a curl gel or mousse for curly hair. Or, moisturize thirsty curls with a curl cream that amplifies texture, eliminates frizz and adds a soft hold.

How can I dry curly hair fast without frizz?

All the products above can help keep frizz at bay. As for blow drying hair and avoiding flyaways, the best hair dryer setting for curly hair is high heat and low speed, says Hardges, to keep curls intact. Plus, you'll definitely want to look for a hair dryer with ionic technology, which seals cuticles and can thus give the appearance of smoother-looking hair.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

During her over 10-year tenure at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann has tested a wide variety of haircare tools, including many of the hair dryers featured in this article.

Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin collaborated with Wizemann to write this guide, including interviewing her about the features typically found in the best hair dryers for curly hair. She also interviewed industry experts to put together a comprehensive list of top picks.