Good Housekeeping

Hair

14 Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair, Tested by Experts and Real People

 

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

Drying and styling curly hair after a shower can be a hassle (and an arm workout!). The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director, Sabina Wizemann, advises those with 3A to 4C curl types to use an ionic hair dryer that comes with a hair diffuser if you're looking to embrace and maintain your natural hair texture. Whether you're trying to define curls, minimize frizz or straighten your hair into silky locks, the key is to use a quality hair dryer.

To find the best hair dryers for curly hair, our beauty experts researched and evaluated tons of hair tools. We put hair dryers and hair dryer brushes to the test, measuring performance, speed of drying hair, ability to reduce frizz, potential heat damage and more with the help of human hair samples and consumer testers. Ahead, find our favorite hair dryers of 2024 for all types of curly, coily and kinky hair.

Best Overall

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 | Weight: 1.12 lbs

Best Value

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

Pros

• Helps minimize frizz, according to online reviews
• Lightweight
• Affordable

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 had healthier and shinier looking hair, with one saying: "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.

RELATED: How to Use a Diffuser to Get Perfect Curls and Waves Every Time

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.5 lbs

Best for Straightening Hair

Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer

Pros

• Styles hair quickly
• Easy-to-use brush controls
• Easily combs through hair

Cons

• Higher temperature could burn ears
• A bit heavy

Looking for silky, shiny, straight strands? Then this Good Housekeeping Beauty Award Winner is for you. Our consumer testers and Beauty Lab Director, Sabina Wizemann, were impressed by the speed of how fast their hair went from wet to dry and how easily the brush combs through hair (even curly and coily strands!) with "just enough resistance." This tool will straighten your hair as it dries, so it's not an ideal option for those wishing to dry and style their curls.

Although the tool is on the heavier side, you can move freely around your bathroom with this extra long cord and easy-to-hold hair dryer. And while the higher average temperature helps you style your hair quickly, it also leaves you at a slightly higher risk for burning your ears or scalp. Our experts recommend being extra careful when using the highest temperature setting to prevent any burns.

Ionic: No | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 4 | Weight: 1.26 lbs

Best for Hair With Layers

Shark HyperAIR Hair Dryer

Pros

• Can adjust prong length on diffuser
• Dries hair quickly
• Auto-adjusts temperature

Cons

• Diffuser may be a bit bulky

The Shark HyperAIR hair dryer is a favorite of Candace Witherspoon, a curl specialist in New York. The tool claims to use smart heat control to automatically adjust temperature and airflow for speedy, even drying. Most notably, its adjustable pronged diffuser comes with rave online reviews from long, thick curly hair types who enjoyed the ability to change the length of the prongs, which will be back in stock on October 31, 2024.

"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. Other online customers reported that their curls were smoother and less frizzy in an impressively short amount of time (one reviewer even said her hair dried in less than 15 minutes!).

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Concentrator, styling brush and diffuser | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.65 lbs

Best for Minimizing Heat Damage

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Pros

• Quickest drying time in Lab tests
• Reaches a lower max temperature for less heat damage
• Includes five magnetic attachments

Cons

• Priciest

Wondering if the Dyson Supersonic Dryer Is Actually Worth It? Our experts put the popular device favored by professional hairstylists to the test and were equally impressed: it achieved the fastest drying time ever recorded, drying an eight-inch hair sample in just 54 seconds, thanks to its powerful airflow. Plus, we're huge fans of its innovative motor in-handle design.

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.

This tool allows you to style your hair and maintain your curls while applying less heat and preventing further hair damage. The GH Beauty Lab also found that the Dyson Supersonic only reached a temperature around 10°F lower than other devices in testing (with a thermal sensor measuring the air temperature to ensure it doesn't get too high) while still drying hair in less time.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 5, including a diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.2 lbs

Best for combatting frizz

T3 Edge Heated Brush

Pros

• Makes hair smoother and less frizzy
• Straightens hair while adding body and movement
• Glides through strands easily
• Long cord

Cons

• Heavy
• Takes some time to heat up

Straightening hair can sometimes leave it looking flat and dull, but our experts and testers loved that this tool added volume, body and movement to their hair after usage. And while it may take a bit longer for this tool to heat up compared to other tools (around 3 to 5 minutes), testers reported that the tool quickly styled their hair once it reached the ideal temperature, had a great-length power cord and was easy to use.

All of our testers strongly agreed that this tool makes hair look less frizzy, smooths strands and effectively straightens hair, all while easily gliding through hair. One tester said the texture of the brush's bristles "makes it glide through even the most curly and thick hair like mine." Another person with thin, coily, curly hair said, "It straightened my curly hair, made it silky smooth and my hair remained very straight for days."

Our experts recommend wearing a heat protectant glove to prevent burning your hands when using this tool in case your hands move too far up the handle or touch the brush's head.

Ionic: No | Attachments: No | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.1 lbs

Best for travel

FHI Heat Innovator The Pro Power Speed Dryer

Pros

• Dries hair fast
• Lightweight
• Auto-clean feature
• Provides moisturizing heat

Cons

• Expensive

Our Beauty pros named this powerful dryer a 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.

This ultra-light tool is ultra-powerful: the HydraHeat feature adds moisture in the hot air to hydrate your hair, minimize frizz while drying curls and leave you with smooth locks.

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 and the auto-cleaning system will help keep this dryer in great condition for a long time.

Ionic: No | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 0.63 lbs

Most lightweight

Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer

Pros

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

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.

This tool 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 that is sold separately impressed users with its curl-enhancing and frizz-reducing properties. Even when used with other hair dryers, it still delivered excellent results. If you're looking for an even smaller tool, the travel-sized version is a great option, but is not compatible with the diffuser attachment.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Two concentrators | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1 lbs

Best for All Curl Types

Pattern The Blow Dryer

Pros

• Trims down drying time
• Ion switch lets you smooth or add volume accordingly
• Removable filter is easy to clean

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.

The removable filter is easy to clean to keep the device as good as new.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 4, including a diffuser and a concentrator | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.12 lbs

Most Heat and Style Settings

T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer

Pros

• Intuitive heat and speed settings
• Easy to handle
• 5 heat settings

Cons

• The buttons come with a learning curve

Automatically switching 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, and coupled with the diffuser, your curls will be voluminous, shiny and bouncy.

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 | Weight: 1.88 lbs

Best 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.

One online reviewer with curly 3C hair said, "The size of the diffuser and the depth of the bowl are perfect for root lift on long hair, body and beautiful spiral curls with little to no frizz." Some reviewers just disliked that it felt heavier than other dryers they had used, but the budget-friendly price makes the arm workout with this device worth it.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 1.45 lbs

Best for coily hair

DevaCurl DevaDryer & DevaFuser

Pros

• Designed to give more volume
• Unique diffuser that dries 360º
• Special buttons for reducing frizz or adding volume

Cons

• Very heavy
• Some reviewers say it has a learning curve

Calling its diffuser shape "revolutionary," Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, 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 with the "hand" attachment.

Despite its unique diffuser, online reviewers said the tool is easy to use. Customers appreciated the special features on this hair dryer: "The most unique buttons are the ion buttons that help add volume or take away frizz depending on how your curls are," one said.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser | Heat settings: 3 | Weight: 3.31 lbs

Best for reducing frizz

Hot Tools Pro Artist 1875W Turbo Ceramic Ionic Lightweight Hair 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 from Drugstores

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 | Weight: 1.53 lbs

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 own team of editors as well as 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 then 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.