Using a blow dryer is the best way to save time and prevent walking around with wet hair. Finding the best blow dryer for your hair is easy when you know what to look for. There are subtle differences in the heat technology and air options that make each blow dryer slightly different. Discover how to identify these differences so you can find the best blow dryers for your hair type.
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What to Look for in a Blow Dryer for Natural Hair
Longevity & Wattage
Longevity is one of the biggest selling points of a good blow dryer and one of the most difficult to determine. You don’t necessarily need a blow dryer with a high wattage for it to be effective. The average blow dryer lasts 800 hours, (800 hours equates to approximately 33 days of continuous usage).
“In fact, it’s an industry myth that wattage directly correlates with performance.”
Volo
Ionic technology is used to dry hair quickly without causing frizz. Blow dryers with ionic technology use metal to distribute heat. According to Glamour, “Ionic dryers shoot negative ions, water’s ions are positively charged. That’s the science behind why an ionic dryer is much more effective at busting up and scattering water droplets on the hair shaft.” There are several factors to consider when looking for a blow dryer:
- Cool setting: If you have curly hair or hair that does not respond well to heat, you can look for a blow dryer with a cool setting.
- Affordability: Investing in a quality blow dryer can prevent you from having to replace it every few years.
- Attachments: Attachments are critical for drying curly hair without causing frizz. If you have a dryer, you need to make sure the attachment fits around the circumference of the dryer head. Even if the attachment is universal, it might not fit your dryer. There are several types of attachments to invest in: collapsible attachments, diffusers, combs, and air concentrators.
Top Picks: Best Blow Dryers for Natural Hair
Best Travel Dryer: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer
This dryer is perfect for taking on flights, traveling on road trips, or for every day use. The ability to fold it in half makes it very easy to store. For my naturally curly 3C/4A hair, I find it is the perfect blowdryer for every day use. My wash and go has lasted up to a week while using this blow dryer.
Best Ceramic: REVLON Turbo Fast Dry Hair Dryer
Ceramic technology distributes heat evenly to dry your hair more effectively. The dryer has a cool, warm, and hot setting to allow for a low-heat routine. This dryer is unique because it has a Turbo setting for maximum speed. This is perfect if you’re running late on busy mornings, or need to do your hair quickly.
Best Blow Dryer Comb Attachment: Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser
Collapsible attachments are extremely convenient for drying your hair evenly, especially if you have curly hair and want to prevent frizz.
Best for All Hair Types: InfinitiPro BY CONAIR 1875 Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool
The Infiniti Pro by Conair comes with several attachments for different hair types and styles.
Best Splurge: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Dyson’s Supersonic Hair Dryer is well-known for its variety of attachments and quickly drying your hair without heat.
