Blow Dryer Should I Buy

Regardless of what type of hair you have, the right blow dryer can help you achieve that salon-like blowout you crave. To do this, you need to choose a dryer that’s lightweight and easy to use while also providing enough heat to get the job done. To find our top picks, we consulted experts and scoured beauty sites and magazines for reviews, ratings, and personal testing. We also took into account the price range and whether or not a specific hair dryer had additional features that could enhance your at-home blowout.

If you’re considering a high-end model, know that the difference in wattage between lower and higher priced blow dryer is minimal. In fact, the most expensive model we reviewed (the Dyson Supersonic), only offers about a 10 percent increase in heating power compared to the mid-range pick we recommend (the Hot Tools Pro Artist QuietAir). Generally, anything up to 1,800 watts should work for most people, and we found that even the cheapest models we surveyed were more than enough to provide a great blowout without drying out your hair too quickly.

Besides wattage, the other important factor to consider is the type of motor a hair dryer has. If you’re on a budget or want to save space, opt for a dryer with a DC motor, which is smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient. However, if you want a professional-grade hair dryer that is durable and provides more power, opt for one with an alternating current (AC) motor, like the Hot Tools Pro Signature 1875 Watts Ionic AC Motor Dryer.

What Blow Dryer Should I Buy?

A tourmaline or ceramic hair dryer is ideal for smoothing your locks, as these styles emit negative ions to reduce frizz while helping your strands retain moisture. If you have color-treated strands, look for a hair dryer infused with keratin or argan oil to ensure your strands stay shiny and healthy, too.

If you have curls or a wavy hair texture, try a dryer that has a diffuser attachment to distribute the heat more evenly. Or, choose a dryer with a narrow nozzle to focus the airflow on specific areas of your hair to tame it. Finally, if you’re prone to flyaways, you can’t go wrong with a dryer with a cool shot button that helps “set” your style.

A dryer with a combination of both ceramic and tourmaline technology will likely be the most expensive, but it will likely be the most effective in terms of smoothing your hair. In addition to preventing frizz, this combination of technologies also works together to prevent static and boost volume.