Editor Tip: If you’re heading abroad, know that it offers dual voltage (although you’ll need a separate plug adapter).
- Best For: Frequent travelers
- Weight: 0.76 lbs
- Wattage: 1500W
- Noise Level: 80.8 dB
- Attachments: 1 (air concentrator)
Best Lower-Heat: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dryer
Why It’s Worth It: The 2,000-watt-powered BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dryer is an ionic hair dryer that smooths hair while reducing styling time. The featured nano titanium heat technology disperses a lower, controlled heat temperature to dry hair without frying it. This blow-dryer also features six speeds and heat settings, so hair looks sleek and shiny without frizz, breakage, or flyaways.
Editor Tip: It’s not dual-voltage, so you can’t use it if you travel abroad.
- Best For: Those seeking customizability
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Wattage: 2000W
- Noise Level: 75.2 dB to 80.6 dB
- Attachments: 1 (air concentrator)
Best Lightweight: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Why It’s Worth It: Not only is the Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer faster, drying your hair at speeds up to 94 miles per hour, but it’s also lighter, weighing under a pound (not including the cord). The motor inside is also quieter, which is a huge plus if you’re sensitive to noise or just like listening to music or watching TV as you blow-dry your hair.
Editor Tip: The ion feature is optional, so you can switch it off if you want to maintain low volume.
- Best For: People with long or thick hair
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- Wattage: 2000W
- Noise Level: Quiet
- Attachments: 2 (narrow nozzle concentrator, wide nozzle concentrator)
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a blow-dryer the best tool for styling hair?
A blow-dryer is among the most versatile hair tools that can yield a wide array of styling results. Whether you blow-dry daily, once a week, or once a month, a high-quality tool can take your hair to new heights. But before you purchase your brand-new hair dryer, Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and Virtue’s creative director Adir Abergel recommends selecting a device that explicitly serves your hair type. “When blow-drying curly hair, use an ionic dryer,” he previously told Allure. “If you have finer hair that needs more volume, use a traditional blow-dryer, not ionic.” If you’re unsure or stuck sharing a dryer with a roommate or partner, here’s the good news: Some options feature nonionic and ionic technology so you can swiftly toggle between the two.
How do hair dryer attachments work?
When shopping for a new dryer, keep an eye out for attachments. Many hair dryers come with (or are compatible with) attachments that allow you to tailor your blow-out experience to your needs. Abergel noted that, for example, using a concentrator nozzle that precisely hits hard-to-reach areas is key to achieving salon-level results. “It concentrates the air and aids in directing the airflow exactly where you want it to go,” Abergel previously explained. This concentrated airflow also helps the cuticle of the hair lay flat so that it will be shinier and less frizzy, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kiki Heitkotter. Finish with a cold shot of air for extra shine, too.
How can I minimize heat damage?
To minimize heat damage, look for tools that feature multiple temperature settings because high heat isn’t always necessary—especially for fine hair types. If you have the time, low heat is best for stymieing damage caused by heated hair tools, and don’t forget to prep with a heat-protectant. You might already be using one, though, as many leave-in products include protective ingredients. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure readers to look for heat-protecting products whose formulas feature ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer. Familiar additives like aloe and argan oil help, too, sealing the hair cuticle for extra defense.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
