In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (2024)

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (1)

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The number one secret to achieving voluminous locks and professional-level blowouts at home is a well-made, effective hair dryer. But all models are not created equal, so what is the best hair dryer?

"A high-quality hair dryer usually comes with advanced features that result in faster drying times, reduced frizz and overall improved hair health," says Cynthia Alvarez, a Biolage celebrity hair ambassador in Los Angeles. For the best results, "you need the maximum amount of power with the best type of airflow to protect the hair, combined with the lightest weight possible," explains Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Hair Addict Salon in Toms River, New Jersey.

Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists rigorously test hair dryers in the Lab on human hair samples and consumer testers to assess their attributes and performance. In the Beauty Lab's most recent hair dryer test, experts evaluated the tools in the Lab and at home for ease of use, performance, drying time and whether they cause hair damage, among other factors. Over 2,000 data points were then tallied to identify the best hair dryers on the market for every hair type, from curly to fine, frizzy, thick and more.

Our top picks:

1

Best Overall

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (3)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (4)Fastest drying time in Lab tests
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (5)Five magnetic attachments included
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (6)Strong airflow
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (7)Long cord
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (8)Expensive
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (9)Controls can be tricky to access

A game-changer on the market, this one-of-a-kind Dyson design (the motor is in the handle!) dried hair faster than any model in the history of GH Beauty Lab hair dryer testing. In Lab evaluations, it dried an eight-inch hair sample in only 54 seconds and had strong airflow. The tool also features a generous cord length.

The hair dryer includes a rare five attachments to customize to your hair type and needs, including two concentrators, a diffuser, an attachment for smoothing flyaways and a gentle air attachment, all of which are magnetic for simple usage. Note, though, that the cord doesn't come with a tie and the buttons can be difficult to reach.

Consumer testers, including a range of hair types (from straight to curly) and lengths (very long, long, shoulder length and short), also evaluated the product and loved how sleek it looked. One raved, "On the most humid of days, it got hair smoother, and in less time, than any hair dryer I've used." Another echoed: "The air pressure was great and I do feel like it dried my hair faster than normal."

The Dyson is also a pro hairstylist go-to: "It is expensive, but so worth it: the technology is so advanced, the cord is so long, and it has three heat settings as well as airflow settings," Alvarez says. "It dries hair quickly and efficiently, and the smoothing attachment gets rid of frizz without the need of a styling product, allowing your blowouts to last longer.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Dyson Supersonic Dryer Is Actually Worth It

Wattage 1,600
Attachment 2 concentrators, diffuser, flyaway attachment, gentle air attachment
Number of settings3 speed; 4 heat
Weight 1.9 lbs.
Cool shot button Yes
Ion technologyYes

2

Best Value

Hot Tools Turbo Ionic Salon Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (10)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (11)Compact size
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (12)Minimizes frizz
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (13)Fast drying and powerful airflow
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (14)Easy to use
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (15)Concentrator attachment can be wobbly
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (16)Cord doesn't have a tie

This compact model from Hot Tools earned near-perfect scores for drying speed in GH Beauty Lab testing and ranked high for strong airflow, yet is a more affordable pick at a fraction of the cost of other dryers. Testers loved its smaller, easy-to-store size and that it left their hair less frizzy. They gave it top marks for its easy-to-reach controls and comfortable shape, and both Lab assessments and consumers found it to be quiet.

The tool has an ample cord length, though it doesn't come with a tie. The included concentrator attachment was also wobbly, users found. "The hair dryer dried my hair with less frizz and more shine to it," a tester reported. "It was super easy to use and small, so it could be stored pretty much anywhere." Another remarked: "It took a lot less time to dry my hair than usual." (Alvarez is also a fan of the brand's Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer.)

Wattage1,875
AttachmentsConcentrator, diffuser
Number of settings 3 speed; 3 heat
Weight1.6 lbs.
Cool shot button Yes
Ion technologyYes

3

Best for Frizzy Hair

SRI DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (17)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (18)Dries hair fast
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (19)Leaves hair smooth and not frizzy
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (20)Lightweight
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (21)Good temperature range
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (22)Controls can be tricky to use
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (23)Attachments may get hot

Get a smooth blowout in no time with this state-of-the-art SRI tool: Despite its light weight and slim, compact size (thanks to a foldable handle), it packs serious hair drying punch. In GH Beauty Lab assessment, it earned top scores for drying hair quickly and making it look smooth and not frizzy.

It was also a tester favorite, thanks to its easy-to-use magnetic attachments, high quality construction and temperature range. (Some did find that the controls weren't as simple to operate and the attachments could get overly hot, however.) "It dried my hair in record time — within 5 minutes!" a user with long, textured hair enthused. Another reported: "My thick hair dried incredibly quick and looks healthy and shiny; this will forever be my go-to blow dryer."

Wattage1,300
AttachmentsTwo concentrators, one diffuser
Number of settings3 speed; 4 heat
Weight1.2 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyYes
Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (25)Gentle on thin or fragile hair
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (26)Low air temperature yet fast drying time
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (27)Comfortable to hold and easy to use
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (28)Comes with 10-year warranty
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (29)Noisy
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (30)Doesn't include a diffuser

Power-packed yet gentler than other models, Bio Ionic’s hairdryer was mild on both hair and scalp in GH Beauty Lab testing, key for damaged or fragile fine hair. It had the lowest air temperature at the highest of three settings, yet still dried hair samples quickly.

Expert evaluators found it comfortable to hold and that the attachments were easy to put on and take off. They also gave it points for the strategically located control buttons and easy-to-use cool shot button. Though it was loud in Quiet Mark sound testing and is the priciest of the most recent test winners, it comes with a 10-year motor-life warranty and a storage bag. That said, it doesn't include a diffuser, so it may not be the best pick for those with curly hair.

An expert called this pick “sleek-looking," and liked its "balanced weight and size that’s not too heavy or big and feels powerful." Two others commented: "I like that it has three temperatures," and, "it worked really well."

Wattage 1,875
Attachments 3 concentrators
Number of settings2 speed; 3 heat
Weight 1.6 lbs.
Cool shot button Yes
Ion technologyYes
Quiet Mark rating1 (poor/loud)

5

Best for Curly Hair

Paul Mitchell Neuro Light Tourmaline Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (31)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (32)Digital LED display for heat and power settings
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (33)Includes diffuser for curly hair
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (34)Reduces frizz
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (35)Dries hair quickly
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (36)May be heavy and uncomfortable to hold

Paul Mitchell has a reputation for implementing new technologies in their tools and the Neuro Dry is no exception. The dryer features a digital LED display for heat and power settings and has a “clean filter” indicator light. It comes with a diffuser, key for drying curly and natural hair textures, plus received a top drying rate score due to its airflow and high heat settings in Beauty Lab testing.

Testers also gave it high marks for minimizing frizz, a top concern for curly hair. One noted that it “added fullness" and another commented that "it seemed to dry my hair quickly." Though users and experts found it easy to operate and liked the controls, some found it uncomfortable to hold. It was also one of the heaviest hair dryers evaluated.

RELATED: The Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair

Wattage 1,875
Attachments Concentrator, diffuser
Number of settings 4 speed; 4 heat
Weight2.1 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyYes

6

Best for Thick Hair

Cricket Ultra Smooth Professional Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (37)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (38)High heat and strong airflow to dry thicker hair
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (39)Easy to hold and use
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (40)Dries hair fast
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (41)Good cord length
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (42)Diffuser not included
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (43)May get overly hot at highest heat setting

In GH Beauty Lab testing, Cricket’s hair dryer model emitted high heat and had powerful airflow to quickly dry even dense or coarse hair. At 150°F, it had the highest air temperature of the top dryers, making it a good option for thick hair, although it may get too hot for fragile, fine or damaged hair types (a user reported that at the highest heat setting, it can get overly hot and the cool air didn't activate as fast).

The tool ranked high for being comfortable to hold and had easy to use attachments and buttons. It also has an ample cord length with an attached Velcro tie. “Cute and compact, yet powerful and well made, it's also light and nice to hold,” one expert evaluator raved. “I like pretty much everything about it," another said, but it does lack a diffuser.

Wattage1,875
AttachmentsConcentrator
Number of settings 2 speed; 3 heat
Weight1.5 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyNo
Quiet Mark rating2 (average)

7

Best Travel Hair Dryer

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (44)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (45)Powerful enough to be used as a primary hair dryer
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (46)Foldable handle for storage and portability
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (47)Includes travel bag
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (48)Dries hair quickly
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (49)Heavy for a travel hair dryer
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (50)Doesn't include a diffuser

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's travel hair dryer tests, Drybar’s top-of-the-line dual voltage model delivers fast-drying power in a portable package. It scored perfectly in Lab evaluations for having easy-to-use controls, dried hair samples fast and had strong airflow.

This tool was also easiest to maneuver and comfortable to hold, though it was heavier than other models and more effort was required for proper placement and removal of the attachment. "Wow, this is powerful," an expert evaluator marveled. "It's the right size and doesn't look like a travel dryer until you fold the handle — I like that it could do double duty for home and away."

Wattage 1,200
AttachmentsConcentrator
Number of settings 2 speed; 2 heat
Weight 1.3 lbs.
Cool shot button Yes
Ion technologyYes
Quiet Mark rating2 (average)

8

Best Lightweight

Instyler Turbo Max Ionic Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (51)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (52)Strong airflow
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (53)Dries hair quickly
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (54)Lightweight
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (55)Easy to use
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (56)Noisy in sound testing

InStyler's ionic hair dryer, which features a dial that lets you customize the heat level, was a winner in GH Beauty Lab testing for delivering strong airflow. The powerful airflow translated to fast drying speed, and it came out on top for being comfortable to grip and having easy-to-navigate buttons.

The tool was also lightweight and the attachments are simple to put on and take off, though sound evaluations found it to be noisy. Two experts noted they “loved” this model. It is “lightweight but powerful, easy to hold and use," one noted. "Gives a great, strong airflow but not overpowering," another said.

Wattage1,500
AttachmentsConcentrator
Number of settings2 speed; customizable heat
Weight1.45 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyYes
Quiet Mark rating1 (poor/loud)

9

Best for Fine/Thin Hair

Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Professional Hair Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (57)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (58)Dries hair quickly
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (59)Doesn't feel hot on the scalp
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (60)Lighter than most other dryers
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (61)Easy to use
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (62)Loud in sound testing

GH Beauty Lab testers found this lightweight Olivia Garden blow dryer dried hair quickly, thanks to its robust airflow and temperature yet didn't feel hot on the scalp, making it ideal for those with fine or thin strands. It was easy to hold and operate and received a perfect score for maneuvering attachments, plus has a generously long cord.

A caveat: The dryer was a bit loud, confirmed by the Quiet Mark noise measurement test, receiving 1 out of 3 stars. "I like the size and weight and it has quite powerful airflow," an expert evaluator noted. "It looks and feels well-made."

Wattage 1,875
Attachments 2 concentrators
Number of settings 2 speed; 3 heat
Weight 1.4 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyYes
Quiet Mark rating1 (poor/loud)

10

Easiest to Use

FHI Heat Innovator The Pro Power Speed Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (63)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (64)Strong airflow
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (65)Dries hair quickly
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (66)Compact and simple to use
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (67)Can work as a travel hair dryer
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (68)A bit louder than others evaluated

A unique superslim design that was effortless to maneuver and top-notch performance made this FHI hair dryer a GH Beauty Award winner. The cutting-edge model had the strong airflow and dried hair fast in GH Beauty Lab instrumental testing despite its compact size.

Lab pros found it lightweight and "very comfortable to hold with easy-to-reach controls." Though it was slightly more noisy than others tested, it can also double as a travel hair dryer due to its smaller build.

Wattage1,700
Attachments2 concentrators, diffuser
Number of settings3 speed; 3 heat
Weight1.2 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes
Ion technologyYes

11

Most Quiet

Bio Ionic GoldPro Dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (69)

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (70)

Pros
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (71)Low sound emission
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (72)Powerful airflow
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (73)Lightweight
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (74)Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (75)Not as fast-drying as other tools
  • In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (76)Doesn't include a diffuser

This easy-to-handle dryer from Bio Ionic was the least noisy of the GH Beauty Lab's top performers, according to sound level measurements. Testers loved the "powerful dryer in a small package" and raved about how effortless it was to hold.

Despite its strong airflow, the tool is also very light, though it didn't dry hair as quickly as other models tested. "Comfortable, quiet and not too hot," a user commented.

Wattage1,875
Attachments2 concentrators
Number of settings2 speed; 2 heat
Weight1.2 lbs.
Cool shot buttonYes

How we test hair dryers

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has been testing hair tools, including hair dryers — plus hair dryer brushes and travel hair dryers — for over a decade. In the GH Beauty Lab's most recent test, scientists evaluated 41 hair dryers over eight weeks (for a total of 320 hands-on testing hours), recording 2,244 data points to determine the winning models.

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (78)

In the Lab, experts test hair dryers across price points and power levels (ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 watts) by measuring drying speed on standardized human hair samples (above), airflow force and air temperature (top), weight, surface temperature (below) and cord length.

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (79)

In addition, testers assess hair dryers for ease of use (including hold and maneuvering, affixing and removing attachments, and location and operation of controls), any irritation or damage to scalp, skin or hair, and the look and feel of hair after drying. Finally, each hair dryer's noise emission level may also be determined via the third-party certifier Quiet Mark, which issues a star rating (1 star, Poor/Loud; 2 stars, Average; 3 stars, Good/Quiet) based on recorded sound level tests.

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (80)

What to look for when shopping for the best hair dryer

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (81)

When purchasing a top quality hair dryer, there are several factors to consider, GH Beauty Lab scientists say:

✔️ Adjustable heat and speed settings, which allow you to customize the level of heat and power the hair dryer emits according to your hair type and preferences.

✔️ Attachments, which really make a difference on various hair textures since they affect the airflow of a hair dryer. These are the two you'll most commonly find included with your hair dryer or sold separately:

  • Diffusers are great for curly hair because they circulate air to the ends of hair while diffusing the airstream from the hair dryer to prevent frizz, which can help to define curls and even add volume.
  • Concentrators narrow the hair dryer's airflow to blow air directly on the hair for smooth, sleek styles. They come in different sizes for varying purposes: Broad, extended concentrator nozzles are meant for larger surfaces and are "useful for thick and long hair as they help it dry faster," says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. Short, narrow concentrator nozzles provide curly and frizzy hair the opportunity for a sleek blowout, since their powerful flows are great for eliminating frizz.

✔️ Cool shot button. Each of the top-tested hair dryers in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent test has a cold-shot button, which can help to close the hair's cuticle and lock in the style, preventing frizz once you're finished drying.

✔️ Wattage. A hair dryer's wattage determines its power: The Beauty Lab recommends a range of between 1,500 and 2,000 watts for best results on any hair type (1,875 watts is the most common hair dryer wattage).

✔️ Design attributes. In GH Beauty Lab testing, we take into account each hair dryer's weight, the length of its cord and its noise level, which can affect ease of use.

✔️ Safety certification. Look for safety verification emblems such as those from ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories), UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) or TUV or SUD (both part of the Technical Inspection Association) on the hair dryer's packaging. "These certifications are essential to ensure that the tools are tested for safety and found to meet safety requirements," Wizemann explains.

Is a ceramic or ionic hair dryer better?

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (82)

Ionic, yes; ceramic, not necessarily. "Ionization technology has visible benefits," Wizemann explains. "It is easy to see effects when you have ionized technology switched on and off. Static builds up when you blast air without an ionizer and with it, the hair is more aligned and appears shinier." Shop for an ionic hair dryer if you have curly hair that is prone to frizz and flyaways.

Many hair dryers also tout special technologies like ceramic, tourmaline or far-infrared radiation on product packaging, but these aren't necessary for an effective, quality tool, GH Beauty Lab testing has found. While there is general research on these technologies, little data is available on their benefits in the context of hair dryer design.

That said, "ceramic seems to be better for smoothing straight and wavy hair," Wizemann says. "And because tourmaline produces less static and frizz, it may be more beneficial for curly and textured hair, in addition to adding volume to straight or flat hair."

What's the best hair dryer for my hair type?

In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (83)

When it comes to choosing the best hair dryer for your specific texture or length, it's more about finding a tool with settings you can customize to you. Follow these general guidelines of what to seek out for certain hair types:

✔️ Curly hair (from 3a to 4c curl types): Look for an ionic hair dryer that comes with lots of attachments. "A diffuser is a must for all curly and kinky hair types who wish to embrace their natural texture and a narrow nozzle attachment if they want to smooth it," Wizemann says.

✔️ Thin hair: In general, look for a hair dryer with low heat settings since higher temps can damage fragile strands. "High temperature is unnecessary for quickly drying thin and flat hair unless it is being styled in a specific way where higher heat is needed to shape it," Wizemann advises.

✔️ Thick or long hair: Look for a dryer with higher voltage for maximum power. "Usually, a higher wattage hair dryer will exhibit a more robust flow and temperature on higher settings," Wizemann says, perfect "for styling thicker, denser and longer hair that needs higher heat and airflow."

✔️ Hair extensions: You don't need a special dryer for synthetic and real hair extensions: Standard hair dryers are generally good for all hair types, says Cleveland.

    What hair dryer do professionals use?

    In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (84)

    If you want to mimic a salon-like blowout at home, it helps to know what type of hair dryer professional hairstylists use and what they look for when shopping for one. To hit Cleveland's specs for a top-performing hair dryer (high power, great airflow and light, easy-to-maneuver weight) our top pick for a professional hair dryer is the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, but per her advice, any of the dryers above are suitable for professional use — look for the one with the features and attachments that best suit your hair type and needs.

    What hair dryer is least damaging to hair?

    In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (85)

    When it comes to minimizing damage, it's more about the dryer's features and how you use it. "It is more important to use the correct heat settings for your hair type than to focus on hair dryer's technology," Wizemann says. Generally, the lower the heat used, the less damage to hair.

    And because any hot styling tool like a hair dryer will damage hair to some degree, it's also crucial to protect strands from the effects of heat. Before blow-drying, "always prep hair with a leave-in styling product that provides heat protection," Alvarez suggests. This will create a coating over hair that helps prevent damage.

    In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (86)

    April Franzino

    Beauty Director

    April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

    In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (87)

    Tested bySabina Wizemann

    Beauty Lab Director

    Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.

    In Our Testing, This Affordable Hair Dryer Rivaled a Popular $400 Model (2024)

    FAQs

    Does an expensive hair dryer make a difference? ›

    Key Takeaways

    Investing in a high-quality hairdryer can provide numerous benefits for your hair health and styling routine. Cheaper hairdryers may have drawbacks such as lower wattage and heat settings, which can damage hair over time.

    What are two examples of energy conversions that take place within a hair dryer? ›

    Lightbulbs convert electric energy into light energy. A hair dryer converts electrical energy into thermal and sound energy.

    What is the energy transferred in a hair dryer? ›

    Hair dryer: A hair dryer transfers energy in the form of electricity to a heating element, which heats up the air that is drawn in. The hot air is then blown out of the dryer, transferring the heat energy to the hair.

    Are expensive dryers worth it? ›

    If you're looking for advanced features, superior performance, energy efficiency, and durability, investing in a high-end dryer could be worth it. However, if your budget is tight and you're looking for a basic dryer that gets the job done, a budget model may be more suitable.

    Is there really a difference in hair dryers? ›

    "A dryer's wind power is measured in watts, so the higher the number, the quicker the drying time," she says. If you have coarse or thick hair, opt for a dryer with 1800W or more. "Fine and short hair can still get great results using a dryer with much less airflow," says Coughlin.

    What energy source does a hair dryer use? ›

    Hair dryers use the motor-driven fan and the heating element to transform electric energy into convective heat. The whole mechanism is really simple: When you plug in the hair dryer and turn the switch to "on," current flows through the hair dryer. The circuit first supplies power to the heating element.

    What is the output of a hair dryer? ›

    The average hair dryer has a heat output of between 1,000 and 2,000 watts. However, some high-end hair dryers can have a heat output of up to 2,500 watts. The heat output of a hair dryer is important because it determines how quickly the hair dryer can dry your hair and how hot it can get.

    What is the main useful form of energy that is produced by a hair dryer? ›

    For example, a hairdryer transfers electrical energy into two forms of useful energy: Heat energy that warms the air. Kinetic energy that moves this hot air.

    How energy efficient is a hair dryer? ›

    Key takeaways. On average, hair dryers use about 1,500 to 2,000 watts of electricity. Using a hair dryer for 10 minutes per day will use about 9.13 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month and 109.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

    How much energy is wasted in a hair dryer? ›

    A standard in-room, wall-mounted hair dryer typically has a power draw of about 1.6 kW. This means that if a guest turns on their hair dryer for 15 minutes, they will consume 0.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.

    What is the energy of a dryer? ›

    On average and across all loads and cycle configurations, electric clothes dryers may use anywhere from 1800 to 5000 watts of energy. That translates to somewhere in the range of 1.8 to 5 kWh of electricity.

    What is the difference between a cheap and expensive hair dryer? ›

    Brand and Warranty: You're also paying for brand reputation, aesthetic design, and often a more generous warranty with expensive hair dryers. Overall, expensive hair dryers claim to offer a better styling experience, less damage to hair, and a longer-lasting product.

    What are the 4 types of hair dryers? ›

    There are four types of hair dryers: conventional, ionic, ceramic, and tourmaline. Each type of hair dryer has unique features and benefits, such as faster drying time or reduced frizz. Ceramic hair dryers are popular among professionals for their even heat distribution and gentle drying.

    Does the price of a hair dryer matter? ›

    Do Expensive Hair Dryers Make A Difference? You don't have to buy the most expensive model to get great results, but you don't want to buy a cheap one, either. “A hair dryer that is at least $100 is often considered professional quality and will have a longer lifespan and better warranty,” says Querisma.

    Is it worth getting a good hair dryer? ›

    A good hair dryer will dry your hair quickly, while providing an effective range of temperature and airflow settings to help you create your desired style. If it's not achieving this as a minimum, it's just blowing hot air.

    What is the difference between a professional hair dryer? ›

    “The key differences between professional dryers and standard dryers are their longevity, power, wattage, and options available,” says professional hairstylist Sky Kim. “They'll also have more options for heat, drying speeds, and ions so you can control how you want to finish your hair.”

    Is a high efficiency dryer worth it? ›

    The term "high-efficiency washer and dryer" is a marketing tactic that leads us to believe that both appliances are energy-efficient when, in fact, they aren't. Yes, the dryers have some energy-saving functions (more about these on the next page), but they are not using fewer kWh to dry the same amount of clothes.

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