We did our research and bought 7 models of hair dryers, went to a professional stylist, tried them out and took notes. After that we wrote this top quality hair dryers buying guide so you can know what hair dryer to buy.
Hair dryers with diffusers
If you have wavy or curly hair, you’ll probably want to look for a dryer that comes with a diffuser attachment. A diffuser is typically a large cup-like component that screws onto the end of your blow dryer’s nozzle. It works by dispersing the hot air over the larger surface area, rather than concentrating it into one strong stream as most blow dryers tend to do. You can use it to quickly and gently remove moisture from your hair without disturbing the natural curl pattern too much.
A diffuser can be effective when your hair is partially dried, but not fully (though it will be less effective at getting rid of excess moisture). It should never be used on freshly washed hair as this will make your curls frizzy and big instead of silky and small.
For best results, put a little bit of leave-in conditioner in your hair before drying it with the diffuser attachment. This will add more definition and volume to your curls.
Other attachments
Another important feature to consider is the attachments that come with your hair dryer. Some of these accessories are designed to help you style your hair more accurately. For example, a comb attachment can help you straighten your hair. If you have curly hair, a diffuser attachment will add body and volume to your curls. A concentrator helps direct airflow so you can focus on drying a specific area of your hair without disturbing the rest of it.
Wattage
A dryer’s wattage directly relates to its power; the higher the wattage, the more powerful the dryer. A more powerful blow-dryer will get your hair dried faster because it is better able to overcome the moisture in your hair. A less powerful blow-dryer would need to stay in one spot on your head longer to get it dry, potentially causing heat damage and singeing of your hair. That’s why a high-powered blow dryer is best for coarse or thick hair – it can blast off all that water fast. If you’ve got fine or thin hair, however, this excess power can be damaging; it’s better suited for coarser strands that need a little extra muscle.
Ionic and other technologies
Ionic technology
Ionic devices are popular for their ability to reduce frizz, making them great for those with unruly hair. In addition to being able to reduce drying time, ionic technology can also help your hair to remain shiny and smooth. It’s important to note that ionic technology will prevent your hair from being heated evenly, so a cool shot button is especially useful when using an ionic dryer.
Ceramic technology
Ceramic dryers tend to be more expensive than traditional metal dryers because they provide even heat distribution while drying, which is crucial if you want smooth and healthy-looking locks. Some ceramic models also include tourmaline technology as an added benefit. Tourmaline dryers use crystals that emit negative ions when heated, reducing the amount of static electricity in your hair and protecting it against damage due to excessive heat exposure. NanoIonic Ceramic Titanium Technology
Nano Titanium techonology claims the same benefits as NanoSilver by releasing negative ions that protect against damage caused by high temperatures. The titanium plate is stronger than conventional metal plates and retains heat more evenly throughout the tool resulting in quick drying times with less static electricity (frizz). The Tourmaline used in this type of hair dryer emits six times more negative ions compared to regular ceramic hair dryers resulting in shinier and smoother hair faster than traditional styling tools. When choosing a hair dryer, consider which features will suit your needs best before making a purchase decision based on price alone.
Cord length
While cord length isn’t the most exciting feature to look at when buying a new hair dryer, it’s worth considering. A long cord can make it easier for you to use your hair dryer in positions that are more comfortable for you. But, a longer cord is often heavier and may add more weight to your hair dryer, making it harder for you to hold and angle during use. With that said, if there are a lot of items on your bathroom countertop or vanity (like mirrors) then a longer cord can be helpful in reaching an outlet that is further away from the mirror.
Weight and balance
Balance and weight are important factors to consider when you’re trying out hair dryers. A heavy hair dryer will wear your arm out quickly, which might cause you to stop too soon, leaving your hair damp. Also, the weight of the blow dryer should match up with its balance when you hold it in your hand. If not, this can lead to trouble, like dropping or dropping the hair dryer on someone’s head (probably yours). The best way to check if a blow dryer feels balanced is simply to pick it up and feel how comfortable it is in your hand.
Warranty
All of the hair dryers on our list come with a warranty. However, not all warranties are the same. Some companies are willing to replace their products for longer than others in case your product breaks after several years of use.
When we analyzed warranties, we looked at how long you have to return the product and what is covered under the warranty when you do return it. You should keep in mind that most warranties won’t cover issues if your hair dryer malfunctions because you dropped it or used it for purposes other than drying your hair.