Beauty Expert Say These Are the Very Best Hair Dryers to Buy Based on Your Hair Type

Audrey Noble
·5 min read
woman blow drying hair with diffuser
woman blow drying hair with diffuser

Getty / iprogressman

You don't need to visit the salon in order to get an amazing blowout. Achieving a sleek, styled look is entirely attainable at home-so long as you have the right tools, that is. In addition to a paddle or round brush, you'll need a hair dryer. And yes, quality definitely matters here. The average drugstore hair dryer that just does the basics-meaning only dries your hair-probably won't cut it if you're looking for professional-quality results. To help you find a tool that'll deliver time and time again, we asked a few experts to recommend some of the best hair dryers on the market today for every hair type.

When it comes to choosing the perfect hair dryer for your needs, think about these factors: speed, durability, and heat control. Your hair type should also come into play here-after all, you won't need a dryer that gets quite as hot for shorter, thinner hair. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from, but so many models on the market (each claiming to address a different need), choosing the right one for you can feel overwhelming. Here, Andrew Fitzsimons, hairstylist and founder of Naturally Drenched, Jamila Powell, Covet & Mane educator and owner of The Uncommon Mane Ian Sannicolas, and hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor break down the best hair dryers for every hair type and texture to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Hair Dryers to Buy in 2021

Related: The Best Heat Protectant Sprays and Serums for Every Hair Type

Best Hair Dryer for Straight Hair

This hairdryer is loved by Powell for its all-in-one design. "If you are looking for a quick-dry that still results in a salon-quality blowout, this is my favorite dryer," says Powell. "The brush design helps to give you an effortless, professional blowout look while adding gorgeous volume."

Shop Now: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer, $59.99, target.com.

brush hair dryer in front of tan background
brush hair dryer in front of tan background

Best Hair Dryer for Wavy Hair

Affordable and powerful, this hair dryer is great for those with wavy hair. "Using ionic and ceramic porcelain technologies, this dryer will get the job done in no time," says Taylor. "This compact dryer offers even heat distribution and with less time under the heat your hair is protected from extensive damage with less static making it shiner-a perfect option for coarser and curlier hair types."

Shop Now: BaBylissPro Porcelain Ceramic Carrrera2 Dryer, $79.99, amazon.com.

black hair dryer against orange background
black hair dryer against orange background

Best Hair Dryer for Type 3 Curly Hair

This blow-dryer was designed specifically for curly hair, says Powell. "The unique, hand-shaped dryer lets you work your hair and makes sure that your hair is getting 360-degree airflow to keep your curls super-defined and voluminous. Your curls will be left feeling softer and looking shinier than ever."

Shop Now: DevaCurl "Devadryer and Devafuser" Hair Dryer, $159, devacurl.com.

white hair dryer with green diffuser attachment in front of light green background
white hair dryer with green diffuser attachment in front of light green background

Best Hair Dryer for Type 4 Curly Hair

"[This] is an awesome addition to your wash day routine-especially for my high-texture girls," says Powell. "The dryer produces enough heat to dry thick hair so you are not sitting under the dryer all day, not to mention the dome is big enough so your curls will not get smushed. I recommend using a medium-to-high setting and letting your hair dry for about 30 minutes. Then, diffuse your curls with a handheld dryer for another 10 minutes."

Shop Now: Gold N Hot Professional 1875W Ionic Strand Bonnet Dryer, $143.91, amazon.com.

bonnet stand hair dryer in front of green background
bonnet stand hair dryer in front of green background

Best Overall Hair Dryer

"A dryer that can provide multiple heat settings and additional attachments for utmost drying and styling capabilities is one that I would recommend as best overall in terms of practicality and usefulness," says Fitzsimons. "Here, I'd recommend the Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer, which combines ionic and tourmaline technologies that will leave your hair feeling so smooth and silky."

Shop Now: Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer, $16.70, amazon.com.

purple hair dryer with diffuser in front of mauve background
purple hair dryer with diffuser in front of mauve background

Best Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair

If you use one too many hot tools on your hair, adding a hair dryer might seem counterintuitive, but this one is the exception. "[This] is a good choice because the heat isn't so intense, but the airflow is easy to handle and the use of negative ions will help counteract any damage to the cuticle caused by chemicals and more," says Sannicolas.

Shop Now: T3 "Cura" Professional Digital Ionic Hair Dryer, $235, dermstore.com.

white hair dryer with rose gold accents in front of light pink background
white hair dryer with rose gold accents in front of light pink background

Best Hair Dryer for Frizzy Hair

"[This] is a great dryer for curls; BaBylissPro never disappoints," says Powell. "This blow dryer is built to last. The ion generator produces more shine and less frizz for your curls. The dryer also comes with a diffuser; when diffusing your hair you want to hover over the hair and resist the temptation to touch your curls. I recommend using low pressure with medium-to-high heat."

Shop Now: BaBylissPro "Nano Titanium Classic" Pistol Grip Dryer, $99, babyblisspro.com.

blue hairdryer against light blue background
blue hairdryer against light blue background

Best Hair Dryer for Thin or Fine Hair

"Real crushed pearls are infused within the barrel and provide extra conditioning for fine/thin hair that tends to get a bit more frizzy," says Taylor. "The airflow is also about 40 percent more than normal dryers so your hair is dried quicker, providing less heat damage."

Shop Now: Remington Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology, $23.67, walmart.com.

purple hair dryer with diffuser in front of light blue background
purple hair dryer with diffuser in front of light blue background

Best Hair Dryer for Thick Hair

Dyson is known for its powerful, tech-y tools, and this dryer delivers incredible results. "This tool is fast, powerful, and heat controlled," says Sannicolas. "Perfect for thicker and/or coarse hair textures needing the strength of a strong blow dryer."

Shop Now: Dyson Supersonic Dryer, $399, sephora.com.

dyson hair dryer in front of pink background
dyson hair dryer in front of pink background

Best Budget-Friendly Hair Dryer

"A great budget-friendly option is the Revlon 1875W Infrared Hair Dryer, which is powered by infrared technology to create currents of heat that work to dry your hair from the inside out," says Fitzsimons. "With an affordable price point of under $40, this option works great to ensure your locks are smooth, silky, and dry much more quickly."

Shop Now: Revlon 1875W Infrared Hair Dryer, $34.29, amazon.com.

white hair dryer in front of orange background
white hair dryer in front of orange background

Best Splurge-Worthy Hair Dryer

"If splurging on yourself, I suggest buying the Dyson Airwap Styler, which comes with a variety of heat styling attachments and smoothing brushes, which can help make your blow-drying session more creative, giving your hair the best look and feel you can possibly create at home," says Fitzsimons.

Shop Now: Dyson Airwrap Styler, $549, ulta.com.

dyson hair wrap with attachments in front of pink background
dyson hair wrap with attachments in front of pink background