Compare Top 7 Hair Dryers
More Hair Dryers to Consider
Photograph: Amazon; Getty Images
Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair for $135: The Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair is certified by Quiet Mark, an independent organization that assesses how much noise pollution household products produce. While the price is technically $120, it’s almost always discounted to around $60 on Amazon, so you don’t have to splurge. The reduction of sound isn’t a reduction of capability. The high-speed setting will blow the dryer right off your counter if you set it down. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button.
Hairitage Comin’ Hot Dryer for $40: Hairitage’s Comin’ in Hot Hair Dryer is compact at 1.6 pounds and costs just $40. The basics are covered: two speeds, three heat settings, and a cool shot button. It only comes with an air concentrator nozzle, but you can purchase a separate diffuser for curls and a comb attachment. The add-ons are frequently out of stock, though, sometimes for months at a time.
Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer for $135: This dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment in addition to its removable oscillating head that mimics the back-and-forth motion you make with your hand. There are three heat settings and two speed settings, which is the minimum standard. Panasonic also claims the dryer uses electrostatic shock to disperse water molecules into tinier nano-sized particles, which might reduce hair damage. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested the compact version for $100, which she says makes for a great travel hair dryer.
Gama iQ2 Perfetto for $330: The iQ2 includes an auto-clean function to automatically turn off should it overheat (it did not do this in testing, thankfully). There’s a setting lock so you can dry your hair without accidentally changing the speed or heat. Plus, it comes with a silicone thermal mat that puts the dryer into standby mode when you place it down, turning it back on when you pick it up. This is helpful if you’re sectioning off strands and frequently have to put the dryer down. But it’s expensive, and the microperforated magnetic mesh filter cover tends to fall off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Ionic Hair Dryer Better Than a Ceramic One?
Ionic hair dryers release ions that break down water molecules, which expedites drying time and reduces frizz. They’re suitable for all hair types, but they’re especially better for thick and/or curly hair. Ceramic dryers are meant to distribute heat evenly, which is supposed to reduce heat damage. Again, suitable for all hair types, but especially those with fine hair.
What Features Should I Look for in a High-Quality Hair Dryer?
Wattage: The power of a dryer is mainly dictated by its wattage, typically ranging from 800 to 2,000 watts. Higher wattage means faster drying times and more heat, but it can also mean a heavier dryer and higher energy consumption.
Weight: A lightweight dryer can make a big difference, especially if you’re styling your hair daily. It reduces hand strain and provides better maneuverability, making the drying process more comfortable.
Heat and speed settings: These settings determine both the temperature and airflow of your dryer. More adjustable options allow you to personalize your experience and exercise greater control over your hair. I find a cool shot button or setting a must for locking in my hairdo because I rarely use hairspray.
Attachments: Choose one that comes with useful attachments, such as concentrator nozzles or diffusers, depending on your hair type and texture.
How to Fix Heat-Damaged Hair?
Disclaimer: You may need to speak to a hairstylist, especially if your hair was chemically treated.
A hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment may be the first step to restore your hair’s natural proteins and seal in moisture. Your hairstylist may also recommend a haircut to trim the broken ends.
Finally, protect your hair from further damage. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying. The Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer is our favorite, but we also love the R+Co Hot Spell Thermotech Blow Out Balm for curly or thick hair. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Heat Protectant Sprays. Get a quality hair towel to avoid frizz and breakage. A regular body towel is too rough on hair, especially fragile curls. A plain old cotton T-shirt works great for drying, and you likely have one in your closet that you no longer wear. You’ll find specific hair towels anywhere you shop for hair products, but former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano recommends TO112’s Bamboo Wrap ($39).
We test on a variety of hair types, lengths, and textures. This includes but isn’t limited to fine, straight, thick, curly, and color-treated hair. Our testers live in different climates—sticky cities like New York, temperature swings in Chicago, wet conditions in Portland—so we’re also able to evaluate how these hair dryers handle frizz, static, and shine.
We assess weight, cord length, and dual-voltage compatibility for frequent travelers. Each model is timed on freshly washed hair, evaluated for drying time, heat output, and airflow strength. We also test attachments and accessories for ease of use, durability, and styling results.
Lastly, we conduct long-term testing, using each dryer for months to check for motor wear, filter maintenance, and any overall performance loss.
What Are We Testing Next?
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