We don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t need to go to the salon just for the sake of a ‘gram-worthy blowout: In fact, you can easily DIY it — that is, if you have the right tools. With this in mind, a great hair dryer is key to achieving the perfect at-home blow-dry (just don’t forget your heat protectant spray!).
While there are dozens of options on the market, New Jersey-based stylist and salon owner Michelle Cleveland recommends picking one that’s lightweight. What’s more, the lighter the dryer, the easier it’ll be to style your strands since you won’t be straining your arms as you twist and pull. Additionally, according to Iowa-based hairstylist Jamie Wiley, wattage is another factor to consider. What’s more, she explains, “The higher the wattage, the faster the dry time.” The stylist also notes that higher wattages are great for thicker, coarser hair. Conversely, someone with finer hair may “achieve the same results with a lower-wattage blow dryer.”
From an under-$50 find to a handful of worth-it splurges, here are the best hair dryers on the market, according to top stylists around the country.
GAMA Italy IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer
The GAMA Italy IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer is a personal favorite of Paul Labrecque, stylist, colorist, and owner of New York City’s Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, who notes how lightweight (just over 10 ounces!) and powerful it is.
Choose from three speed settings and four heat settings, including a cool shot one.
Shop: GAMA Italy IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer, $399.00
BaBylissPRO Rapido Dryer
Wiley describes the BabylissPRO Rapido Dryer as “a performer in every area” thanks to its six heat and speed settings and ultra-lightweight design (clocking in at under one pound!). Additionally, according to the brand, this 2,000-watt tool dries hair up to 50% faster than other hair dryers.
Shop: BabylissPRO Rapido Dryer, $199.99
Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer
“The combination of the size, weight, and air power that comes from this tiny machine is unbelievable,” Cleveland says of the Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer. Despite its hefty price tag, keep in mind that it does include five additional accessories, such as a flyway attachment, diffuser, and wide-tooth comb.
Shop: Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer, $429.00
Nume Signature Hair Dryer
“The Nume Signature Hair Dryer is a GREAT bang for your buck!” exclaims Cleveland. What’s more, she says, “It’s lightweight and has a ton of great technology inside, including a ceramic grill, far-infrared heating coil, and negative Ion conditioning.” The result? Smooth strands for days on end.
Shop: The Nume Signature Hair Dryer, $199.00
FHI Heat Platform 2000 Nano Power Pro Dryer
According to Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, the 2,000-watt FHI Heat Platform Blow Dryer — which weighs just over one pound — is great for folks with normal to thick hair. She also calls out the tourmaline ceramic dryer for having “great airflow and pressure.”
Shop: FHI Heat Platform 2000 Nano Power Pro Dryer, $139.99
InfinitiPro by Conair Natural and Curl Styling Dryer
Hurtado credits the InfinitiPro by Conair Natural and Curl Styling Dryer with reducing frizz, enhancing natural curls, waves, texture, and, lastly, giving body. Plus, at under $60, it’s a steal!
Shop: InfinitiPro by Conair Natural and Curl Styling Dryer, $54.99
Trademark Beauty Easy Blo
Tight on time? Hurtado suggests reaching for the wallet-friendly, oh-so-versatile Trademark Beauty Easy Blo, which she describes as a “super lightweight blowdryer brush with three heat settings.” Plus, the pretty pink hue adds an extra-fun touch.
Shop: Trademark Beauty Easy Blo, $49.49
So, stylists: Do you already have your fave hair dryers on hand? Send this article to your favorite clients so they can have ‘gram-worthy’ hair in-between appointments: No bad hair days here!
