The more you know: Harry Josh Pro Tools doesn’t offer a diffuser, so if you have wavy or curly hair, you’ll want to skip this one.
- Best for: people with long or thick hair
- Weight: less than 1 lb
- Wattage: 2000W
- Noise level: quiet
- Attachments: 2 (narrow nozzle concentrator, wide nozzle concentrator)
Best for Straightening: Kristin Ess Hair Volumizing Blow Dryer Brush
Why it’s worth it: A proud 2024 Best of Beauty-winner, the Kristin Ess Hair Volumizing Blow Dyrer Brush won us over with its versatility. It features three speeds, three heat settings, and an ionic finisher to seal the deal with extra smoothness. The brushes are a mix of tufted bristles and nylon to help detangle as it dries and straightens.
Tester feedback: “It usually takes me an hour to blow-dry my hair, but this tool cut that time in half,” associate beauty editor Annie Blay previously noted. “I love how easy it is to use: just brush.”
- Best for: people who want a straight blow out
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Wattage: 1200W
- Noise level: N/A
- Attachments: none
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a blow-dryer the best tool for styling hair?
A blow-dryer is among the most versatile hair tools that can yield a wide array of styling results. Whether you blow-dry daily, once a week, or once a month, a high-quality tool can take your hair to new heights. But before you purchase your brand-new hair dryer, Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and Virtue‘s creative director Adir Abergel recommends selecting a device that explicitly serves your hair type. “When blow-drying curly hair, use an ionic dryer,” he previously told Allure. “If you have finer hair that needs more volume, use a traditional blow-dryer, not ionic.” If you’re unsure or stuck sharing a dryer with a roommate or partner, here’s the good news: Some options feature nonionic and ionic technology so you can swiftly toggle between the two.
How do hair dryer attachments work?
When shopping for a new dryer, keep an eye out for attachments. Many hair dryers come with (or are compatible with) attachments that allow you to tailor your blow-out experience to your needs. Abergel noted that, for example, using a concentrator nozzle that precisely hits hard-to-reach areas is key to achieving salon-level results. “It concentrates the air and aids in directing the airflow exactly where you want it to go,” Abergel previously explained. This concentrated airflow also helps the cuticle of the hair lay flat so that it will be shinier and less frizzy, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kiki Heitkotter. Finish with a cold shot of air for extra shine, too.
How can I minimize heat damage?
To minimize heat damage, look for tools that feature multiple temperature settings because high heat isn’t always necessary—especially for fine hair types. If you have the time, low heat is best for stymieing damage caused by heated hair tools, and don’t forget to prep with a heat-protectant. You might already be using one, though, as many leave-in products include protective ingredients. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure readers to look for heat-protecting products whose formulas feature ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer. Familiar additives like aloe and argan oil help, too, sealing the hair cuticle for extra defense.
Meet the experts
- Adir Abergel, is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and Virtue creative director with over 25 years of experience and celebrity clientele including Jennifer Garner, Charlize Theron, and Anne Hathaway.
- Kiki Heitkotter is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist with a roster of celebrity clients and a portfolio that includes editorial work, advertising, and portraiture.
- Ginger King is a New Jersey-based cosmetic chemist. King is a founding member of the Chinese American Cosmetic Professional Association, and the founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty, a cosmetic product development company.
- Paul Labrecque is a New York City-based hairstylist and colorist, and founder and creative director at the luxury Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Labrecque opened the Upper East Side salon in 1988 and has since expanded his expertise to Palm Beach and Philadelphia.
Methodology
Our team of testers tried an array of blow-dryers at various price points to ensure we covered options for every budget. We tested each dryer repeatedly over the course of several weeks to evaluate its ease of use, performance, and effectiveness. We noted how quickly they dried our hair and the longevity of the results—be it smoothness, volume, frizz control, or otherwise. We also considered the products’ prices and whether they would make a worthwhile hair-care investment.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
