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There are plenty of factors to consider when searching for a new hair dryer: wattage, material, durability, price, and so many other elements will come into play when looking for the best option to add to your grooming routine, not to mention the importance of beauty in unexpected places and its importance to each individual. Will you want something that gets the job done effortlessly, or is the extra money worth it to you to hold a thing of beauty each day while you prepare your head for the world?
Considering these issues and many others, we looked at some of the top-rated dryers on the market from both stores specializing in beauty products and big box chains alike, then we combed through user suggestions and determined the following options are the current best you can bring home yourself. The following list ranges from a few $20-and-under basic blowers all the way up the opulent spa-like experience of a $400 piece of grooming machinery. Read on to see which seem to match your needs best and treat yourself to a replacement for that dinosaur dryer you've had stashed away in a lonely drawer for 15 years.
Do you have too little hair to blow dry but you still want to keep it sleek at home? Check out our list of of the six best beard trimmers available that will make grooming in your own bathroom easier than ever.
You can trust our independent roundups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Plugged In Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer
For a top-rated option under $20, the Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer is a simple yet effective tool for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles of a professional model to tame their mane. 1000 watts, two speeds, plus a mini concentrator and diffuser make this a compact bargain for folks who want the power of a full size dryer but have less storage space or travel frequently.
Plugged In
$19.99
Infiniti Pro by Conair Hair Dryer – Black Titanium
For a similar price point as the SilverBird, you can also grab a slightly less salon-quality product that will still function well for single-user purposes and look a lot more sleek and stylish hanging from a hook in your get-ready area. The Infiniti Pro by Conair comes with the common two speeds and three heat settings, and a six-foot chord gives you the freedom to move about unencumbered should you like to wander while drying. One creative and enthusiastic user claims, “this beast has my mane silky smooth...one would think I belonged to a wolf pack. If you want your flocks to flow or wanna join my wolf pack, you need to get your paws on one of these.”
Conair
$39.99
Chi Classic 2 Hair Dryer in Onyx Black
Chi is a classic name in haircare, and their aptly named Classic 2 Hair Dryer has 128 near-perfect reviews to back up exactly why. Reviews cite the model’s power, temperature control, and ease of use as just some of the bonuses included in this under $100 option, and many typed out paragraphs on how smooth and frizz-free they felt after using this tool to tame their hair. One user rattled off a list of benefits such as “looks and feels like a professional would use this” and “hair looks fuller after use,” while another raves, “This hair dryer is one of the best that I have used.”
Chi
$89.99
Dyson - Supersonic Hair Dryer - Fuchsia/Iron
The Dyson Supersonic dryer is a huge jump up in price from the other models we've listed here, but if you wan to invest in something that will stand the test of time and looks and feels amazing, this is a great product to investigate. The pink and iron color scheme are a welcome change from the standard black and grey standards seen in most dryers on the market, and the innovative shape makes for a retro-futuristic feel that seems uncommon yet sophisticated at home among your grooming accoutrement. 95% of users back this product even when factoring in the sticker shock, with one hair stylist claiming it's "the best I’ve ever used in 20 years" and another user who bought it as a gift for his wife claims, "It’s fast and her hair actually looks and feels healthy for the first time." If pink isn't quite your speed, there's also a purple option exclusive to Best Buy which you can find here.
Dyson
$399.99
Conair Cord-Keeper 1875W Ionic Conditioning Styler/Hair Dryer
If the sticker shock of the Dyson sent you into a tailspin, try to calm down as you gaze upon this relaxing, chill blue-hued dryer from industry mainstays Conair. For just under $20, you get a simple but sturdy unit that reviewers rate a 4.4 out of 5 and compliment its price, power, and travel-readiness, while the only real complaints are a bit more noise than the nicer versions and the attachments won't stay on quite as well–not a huge problem if you're not swapping out diffusers and air concentration vents regularly. The teal-ish hue, somewhere between seafoam and robin's egg, is a lovely burst of color that will be easy on the eyes for daily use, and another huge bonus: the cord is retractable, so no more messy wrapping required.
Conair
$19.99
InStyler TURBO MAX Ionic Hair Dryer
One of Target's top-rated options, the InStyler Turbo Max dryer is a fairly standard model but one that promises efficiency, fast drying times, and an impressive 100% approval rating from nearly 500 buyers who rave about the product. " It's not loud and doesn't make me sweaty," writes one long-maned consumer, "and only took 6 minutes to dry my very thick shoulder length hair. If you have $100 to spend on a dryer, I would definitely buy this one!" Another upside is the InStyler's lightweight construction–at just over 14 ounces, it tips the scales at approximately half the weight of most other standard dryers.
InStyler
$88.99
Bed Head Blow Out Freak One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
When you're not looking for the full power of a standard dryer, a brush-through model may be right up your alley. The Bed Head Blow Out Freak is a neat tool that combines a hairbrush and dryer in one so you can apply gentle heat to the hair shaft while smoothing through it with soft, detangling bristles. "Amazing!" cries one enthusiastic convert to the dryer, "I have medium length, thick wavy hair. I cannot believe how well this works...I have tried several different brands before. It’s not great for wet hair (at least not if you have thick hair) but for damp hair, or styling air-dried hair, or reviving previously-styled hair...OMG. The best part is the speed! I got ready for a date in 5 minutes and my husband could not believe how shiny and flowy my hair was."
Bedhead
$43.99
Amika CEO 360° Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer
For a truly beautiful dryer and luxury hair-styling experience, the Amika provides a sort of middle ground between the high-end price tag of the Dyson with the more affordable drugstore-level tools. The stunning geometric floral appearance enhances the ergonomic, compact design and 94% of reviewers took to Sephora's website to recommend this to potential buyers. One user states: "The greatest blow dryer! I was hesitant to spend this much money, but it is worth it. My hair no longer has soo many fly always and dry texture, it’s so soft and silky!" Different ion settings sink deep into the hair's layers to give varying finishes, so this one's perfect for those who like to switch up their appearance and play with texture and volume.
Amika
$200.00
Essentials Travel Kit
Depending on hotel hair dryers is a real gamble if you're not exactly traveling in exorbitant luxury, so taking your own is always a great way to know what to expect while getting ready for those fun vacation nights. While it’s already known Chi is a go-to brand for excellence in hair care, travel dryer that comes with its own adorable carrying case with color-complementing accessories that would be irresistible no matter the quality. Reviewers praise this product’s smooth finish, versatility, and high quality construction.
Chi
$129.99
Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
Lightweight and fast-drying, this pro-level dryer uses natural volcanic rock minerals infused into its elements that emit negative ions and push water molecules deep into the shaft of the hairy for a shiny, hydrated finish. One buyer was even shocked to report her regular hairstylist noticed the difference: "Leaves my hair in great condition, so much so that my hair stylist commented on how shiny and healthy my color-damaged hair is. Would repurchase due to its great warranty, I won't need to." This is an investment piece for sure, but a 100% money-back guarantee mean you can purchase easily and return if your socks aren't knocked (or blown) all the way off.
Bio Ionic
$295.00
Negative Ions Hair Dryer Professional Salon Ionic Blow Dryer 1875 Watt Hairdryer with Concentrator Nozzle Attachment Ceramic Technology Powerful Fast Drying for Women, Rose Pink
In addition to providing 100% negative ions for the smoothest possible finish to your mane, this dryer is just downright pretty and will look great in your bathroom. There are three heat settings and two speeds at your disposal along with 1845 watts, making it a five-minute quick job to go from wet to silky in no time flat.
Kipozi
$42.99
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