If you have waves, curls, or coils, you know you need the right tools to enhance the natural shape of your strands. The best hair dryers for curly hair work quickly and efficiently to add definition and shine while reducing frizz and heat damage. Our top pick is the patterned blow dryer, and our editors’ favorite premium option is the Dyson Supersonic.
The best hair dryer for curly hair will help smooth out frizz and style your hair effectively.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retail store
When choosing the right tool, consider the number of heat and power settings, the included attachments (a good diffuser is a must), and any special technology or features that will enhance your curls. We consulted with Forbes Vetted Associate Editor Jane Sung and stylist Sara Tintari to compile the best hair dryers for curly hair that reduce frizz, add volume, and enhance natural texture.
Best overall hair dryer for curly hair: Pattern Blow Dryer Best hair dryer for curly hair: Bed Head Curl-in-Check Hair Dryer Best luxury hair dryer for curly hair: Dyson Supersonic Best hair dryer for curly hair Brush: Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: Eva NYC Healthy Heat Pro-Lite Dryer Best Frizz Control Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: T3 Featherweight StyleMax Professional Ionic Hair Dryer Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair Attachment: DevaCurl DevaDryer and DevaFuser
pattern
pattern blow dryer
If you have curly hair, you know the struggle of lifting the roots while methodically removing moisture from your hair. This stylish blow dryer does just that without hurting your arms. Comes with four attachments, this tool streamlines the process of smoothing, stretching, lifting, and scrunching to set your curls in place. 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings allow you to use the ideal temperature and airflow to fluff and shape your hair without frying it.
This all-in-one gadget is a blow dryer with a built-in diffuser that not only reduces drying time but also reduces the need for additional storage space. What’s not compromised is a frizz-free, silky-smooth finish and undeniable shine. With 1875 watts of power and tourmaline ion technology, it dries curly hair incredibly fast. Also, the wide barrel allows you to dry larger sections of hair at once. This can prove to be a godsend for thick and curly hair. Another nice feature is that the diffuser attachment is removable.
ulta beauty
dyson supersonic
While admittedly pricey, this cult-favorite gadget (a luxury product we picked in our review of the best hair dryers tested) is perfect for those looking for a blow dryer with great control over heat and airflow. If so, it’s worth the splurge. The magnetic diffuser is easy to install, and the bowl-shaped cradle curls without disturbing your curls, leaving you with bouncy coils free of frizz and flyaways. This smart tool also quickly removes moisture while its high-tech design prevents overheating. This means that no matter which of the four temperature settings you use, it will stay cool to the touch.
sephora
Amica hair blow dryer brush 2.0
When you want to swap your curls for pin-straight stands, this 2-in-1 styling tool is the key to a sophisticated, salon-worthy blowout. A winner in our review of the best blow dryer brushes, its design is much easier to operate than using a hair dryer and a round brush separately at the same time. The wide bristles glide smoothly on even the curliest of hair, and the ceramic heating system claims to dry hair up to three times faster than other styling brushes.
ulta beauty
Eva NYC Healthy Heat Pro Light Dryer
For such a small tool, this blow dryer has some very useful features, including tourmaline-infused ceramic, two speed settings, three temperature settings, cool shot, a 9-foot swivel cord, and a removable air filter. There are several. But it’s the little diffuser, concentrator and holographic case that are a nice bonus. But don’t be fooled by its small stature. It springs up and locks curls in place almost as quickly as a full-sized hair dryer.
T3
T3 Featherweight Style Max Professional Ion Hair Dryer
This lightweight blow dryer is equipped with temperature-regulating technology that cuts through moisture without over-drying your hair or worsening frizz. It comes with four attachments, two of which are concentrators, which come in handy when you’re aiming for a smooth, straight finish. It also includes a smoothing comb attachment that stretches and detangles curls without sacrificing their natural shape.
If you are blessed with a thick mane of curls, you will know that a regular diffuser is not enough. This uniquely designed hand-shaped tool delicately distributes 360-degree airflow to increase volume and emphasize natural texture without sacrificing it. This innovative design also speeds up the drying process. This is an essential feature for those who feel they have endless curls.
Why trust Forbes’ scrutiny?
Forbes Vetted publishes many professionally researched hair care articles. This includes curly hair topics such as the best conditioners for curly hair, and the best diffusers for curly hair.
This article was written by contributors Stephanie Montes and Neha Tandon. Both have several years of experience reporting on beauty for various publications. This article was assigned and edited by Jane Song, Associate Editor, Head of Beauty and Grooming section. We asked stylist Sarah Tintari to help us find out what to look for in a hair dryer for curly hair, as well as the best ways to use it.
How to choose the best hair dryer for curly hair
To choose the best hair dryer for curly hair, we’ve used our market knowledge, carefully evaluated each feature, and carefully selected the best dryers for your curly hair.
We researched top brands and best-selling products, some of which we actually used. The experts we spoke to told us how to choose the best hair dryer and other tips for styling curly hair. We thoroughly evaluated each hair dryer’s heat settings, speed settings, attachments, and other bonus features. Not all curly hair is the same, so we’ve created a variety of options to suit different hair types and concerns.
What to look for in a hair dryer for curly hair
Choosing the right hair dryer for you often comes down to personal preference and budget, but there are a number of factors that can help you decide which model is right for you, including temperature and power settings, accessories, size, and weight. Contains several features.
temperature
The best hair dryers for curly hair have multiple heat and power settings. Having complete control over both factors can make the difference between perfectly styled hair and just plain dry hair. Stylist Sarah Tintari says: “Your dryer should have a cold shot button. When you use it, it’s the perfect finisher for adding shine and styling your hair.” To get the most out of your cold air, blow it off before it cools down naturally. Use on hot hair.
force
Blow dryer heat and power settings are closely related, and choosing the right level of both will give you the best and fastest styling experience. Heat settings control how warm or cool the air is, while power settings determine how quickly the air leaves the tool. To minimize frizz, you can start on a high speed or power level to start drying, then switch to a lower setting to style and finish.
diffuser
Diffusers are a godsend for reducing frizz and promoting the best curl shape. Cupping your curls with a diffuser and curling them in an upward motion creates fuller, bouncier, and more defined curls. More traditional diffusers are shaped like a bowl with protruding knobs, but there are also more innovative designs that mimic the look of a hand, like the diffuser that comes with the DevaCurl DevaDryer.
