The 18 Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair That Leave Locks Shiny & Bouncy
If you’re a member of the curly hair club, you know that drying your coils takes some strategy. A super high speed dryer can blow your curls out of shape, while too much brushing can bring about unwanted frizz. “Curly hair has a totally different process of maintenance than other textures, which require a different set of tools,” says curl expert Nai’Vasha, who’s styled the likes of Simone Biles, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Serena Williams. But textured hair is no longer something that needs to be tamed — it’s something to be celebrated. Lucky for you, this means that the best curly hair products and tools for coily, curly, and wavy hair types are on the rise, so it’s easier than ever to craft a routine that keeps your hair bouncy with the best hair dryers for curly hair.
It’s equally important to start prepping curly hair from the very beginning by sudsing up with a shampoo for curly hair, followed by a conditioner for curly hair, and never, ever use a regular hairbrush — specifically designed brushes for curly hair are a must.
More from WWD
“People with curly hair are often scared of a hair dryer, especially when they’re trying to embrace their natural texture,” explains Nylza Yepez, hair stylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio. But you don’t have to be: The best modern hair dryers enhance your pattern, instead of flattening it. And the wide range of the best mousses, creams, gels, and other styling products will ensure your curls stay. Plus, if your hair falls a little flat, there’s always a curling iron or hot tool to kickstart the curl back into action.
Speaking of staying power — exactly how long until you need to replace your hair dryer? “They usually have a long lifespan, especially if you don’t have to use them every day,” says Yepez. Caring for the tool well — which includes cleaning the filter regularly — will help it hum along just like new. Most hair styling tools should last you two to five years, according to Nai’Vasha. But if your dryer starts to smell, make strange noises, or certain buttons stop working, it’s time for a replacement.
And one of the best aspects of this product category? We’re expecting prices to be majorly slashed for Amazon Prime Day, which starts on July 12th. In addition, you’ll find incredible deals on other beauty products, which are hardly ever on sale, as well as coveted fashion steals, too.
Top Hair Dryers for Curly Hair 2022
Best Diffuser: Bed Head Curls in Check Diffuser Dryer
Best for Frizz-Prone Hair: Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Hair Dryer
Best for Fine Curly Hair: Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer
Best Gentle Dryer: Hot Tools Professional Turbo Ceramic + Ionic Lightweight Hair Dryer
Best Hooded Hair Dryer: Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
Best Long-Lasting Dryer: Elchim Milano Run Hair Dryer
Best for Thick Curly Hair: BaBylissPro Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer
Best for Long Curly Hair: Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Dry+ Hair Dryer
Best Lightweight Dryer: Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto
Best Smart Dryer: Shark HyperAir Hair Blow Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator & Styling Brush Attachments
Best Fast-Drying Hair Dryer: Bio Ionic 10X UltraLight Speed Dryer
Best Energy-Efficient Hair Dryer: Moroccanoil Smart Styling Infrared Hair Dryer
Best for Color-Treated Curly Hair: T3 Cura Luxe Hair Dryer
Best Beginner Dryer: Ghd Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer
Best Overall for Curly and Wavy Hair: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best Travel Dryer: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Hair Dryer
Best Affordable Dryer: Remington Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology
Best Round Dryer for Wavy Hair: Amika Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
Sign up for WWD’S The Essentialist newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Bed Head Curls in Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Dryer
Best Diffuser Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Tourmaline and ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
If your diffuser attachment is the only way you’ll use your hair dryer, this one from Bed Head is for you — the dryer’s diffuser isn’t a separate piece to tack on, but rather it’s built into the tool’s design. It’s more compact than other options, so it’s easy to tuck into a suitcase or gym bag. And the tourmaline ceramic material keeps your strands looking healthy, not frazzled.
Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer for Frizz-Prone Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Long
Technology: Ionic and infrared titanium ceramic
Number of heat settings: Three
A budget pick that stands up to pricey alternatives? Say no more. Conair’s tool employs frizz-controlling ionic technology along with multiple speed and heat settings. It’s well-equipped for thicker hair, drying it quickly without blowing too much scorching heat. “It’s saved my hair from heat damage that ordinary hair dryers give me and it’s so lightweight,” says one reviewer.
Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer for Fine Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
“This dryer has been wonderful for the condition of my dry, frizzy, fine, Type 2B/C curls,” says one reviewer of this Drybar option. “It dries my hair quickly without using excess heat, and the results are much smoother and shinier than any dryer I’ve used.” Many dryers aren’t efficient on the lowest heat setting, but this one works extra well on low heat. Give your hair some time to air dry before powering it on to speed up the process.
Hot Tools Professional Turbo Ceramic + Ionic Lightweight Hair Dryer
Best Gentle Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Long
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
Over 500 five-star reviewers agree: This hair dryer will blow you away without breaking the bank. Unlike many of the high powered options on the market, this one has a super gentle low-heat setting that won’t damage fine hair. “I was able to dry my long hair on the lowest setting in a very short amount of time with almost no heat at all,” one reviewer explains.
Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
Best Hooded Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Hood
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Four
Hooded dryers offer a hands-free approach to drying your hair (and let’s be real, we all want that). This one earns high marks for its large bonnet that will fit even jumbo sized curlers. It also offers a wide range of heat settings. “I’m able to completely dry my thick hair with the medium setting in about 15 to 20 minutes,” one reviewer explains. If your hair feels parched, slather on a hydrating leave-in conditioner — the contained heat will help the moisturizing ingredients sink into your strands.
Elchim 8th Sense Run Hair Dryer
Best Long-Lasting Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Short
Technology: Ionic and ceramic
Number of heat settings: Three
Yepez uses this luxury pick from Elchim at home and on the road (it’s incredibly lightweight). The ionic and ceramic features work together to prevent your hair from burning, and the airflow dries your strands from the inside out to boost overall shine. The diffuser is sold separately so it’s pricey altogether, but the tool will last you ages — it promises 5,000 hours of drying time.
BaBylissPro Rapido Dryer
Best Hair Dryer for Thick Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
Many reviewers note that this lightweight dryer dries hair super quickly. “This hair dryer is worth every penny — it’s easy to use and the cool shot setting ensures my hair doesn’t fall flat or change shape after I dry it,” raves one reviewer. The diffuser isn’t included, however it’s an excellent addition for those with long or super thick hair, due to its deep bowl design.
Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Dry+ Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer for Long Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Long
Technology: Ionic and infrared
Number of heat settings: Five
Paul Mitchell’s dryer is excellent for those who are particular about speed and heat settings — you can toggle between five options for both airflow and temperature. The included diffuser has long prongs that cater well to extra coily or thick curly hair. Reviewers note that their hair feels much less dry after using it, compared to other tools on the market.
Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto
Best Lightweight Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Auto clean
Number of heat settings: Three
This sleek, tiny hair dryer packs a big punch: It’s beloved by hair stylists for its slim profile and high caliber drying power. Yes, it’s an investment, but the petite tool has all the high tech bells and whistles you could want. It even has an auto clean setting to keep the filter free of dust and debris, a memory function that keeps track of your most used speed and heat preferences. And the best part? It weighs just over 10 ounces.
Shark HyperAir Hair Blow Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator & Curl-Defining Diffuser
Best Smart Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Adjustable
Technology: Ionic and intelligent heat control
Number of heat settings: Three
You’re probably familiar with Shark for their vacuum cleaners, but the brand debuted a fabulous new hair dryer last fall. The dryer packs loads of technology, but perhaps most impressively, you simply click the accompanying attachments into place, and it automatically adjusts the airflow and temperature accordingly to give you the best finish. It’s an amazing option for curly, wavy, and coily hair types, thanks to its diffuser attachment — you can adjust the length of the prongs to suit your desired style.
Bio Ionic 10X UltraLight Speed Dryer
Best Fast-Drying Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Long
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
Impatient types, right this way. Bio Ionic’s dryer promises to get your hair dry in 10 minutes or less, (granted, you may need to factor in a few extra minutes if you’re opting for the diffuser attachment). We love the diffuser attachment because you can adjust the vents: Open them all for max airflow, or close a few to get a more targeted stream of air. And at just under a pound, it’s lightweight to boot.
Moroccanoil Smart Styling Infrared Hair Dryer
Best Energy-Efficient Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Infrared and ceramic
Number of heat settings: Three
Many lower-wattage hair dryers take awhile to dry your locks, but this ceramic-coated option uses less energy without slowing down the process. A special ceramic honeycomb heating unit helps speed things up, reducing your drying time by 50 percent. “I have a lot of thick, curly hair that often takes 15 minutes to blow dry — this hair dryer dries the majority of my hair in less than 5 minutes,” says one reviewer. It also features far infrared light that warms your hair from the inside out, reducing heat damage and sealing in moisture.
T3 Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer for Color-Treated Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Medium
Technology: Ionic and auto-pause features
Number of heat settings: Five
With five heat settings, this innovative dryer tops the charts with temperature control. We love it for colored or processed hair because the airflow is extra gentle on over-treated ends. “I have thick, 3C/4A hair that usually takes me 45 minutes to dry, but with this tool I’m done in 25 minutes,” says one reviewer. The diffuser attachment is sold separately, but it’s vented prongs enhance the airflow as you go, so it’s a useful add.
Ghd Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer
Best Beginner Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Long
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
A special aerodynamic design makes it easy to control the airflow from Ghd’s popular tool. “The controls are easy to operate while in use, and it’s lightweight — I don’t put a ton of product in my hair and I still got a great blowout,” says one reviewer. We give the dryer bonus points for its nine-foot power cord that makes it hassle-free to handle.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best Overall Hair Dryer for Curly and Wavy Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Short
Technology: Ionic
Heat settings: Four
If you’ve been on the fence about the iconic Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, consider this your sign to give it a go. The viral favorite has won myriad awards and accolades, mostly due to its cutting edge ability to dry hair quickly without damage: It uses technology that regulates air temperature in real time to prevent frying your hair. But we love it for its diffuser’s ability to maintain curl shape without an ounce of frizz. Wavy hair types will love the new flyaway attachment, which tucks away unruly pieces for a polished look.
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Hair Dryer
Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Cup
Prong size: Short
Technology: Ionic
Number of heat settings: Three
Weighing in at just under a pound, this hair stylist-developed dryer is easy on the arms. It’s also ultra quiet (you can still hold a conversation while using it) and extra fast — the air speed reaches an impressive 94 miles per hour. “It accomplishes everything I need in a small, compact package,” says Dueñas. The only downside is that the diffuser is sold separately, but it’s worth the purchase, hands down.
Remington Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology
Best Budget Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Diffuser type: Pronged
Prong size: Short
Technology: Ceramic
Number of heat settings: Three
Remington’s dryer is a not-so-secret hit: It’s earned over 4,000 five-star reviews. “I have naturally thick, curly hair, and this dries my hair enough for hot rollers within five minutes,” says one reviewer. Some commenters even tout that the tool’s lightweight profile is friendly to those who struggle with arthritis. And the tool promises conditioning benefits courtesy of the crushed pearl-infused ceramic coating.
Amika Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
Best Round Brush Hair Dryer for Wavy Hair
Technology: Ionic and infrared
Number of heat settings: Three
This unique round brush hair dryer is excellent for wavy hair types looking to smooth out their texture, or curly types wanting a sleeker look for the day. Brush it up through your roots and wind your curls around away from your face as you work through your hair — the short bristle length goes gentle while it detangles. A few passes will do the trick.
What Does a Diffuser Do?
Hair Diffusers are pronged attachments that snap onto the end of the hair dryer’s nozzle and are a secret weapon for all curl patterns. The best hair diffusers are designed to dry the hair in its natural state, according to Nai’Vasha. They distribute the dryer’s airflow over a larger surface area, so you get less direct heat, which tends to flatten out curls. They’re also an efficient way to dry even short, curly hairstyles, just be sure to use low heat to softly coax your hair into shape without creating excess frizz or flyaways, says Yepez.
What To Look For In a Hair Blow Dryer For Curly Hair:
Ionic technology
This is a must, according to Yepez. Ionic technology helps decrease frizziness, as the negative ions reduce static electricity and promote shiny, bouncy strands, says celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. And for the science nerds among us, it also helps dry hair faster: Water has a positive ionic charge, so the negative ions repel the water from your hair.
Heat settings
We all know that hot tools can damage your hair when used regularly. But a dryer with adjustable heat settings is paramount — it allows you to calibrate the air temperature before it has the chance to burn your locks. “Your dryer should get very warm, but never so hot that you feel it’s going to burn your scalp,” says Dueñas. A cool setting is the cherry on top as chilly air seals the cuticles of your strands for a shiny finish.
Diffuser type
All diffusers work similarly, but you can find them in a few different shapes. Cup diffusers are common: These circular attachments have prongs around a shallow bowl shape that’s helpful for corralling longer locks. Pronged options are just like the cup diffusers, but without the bowl-like indentation, and they work like a charm to lift your mid-lengths and roots. If you’re not after more volume, try a hand-style diffuser (which looks exactly how it sounds). The unique shape dries curls without poofing up your roots.
Prong size
The length of a diffuser’s prongs also impacts your final look. Longer prongs diffuse less heat on your hair, providing softer curl definition. Shorter ones give you more control over where exactly the heat is concentrated, making it a great choice for those who want tighter ringlets.
How To Use a Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
Remove excess moisture: Once you step out of the shower, Yepez recommends wrapping your wet hair in a t-shirt or microfiber hair towel to soak up as much water as possible.
Prep with product: Opt for a mousse or gel that delivers light hold. Scrunch it onto your ends and up towards your roots — it’s important to avoid a brush or comb so you don’t disrupt your natural curl pattern.
Diffuse the roots: “Set your dryer to a low air setting on full heat, and focus your diffuser on the root area, moving slowly in a circular motion until it’s about 90 percent dry,” says Yepez. This gives your ends extra time to air-dry, and allows you to finesse your hairline once you’ve dried your strands.
Dry the ends: Delicately take your curls and place the ends in the diffuser, then lift the dryer up towards your head. Be patient here, this step can take awhile. “Do not move the dryer until that section is about 95 to 100 percent dry,” Dueñas says. “The more you move curly hair when wet, the more frizz you will get.”
Hydrate your hair: Once your hair is almost fully dry, spritz a hydrating leave-in conditioner onto your ends. Then, do your best to not touch those strands — excessing touching or brushing will disrupt the natural curl pattern.
Reset as needed: If your curls fall flat between wash days, just mist your mid-lengths to ends with water to reset your look, says Yepez.
How To Keep Hair Curly With a Hair Dryer
A diffuser is your friend: Without the attachment, the blast of hot air will ruin the shape of your ringlets. Stay patient and practice what Nai’Vasha calls the “do not disturb” technique. Once your hair is settled in the diffuser attachment, don’t move it until you’re dry.
Air Drying vs. Diffusing Curly Hair
Both techniques have benefits. “Air drying takes longer, but leaves your curls softer and more in their authentic form,” says Nai’Vasha. Yet, diffusing hair is quicker, and also gives you the opportunity to manipulate your curls for more definition, shine and bounce, she adds. Either way, you can touch up dry hair with a small curling iron to add tighter curls where you need it.
How To Sleep with Curly Hair
“Hair wraps and silk pillowcases are super helpful,” says Yepez. Silk pillowcases or silk bonnets are excellent for maintaining your style. Unlike cotton, silky material won’t rough up your hair, meaning you’ll wake up without tangles, frizz, or clumps.
Meet the Experts
Michael Dueñas is a Los Angeles-based curly hair specialist. He’s worked with celebrity clients including Rachel Brosnahan, Noah Cyrus, and Padma Lakshmi, styled for runway shows, and shot editorials for numerous brands.
Nai’Vasha is a celebrity curl expert. She founded Curl Queen in 2021 with the goal to empower every woman to love and honor every part of themselves, including every wave, every curl, every coil, every kink.
Nylza Yepez is a hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio. Originally from California, she trained under hair experts Leo Manetti and Marco Santini. She’s worked on many NYFW shows, and specializes in textured haircuts and playing with shapes.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is a freelance beauty writer based in New York City. She spent six years writing and editing on staff for Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings, most recently covering the beauty beat for both brands. Her background in food writing translates to a no-nonsense approach to skin care, hair care, and makeup: In her eyes, it’s all about technique and ingredients. Claire loves to turn expert advice into easy steps that inspire you to give your beauty routine a makeover.
Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
