For individuals with curly hair, the quest for the perfect hair dryer can feel like an endless journey. Unlike straight hair, curly hair requires specialized care to maintain its natural shape, volume, and definition without succumbing to frizz and damage. A standard hair dryer, with its concentrated jet of hot air, can disrupt curl patterns, leading to a frizzy, undefined mess. This is where hair dryers designed specifically for curly hair come into play, often paired with diffusers to disperse the airflow and gently dry the hair. This article delves into the best hair dryers for curly hair, considering factors like heat settings, weight, included diffusers, and overall design.
Curly hair has unique needs that must be addressed when choosing a hair dryer. High heat and strong airflow, typically valued in standard hair dryers, can be detrimental to curls. Instead, the ideal hair dryer for curly hair should be lightweight, have multiple low heat and speed settings, and work well with a diffuser.
Eugene Smith, style director at John Frieda Mayfair, emphasizes the importance of a diffuser, stating, "The dispersed air allows the dryer to evenly dry the curls without disturbing their natural spiral texture." The best hair dryers for curls prioritize gentle drying to minimize frizz and maintain curl definition.
Based on expert reviews and user experiences, here are some of the top hair dryers and diffusers that cater to the specific needs of curly hair:
The T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer stands out with its customizable settings and included SoftTouch 3 Diffuser. It offers five heat settings and three-speed settings, allowing users to find the perfect combination for their hair type.
Read also: Taming Frizz with the Right Dryer
WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell, who tested the dryer on her short hair, found that she could dry her hair quickly, even on the lowest heat settings. The ability to customize heat and speed settings sets this dryer apart from others.
The Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer is a high-end option known for its innovative features and effectiveness. It includes a Wave + Curl diffuser attachment that can be used in two modes: standard diffusing for volume and "dome mode" for enhancing curl clumps and waves.
WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praised the two-in-one Wave + Curl diffuser attachment, noting its ability to add volume and enhance curl definition. The Dyson Supersonic Nural is an industry leader, preventing damage and providing soft, bouncy curls.
The Wavytalk Turblow Pro is an affordable option that doesn't compromise on features. It comes with a magnetic diffuser attachment and offers three heat and air speeds that can be controlled separately.
Nena Farrell was impressed by the level of control offered by such an affordable model, noting that her curls turned out springy and lasted through the night.
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The Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Ionic XL is designed specifically for curly hair. Its handleless design and silicone tips make it comfortable to use while drying and styling hair.
Louryn Strampe found that the Diffon Supreme added about 10 minutes to her drying time but was worth it for the bouncy and defined results.
The Chi Volumizer is a versatile tool with four attachments, including a compact diffuser. It is lightweight and suitable for fine and short hair.
Nena Farrell found that the Chi Volumizer dried and diffused her hair in a similar amount of time as larger diffusers, making it a great choice for those with short hair.
The Pattern Steamer is unique in that it steams the hair, opening the hair cuticle for deep absorption of treatments. It comes with a diffuser attachment for refreshing curls on non-wash days.
Read also: Achieve Voluminous Hair
Louryn Strampe found the steamer to be a "godsend" for extending time between washes, especially for low-porosity hair.
The Tepenar Bonnet Hood Dryer Attachment offers a hands-free drying experience. It is a universal attachment that fits most standard hair dryers, allowing for salon-style drying at home.
Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano liked this option for its ability to dry her long, curly hair evenly and in a shorter amount of time.
The Pattern Blow Dryer is designed to minimize damage with its lower heat settings and ion customization. It comes with four attachments, including a large diffuser with long, ventilated prongs.
Louryn Strampe appreciated that the dryer stayed cool to the touch and was easy to maneuver, resulting in voluminous and defined curls.
The ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer is a brilliant all-rounder that is known for its power and ease of use. While the diffuser must be purchased separately, the combined total is still competitive with other options.
Rhiannon Derbyshire, a long-time user of the Helios, recommends it for its versatility and durability.
The Revlon SmoothStay Coconut Oil Hair Dryer is an affordable option that includes ionic and ceramic technology, as well as a coconut oil-infused nozzle for added hair health benefits.
Rhiannon Derbyshire notes that this dryer is a great value for its price, offering impressive smoothing capabilities.
The Bellissima Prestige Diffon Supreme Hot Air Difuser is a travel-friendly option that combines a dryer and diffuser into one unit. It features ceramic technology for smoother, frizz-free drying.
Rhiannon Derbyshire recommends this tool for its ease of use and specialized design for defining curls.
Hershesons The Great Hairdryer is a stylish and lightweight option that is designed for elevating your curl game. It features a slim, conical shape and comes with a roomy diffuser.
Rhiannon Derbyshire enjoyed using this dryer, noting that it made the chore of drying her hair more pleasant.
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styler & Hair Dryer is a versatile tool that doubles as a standalone hair dryer. It comes with a diffuser attachment that has a lever to raise or lower the spikes for extra root boost.
Rhiannon Derbyshire was impressed by the diffuser's design and the dryer's ability to provide impressive volume.
The Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser is designed specifically for curls and features a huge diffuser for speedy styling of longer hair types.
Rhiannon Derbyshire found the diffuser to be a bit unnecessarily big for her shorter hair but noted that it would be a huge time saver for those with long or thick hair.
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer is a luxury option that uses light, not high heat, to dry hair. It is designed for an ultra-gentle dry and comes with a sleek, stylish design.
Rhiannon Derbyshire was wooed by the Zuvi Halo's slick design and gentle drying method.
While the hair dryer itself is important, the diffuser plays a crucial role in achieving defined and voluminous curls. A good diffuser evenly distributes airflow, reduces frizz, and enhances curl definition.
To achieve the best results when diffusing curly hair, consider the following tips:
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