Best hair dryers for all curly-hair types

Combing through all the hair tools out there can make for unruly times, and when you have curly hair, finding a great hair dryer that will not add frizz can be particularly challenging. The right hair dryer can enhance natural curl patterns, and for 3A to 4C curl types, an ionic hair dryer that comes with a hair diffuser is a must for anyone who wishes to embrace their natural texture, said Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab senior chemist.

Thanks to experts such as Wizemann in our Beauty Lab who test hair-dryer brushes to travel hair dryers, we wrangled the top hair dryers for curly hair. Our dedicated team extensively tests hair dryers on human hair samples and with consumer testers to measure performance and potential hair damage. We evaluate all the important features you would consider at home, like the ease of use, drying time and overall performance.

BEST OVERALL HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR: Paul Mitchell Neuro Light Tourmaline Hair Dryer

Paul Mitchell’s Neuro Light hair dryer minimizes frizz and adds fullness in record timing. With a digital LED display for heat and power settings, a “clean filter” indicator light, and a diffuser for curly and natural hair, this dryer received top scores for drying time and frizz reduction in GH Beauty Lab tests. Testers found the dryer easy to use and praised its controls, though a few found it uncomfortable to hold. It is important to note that the Neuro Dry is one of the heaviest hair dryers evaluated.

BEST VALUE HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR: Remington Pro Hair Dryer with Thermaluxe Advanced Thermal Technology

Just as impressive as expensive options, the effective and affordable drugstore Remington hair dryer blew away our experts in testing. Testers enjoyed its fast drying capabilities, convenient control-button placement and overall performance. Despite its budget-friendly price, this model doesn’t compromise on features, coming with both concentrator and diffuser attachments, plus hair clips. Two users specifically praised the powerful air pressure and well-regulated heat output, and another raved about the absence of frizz after using this dryer. The only caveats are that some users found it slightly heavy and loud.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR THICK, CURLY HAIR: Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler

Hot Tools lives up to its packaging, securing the gold medal for effortlessly untangling and swiftly styling even the thickest, coarsest or curliest hair. The dryer’s user-friendly controls outshined other models, featuring a rotating temperature control with three heat settings and vent platforms for accelerated drying, even on extremely thick and curly strands. In GH Beauty Lab tests, all expert testers unanimously agreed the device styled hair quickly and glided nicely through strands. One user commented, “I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and how rapidly my hair went from wet to dry.”

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY AND WAVY HAIR: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

The Dyson hair dryer, favored by professional hairstylists, stands out with its innovative motor in-handle design. In GH Beauty Lab tests, this device achieved the fastest drying time ever recorded, drying an 8-inch hair sample in just 54 seconds, thanks to the machine’s powerful airflow. The dryer includes five magnetic attachments for personalized use: two concentrators, a diffuser, a flyaway-smoothing attachment and a gentle-air attachment. Testers praised the dryer’s sleek appearance, and one user exclaimed, “Even on the most humid days, it left my hair smoother in less time than any other hair dryer I’ve used.” The air pressure was also lauded, with users experiencing quicker drying results.

BEST TRAVEL HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR: Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer

Drybar’s top-rated dual-voltage travel hair dryer triumphed in the GH Beauty Lab’s testing. This portable powerhouse received a perfect score for its easy-to-use controls, quick drying time and strong airflow. Despite being slightly heavier than other models, it was hailed as the most maneuverable and comfortable to hold. Our experts marveled at its power, noting its ability to serve as both a travel and a home dryer. Additionally, Drybar’s compatible cup diffuser attachment (sold separately) impressed users with its curl-enhancing and frizz-reducing properties. Even when used with other hair dryers, the attachment still delivered excellent results.

BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY, FRIZZY HAIR: Hot Tools Professional 1875W Ionic Lightweight Turbo Dryer

This Hot Tools hair dryer delivered a powerful performance in compact packaging during testing, earning top scores for drying speed and strong airflow. Testers loved the dryer’s smaller size for easy storage. It received high marks for its convenient controls, comfortable shape and quiet operation. One tester reported less frizz and added shine, praising the device’s ease of use. Another noted significantly reduced drying time. The dryer has a generous cord length, but users found the included concentrator attachment to be a bit wobbly.