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10 best hair dryers for thick hair
If you're looking for a dryer capable of taming thick, frizzy hair, any of these will do the trick
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Let’s be real: having thick hair is a blessing, but managing that mane can be quite a pain. Rhymes aside, thick hair is easily prone to frizz, and when ignored it can look dry, dull and damaged.
An effective fix-it can be regular blowouts at the salon, but we all know just how quickly that tends to add up. A DIY (and more realistic) option is investing in your very own hairdryer that’s packed with superior technology aimed specifically at taming your thick and luscious mane.
You’re probably thinking of the sweaty struggle that will ensue once you turn on the dryer or just how much more poufy your hair can get if the product doesn’t do its job well. That’s where we come in.
We tested the very best dryers on the market that help transform thick and frizzy hair to sleek and shiny without the added struggle.
Remember the time you forgot to check the voltage on your dryer during a vacation on foreign shores and it ended up blowing up on you? This nifty little beauty comes with Smart Voltage Technology that automatically detects and changes to 125V or 250V depending on the country you are in. The dryer also has three heat and two speed settings, with a top setting of 1875 watts for speedier blowouts, while the ergonomically designed handle seamlessly folds making storage easier.
The beauty of ionic technology produces ions for smooth and shiny hair while tourmaline ceramic technology protects your thick hair from heat damage. It also has a removable filter that prevents lint buildup, extending the motor life.
The dryer’s ability to seamlessly switch from cool to heat settings is also pretty impressive given its affordable price point. While it’s not the tiniest dryer on the market, we were impressed by just how quietly it does its job.
The first thing you notice about this hair dryer is the unique, hand-shaped diffuser that can double up as a hair massager. The patented DevaFuser is designed with air hole pockets that provide 360-degree airflow to further enhance and define your naturally thick waves and curls. We were particularly impressed to learn that the DevaFuser can clip onto any of your other brand dryers making it more value for money.
As for the DevaDryer, the dryer features three temperatures options, two-speed settings, a nifty cool shot button and a 1600 watt motor packed with ionic technology to prevent frizz while locking in high-shine.
This is a great option for those looking to embrace their curls while cutting out the frizz.
Sparkling white with rose gold accents, this hair dryer is undeniably chic (and Instagram ready). We love the attention to details, such as the ergonomic slant handles that allows you to work the dryer for longer periods without causing any strain to your wrist, digitally controlled heat that makes switching to different temperatures easier and an auto pause sensor that intuitively pauses airflow when you let go of the handle.
With its five heat and two-speed settings, built-in ion generator and two extra nozzles – the process of styling your hair is efficient and rather enjoyable. While it does cost a pretty penny, the results were consistently smooth and glossy every single time we used it.
Don’t let it’s sleek and lightweight design fool you. This tiny, yet powerful hairdryer comes equipped with a 1400 watt ceramic heater that allows you to dry your tresses quickly while minimizing the amount of heat damage. Ceramic dryers emit non-damaging infrared heat that dries thick hair gently for added protection.
What we particularly love about this dryer is its compact body that’s easy to maneuver and hold, especially if you have longer hair. Whereas with other heavier dryers, it starts feeling like a workout even before you’re halfway through styling your hair.
Add to that, a collapsible handle that allows you to efficiently pack the dryer during travels or even in your everyday work bag. At just under $50, this is a great purchase given the price tag.
As one of the biggest chains of blowouts in the United States, Drybar is known for delivering, shiny and smooth results to its clients. So it’s only natural that their own line of hair tools would deliver similarly consistent results. The bright yellow blow dryer is beautiful: both in its design and its technology. Ionic technology means that a negative ion generator blows billions of negative ions into your frizzy hair giving you a shiny, frizz-free blowout akin to the in-store experience offered at Drybar.
The dryer comes with two concentrator nozzles for customized airflow depending on the type of blowout you are looking to achieve, while the 9ft long cord makes maneuvering the dryer easier. Additional props for the lightweight design that allows you to use the dryer for extended periods of time without exhausting your arm. Also can we please talk about how lovely that pop of yellow looks on your dressing table?
When it comes to power-packed dryers that can tame unruly tresses, GHD is the OG brand that consistently gets the job done. Equipped with advanced ionic technology, GHD’s Air Hair Dryer works wonders on thick hair, locking in moisture for softer, shinier and bouncier results.
It’s easy to use settings, two concentrator nozzles, and ergonomically designed handle make this a crowd favorite. Bonus: packed with a 1600 watt motor, the dryer significantly reduces dry time making busy mornings breezy.
It’s been three years since Dyson launched this revolutionary hair dryer, but it’s still one of the very best on the market. Not only is its futuristic design appealing, it has also won numerous awards for its ability to blow hair approximately six times faster than its competitors.
We loved how easy it was to use your thumbs to reach the buttons to change and control the speed and heat while attaching the nozzles was a total breeze. Unlike other dryers that tend to suck wayward strands into the motor when held too close to your scalp, the Dyson dryer is designed to be held as close to your head as you would like it to be without causing any entanglements. An added heat shield technology keeps the dryer’s surfaces cool to touch even when turned up on the highest heat level. This dryer is perfect for those who tend to use one on a daily basis since its engineered to prevent extreme hair damage while protecting your natural shine.
This salon-level dryer features a 1875 watt motor, two nozzles (a sleek one for quick blowouts and a larger one for styling), plus advanced ceramic technology, allowing you to take your beauty routine to the next level. It also has a removable filter that’s easy to clean and maintain.
The powerful ionic generator helps prevent heat damage, adding extra shine. We love that it comes with its own drawstring bag making storage or transport easy.
The selling point of this hair dryer is the number of features and nifty functions it packs in at that sweet price point. While it’s definitely heavier than its competitors we love that the 1875 watt power voltage dries each and every strand making it particularly effective for people with thick hair.
The dryer also has ionic, ceramic and tourmaline technology that protects your hair from heat damage, causing less frizzing. The three heat, two speed, and cool shot settings were easy to use, while the concentrator nozzle and diffuser are great for those who like experimenting with their styling options.
At under $20, this one is a fantastic option.
A swankier option for those with a bigger budget, this hair dryer from Chi packs in the latest cutting edge technology to give you a sleek and smooth blowout consistently. The dual air-intake system significantly cuts down drying time while producing a stronger air flow, and blue LED lights strategically placed along the motor purify the airflow decreasing bacteria buildup inside the dryer.
The short handle comes with a silicone grip which makes drying time easy on your wrist, while the slim concentrated nozzle and brush attachments are clever features that work wonders on eliminating the frizz.
Its ceramic ionic technology means it’s great for daily styling and left our hair with a lovely shine. The sleek and lightweight design is an added bonus.
The Verdict: Best hair dryers
At just under $30, the Conair 1875-Watt Worldwide Travel Dryer was good value for the money. We loved that it dried our thick hair fast, yet left it smooth and shiny.
If you’re looking for an indulgent purchase, then T3 Cura Luxe is your best bet. The touch of rose gold, the curved handles, the auto pause sensor, and lightweight feel make this a stylish and effective buy. It also worked wonders on thick hair, leaving us with soft, silky tresses.
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