15 Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair of 2023

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From kinky to coily, curly hair will look amazing thanks to these dryers.

Combing through all the hair tools out there can make for unruly times, and when you've got curly hair, finding a great hair dryer that won't add frizz can be particularly hairy. 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, says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann.

Thanks to experts like 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'd consider at home like the ease of use, drying time and overall performance.

Our list of the best hair dryers for every curl type includes models we meticulously tested, plus favorites among our own staffers and professional hairstylists, including Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and Candace Witherspoon, a curl specialist in New York, who helped us narrow down important features to look for in hair dryers for curly hair.

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, it received top scores for drying time and frizz reduction in GH Beauty Lab tests. Testers found it easy to use and praised its controls, though a few found it uncomfortable to hold. It's important to note that the Neuro Dry is one of the heaviest hair dryers evaluated.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Silicone diffuser and nozzle | Heat settings: 4

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.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

Hot Tools lives up to its packaging, securing the gold medal for effortlessly untangling and swiftly styling even the thickest, coarsest or curliest hair. Its 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 it 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."

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 3

The Dyson hair dryer, favored by professional hairstylists, stands out with its innovative motor in-handle design. In GH Beauty Lab tests, it achieved the fastest drying time ever recorded, drying an eight-inch hair sample in just 54 seconds, thanks to its 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 its 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.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Dyson Supersonic Dryer Is Actually Worth It

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 5, including a diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

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, it still delivered excellent results.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

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 its 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 its 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.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator and PIK | Heat settings: 3

Embrace your natural curls with a hair dryer with a sole focus on just that. This uniquely designed hair dryer basically has a diffuser built right in features ionic technology to help cut down on frizz quickly while its diffuser works to emphasize curl definition and texture. Satisfied shoppers repped healthier and shinier looking hair. Another wrote: "Easy to manage my curls and easy to handle the back of my head because of its design." Though surprisingly lightweight per reviewers, the dryer is a bit bulky by design and runs loud. It also can't be used for anything other than diffusing, so you'll need a separate pick if you ever want to blow out your hair straight.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: None | Heat settings: 3

The Shark HyperAIR hair dryer (a favorite of Witherspoon's) claims to use smart heat control to automatically adjust temperature and airflow for speedy, even drying. Most notably, its thoughtful pronged diffuser comes with rave online reviews from long, thick curly hair types who enjoyed the ability to change the length of the prongs. Brilliant! "It's great for my curly hair since I have tons of layers and some need shorter more precise diffusing, others just need longer ones to get to the root," a curly-haired shopper wrote.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 3

Specially designed for those with curly, coily or tight-textured hair. the ultra-chic Pattern blow dryer is intended to deliver powerful airflow and less drying time. Its ceramic coating grill aims to deliver heat evenly and thus minimize damage and the Ion switch is said to smooth the cuticle to reduce frizz and enhance shine, as needed. An online reviewer reported back no tangles, with barely any shedding and heat damage.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 4, including a diffuser and a concentrator | Heat settings: 3

Frequently sold out, the Eva NYC travel hair dryer is a hot commodity. Its pint-sized packaging is not indicative of its power, though — one shopper called it "cute and lightweight but has the power of a full-sized dryer. The storage case was an added bonus." For the jet setter, know that it also offers dual voltage capabilities. One thing missing from the portable dryer is a cool-shot button.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 1, with 2 speed settings

Automatically adjusting between five heat settings and three speeds, the T3 Featherweight claims it adjusts to your hair type and texture for speedier (and smarter) drying. The built-in ion generator works to minimize static frizz and improve shine. Many reviewers enjoyed its sleek and lightweight design, with one noting: "I can easily hold the dryer and use it to give myself a blowout. It's lightweight and very powerful. It has cut my drying time nearly in half and my hair is smooth and sleek after each use."

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: 4, including a diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 5

Ideal for fine and wavy hair types, the Conair dryer claims it features a circulating airflow system that gently reduces frizz while drying. Its diffuser enhances curls and waves, and for locking in styles, it comes with a cold shot button. Top it off with a leave-in conditioner to really cut down on frizz. Some reviewers just disliked that it felt heavier than other dryers they'd used.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and concentrator | Heat settings: 3

Calling its diffuser shape "revolutionary," Hardges recommends the DevaCurl dryer to help dry curls. Its original diffuser attachment is designed to distribute 360-degree airflow around curls when working through the length of hair in a scrunching motion. The aim is to speed up the drying time from the root and give bouncy curls.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser | Heat settings: 3

"Trademark Beauty Speedy Blo is small but mighty," says Hardges. "This dryer is lightweight and meets all of my settings requirements. Bonus feature, it has a long cord that makes life so much easier." It comes with all the coveted hair dryer capabilities, like diffuser and concentrator attachments, ionic technology, plus three heat and two speed settings. Never mind, it rings in at the low cost of $39, fit for many budgets.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Diffuser and two concentrators | Heat settings: 3

A GH staffer who has thick 2C curls swears by the Bio Ionic dryer and its universal diffuser attachment (though sold separately). Weighing in at less than a pound and claiming to dry hair in as little as 10 minutes, the lightweight dryer makes it all too easy to style curls. Its ionic technology aims to dry curls with less frizz and more bounce.

Ionic: Yes | Attachments: Two concentrators | Heat settings: 1, with three speeds

Testing hundreds of haircare products each year, the GH Institute Beauty Lab has expertise on all the best hot tools, from hair straightening brushes to hair straighteners to curling irons. Our scientists evaluated 41 hair dryers across price points when testing the best hair dryers. That included measuring drying speed on standardized human hair samples, airflow force, weight, air and surface temperature and cord length.

A panel of at-home testers also rated ease of use, including comfort of hold, ease of putting on and removing attachments, location and ease of controls and buttons. Many of those picks are included above, while others were sourced from our team of staffers and professional hairstylists.

✔️ Ion technology has visible benefits, Wizemann explains. "Static builds up when you blast air without an ionizer and with it, the hair is more aligned and appears shinier," she says.

✔️ Attachments make a big difference in curly hair textures since they affect the airflow of a hair dryer.

✔️ S ettings. Curly hair can be delicate and prone to damage, and hair dryers that offer multiple heat and speed settings allow for customized drying and may better suit specific curls' needs, says Wizemann. At least two speed settings and three heat settings, plus a cold-shot button is ideal, according to Hardges.

Heat is OK in moderation. Otherwise, it can be too drying on the hair. "I prefer light diffusing to remove about 30% of moisture than letting air dry completely," advises Hardges. "Don't forget no touching!" Thick hair types may find diffusing more helpful, too. Witherspoon adds: "You don't want to keep your hair wet for hours, especially the roots."

In short: absolutely! An ionic hair dryer is handy if your curly hair is prone to frizz and flyaways. It works by drying hair fast and locking in moisture, says Witherspoon.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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