The key to the best hair dryer for curly hair is catering to the specific styling needs of these hair types. Requirements for a great dryer usually focus on things like speed, power and heat, but curls need different things from their dryer. In some respects they need the opposite, as a big whoosh of hot air will generate excess frizz and can flatten curl patterns.
Here, the best hair dryer must be lightweight (the low and slow method means you spend a long time holding the thing) and gentle enough not to disrupt delicate curls. To that end, picking a drier that includes one of the best diffusers for curly hair is also hugely important. Eugene Smith, style director at John Frieda, agrees that it's the best way to dry curly hair. "The dispersed air allows the drier to evenly dry the curls without disturbing their natural spiral texture," he tells us.
These requirements in mind, I asked two hair experts some of the most common questions about blow drying curls and put several hair dryers and diffusers to the test on my 3A curly hair. Ahead are my detailed reviews of the top-performing tools – which have drawn on my years of beauty editor experience testing dozens of hair tools – to help you find the best hair dryer for you and yours.
Best hair dryer deals
Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor at woman&home and other titles. During her career, she's specialised in beauty, fashion, interiors and health, but beauty remains her favorite topic. Since embracing her natural hair texture, she hasn't looked back since, making her our go-to expert in nailing a curly hair routine.
Eugene Smith is a hairdresser and Style Director at John Frieda's Aldford Street salon. As well as his in-salon experience, during his 30-year career he's worked on many campaigns and with icons including Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell and Mariah Carey.
Our top 6 picks of the best hair dryers for natural curly hair
For our curly-haired tester, this tool is the gold standard of hair dryers. Packed with power and easy to use, it couldn't be better for creating definition with the diffuser attachment – though it's a downside that it comes at an extra cost and has to be purchased separately.
Its reputation precedes it, but we can confirm that this hair dryer lives up to the hype. It's quiet, easy to use and creates soft, bouncy curls. As well as a diffuser, the Supersonic also comes with a wide tooth comb attachment for coily and Afro hair.
If you don't want to – or simply can't – spend ghd or Dyson money, then this affordable alternative from Revlon will still impress when it comes to creating definition. Overall, we think this is perfect for boosting volume in your curls on a budget.
You may not be aware that this air styler comes with a diffuser attachment, but we rate it as very, very good. It has retractable spikes that you can use to give your roots extra lift if needed. Clever, and with a whole bunch of other attachments you can use, too.
For a travel-friendly option, you need this clever all-in-one diffuser dryer, which has three heat settings to make use of. With ceramic tech to keep frizz to a minimum and a design that makes it so much easier to throw in an overnight bag or suitcase, we'd recommend this if you want something compact you can take away with you.
Quiet, nicely balanced in terms of weight and absolutely gorgeous, this hair dryer takes things to another level when it comes to luxury. Crafted by the blow dry experts behind the Hershesons salon, it's perfect for elevating your curl game. Though the price tag is steep, the luxurious design and the fact that it's a dream to use soon makes up for it.
The best hair dryers for curly hair, reviewed by our beauty experts
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The best hair dryer for curly hair overall
How Rhiannon's curls looked after using the ghd Helios
I've had my Helios for years and it still works as well as it did the first day I unboxed it. It's the dryer I keep returning to, even after trialling countless tools over my decade in the beauty industry. It's just great. Unpretentious, extremely powerful and easy to use, it has simple controls and well-made attachments that come on and off with ease.
It's the first I recommend to anyone who asks me for the best hair dryer for curly hair, working just as well to diffuse my curls as it does smoothing out on those (exceptionally rare) days when I can be bothered to attempt a sleeker blow dry. The fact that you have to pay extra for a diffuser is, admittedly, a little annoying, but this still makes it cheaper than many of the other options on this list – so in my opinion, this balances things out to make it the top choice for curls. Sometimes I worry that the classic ghd dryer has taken a back seat in the hair tool world – ultra-fancy, higher-tech options seem to launch on a weekly basis. But I'll always be loyal to ghd; it's just never let me down.
See our full ghd Helios review for a thorough guide to its capabilities
The best hair dryer for curly, coily and Afro hair
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and how Rhiannon's curls looked after using it
You knew this one was coming. Of course the Dyson was always going to make this list – it really is as good as everyone says it is. My colleagues have been waxing lyrical about the Dyson Supersonic for months, so my expectations before testing it were high. I also had a tiny amount of pessimism in my back pocket. How good can one hair dryer really be?
Well, I can confirm it's worth the hype. It's lightweight, user-friendly and genuinely feels quite fun to use. I mostly loved how quiet it is; drying my mid-length hair can take forever, so by the end of the session my ears can start to feel a little sensitive. This was an absolute delight and my curls were left soft, defined, bouncy and definitely shinier compared to when I air dry them. I'm converted – and it's contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen's go-to for drying her hair curly, too. She says with the diffuser it's "the best combination" for curls and that many hairdressers agree.
The wide tooth comb attachment that sets the Supersonic aside from the others in this guide. This attachment is especially good for drying and styling coily and Afro hair. I also love that this dryer comes with so many different attachments as standard, making it a great, inclusive buy. Not so inclusive, however, is its price tag.
See our full Dyson Supersonic review for more details
Best cheap hair dryer for curly hair
The Revlon SmoothStay Coconut Hair Dryer
Although I’d consider the best hair dryer for curly hair to be one of the bigger and most important beauty investments you can make, that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on one. This bargain tool is a perfect example of that. It costs a tenth of the price of the Dyson. A tenth. That's a discount to not... er, discount.
While at first glance it may look quite no-frills, it does feature some fairly impressive smoothing gadgetry, including both ionic and ceramic technology and a coconut oil-infused nozzle. While I can’t vouch for the coconut working any specific shine-boosting magic, all this is to say that this is a dryer that puts hair health first.
This worked well as a simple, straightforward dryer and the diffuser really helped to boost volume and lift the roots. It's louder and heavier than some of the snazzier, pricier options on this list, but if you're looking for something very affordable that won't compromise your curls, this is it.
Best versatile hair dryer for curly hair
The Shark FlexStyle and how Rhiannon's curls looked after using it
The FlexStyle launched with much hype and swiftly built a reputation as one of the closest Dyson Airwrap dupes. So, at first, I didn’t really register it as a candidate for the best hair dryer for curly hair. However, what sets it apart from the Airwrap (aside from its price tag) is that it also works as a standalone hairdryer – and a very good one, too. It's also incredibly pleasing clicking the styler into dryer mode, a very slick little twist and lock mechanism that all feels a bit James Bond.
This hardworking bit of kit also has a diffuser among its six included attachments; it's an especially clever one as it has a little lever at the back that you can lower or raise the spikes. I haven't seen anything like this before; it means you can raise them towards the end of drying to give your roots an extra boost if needed. I was quite wowed before even switching the thing on.
As for the actual drying, it's a dream: quick, easy and provides impressive volume when you use the clever little lever. It's worth noting that it's definitely louder than the Dyson, but not dramatically so – and not enough to put me off. In fact, it may have knocked my trusty little ghd off the top "go-to-styler" spot. I'm really excited to use all the other accoutrements on days when I want more of a blow-dried style.
If you don’t want or need all these added extra – the waving, the blow dry brush, et cetera – then I’d say stick to the original Shark Dryer, which is a brilliant standalone tool. But seeing as it’s not dramatically more expensive, I’d wager you might as well have the extra bits that come with the FlexStyle, alongside the very light and travel-friendly dryer.
See our Shark FlexStyle review for more details on this versatile tool
Best travel-friendly hair dryer for curly hair
The Bellisima Prestige Diffon Supreme Hot Air Diffuser
This tool sits at the opposite end of the spectrum to Shark, so if you're only planning to use your new dryer for diffusing, this is the perfect one-stop shop. It's a standalone diffuser with three heat settings and two power settings, so you can be as gentle as you want to keep that dreaded frizz from forming.
I've long recommended the original Bellissima diffuser as an affordable, easy hair dryer for curly hair, but this newer, swisher version is a good option if you're looking for something a bit more premium. The updated version includes ceramic technology to aid a smoother, frizz-free drying session.
I enjoyed using this; it's pleasing that it's a specific buy for defining curls and I liked how fuss-free it was. However, I have to say that the results aren't massively different to the original Diffon, so if your budget is smaller I'd stick to that. It is more compact than other models, which makes it a great option for the best travel hair dryer if your plan is wear your hair curly while you're away. Nobody wants to risk frying their curls with the dodgy hotel dryer...
Best stylish hair dryer for curly hair
Hershesons' The Great Hair Dryer with its diffuser
Hershesons is one of my favourite spots in London to get a blow dry, so I was curious to see how its own brand dryer performed, especially when it comes to drying curls. (I have to admit, when I'm at a salon I do tend to opt for a swishy, straight blow dry – for the novelty factor, more than anything.)
Right off the bat, this looks so different to many dryers. It's got a slim, conical shape in a full-blown electric blue – even the cord and plug match, which is hugely pleasing. The roomy diffuser slotted in satisfyingly and it still felt incredibly lightweight and nicely balanced, not tipping at an angle with the attachment. It was very quiet, too, thanks to the petite motor.
Overall, I really enjoyed using this dryer; I normally find drying my hair a huge chore, but this tool really took that feeling away. It’s not the cheapest option for curly hair, but if you’re looking for a stylish, exciting newcomer that looks gorgeous on your dressing table and does it all, this is it.
Best hair dryer for long curly hair
The Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser and how Rhiannon's curls looked after using it
It makes sense that this curly haircare brand has created a drier specifically with curls in mind. They’ve focused their area of innovation on the diffuser, which is the biggest we’ve ever used – or seen. At eight inches, it's practically the size of a dinner plate. When you consider most hover at about half that (ghd's is just five), it's a pretty notable USP.
I used it on my relatively short, shoulder-length hair and I will admit that the diffuser felt a bit necessarily big for me. However, if you have long or very thick hair (or both), it will be a huge time saver.
Putting shape and curl definition at the forefront, this dryer uses a lot of hair health-boosting technology, like ionising and ceramic tech to prevent frizz. It also comes with a smoothing attachment, should you want to create a sleek finish, as well as a pik attachment for type 4 coils. In short, it's a brilliant option at a reasonable price point and the best hair dryer for curly hair created by a dedicated curl brand.
Best hair dryer for curly hair for scalp care
This Panasonic tool promises high-tech specs at a nice, mid-level price point. Most notable – and least jargon-y – is the mineral technology, designed to help reduce damage, boost shine and prevent frizzy hair from developing.
The heat settings, however, are like nothing I've seen before. There are four modes – including two for scalp and skin – which make it truly one of the best hair dryer options for curly hair. Because you don't move the dryer around as much when drying curls, it's common for the scalp to feel a little bit scorched at times, but this smart little extra nips that in the bud.
It’s all well and good listing these specs, but how did this dryer measure up while actually in use? In two words, absolutely brilliantly. It felt efficient and quick; my hair felt soft, bouncy and defined but not at all crispy. The diffuser is different from others I’ve tried, too – it's more pointed and less conical in shape. This makes it better for creating volume and catering to shorter hair and/or tighter curl patterns. Impressive.
See our Panasonic Nanoe review for more details
Best luxury hair dryer for curly hair
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer and how Rhiannon's curls looked after using it
The Zuvi Halo is perhaps lesser-known than some of the tools from big-name brands on this list, but its launch had beauty editors really excited. Alongside air, it dries hair using light, not high heat, which makes it an extra gentle option. It's designed to emulate the way hair would dry in the sun – accelerated by light, not just heat. Curly hair types will know that air drying can be a nicer idea in theory than in practice, but this is still an interesting concept from a newer tech brand.
I was surprised by how much I was wooed by the slick design here. There's a reason it's been called the Tesla hair dryers; it's quite beautiful – light, slim and a little bit sexy. The low weight and the lights that illuminate when you switch it on make it a genuine joy to use, while the magnetic attachments click on satisfyingly and firmly – no slipping and sliding here. The ultra-gentle drying experience makes it one of the best hair dryers for curly hair because it prioritises care over speed or mega-watt power. It's sleek, high-tech and really innovative. I’m very impressed.
See our full Zuvi Halo review for more details
Best salon-style hair for curly hair
The Parlux Alyon Night Blue Hair Dryer
With so many new all-singing, all-dancing hair dryers having launched in recent years – and continuing to hit the market – it’s easy to forget about the classics. But underestimate Parlux at your peril; there’s a reason it’s been hairdressers’ dryer brand of choice for decades.
This Italian brand is known for durable, hard-working dryers that you'll find in most hairstylists' kit bags. They're petite but powerful, creating a volumised blow dry in minutes. Though you have to buy the diffuser separately, it's a robust, sizeable attachment that will still work well on longer hair. Parlux also offers bundle deals, meaning there's a small saving when you buy the diffuser and dryer as a set.
I forgot how much I liked this model until I picked it up to review for this guide. It feels sturdy and reliable, while the smaller shape helps it feel light and useable. It's a little loud, but only compared to whisper-quiet output of some newer designs. If you're looking for a tool that will last you years – if not a decade – of regular use, this is the one.
See our Parlux Alyon hair dryer review for more details
How we tested the best hair dryer for curly hair options
A selection of Senior Beauty Editor Rhiannon's favorite curl-friendly hair dryers
Each dryer in this guide has been fully tried and tested by me. After trying a host of contenders, I narrowed them down to this top 10, based on their unique selling points – including their performance, the size of their diffusers, the weight of the actual hair dryer and the overall designs.
I weighed up every aspect of these tools, assessing everything from the user expereince to the attachments, heat levels, price point and any other high-tech specs. Power isn't necessarily an important factor when drying curls as that can be a route to excess frizz. Taking it slow and steady is key, so weight arguably matters even more here to prevent the dreaded dead arm.
A big non-negotiable is a compatible diffuser attachment. Sure, it's handy to have a smoothing nozzle for a bouncy blow dry – if these were included, great. But I'm not going to be too snippy about having to spend on an extra attachment for an otherwise excellent dryer. (There's an argument to be made that including one in every box is wasteful for those who won't use it, but that's a debate for another day.)
As all dryers were tested on my 3A curls, but I also considered whether each one would work on other types, from tighter type 4 coils to looser type 2 waves. The models on this list would suit all curl types, with some working better than others for type 4 hair, specifically, which has been noted in the specifications.
How to choose the best hair dryer for curly hair
When your goal is to order a dryer that's particularly suitable for curly hair, looking out for the following features is a good place to start.
- Multiple heat and speed settings: Especially important for styling, as curls need to be dried carefully at a lower temperature to help avoid damage and generating excess frizz.
- High wattage: Those with curly, coily or wavy hair will benefit from a powerful wattage, between 1,800 to 2,000 watts, to help reduce drying time and potential damage.
- Ion technology: Works to break down water molecules and spread moisture evenly throughout the hair. The result? Reduced frizz and static, sealed in moisture and a high-shine finish.
- Ceramic and tourmaline: Both elements are worth looking for. Ceramic is ideal for those with delicate and/or damaged curls as it works to evenly distribute heat, yielding smooth and shiny results. Tourmaline, however, is ideal for a gentler approach, as it locks in moisture and allows for a shiny, frizz-free, salon-worthy finish.
- Cord length: Beneficial in any hair dryer, a long cord comes in extra handy when diffusing curls as it makes it easier to move the dryer around.
FAQs
Michelle Thompson is a hairdresser and award-winning Afro and textured hair expert who has worked on numerous campaigns and editorials during her career. She is also an ambassador for ghd.
Keisha Jo Lawler is an entrepreneur and the founder of the curly haircare brand and salon TREPADORA.
How do you dry curly hair without ruining curls?
If you're using even the best dryer for curly hair in the wrong way, your curls can look undefined and flat – and even damaged. Afro and textured hair specialist Michelle Thompson, who is also an ambassador for ghd, has shared the best routine:
Step one: "First, semi-dry the roots by using a 'hover method' and slowly circulate [the dryer] around the curls towards the ends. This will help to prevent frizzing during the drying process.
Step two: "Once the hair is 60% dry, start to cup the curls into the diffuser, gently moving the dryer towards the root area, and hold for up to 10 seconds. This is called the "scrunch method". Doing this will enhance your curls, giving them volume and bounce.
Step three: "Make sure the scalp, roots and hair are 100% dry as this will give you a longer-lasting result."
Should I blow dry curly hair with hot or cold air?
Thompson advises using a low heat and speed setting to prevent frizz from forming; we recommend sticking to slightly warm air, usually the first setting on your dryer. A cold shot is good to lock in the style or for a quick blast if you're overheating, but it'll take a lot longer to dry it on this setting alone. Yes, extreme heat can seriously affect curls, but you'll need some of it to get the job done in reasonable time.
Curly hair specialist and founder of TREPADORA Keisha Jo Lawler says you can get away with a slightly warmer heat when drying with a diffuser. "When using a diffuser in our salon we generally recommend our guests to use medium speed, medium temperature," she says. "The beauty of a diffuser is that it is not concentrated heat, so it is a lot gentler for your curls."
Is ceramic or ionic hair dryer best for curly hair?
According to Smith, "Ionic is best suited for thicker, dry, and/or frizzy curly hair due to its ability to lock in moisture and leave behind a soft, smooth finish."
Thompson agrees: "The ionic technology produces negative ions while you dry and style to neutralize the positive static charge on hair which reduces frizz and flyaways."
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