We’ve done the work of selecting the best hair dryers for natural hair so that you don’t have to. Below, we advise on what to look out for when you’re purchasing a dryer, as well as outlining our favorites for natural hair.
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In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | BaBylissPRO BP2800N Porcelain Ceramic 2800 Hair Dryer, 1 ct. | Buy on Amazon |
 | NITION Negative Ions Ceramic Hair Dryer with Diffuser ,Champagne Gold | Buy on Amazon |
 | Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, Iron/Fuchsia (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon |
 | Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer, 1875 Watt Professional Blow Dryer. Black | Buy on Amazon |
Why Are Ionic Blow Dryers Good For Natural Hair?
Basic hair dryers are fine and will tend to be a more budget option if that’s what you’re after, but they will – quite literally – just be blowing hot air at you.
Ionic hair dryers are more sophisticated technology, and will usually be found alongside hair dryers with tourmaline or ceramic technology, too.
Negative ions are charged heat, so they better penetrate your hair strands and dry them faster, unlike the molecules of hot air in a basic dryer which will fry your cuticle.
Ionic hair dryers can therefore help to manage breakage, frizz, and heat damage – all of which are important for natural hair.
They also make the drying process much faster, and who doesn’t love a little extra time in their day?
Top 10 Best Hair Dryers For Natural Hair
Compact but powerful, this hair dryer combines the best in ceramic and ionic technology to deliver dry hair without the faff or frizz.
It’s not that lightweight and can get a little warm, but it really does do the job well and works via releasing gentle, negatively-charged ionic infrared waves into your hair to reduce static.
There’s a 2000 watt motor behind this, so it’s powerful, as well as six heat and speed settings and a cold shoot button.
You can also remove the back filter if it gets clogged so as to clean it. Be aware you’ll need to purchase a diffuser attachment if you want one.
Why we like it: Gets the job done with industry-leading technology
This is undoubtedly one of the best hair dryers out there for natural hair thanks to its tourmaline and ionic technology.
Your hair will look and feel static-free thanks to the triple ceramic coating, which distributes heat better throughout your strands.
Infrared technology ensures that heat penetrates better into your hair’s cortex, too, and you get a diffuser with the dryer.
Why we like it: The color is great and it’s highly effective
It’s expensive, but the Dyson hair dryer is beloved by hairstylists world-round and is undoubtedly one of the best hair dryers for those with natural hair.
Its unique technology works to minimize heat damage – the air temperature is actually measured 20 times every second to ensure that it’s kept under control. Drying time is, therefore, sped up too, and it works to reduce static and frizz in the hair.
Any attachments like a diffuser are magnetic too, so they clip on and off really easily. The dryer is also really lightweight, so is easily portable, and we are fans of the color.
Why we like it: An industry-leading hair dryer
With 1875 watts of power and three attachments included in the price, this dryer means business. With ionic technology, your hair is dried faster from the cuticle to the root, ensuring more shine to your strands and fewer split ends.
There are three speed settings and four heat settings too, so you can really customize your dry. The handle is also ergonomic, and it comes in two colorways – either black and pink or white and silver.
Why we like it: Three attachments included in the price, and highly efficient
If power is the name of the game, this Italian-made hair dryer is the name of the game.
It’s got up to 2100 wattage, which you’ll notice as soon as you turn the device on – but be aware that it can therefore also heat up swiftly, so you’ll definitely need to use a heat protectant with this dryer.
If you’re an avid follower of natural hair YouTubers, you’ll likely already know all about this hair dryer, which has been reviewed countless times, mostly with glowing responses.
Its ionic technology conditions and smooths natural hair to reduce frizz. It also promises to reduce drying time but won’t overload your hair with heat.
There are two speed and heat settings anyway, as well as a cool option.
Because it’s like a brush, there are detangling bristles, and the paddle design is great. The cord also swivels around the handle, so it doesn’t tangle itself up easily, and the handle is great to hold.
The whole dryer also feels lightweight. Honestly, if you have natural hair that you want to be straightened, this is one of the best hair dryers available. It also doesn’t cost the world.
Why we like it: Budget-friendly but still fantastic for everyone with 4C hair
This hair dryer has a long life and comes with three different attachments as well as a wide-toothed comb, so it’s very affordable.
2000 watts provides good heat without burning your hair thanks to the ionic technology, and there are three heat and two speed settings, as well as a cool button. It’s also not too noisy as a hair dryer, if that’s a real deal-breaker for you.
Why we like it: Affordable hair dryer that still delivers good results
Like the Andis hair dryer above, this is one of the best hair dryers for natural hair thanks to its three attachments.
You get a bristle styling attachment, a straightening comb, and a thermal comb included, which easily slot on thanks to a lock attachment.
Three heat settings and two-speed settings make the whole process customizable, whilst ionic and tourmaline ceramic technology ensure any heat distributes evenly for minimal frizz and static.
Why we like it: Highly effective for natural hair
This budget hair dryer will still get the job done – and we love the champagne gold color. At 1875 watts, it’s powerful enough to dry your hair effectively via ionic technology, whilst the ceramic coated air outlet is also infused with argan oil and tourmaline to help minimize static and damage.
You get three heat settings and two-speed settings, as well as a cool button, and it’s easy to clean. Plus, there’s a diffuser, concentrated nozzle, and a comb attachment that comes with the dryer.
Why we like it: A budget option with attachments that nonetheless works well
10. Andis 81205 1875 Watt Tourmaline Ceramic Styling Hair Dryer
Promising to seal in moisture and create silky-smooth strands, this hair dryer dries via ionic technology whilst ceramic technology helps the heat to distribute more evenly. You have three air and heat settings as well as a cool shot button.
It’s also a really portable hair dryer, if you need something that’s good on the go.
You also get a soft-bristle attachment, wide toothcomb, and a fine-tooth comb alongside the dryer itself, which makes it ideal for straightening natural hair without over-applying tension or pressure.
The cord’s also long and there’s an attachment hook at the dryer’s base too.
Why we like it: Great for natural hair, and comes with three attachments
How To Choose The Best Hair Dryer For Natural Hair
Drying Time
The best hair dryers for natural hair will have a fast-drying time so that you’re not exposing your kinks or coils to heat for too long and risking damage.
For natural hair, you want to be looking for hair dryers with a high wattage.
Natural hair is better able to withstand the higher heat from hair dryers – but always be sure to use a protectant, as your strands can still sustain damage.
You want to be looking for hair dryers with between 1600 and 2000 wattage of power for natural hair, with an average of 1875 watts.
Adjustable Heat And Speed
The best hair dryer for any hair, but especially natural hair, will have adjustable heat and speed settings.
This helps to minimize any heat damage as you’re in control of the temperature and how aggressive the airflow is.
Infrared Or Tourmaline Technology
You may have heard of tourmaline if you’re into crystals and gemstones. Tourmaline is a semi-precious gem, but it’s also really great in hairdryers for natural hair.
Infrared and/or tourmaline technology in hair dryers is designed to help your hair dry more evenly and sustain less heat damage.
As you dry your hair, the tourmaline will target sections of your hair and break down any water droplets, thereby evaporating them quicker.
Hair dryers with either of these technologies are therefore best for natural hair as they work to dry hair swiftly and therefore are less exposed to heat damage.
They also work well to minimize frizz – it’s a win-win all around.
Ceramic Technology
If you can’t find tourmaline or infrared technology, look for ceramic. That said, you’ll often find hair dryers with both tourmaline and ceramic technology.
Ceramic is great at conducting heat, and in hair dryers, this means that it works to distribute heat more evenly across your strands and scalps.
This in turn minimizes the risk of overheating or over-drying your hair, which will minimize frizz and damage.
Ionic Technology
When considering which is the best hair dryer for natural hair, you’ll hear a lot about ionic technology.
Essentially, a dryer with ionic technology has a high charge of negative ions, which work by breaking down water molecules in your hair faster, and therefore speeding up drying time.
In doing so, your hair is exposed to less heat, which can therefore help to alleviate any damage.
Titanium Heating Coil
Look for an ionic hair dryer with a titanium heating coil. It’s these which release the negative ions which will distribute heat more evenly throughout your hair and improve drying time.
You’ll also experience less static, which will result in smoother, shinier, and less frizzy hair.
Pick Your Nozzle
The nozzle of your dryer is important. Concentrated ones are designed to help you better direct heat to a specific area if you want that one to dry fastest. This is useful if you have a specific style in mind.
Diffusers, however, are best for hair that’s on the curlier and kinkier side.
They disperse heat throughout your curls far better, minimizing damage and maintaining your natural formation. They’re also great for reducing frizz too.
Should You Air Dry Natural Hair?
There’s no real ‘should’ or ‘should not’ about it.
You can definitely air dry natural hair if you’d prefer, as it means that you’re exposing your kinks, coils, and curls to less heat, but using a hair dryer also works.
If you do air dry natural hair, there are particular styles that you can use to help hair dry quicker, including a number of braids hairstyles.
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