Buzz
Even those of us who try to minimize heat styling know it’s sometimes unavoidable, especially in the colder months. No one enjoys the discomfort of wet hair clinging to their back, making them shiver all day. It’s even more challenging with thick hair like mine, which is why having an efficient hair dryer that works fast and causes minimal damage is essential.
But not all hair dryers are created equal. I've been let down more than once by a supposedly fast hair dryer that ended up being a total disappointment. To figure out which dryers are truly effective for different hair types, I consulted Betsy Duggan, a hairstylist at The Color Palette salon in New York City, who shared her top recommendations for thick hair. "When hair has texture, you need a dryer with strong airflow and high heat to tame those curls," she explained. "For thick, straight hair, either heat or airflow will do the job—no need for both." She also noted that if you have curly hair and prefer to define your curls with a diffuser, you’ll want a dryer with less airflow.
Below are Betsy’s suggestions alongside my personal editor-approved picks. These options come at various price points and offer different features, so you can find the perfect one for your needs and budget.
1. Turbo Power Twin Turbo 3900 Advanced Hair Dryer
2. Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer
3. T3 AireLuxe Digital Ionic Professional Blow Dryer
4. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
5. Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer & Styler
6. Harry Josh Pro Tools Women's Pro Dryer 2000
