Upgrade any blowout with the best blow dryers we’ve tested over the years

A crucial component of rendering your luscious locks to look like you just stepped out of a salon is, of course, a quality blow dryer.

After using some of the best shampoos and hair conditioners on the market — oh, and wrapping yourself up in a plush robe to ignite all of the resort hotel vibes you can muster — selecting the appropriate hair-styling tools makes a world of difference to your hair.

“Begin blow drying five minutes after stepping out of the shower,” Amy Abramite, creative director and hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, told the New York Post. “Hair is easier to manipulate when it’s wet. Hydrogen bonds, or the type used to style hair, are temporarily changed with water and heat, so letting hair air dry too much before starting the blow dry can hinder the process.”

We turned to Abramite for a full-on FAQ on blow-drying etiquette after our comprehensive review to provide in-depth hair-styling routines for your specific type and texture, too.

Best Overall and Best Blow Dryer Brush: amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0

Sephora

I don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock, but I had no idea amika debuted a second version of its original blow-dryer brush. Before reviewing the best blow-dryer brushes for our readers, amika’s original was the only one I’d use religiously. Sadly, it broke on me after a year or two, which is when I switched to the Moroccanoil 4-in-1 Blow-Dryer Brush, and that model also died on me after about a year.

The bottom line is that hair-styling tools usually won’t last forever, especially if you use them every day or multiple times a week. I’ll always be a fan of the blow-dryer brush because I find them to be easier to maneuver, and the amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 continues to be one of the best.

Before anything else, I was pleased to see the brand’s three distinct heat settings on the brush: 115 degrees, 190 degrees and 230 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t all too hot, but I surprisingly find my hair frizz-free and styled in less than 15 minutes with this tool.

My hair after 10 minutes of styling with amika’s blow-dryer brush. Victoria Giardina

While I haven’t been reviewing the 2.0 model for months on end, I anticipate it to last a while. I’m convinced the reason my other two blow dryer brushes suddenly died was from frequent traveling, tossing the brush haphazardly in my duffle bag or luggage. I could have taken better care of both, so I’d recommend packing with a bit more care than I did (and that goes for any hair tool).

Back to the brush. I love its soft bristles because I receive a polished result each time. This is due largely in part to its negative ion technology that allows it to diminish heat damage. However, the brush head isn’t made of titanium which, from experience reviewing other blow dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners, is a material to specifically seek out for shiny hair.

For a fair price of $100, I’d recommend buying this hair tool, especially if you’re looking for a new blow-dryer brush. It’s more affordable than Moroccanoil’s version, as well as options from Drybar and T3. My advice? Skip on Revlon; the burning heat smell is enough for me to toss it.

The amika thermal brush is another styling tool, though doesn’t feature adjustable heat settings.

Best for: All hair types, Beginners | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,620 watts | Settings: 3 adjustable heat/speed settings | Attachments: N/A

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Best Diffuser: CHI Rocket Hair Dryer

Amazon

The CHI Rocket Hair Dryer stands out as a premier styling tool if you’re looking for either a traditional blow dryer or one with a diffuser. It boasts rapid drying capabilities and sleek design. Equipped with a powerful 1800-watt motor, it dries hair up to 40% faster than standard dryers, making it ideal for those with thick or frizzy hair. Its lightweight construction ensures comfort during use, while the ergonomic handle provides excellent balance. The dryer features a cool shot button that doesn’t require continuous pressing, simplifying the styling process as well.

“I have been using the Chi Rocket since college (15 years) and have only had to rebuy once,” Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager, shared. “My mom was a hairdresser for over 30 years and this hair dryer was her tried and true fallback after all the new gadgety dryers had come out over the years.”

Michelle Moezam

She loves how the heat and power/intensity settings offer plenty of customization, so it’s easy to match to the needs of your hair texture. “Whether I am blow drying my hair with a round thermal brush with the concentrator nozzle or want my curly hair light and bouncy with the diffuser, I love that I have the options of both,” she added. “The one thing I will say you have to be careful with — and that’s with any electrical cord — is how you wrap it up and put it away. It’s important to be mindful so that you don’t pull the cord too hard and risk damaging it. I had my first hair dryer for 13 years and it never frayed and my newest is on its third year and going strong.”

Incorporating advanced technologies, the CHI Rocket utilizes ceramic, tourmaline and ionic components to deliver even heat distribution and negative ions. This combination helps break down water molecules, reducing drying time and minimizing heat damage. Its design, along with the inclusion of far infrared heat ensures deep penetration into the hair shaft, helps promote moisture retention and enhance shine.

Best for: Curly hair | Ionic: Yes | Wattage: 1800 watts | Settings: High speed, Low speed, Cool shot button | Attachments: Air concentrator attachment

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Best with Attachments: Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer

Amazon

The new blow dryer from Dyson is what our team is talking about, and one that’s certainly worth the splurge. Listen, the Airwrap isn’t for everyone — especially for those who aren’t privy to the oval-shaped dryer — and the Supersonic Hair Dryer has a more concentrated nozzle and plenty of attachments to achieve a salon-worthy blowout.

“I flat iron my hair nearly every day, so if there’s anyone who needs a dryer that nixes heat damage, it’s me,” Holly Coley, commerce updates editor, shared. “Having said this, I’m the most frugal commerce editor on the planet, and the thought of spending nearly $600 on a blow dryer leaves me shook. However, the Dyson Airwrap I.D. is magical and worth the investment if you want a salon-like blowout without the ugly aftermath.”

Holly Coley

The two major attributes that make the I.D. version of this blow dryer special is that it uses an app to customize your styling experience, plus it has a curling feature via the app to create different types of ringlets. “While I typically hate things that require me to use an app to get the full experience, I think this device may be the exception to the rule,” Coley added. “It dries my hair fast, and I didn’t see any smoke rising from the machine the way I typically do when drying my hair.”

Best for: All hair types | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,300 watts | Settings: 3 heat settings, 3 speed settings | Attachments: Conical Airwrap Barrel, Dryer+Flyaway Smoother, Soft Smoothing Brush, 1.6-inch Airwrap Long Barrel, Large Round Volumizing Brush, Fast Dryer

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Best for Travel: Conair Handheld Hairdryer

Amazon

“One haircare brand I’ve known I could depend on my whole life? Conair,” Meaghan Roche, Senior Commerce SEO Manager, shared. “I’ve enjoyed affordable, quality Conair hair tools as long as I can remember, ranging from this travel hair dryer I’ve had at least 10 years to my first flat iron to hair brushes and more, and I’ve never been disappointed.”

This Conair hair dryer stands out as an excellent travel companion due to its compact size, dual voltage capability and powerful performance. Its lightweight design and budget-friendly price point make it a reliable option to suit any hair type.

After a decade of regular use, Roche’s trusty Conair hair dryer remains as dependable as ever for a quick, frizz-free blowout, and even more so as a travel companion.

Meaghan Roche

“As someone who is often on-the-go, I love that this dryer is compact and foldable, and the retractable cord is a huge plus,” she added. “Unlike many hair tools, I don’t have issues with it overheating, despite my thick hair requiring some serious heat and power to dry quickly. I’m admittedly a lazy beauty enthusiast, so I like to wait for my hair to be about 80% air dried before taking any tool to it, but I find at that point that this dryer gets the job done in record time. I’ll be reaching for this hair dryer for many more years to come.”

Best for: All hair types | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,875 watts | Settings: Heat and speed settings, Cool shot button | Attachments: Concentrated Nozzle

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Easiest to Use: Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher and High-Velocity Dryer

Amazon

​The Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher and High-Velocity Dryer is a go-to option for anyone dealing with limited time, thanks to its innovative design and advanced technology. It delivers rapid drying without excessive heat, ensuring hair remains healthy and virtually frizz-free. The standout feature, the RapidGloss Finisher attachment, utilizes dual high-speed airflow streams to smooth flyaways and impart a glossy finish, outperforming traditional air-drying methods.

“With three heat and speed settings, the Shark FlexStyler makes quick work of my daily styling routine,” Hannah Southwick, Page Six commerce/writer, shared. “The tools are so easy to use, even for a blow dryer brush novice like me. The brush attachment is my favorite for a bouncy blowout.”

Hannah Southwick

Transparently, the help in the frizz department isn’t the longest-lasting, and Southwick noticed the benefits only lasting a few minutes (although she noted that using a hairspray would’ve helped). “As someone living in a small space, I also love how easy it is to collapse the tool into travel mode to save precious space in my beauty drawer,” she added.

Beyond its powerful drying capabilities, the SpeedStyle incorporates intelligent features that enhance its anti-frizz performance. The dryer automatically adjusts temperature and airflow settings when different attachments are connected, optimizing styling efficiency and minimizing heat exposure. Additionally, an ionizer emits negative ions to further reduce frizz and enhance shine, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with coarse hair.

Best for: Frizzy hair | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,700 watts | Settings: 4 heat settings, 3 airflow speeds, Cool Shot | Attachments: RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator

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Best for Frizz: Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

Sephora

I went on vacation last year with my friend who owns Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush, and it made her short hair tame to perfection. After using it, it’s similar to the amika one, but provides a bit more styling power when it comes to managing frizz.

Equipped with ionic technology, it emits negatively charged ions that help seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine for a smoother finish. Its 2.4-inch oval-shaped barrel allows for efficient drying and styling, creating volume and a polished look without the need for additional tools like flat irons or curling wands.

Victoria Giardina

Impressively, the brush features a combination of nylon and tufted bristles that provide excellent tension and control. It has three heat settings — high, low, and cool — and it offers versatility to cater to different hair textures and styling preferences.

For a blow-dryer brush, it fares well based on its quality and speed and temperature settings. It’s one of the most well-made and has always rendered my hair into a salon-looking blowout.

Best for: All hair types | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,100 watts | Settings: 3 heat settings | Attachments: N/A

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Best for Fine Hair: T3 Aire IQ Intelligent Hair Dryer

Sephora

“I’m not one to own high-tech appliances, but the T3 Aire IQ is futuristic,” Erica Radol, Page Six commerce writer/reporter shared. “Despite my resistance to the learning curve, I’m shocked at how well this blow dryer dries my hair without leaving it with a dried-out straw texture and frizzy ends due to heat damage — instead, it’s shiny, healthy-looking and bouncy.” 

The Aire IQ comes with three attachments: A wide one for rough-drying tresses, a smaller one for styling, and a diffuser. It recognizes which attachment is on and has smart sensors that determine heat and speed flow, so it self-adjusts.

“It’s also very lightweight and compact,” Radol added. “I have always had decent blow dryers, but this one is next level. There’s a pause when turning it, which I’m a little impatient about, but overall worth the wait considering my healthier, volumized hair. I have fine, color-damaged, naturally curly hair and the diffuser attachment is the best I’ve tried for curls, which I will appreciate come sweltering summer weather.”

Erica Radol

Radol loves how the T3 Aire is helping her hair become healthier and provide fast, salon-quality results. “I recommend it to anyone looking to invest in a quick-drying, lightweight blow dryer that respects hair health,” she said. “I did have to play with the settings to get it to stop turning off every time it was pointed away from my hair, but again — heed my cautionary tale and read the directions before use.”

Best for: Fine to medium hair types | Ionic: No | Wattage: 1,800 watts | Settings: Multiple, and auto-adjusts heat and airflow settings | Attachments: Quick Dry Attachment, Style Attachment, Diffuse Attachment

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How we tested

Some of the blow dryers I tested from brands across amika, Drybar, Dyson and more from at least a month to a few years. Victoria Giardina

Though I’ve been using blow-dryers for years — I learned that I’ve been using mine incorrectly — I tested each model for at least one month before writing this review. However, I’ve been testing many of these — like the amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 and Dyson Airwrap — for nearly four years. Plus, more members of the Post Wanted team chimed in.

Before diving into the review criteria New York Post Shopping set in place when testing and trying all the top models on the market, l’ll begin by detailing my hair type. Naturally, I have wavy to curly hair that’s sometimes prone to frizz (though, it has its oily moments at times if I go longer than two days without a wash). My hair blow dries straight when styling, too.

Simply put, my mane is a mutt of different types and textures — making my hair one of the best to review a wide set of blow dryers.

Ahead, here’s what I looked for when trying out each blow dryer:

• Ease of use: Above all else, selecting a blow dryer that takes the complexity out of styling is of utmost importance. I’m no cosmetologist or professional hair-styler, so this attribute is one of the most practical to consider.
• Volume: When blow-drying your hair, you want it to look like you just stepped out of a salon. When styling my hair — either with a blow-dryer brush or traditional dryer with a nozzle — I assessed the finished result and how much volume each model brought to my hair.
• Even heat retention: After applying a heat protectant to my hair, I assessed each model’s temperature levels and settings, along with how the heat transmitted from the dryer to my hair, looking for signs of over-drying or a ‘frying’ look and feel, if any.
• Frizz-taming: While everyone’s hair may not be frizzy, it’s important for a blow dryer to smooth any baby hairs and flyaways and help mitigate frizz to the best extent.
• Versatility: Some blow dryers come with attachments while others are more basic. I kept track of any unique, noteworthy and time-saving features for each model.

An FAQ on Hair-Styling

Ahead, we interviewed Amy Abramite, creative director and hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, on some key considerations when it comes to blow dryers.

What makes a good blow dryer/blow dryer brush? 

“For both types of dryers, I look for a variety of air pressure and temperature choices to control the style without damaging the hair,” Abramite says.

Should I use the blow dryer nozzle attachment?

“The nozzle is useful because it concentrates the air flow into a more focused steam of pressure to tame flyaways for shinier smoother hair, especially when straightening frizzy texture,” she notes.

What’s the difference between a blow-dryer brush and a traditional dryer?

“For starters, the shape and the wattage is different,” Abramite begins. “In comparison, a blow dryer is more powerful and results in more styling options with more accessories, but requires more skill to use.”

A blow dryer brush, on the flip-side, has gentler air flow, is easier to handle, but is limited to round brush styles only. 

To elaborate, a blow dryer has more air pressure for more power and has a gun-like barrel shape where heated air freely passes through an opening in a stream. “It can be used to tousle dry hair with fingers or any type of brush, flat or round, which is held in the other hand to manually change texture,” she adds. “A diffuser attachment can also be connected to enhance curly textures. These options result in a variety looks but skill is required for coordination to hold a brush and a blow dryer simultaneously.”

A blow dryer brush is a combination tool with a round brush attachment connected to a wand where heated air gently passes through holes near the bristles. Hair wraps around the brush portion of the tool to dry and shape the hair in one easy motion. It’s simple to use and requires less skill to achieve a classic blowout finish. 

What wattage should a blow dryer have?

Abramite recommends an average of 1100 watts for a blow dryer brush and 2000 for a blow dryer. 

What speed setting should I use?

“I recommend the setting on high speed and high heat for rough drying hair with fingers to quickly remove water with a blow dryer,” Abramite advises. “For controlled styling with a blow dryer coupled with a hand held brush, the recommended speed and heat is medium or low. This will protect hair from heat damage and control strands while styling.”

For a blow dryer brush, Abramite recommends using the high speed and temperature setting unless the hair is fine and fragile which should be used on a low speed and temperature to preserve the health of the hair. 

What does it mean for a blow dryer to be ionic?

According to Abramite, these blow dryers cut down on drying time by using ions to break down water molecules at lower temperatures preventing frizz, static and damage for smoother healthier hair. 

Hair routines for every hair type, according to a hair-stylist

For curly, coily, wavy, and straight textures (all textures) using a blow dryer with a nozzle for pin straight silky hair: Add an oil with heat protection from roots to ends on damp hair. In small sections, blow dry downward with the nozzle parallel to the hair to push down and control flyaways on high heat/high speed. Use a natural bristle paddle brush to grip hair and stretch out texture by gliding the brush from roots to ends with maximum tension to add shine and straighten for glossy hair. 

For curly, coily and wavy textures using a blow dryer and diffuser to enhance natural texture: On damp hair, add a hydrating styling cream/balm with heat protection from roots to ends. Use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer and circulate while orbiting the head on low heat/low speed. For a natural air-dried look, leave waves/curls/coils stationary and undisturbed to minimize frizz by not allowing the diffuser to touch the hair strands while drying. To add additional lift at the roots, tilt head forward, backward, and from side to side while diffusing. For maximum volume and bouncier waves/curls/coils, tilt head and gently place hair into the diffuser attachment while lifting upward for tighter springier texture. For all above hair types, when the hair is 80% dry, turn the dryer off and allow the remaining moisture to dry naturally. This will cut down on the frizz factor. 

For curly, coily, wavy and straight hair (all hair types) with a blow dry brush for a classic blowout finish: For a frizz-free blowout using a blow dryer brush, on damp hair, add a hydrating styling cream with heat protection on curly, coily and wavy hair and a volumizing spray on straight hair from roots to ends. Securely wrap sections of hair around the bristles. Starting at the root area, use equal tension and glide brush through to the ends and roll under, flip up, or curl for style choice. For more volume at the root area, pull the brush upward, and for less volume pull downward while rolling the lengths and ends. The bristles will grip the hair with tension to tame frizz and reshape texture for a silky finish with volume, movement and bounce. For coarser thick hair, use the high setting and for fine fragile hair, use low. To lock in the shape, use the cool setting for a long-lasting style. 

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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