Key to finding the best hair dryer for curly hair is ensuring a model caters to these hair types' specific needs. Requirements for a great dryer usually focus on things like speed, power and heat – but it's a different story for curls. In a way they need the opposite, as a big whoosh of hot air will generate excess frizz and flatten curl patterns, resulting in a lack of definition.
Instead, the best hair dryer will be lightweight (the low and slow method means you'll spend a long time holding it) and have at least one setting that's gentle enough not to disrupt delicate curls. To that end, a dryer that has a compatible best diffuser for curly hair is also hugely important. Eugene Smith, style director at John Frieda, confirms that this is the best way to dry curly hair: "The dispersed air allows the drier to evenly dry the curls without disturbing their natural spiral texture."
With 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 own 3a curly hair. Ahead are my detailed reviews of the top-performing models – which draw 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 dryers for curly hair 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.
Lucy Abbersteen is a freelance beauty editor and one of woman&home's contributing beauty editor. With close to a decade of experience in the industry – and with hair as one of her specialisms – she's tested a lot of hair tools on her curly hair during her career. As such, she's also shared her insights on some of the top-rated dryers in this guide.
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 best hair dryers for 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 do note it has to be purchased separately for an additional £29.
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, making it a great buy to suit all kinds of curly hair.
If you don't want to – or simply can't – spend ghd or Dyson-level 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 encourage extra lift and volume at the roots if you need. It's clever and comes with a whole bunch of other attachments you can use, too.
For a travel-friendly option, look to this clever all-in-one diffuser dryer, which comes equipped with three heat settings and ceramic tech to keep frizz to a minimum. Its design makes it so much easier to throw in an overnight bag or suitcase, so we'd recommend it if you only ever diffuser your hair and want something compact you can take away with you.
Quiet, well-balanced and gorgeous to look at, this hair dryer takes things to another level when it comes to luxury. Designed by the blow dry experts behind the Hershesons salon, it's ideal for elevating your curl game. The price tag is steep, but the luxurious design and the fact that it's a dream to use helps to make 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 the day I unboxed it. It's the dryer I always come back 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 tool I'll recommend to anyone asking for the best hair dryer for curly hair, working just as well to diffuse curls as it does smoothing my hair on those (extremely rare) days when I can be bothered to try my hand at a sleeker blow dry. That you have to pay extra for the matching 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 this classic ghd dryer has taken a bit of a back seat in the hair tool world – ultra-fancy and higher-tech options seem to launch on a near-monthly basis. But I'll always be loyal to ghd; it's 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. The Dyson was always going to make this list; it really is as good as everyone says it is. My colleagues waxed lyrical about the Dyson Supersonic for months before I tried it, so needless to say my expectations were high. I'll admit 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 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. Not only am I converted, it's contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen's go-to for drying her hair curly, too. She describes this dryer and diffuser duo it's "the best combination" for curls and notes that many hairdressers agree.
The wide tooth comb attachment coming as standard also 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 it 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.
Though at first look this tool may appear to be 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 makes for a dryer that puts hair health first.
As a simple, straightforward dryer, this one works well and the diffuser really helped to boost volume and lift my roots. It's louder and heavier than some of the snazzier and pricier options on this list, but if you're looking for something very affordable that won't compromise your curls, we think this is it.
Best versatile hair dryer for curly hair
The Shark FlexStyle and how Rhiannon's curls looked after using it
The FlexStyle is another multi-styler that launched with quite a lot of hype and swiftly built a reputation as one of the closest Dyson Airwrap alternatives. So, at first, I'll admit that it didn’t really register as a candidate for the best hair dryer for curly hair over a styling tool. However, it doubles as a standalone hair dryer – 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 feels a bit 007.
This hardworking bit of kit also comes with a diffuser as one of its six included attachments – and it's an especially clever one with a lever that can lower or raise the spikes. I haven't seen anything like it before; it means you can raise them towards the end of drying to give your roots an extra boost if you feel the need after more focused gentle drying. I was wowed before I'd even switched the thing on.
As for the actual drying, it's a dream – quick, easy and provides impressive volume when you use said clever lever. It is definitely louder than the Dyson Airwrap, though not dramatically so – and nowhere near enough to put me off. In fact, it may even have knocked my trusty ghd off the top "go-to-styler" spot. I'm also 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 extras – the waving, the blow dry brush, et cetera – then I’d say you could stick to the original Shark Hair 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
In terms of attachments, this tool is the complete opposite to Shark FlexStyle as it's always a dryer-and-diffuser in one. But if you're only planning to use your new dryer to diffuser your curls, it's an ideal 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 – and Lucy agrees it's a great all-in-one tool – but the newer, swisher Prestige version is a perfect if you want something a bit more luxe. This updated version also features ceramic technology to aid a smoother, frizz-free drying session.
I enjoyed using this tool; it's pleasing that it's specifically geared towards defining curls and I liked how fuss-free the user experience 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 one. This tool is also more compact than other models, which makes it a great option for the best travel hair dryer if you only plan to wear your hair curly while you're away. Because 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 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 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, because there’s a reason it’s been hairdressers’ dryer brand of choice for decades. (Several, actually.)
This Italian brand is known for its durable, hard-working hair dryers, one of which you'll find in most hair stylists' kit bags. They're petite but powerful, creating a big blow dry with body in minutes. Though you have to buy the compatible diffuser separately, this is 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 the Alyon until I picked it up to re-test 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 contenders
A selection of the curl-friendly hair dryers that were tested for this guide
Each dryer in this guide was thoroughly tested, out performing the contenders that didn't make it onto the final list. After trying a host of different tools, I narrowed the list down 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 element of these tools from the user expereince to the attachments, heat levels, price point and any other high-tech specs. Power wasn'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 mattered even more here in order to avoid arm ache.
A very important factor was the availability of a compatible diffuser attachment, while a comb attachment also scored points, to ensure that a tool could style various curly hair types. However, I wasn't 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 looked out for signs that each one would suit other curl types, from tighter type 4 coils to looser type 2 waves. The models on this list would suit all curl types, with notes in the specifications and reviews if it suits one particular kind specifically.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cable 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 – not to mention preventing you from being limited to the vicinity of a wall socket.
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 completely on this setting. Yes, extreme heat can seriously affect curls, but you'll need some of it if you want to get the job done in reasonable time.
Curly hair specialist and founder of TREPADORA Keisha Jo Lawler confirms 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?
Both of these technologies have their benefits, including when it comes to drying and styling 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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