Looking for the best hair dryers for curly hair? You've come to the right place. For the curly girls of the world, finding the best hairdryer to enhance one's luscious locks is an ultimate priority. The phrase 'curly hair, don’t care' can be frustrating because being proud of your look doesn’t mean that you don’t care about it – right?
Rocking your natural hair can often take a lot of maintenance, such as finding the right conditioner for curly hair, selecting the right hair products for curly hair and the best mousse to help amplify your style. One of the most important unwritten rules to having beautiful, healthy locks, of course, is using one of the best hair dryers for curly hair.
Closer's best hair dryers for curly hair at a glance:
The best hair dryer for curly hair (Editor's Choice): ghd Air Style Kit, £112 on Amazon
The best new hairdryer for curly hair: Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Hair Dryer with Diffuser, £130 on Argos
The best lightweight hair dryer for curly hair: T3 AireLuxe Professional Hairdryer, £180 on LookFantastic
Before you commit to a blow dryer, there’s a thing or two you need to know about looking after your hair and how to do it right. It’s essential that you get to know your hair and the drying process; that’s where we come in. We’ve gone back to the basics and found out exactly what you need to know about ionic hairdryers, ceramic technology and everything in between.
SHOP: The best hair dryers for curly hair
The best hair dryer for curly hair (Editor's Choice)
amazonThis ghd Air Style Kit literally comes with everything. If you're looking to bag a gift for yourself or your best friend, then this is the one. In this set, you'll find the air hairdryer, a wide nozzle, two-section clips, a diffuser, a ghd brush and a dust bag.
Amazon review: "I have always bought high-street hairdryers but I decided to treat myself and bought this GHD product after seeing it being used in my hairdressers. This product is expertly manufactured. The choices of speeds and heat settings are perfect. It makes my frizzy naturally curly hair shiny and manageable and looks much smarter. If you want a good product, buy this, I love mine."
Pros
- Speedy drying
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Choice of speed and heat settings
- Reduces frizz and flyaways
- Advanced ionic technology
The best new hairdryer for curly hair
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
The new hairdryer range from Bellissima Italia is already impressing reviewers on Argos, with this Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Hair Dryer with Diffuser a top contender for one of the best hair dryers for curly hair. It features impressive anti-frizz and Argan oil technology to nourish your hair as you diffuse. The revolutionary Supreme Curl Flow technology has been developed to lock in your curls, and they have a fab range of dryers available with diffusers for curly-haired babes. This up-and-coming hairdryer is an absolute game-changer,
Tested by managing group editor Georgina Terry: "First up, this is a gorgeous looking piece of equipment, and the gold handle gives it a luxe, boujie, feel. There’s no L-shaped handle, a first for me, so the dryer is shaped a bit like an ice cream cone, but I got used to it.
The box didn’t come with any instructions for how to use the dryer which was a bit frustrating, but I looked up a video. Other than that, I’m blown away by the product, it’s quick, easy to use, and – crucially for me – by hair looks better than if I’d left it to dry naturally. Together with using Only Curls Hydrating Curl Cream and mega hold curl gel it’s been a hair game-changer."
Pros
- Compact
- Temperature control
- Argan oil technology
- Anti-frizz
Cons
- Maybe a little noisy
The best lightweight hair dryer for curly hair
look fantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
T3 has won awards for its hairdryers and its products are always selling out - and for good reason. With more heat and speed settings than you can shake a stick at, the AireLuxe will make drying your hair a breeze and totally personalised to your hair.
Amazon review: "Excellent hairdryer, comes beautifully packaged, elegant and looks expensive. Hairdryer itself is lightweight, has a nice long cable and works very well. I have naturally curly/frizzy hair so always use a hairdryer with anti-frizz which this has, and it makes a noticeable difference. My hair feels less "puffy" when using this hairdryer on a lower heat setting. Overall the hairdryer is excellent, the only slight negative is the price. Personally, I wouldn't pay so much for a hairdryer however it is really good quality and I suppose you get what you pay for!"
Pros
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Long cord
Cons
- Expensive (but worth it)
- Five heat settings
- Three speed settings
- Up to 15 styling combinations
- T3 RapidAire IQ Technology
- Ion generator
The best speedy hairdryer for curly hair
amazonDid you know that the Remington Proluxe Ionic Hairdryer uses heat technology to shape and lock your style in place? This is powerful enough to dry your hair in under ten minutes. Love, love, love.
Amazon review: "I have thick curly hair and I spent decades just letting it air dry which meant having to time when I washed my hair. This makes my curls more defined and less frizzy and I can wash my hair any time I want now and dry it fast. When I want straight hair I use the cool setting to help set it. I really wanted a hairdryer with a cool air feature as well. Very easy to use and I had no trouble with the weight."
Pros
- Very powerful
- Extra-long cord length
- Affordable
Cons
- Button placement could be better
- OPTIheat technology
- Three heat settings
- Two speed settings
The best affordable hair dryer for curly hair
amazonHeat damage can make curly hair look frizzy and dull, but there's a way to prevent it. The Remington Ionic hairdryer reduces frizz and static and dries hair in no time, all while preserving the quality of your hair. The product itself is lightweight but powerful, so no need to worry about an achy arm. Best of all, it's currently on sale for under £30.
Amazon review: "I have really thick hair and usually have to psych myself up for the 20 mins of aching arms that drying my hair entails. This hairdryer is so quick, it's completely changed things! Love the different heat and speed settings, and it gives a really smooth, shiny finish to my hair. Also not too heavy which is a great bonus!"
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Very powerful
- Quiet
Cons
- Button placement could be better
- Two speed settings
- Three heat settings
- Ionic, ceramic, and tourmaline technologies
The best hairdryer for dry, curly hair
bootswww.boots.com
If you have dry hair, this fab Panasonic Nanoe™ Hairdryer will sort it right out. Its nanoe technology has been created to help give you a healthy shine. It's a little on the heavier side, but it's a really premium product that'll tame even the thickest of locks.
Boots review: "I have been using all sorts of hairdryers throughout the years and my hair (thick and very, very curly) always ended up very dry, meaning I would need to add tons of moisturizing products to it. This is the first hairdryer that I use which doesn't suck all the moisture out of my hair. I would recommend it for all types of curly hair."
Pros
- Quick drying
- Long cord
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Three speed settings
- Three temperature settings
- Nanoe technology for moisture-retention
The best travel hair dryer for curly hair
look fantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Other than the fact this Mermade Hair Hairdryer is in the cutest pink going, it's totally effective on curly locks, too. With three heat settings, two attachments and two speeds, you don't want to miss this super affordable option.
Look Fantastic review: "Love this hairdryer! Firstly, the pink packaging is lovely, so cute! The hairdryer is really compact and lightweight, perfect for travel - can't wait to take this on holiday this year. Really surprised at how powerful the tool is too! I've got super long and thick hair but this dried it quickly. Would definitely recommend trying."
Pros
- Good for travelling
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn't feel as luxurious as some options
- Three heat settings
- Two speed settings
- Ionic airflow technology
What causes curly hair?
We’re all about embracing your natural locks, and the best way to do this is by understanding what causes your curly hair. If you know why it grows, you’re going to have a better relationship with it and a deeper understanding of how to look after it.
The science behind curly hair is all thanks to the follicle, which is basically part of the skin that packs cells together to form hair. We know, we couldn’t believe it either.
The shapes of the follicles that your body produces determine the type of hair you’ll have - so if you have:
Round-shaped follicles - you'll have straight hair
Oval-shaped follicles - you'll have wavy hair
Hook-shaped follicles - you'll have curly hair
What are the different types of curls?
Identifying your hair type can be difficult because there are so many different types of curls and combinations that can make up your hair. If you’re looking to find out what your hair type is, the best way to identify your curl shape is when it is wet.
Type 2
Type 2 hair is typically described as wavy hair, but you can break this down even further to the different types of waves that you can experience.
2A: This is a soft wave that becomes curlier towards the ends of your hair.
2B: It’s a beach wave: that sun-kissed frizzy curl that we all love.
2C: A much deeper wave, this pretty much borders between wavy and full-on curly hair.
Type 3
Type 3 hair can be identified by its spring or corkscrew shape, which gives off volume - and sometimes frizz.
3A: Expect it to be ALL about the large, loose curl with the risk of frizz.
3B: If you have a springy, ringlet feel to your hair, you fall into this category.
3C: These curls can be described as a tight corkscrew, and you may experience frizziness.
Type 4
Type 4 hair is often fine and thin or wiry and coarse – it can be fragile, so it’s essential to protect this style.
4A: This is a tightly coiled look alright; you can tell if you have this hair type if you can see a visible S pattern.
4B: Ranging from wiry and coarse to fine and thin hair, if you have tight strands that are shaped like a letter Z, this is your type of curl.
4C: Like 4B, your hair will be densely packed but with less definition, and you’ll find the hair to be very delicate.
Now you're a little bit more clued up, to up your hair care regime, you don’t have to spend hours having a hair mask applied at a fancy salon. Yes, applying products will help to fight the frizz, but the battle doesn’t stop there.
From the moment you wash your hair, it can make or break what the results look like. Once you’ve jumped out of the shower, it's time to define your locks and help them look shinier than ever before. How, you ask? By bagging one of the best hair dryers for curly hair. Turns out you don't always have to splash out on a Dyson hairdryer to get the sleekest hair of your life.
Technical terms that you need to know about when it comes to hairdryers:
When it comes down to investing in the best diffuser hair dryer for curly hair, the technology and features that are built into any model are fundamental to the results. If you aren't 100 per cent clear on what the technology means for your hair, it may be detrimental to your overall look.
However, there's no need to panic as we've rounded up some terms you may see when shopping for hairdryers and explained what it means for you.
Negative ion: Simply put, this technology breaks down the water molecules, which will dry your hair faster. Other benefits include reducing frizz and helping to give your hair an ultra-smooth finish.
Infrared heat: If you see this functionality on a hairdryer, it means it will provide a consistent level of heat, which, in theory, should cut down how much heat exposure your hair gets.
Ceramic technology: Want even more protection from the heat? A ceramic hairdryer is basically a higher level of infrared heat, with less of a risk of causing damage to your hair.
Nanoe™ technology: Anyone who suffers from dry hair needs to look out for this feature in their hairdryer, as it helps to provide more moisture than any regular hairdryer. We also love that it reduces damage from brushing and keeps cuticles on the surface in good condition.
Should you use standard hairdryers on curly hair?
The short answer is yes, you can use a standard hairdryer on curly hair. But a diffuser hair dryer for curly hair will give you better results. These hairdryers listed above, for example, will help keep your hair soft and frizz-free, as well as prevent any heat damage.
Should I use products in my curly hair before blow drying?
You should absolutely use products in your curly hair before blow-drying. Not only can this help split ends and keep your hair looking glossy, but it will also save you time in the long run. Here are some incredible products to use in your curly hair:
amazonThis all-in-one cream from Moroccanoil will help create a more defined curl. Banish any unwanted frizz but leave your curls looking perfected and bouncy. Apply to damp hair before styling to be left with enhanced curls that promise to stay looking perfect.
Pros
- Multi-use cream
- Sulphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Defines curls well
Cons
- Reviews suggest it could be longer lasting
amazonLooking to treat your curls to tonnes of moisture? Leave in this incredible cream and watch as it repairs your hair to be left with super soft and nourished curls.
Pros
- Protects from heat damage
- Formulated for dry, coarse hair
- Repairs split ends
- Reduces frizz
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Not sulphate-free
superdrug
Before you start styling with your blow dryer, spritz your hair with this incredible heat protection spray. This must-have spray banishes any unwanted frizz as it cares for your hair yet protects against heat.
Pros
- Protects from heat damage
- Minimises frizz
- Handy spray bottle
Cons
- Product may build up over time
We were lucky enough to get some incredible tips from hair specialist and director of SALON64, Ricky Walters, on ways to prevent damage to your hair, how to reduce frizz while drying your curly hair and so much more. Here's what Ricky had to say:
How can I stop my hair from being damaged when using a hairdryer?
“Diffusing curly hair is the best way to gently dry your hair, and it will cause little (if any) damage at all. If you are rebelling against your curls and blow-drying them smooth constantly, try the following:
"Turn your hairdryer down to a slow speed but on a hot heat setting. Although it will take slightly longer, your hair will thank you for it.
"Get a regular trim. If you are blow-drying and using heated tools such as tongs and straightening irons, it’s important to get all those split ends cut out of your hair. I recommended getting the snip every six to eight weeks.
"If your hair doesn’t become frizzy too quickly, then let your hair dry in a towel or gently remove some moisture from the hair at a slow speed before adding your brush and blow-drying. Plus, if you dry from soaking wet, it’ll take far longer, and you’ll use excess heat unnecessarily.”
How to stop curly hair from going frizzy when drying?
“Throw away the nozzle your hairdryer came with and replace it with a diffuser. Your curly hair needs to be dried slowly. Once setting your wet hair in ample product, diffuse your hair on a slow speed and hot heat. The frizzier the head of hair, the less you should dry it. Therefore, you may only wish to do this until it’s 50 per cent dry. If your hair is sensationally frizzy, leave it to dry naturally.”
How to blow dry curly hair so that it becomes straight:
“Tension while blow-drying is key… Don’t be afraid to pull on your brush with a little force to smooth out the hair. Taking small sections and working your way around the head slowly, but steadily is the best way forward. Using oil or serum to help reduce frizz applied on both wet and dry hair will help. I recommend OLAPLEX oil.”
Not ready to splash the cash? Check out the best Olaplex alternatives right here.
What is the best way to blow dry short curly hair?
“I LOVE a curly bob. The rules don’t really change with curly hair. Whether your style is long or short, it’s all about keeping the curls looking great and avoiding frizz. The frizzier the hair, the less you can afford to dry it with a hairdryer. The more manageable hair types can set in products and diffuse.
“You can manipulate your curl pattern by twisting two sections of hair around one another until it resembles something like a rope. Repeat this around the head and leave it to dry overnight for at least a day. When you take out these twisted sausages from your hair, you’ll have frizz-free incredible waves with zero effort.”
Lily Anderson is a contributing writer for Closer. When she isn’t trying out the latest kitchen appliances, garden furniture and home essentials, Lily is pushing forward health products for women, educational toys and the latest fashion collaborations.