The 14 Best Hair Dryers for All Types of Curly Hair, Tested and Reviewed by Editors

Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair care line, Pattern, released its first hot tool in January 2023 after two full years of development, and no detail was overlooked in the process. Each of the four included attachments in Pattern’s Hair Blow Dryer were created with curls in mind. The bowl diffuser features aluminum plates that heat up to expedite your dry time, and the comb attachment helps detangle without flattening out your ringlets. If you’re looking to stretch or smooth your curls, the dryer has two attachments that’ll do the trick as well as the best hair dryer brushes out there.

Editor testing and review notes: “A multi-styling hair dryer is only handy if the attachments work with your hair texture — any for those with curly hair, that can be tricky to find. After testing Pattern’s hair dryer, I can assure you that curly girls will find use for every attachment included. I found myself using each of the included attachments in Pattern’s hair dryer on my curly hair, whether it’s the wide-tooth comb that detangles while drying or the brush attachment that stretches out curls. Yes, the attachments are genius, but the hair dryer itself is, too. The heat and airflow settings cater to curly hair — I love that I have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Looking for a budget pick that stands up to pricey alternatives? Say no more. Conair’s tool employs frizz-controlling ionic technology along with multiple speed and heat settings. It’s well-equipped for thicker hair, drying it quickly without blowing too much scorching heat. The included diffuser is ideal for lengthy hair types, courtesy of the diffuser’s depth and long prongs, as well as special technology that focuses the airflow within the diffuser’s bowl for faster, more efficient drying. And if you want to go sleek, the included concentrator attachment allows you to do just that.

Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a no-frills hair dryer that gets the job done, this option is for you. It gives incredible volume and ensures a fast drying time so there’s less heat exposure for your hair — aka, less damage. The real star of this dryer is the diffuser attachment, which features lengthy prongs and a deep cup that corrals my curls for fewer passes per section. On a low airflow setting, the attachment adds definition and bounce to my curls for a uniform look without frizz. Plus, it comes with a sleek concentrator that helps focus the airflow for precise drying on days I want to wear my hair straight.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $25

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Shark Beauty is known for genius, budget-friendly hair tools like the FlexStyle multi-styler, and the recently launched SpeedStyle is hands-down the brand’s best hair dryer for curly hair. This tool is impossibly small and lightweight for its drying power; even thick hair types can expect quick, efficient drying with the device. The included attachments in this configuration of the SpeedStyle are crafted with curly hair in mind, giving you the option to define curls, stretch coils, and smooth unwanted frizz.

Editor testing and review notes: “I love how petite and powerful this hair dryer is — it has the portability of a travel hair dryer with the performance and bells and whistles of a luxury tool. Unlike other multi-stylers, the SpeedStyle’s attachments take mere seconds to figure out, thanks to their intuitive design and the dryer’s settings that automatically adjust based on the attachment you click into place. The diffuser attachment is a standout for to its roomy bowl and adjustable prongs, which allow me to dry the lengths of my hair or add volume to my roots.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99

Related:
Shark SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush Review

$24.49 $34.99 30% off

$24.49 $34.99 30% off

If your diffuser attachment is the only way you’ll use your hair dryer, this one from Bed Head is for you — the dryer’s diffuser isn’t a separate piece to tack on, but rather it’s built into the tool’s design. It’s more compact than other options, so it’s easy to tuck into a suitcase or gym bag. And the tourmaline ceramic material keeps your strands looking healthy, not frazzled. 

Editor testing and review notes: “While a hair dryer with a diffuser head instead of a nozzle might feel limiting, I can assure you that it’s actually genius. This tool is, of course, best for those who only use a diffuser in their drying process. The pronged diffuser style makes it best for those with shorter or thinner hair types, however it worked well on my long, thick curls (if you have similar length and thickness, expect it to take a few more minutes than a deep bowl diffuser). I love that I don’t need to worry about storing or traveling with extra attachments.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24.49

Looking to shave minutes off of your styling time? Laifen’s Swift Hair Dryer is an ultra powerful, petite hair dryer that does its work quickly. This best hair dryer for curly hair beat out all the others we tested in its airflow strength, which disperses both hot and cool air for drying and setting your curls. While it’s available in multiple configurations, we recommend this set for its inclusion of a diffuser attachment and two concentrators. Despite its serious power, the tool is impressively lightweight.

Editor testing and review notes: “I tend to dread drying my long hair because many tools can feel heavy after a while, but this one is super small, lightweight, and makes the entire experience feel less bulky and burdensome. This also may be the most quiet hair dryer I’ve ever used. My only complaint is that the heat settings are only displayed via colorful LED lights on the back of the hair dryer, so it takes a few uses to get accustomed to what color corresponds with your preferred setting.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $159

In case you missed the news, Dyson recently dropped a curly hair-friendly Airwrap Diffuse that’s complete with attachments for type 2A to 4C curls. This splurge-worthy tool comes with all the fixings that made the original Dyson Airwrap a TikTok-famous beauty product: It includes the Airwrap curling barrels for a post-blowout look, the Flyaway attachment that tames unruly pieces, and the dryer’s special airflow technology that prevents heat damage without sacrificing the styling result. The Airwrap Diffuse debuted with two new Dyson attachments for curly hair — a diffuser with long prongs and a medium-deep bowl, as well as a large round volumizing brush that smooths out curls quickly.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned a Dyson Airwrap for three years, so I can confidently attest to this tool’s ability to prevent damage and breakage while expertly styling my hair. The caveat? The original tool lacked attachments for styling my curls. But now it’s a non-issue with the Dyson Airwrap Diffuse, which features a full suite of attachments for stretching, defining, and enhancing my curls. Yes, it’s an investment, but one that will take the place of your other hair dryers and styling tools — and leave your hair healthier in the long run.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $599.99

$259 $349 26% off

$349

$349

If you love the look of your hair when it’s air-dried, give Zuvi’s Halo Hair Dryer a try. This best hair dryer for curly hair and frizz employs patented technology to dry your hair without overheating the inner part of your hair shaft — this means you’ll get to dry hair in minutes, without damage or unwanted frizz. The Zuvi comes with a diffuser, styling concentrator, and a gentle air attachment. The cool airflow is particularly great for setting curls.

Editor testing and review notes: “When I tested the Zuvi hair dryer for the first time, I thought I clicked the wrong setting — this dryer is an anomaly because it feels lukewarm, never hot, while you use it. Despite the lack of heat, the dryer works impressively quickly to dry my curls without making them frizzy or frazzled. Another nice benefit: The tool hasn’t caused my color to fade like similar dryers do.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $259

T3 tools are known for delivering a luxury feel and amazing results without an eye-watering price tag. The Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair due to its diffuser, comb, and concentrator attachments that enhance types 2A to 4C hair, and its large range of heat and airflow settings. Those settings automatically adjust to your hair texture, taking out the guesswork when you’re styling.

Editor testing and review notes: “Once you get used to the range of settings, special features, and styling options this hair dryer delivers, you’ll be blown away by the results. The smoothing comb attachment was a favorite of mine during testing — it’s a dream for those who deal with tangles after wash day, as it glides right through knots to separate curls without flattening them. Just note that the hair dryer is made with a slick material, so it may slide in your hand if you’re working with hair oils or emollient leave-in conditioners.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99

$199

$199

$ $199 100% off

Many dryers aren’t efficient on the lowest heat setting, but this Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer works extra well on low heat, which is great for maintaining your natural curl pattern. The diffuser attachment is sold separately, but it’s worth the purchase for its versatile medium prong length that accommodates short, medium, and long hair. Give your hair some time to air dry before powering it on to speed up the process. 

Editor testing and review notes: “Patience is a requirement when you’re diffusing curly hair, as airflow that’s too strong can blast curls out of their natural pattern and high heat risks damage. Drybar’s Buttercup Hair Dryer is a favorite I’ve tested for its low heat and airflow settings that maintain my curl pattern without taking ages to dry my hair. I get a good amount of shine when I use the dryer, too.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $199

Hooded dryers offer a hands-free approach to drying your hair (and let’s be real, we all want that). This one earns high marks for its large bonnet that will fit even jumbo sized curlers. It also offers a wide range of heat settings. Simply secure the bonnet around your hairline, power the device, and put your feet up. You can also use this for your weekly or monthly deep treatment hair mask — the warmth helps the nourishing ingredients absorb.

What testers say: “The bonnet is just the right size, fits perfectly. I love how everything compacts into the case. This dries my hair so quickly, I’m amazed. I also need to run it low to medium as it does get quite hot, but I still give it five stars. My hair does not frizz and comes out with nice texture.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $49

Yepez uses this luxury pick from Elchim at home and on the road (it’s incredibly lightweight). The ionic and ceramic features work together to prevent your hair from burning, and the airflow dries your strands from the inside out to boost overall shine.  The diffuser is sold separately so it’s pricey altogether, but the tool will last you ages — it promises 5,000 hours of drying time. 

Editor testing and review notes: “This is a professional hair dryer, through and through: It’s lightweight (amazing for longer styling times, which are usually involved with curly hair types) and ultra efficient even on a low heat and airflow setting. Out of the dryers we tested, this one earned high points for its durability — it didn’t show any signs of wear after weeks of repeated use and a few falls from a countertop onto a tile floor.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $265

This funky shaped hair dryer is a favorite for any curl pattern. The DevaCurl DevaDryer + DevaFuser includes a hand-shaped diffuser that distributes airflow in a curl-enhancing way. It’s a great choice if you’re after more volume — the tool contains patented ionic technology that gives you lift while smoothing the outer cuticle of your hair for less frizz. The unique diffuser shape makes it easy to dry your roots, too.

Editor testing and review notes: “This was my first experience with a hand diffuser, and while there’s a bit of a learning curve, the results are absolutely worth it. You can use the diffuser to target roots where they fall flat and tend to use volume, or section out smaller pieces to define curls from mid-length to the end of your strands. I also love using this diffuser to refresh my curls between wash days.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

This sleek, tiny hair dryer packs a big punch: It’s beloved by hair stylists for its slim profile and high caliber drying power. Yes, it’s an investment, but the petite tool has all the high tech bells and whistles you could want. It even has an auto clean setting to keep the filter free of dust and debris and a memory function that keeps track of your most used speed and heat preferences. And the best part? This hair dryer for curly hair weighs just over 10 ounces. 

Editor testing and review notes: “Tired arms, be gone — this Ga.Ma hair dryer has the weight of a hair brush or hair straightener in the hand. While that’s a selling point for anyone, it’s particularly helpful when you need to devote 30 minutes or more to taking your hair from sopping wet to bouncy and styled. The auto-cleaning function keeps it humming like new, so you can count on it to outlast similar options. I’ve owned the tool for two years and it still feels as powerful and efficient as the day I took it out of the box.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $399

Remington’s dryer has a special sensor to prevent heat damage while you’re drying — which is a high tech feature for a dryer this budget-friendly. It comes with three attachments, including two concentrators and a diffuser with short prongs, so you can amp up your curls or smooth them out. For under $150, it’s a great affordable hair dryer for those with curls to try.

Editor testing and review notes: “This compact choice is a nice hair dryer for those who can’t be bothered to fuss with a trillion settings and attachments. I found myself using the diffuser and narrow concentrator attachment equally, and both made quick work of delivering the results I was after. The diffuser’s deep bowl and short prongs are particularly handy for drying the lengths of my hair.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $129.99