If you have specific hair needs, are looking for particular attachments, or have the budget to splurge, invest more to get a dryer with all the bells and whistles. Four: Once hair is 90 percent dry, you can start scrunching and touching it to give yourself the final shape. Even on the lowest setting, the airflow proved powerful; and across each of the settings, it remained consistent and even. Innovative Microfilter: Prevents even the tiniest of particles from entering the motor to promote hair cleanliness and extend motor durability.

This list is comprised of the 20 top performing hair dryers, along with details of our experiences using them. We dry our hair once or twice a week, and our favorite style to create is a traditional full-bodied, bouncy blowout, which was easy to accomplish with this dryer — and fast. For those who want to “take textured hair straight, you’ll need a concentrator attachment to smooth out strands and create shine,” says Giovanni Vaccaro, hairstylist and co-founder of the on-demand beauty service, GlamSquad. Weighing only 294 g, it is ergonomic and compact because it is designed to prevent arm and shoulder muscle problems typical of the professional.It has ‘Intelligent StyleAdapt Technlogy’ that works with the infrared sensor on the front grill to read your hair’s temperature more than 1800 times per drying session and adapt the temperature to suit your hair. After using each tool at least twice a week for four weeks, we collected all of the data, and tallied the scores. Through the Venturi Effect, iQ multiplies the airflow delivered by the engine, without using extra power. In fact, it blew out our fine, wavy hair within 30 minutes, commanding an airflow so strong that it sent the curtains swaying in our room. For curly-haired folks looking for either a straight or bouncy blowout, Nicole Karkalis, cofounder of Chicago's blow dry bar, Blowout Junkie, recommends high heat and high-speed settings, “while creating tension with your desired brush to create that smooth, shiny finish.

While I really liked using this brush for finishing off hair, I would use it after a hair dryer and brush,” says Timothy. It is quite heavy and doesn’t have the overall luxury feel of a professional hair dryer, but I think it would be good for home use as air flow is brilliant and it’s easy to select what function you need. Auto-diagnosis System: The IQ hairdryer is equipped with a new auto-diagnosis system that detects any operating problems. Another plus: the magnetic attachments proved seamless to attach and detach, and the slimmer nozzle in particular offered a concentrated airflow that made blow drying hair straight a breeze. For a start, you need to make sure you have the right attachments to suit your hair type - such as a suitable diffuser to calm frizzy hair, or a concentrator nozzle to achieve your style.

But first, we wanted some professional direction on the nonnegotiable features that every truly excellent hair dryer should have. While the airstream wasn't as concentrated as we might have liked, it nonetheless earns top marks as an option for those struggling with damaged hair, with its intentionally quieter airflow. For wavy, curly, coily and kinky hair types, a hair dryer with a diffuser and low heat and speed settings is a good option.