Stylists spend hours and hours drying other people’s hair every day, so it’s no surprise that they know a thing or two about efficient, high-quality styling tools. Fortunately, there’s a whole slew of drugstore blow dryers that are just as effective as salon-worthy ones (and much cheaper).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for the best affordable hair dryer is to consider attachments that correspond with your style and needs. For example, if you have curls, opt for a dryer that comes with a diffuser to tame your locks without overdrying them. Similarly, if you have fine hair, go with a dryer that has a concentrator nozzle to focus the airflow on your roots and ends for a sleeker blowout style.
Lastly, make sure your new dryer is lightweight so you don’t get tired from using it. Sky Barbarick, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, says the best dryers should be around one pound or 0.54 kilograms so that they can be easily held in your hand and used for extended periods of time.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at WWD where she covers everything from the latest footwear trends to TikTok style tips. She previously worked as a Beauty and Wellness Editor at Domino where she created a wide range of editorial content on beauty, wellness, travel, and fashion. In addition to her work at WWD, she has written for CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. shop hair dryers under $20