This list of best blow dryers for black hair was compiled by selecting products that meet the requirements below:
- Average customer ratings: 4.0 or higher
- Average positive reviews: 80% or higher
- To keep updated, only recent reviews are accepted
- To reduce fake reviews, we put more weight on Verified-Purchase reviews
- We did buy the products and tested them ourselves (reviewer: Nala Hale)
Hey everyone, it’s Nala Hale! As a professional hair stylist and an African American, I know firsthand how important it is to find the right tools for our natural hair type. That’s why I recently decided to put seven different blow dryers to the test to see which ones would work best for my black hair. I understand the struggle of finding a blow dryer that can effectively dry natural hair without causing damage or frizz. In this review, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts and experiences with each of these blow dryers to help you make an informed decision for your own hair needs. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect blow dryer for your beautiful locks!
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Choosing blow dryers for black hair: 7 key factors
When choosing a blow dryer for black hair, there are several important aspects to consider. Here are some key factors:
- Heat Settings and Temperature Control: Black hair is sensitive to heat, and using high temperatures can lead to dryness and damage. Being able to control the heat level allows you to use a lower setting that’s gentler on the hair.
- Ionic Technology: Ionic dryers emit negatively charged ions that help to break down water molecules on the hair, reducing drying time and minimizing frizz. This can be especially beneficial for black hair, which tends to be prone to frizz and dryness.
- Ceramic or Tourmaline Components: Dryers with ceramic or tourmaline components distribute heat more evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that could lead to damage. These materials also emit negative ions, further aiding in drying and smoothing the hair cuticle.
- Wattage: Consider a blow dryer with higher wattage, as this indicates more power and faster drying. This can be advantageous for black hair, which is often denser and can take longer to dry than other hair types.
- Cool Shot Button: A cool shot button helps to seal the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and maintain the style. It’s especially useful for black hair, which can be prone to frizz and dryness.
- Attachments: A diffuser is excellent for enhancing natural curls while minimizing frizz, and a concentrator nozzle can help direct airflow for more controlled styling.
- Size and Weight: Black hair can take time to dry, so a lightweight and comfortable dryer can make the process less tiring.
7 best blow dryers for black hair 2023
RUSK W8less: Best blow dryer for black hair (our top pick)
Pros:
- Never damage hair thanks to far-infrared & ion technology
- Very light-weight and quiet
Cons:
- May accidentally touch the button when using
- Only 1 attachment (1 concentrator nozzle)
RUSK W8less review:
(This product is our top pick considering its price/performance).
RUSK is a well-known company in the beauty industry. They are committed to creating high-quality products in the beauty industry. And their blow dryers are not an exception, these products have been receiving amazing reviews, now we’re going to take a look at the RUSK W8less hair dryer.
My first impression of the RUSK W8less was its sleek design, holding it in my hand it feel super lightweight, and I really felt the “professional” in this dryer. The dryer came with a concentrator nozzle, which I think is enough for the average user. This hot tool is a dual-voltage appliance, which is awesome for traveling.
The special thing about this blow dryer is the far-infrared technology. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about this feature at first, but after using it, my hair feels softer and smoother. My natural hair also doesn’t feel as frizzy as it does with other blow dryers. This function also helps reduce the amount of time you spend on your hair, which is a huge plus in my book.
Another notice-worthy feature of the RUSK W8less is the negative ionic technology. This technology provides negative ions to help break down water particles faster, reducing dry time, frizz, and static. This feature alone is ideal for African American hair since this hair type is more likely to be frizzy and dry.
One more thing I want to mention is the ceramic-tourmaline material. This feature provides healthy minerals to your hair follicles, which can help improve the condition of your scalp and hair.
Talking about the temperature, the RUSK W8less offers 7-speed heat settings, from cool to extremely hot, which is ideal for most natural hair types. I don’t care much about the exact temperature, but I find out that 7 levels of temperature are more than enough for me.
The most impressive thing about this hair dryer is the 2-year warranty. This is a huge selling point for me because I know that RUSK is confident about the quality of its products. Compare this with other blow dryers with the same price point that offer only 1 year of warranty, you can see why this hot tool is a great investment.
While the RUSK W8less blow dryer boasts several impressive features, it is not without its flaws. One potential issue is the button design, which may be susceptible to accidental activation during use. Additionally, it only comes with one attachment, a concentrator nozzle, which may not be sufficient for some users who require more versatility in their styling tools.
In my opinion, the RUSK W8less is a great hair dryer for everyday use. Although the price is inexpensive, the quality and features are considered the same as other so-called professional hair dryers. If you are looking for the best overall blow dryer for black hair, then you cannot go wrong with this one.
Jinri: Best blow dryer with comb for black hair
Jinri is a familiar brand name in the haircare industry, and their professional salon hair dryer is one of their most popular products. Let’s see how it fares in our review.
Pros:
professional functions at a very competitive price
Cons:
only 60-day refund and 12 months of replacements
Jinri Paris Professional hair dryer review:
Unboxing this hair dryer, you will find a concentrator, diffuser and a comb included in the package. For those with Afro hair, the comb will be a godsend as it can help to detangle knots easily. The diffuser is also a nice touch, allowing you to style your natural hair while still protecting it from heat damage. The concentrator is great for precise stylings, such as when you want to smooth down flyaways.
The most impressive feature of this hair dryer has to be its 1875W AC motor. This offers powerful wind while the noise is very small, meaning you can dry your natural hair in a fraction of the time it would take with a standard hair dryer. AC motors are also more stable than DC motors, so this hair dryer should last you a good long while. While drying hair too fast can lead to frizz, you may not want to use the highest heat setting on this hair dryer due to its sheer power of it.
Although the price is not very expensive, this hot tool has an infrared heating system. This technology can help by penetrating your hair at a lower temperature, meaning that it is healthier for your natural hair in the long term. Then the negative ions which are emitted can also help to protect against heating damage. Finally, the ceramic tourmaline technology design reduces frizz and enhances shine. Well, for its price, I believe that this Jinri professional salon hair dryer is definitely worth the investment.
The unique function I love about this tool is the cool shot button. It releases a burst of cool air to help set your style and reduce frizz, giving you a long-lasting hold with added shine. Another feature that I really like is the 2-speed and 3-heat settings. This gives you complete control over how you style your hair. Whether you want a quick dry or to take your time, this hair dryer has you covered.
The cord is also a good length, at 8.7ft, so you won’t have to worry about being tethered to the wall. And if you’re looking for a travel-friendly hair dryer, this one even comes with a hanging loop.
All in all, if you are looking for the best blow dryer with comb for black hair, this Jinri hair dryer is definitely a good choice.
Paul Mitchell: Best professional blow dryer for black hair
Paul Mitchell is a premium hair care brand that provides high-quality products with a focus on natural ingredients and sustainability. They offer a wide range of hair care products and tools, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, all designed to help you achieve healthy, beautiful hair. Now let’s take a look at Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ blow dryer.
Pros:
- Suitable for all hair types: 5 heat levels and 5 speed levels
- Unique cool-shot feature
- Fast drying without zero damage to natural hair
Cons:
- May accidentally touch buttons when using
- A little expensive
Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ review:
At first sight, this blow dryer appears to be a well-designed professional-grade tool, with a plethora of buttons and an LCD screen display. My initial impression is one of excitement and curiosity to test out its many features and see how they enhance the blow-drying experience. The sleek and modern appearance also adds to the impression of a high-quality product. Also, its lightweight and ergonomic design makes me feel comfortable when holding it.
One of the reasons that this hair tool is graded as a professional blow dryer is that it offers 5 heat levels and 5 speed levels, making it suitable for all hair types. This feature alone sets it apart as a professional-grade hair dryer, as it can be used by stylists to cater to a wide range of clients with varying hair types and textures. Additionally, this dryer is also an excellent choice for home use, as it can accommodate the different hair types of all family members.
Another reason that makes this hair dryer professional is that it offers advanced technology for fast drying without damaging my natural hair: with a powerful 1875-watt motor, this dryer efficiently dries hair in less time, making it a favorite among stylists and busy professionals. Usually, fast drying means damaging hair, but this is not the case. What sets it apart is its negative ion and far-infrared technology, which work together to deliver zero damage while promoting healthy and shiny hair. This feature makes it a valuable tool for professional stylists who want to deliver the best results for their customers.
The cool-shot button of the Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ blow dryer is an essential feature that, again, sets it apart from other hair dryers. After using the hot air to dry and style hair, the cool shot button bursts cool air to set the style, allowing it to last longer. This cool shot function also helps to reduce heat damage to natural hair: by using cool air, you can help seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, which can reduce frizz and help your hair look healthier and shinier (due to my own experience). I personally love this feature, because, well, after using hot air for drying, the cool air makes me feel really satisfied! It’s hard to describe this satisfaction feeling, you should try once to experience it on your own.
The Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ blow dryer’s removable filter is a feature that should not be overlooked, particularly in professional hair salons. This handy feature makes it easy to clean and maintain the hair dryer, ensuring its longevity and preventing potential malfunctions. Hair dryers in busy salons are frequently used and can become clogged with hair and dust over time, which can reduce their effectiveness and cause them to overheat By regularly cleaning the filter, you can keep the dryer functioning optimally and extend its lifespan.
Overall, I can confidently say that the Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ is an excellent choice for professional stylists looking for a reliable, high-quality hair dryer. With its advanced ion technology, customizable heat and speed settings, lightweight design, and removable filter for easy maintenance, this hair dryer has everything you need to achieve beautiful, salon-quality results. This is also the best professional hair dryer for black hair that I have ever tested.
Bellforno: Best blow dryer with diffuser for black hair
Bellforno may be a new name in the hair dryer industry, but their hair dryer is already making waves in the beauty world. This Bellforno hair dryer is specifically designed to give you salon-quality results at home, and it does not disappoint.
Pros:
2 different size concentrator nozzles for you to choose
Cons:
may accidentally turn off due to button design
Bellforno hair dryer review:
When I first touched the hair dryer, I was impressed by how soft and smooth the surface feels. The body of the hair dryer is made of premium soft-touch material, and it is very comfortable to hold. The non-slip handle also makes it easy to operate the hair dryer flexibly. This hair tool came with 2 nozzles- a diffuser and 2 concentrators. The diffuser can help to distribute the airflow evenly and minimize frizz, while the concentrators can help to focus the airflow and give you more control while styling your hair. IMHO, these nozzles should be the new standard when it comes to the best hair dryers.
It seems that Bellforno is proud of the 2200W AC motor that powers this hair dryer because they have included it in the product name. And rightly so- the AC motor provides powerful airflow and fast drying, which is great for professional salon use or home use.
About the temperature, the 6 heat/speed settings (2-speed levels, 3-heat levels) also give you a lot of control over the styling process. Again, the 2-speed-3-heat settings should be the new standard for all hair dryers because it is very user-friendly. You can easily find the perfect setting for your natural hair type and style. If the manufacturer can provide more heat/speed settings, that would be great, but I personally think that is overkill.
The ionic, which you can see in the name of this tool, means that this hair dryer produces a lot of negative ions. These negative ions can help to break down the water molecules and speed up the drying process. According to my experience, this hair dryer helped me reduce drying time by 50%, which is a significant time-saving.
Ceramic tourmaline technology can also help to prevent your hair from overheating damage by distributing heat evenly.
The thing I like the most about this hair dryer is that it comes with a removable filter. This is very convenient for cleaning and maintenance, and it can also help to extend the lifespan.
This blow dryer’s cord is definitely designed for professional use because it is 9.6 feet long and 360-degree swivel. This is much longer and more flexible than most home hair dryers, so you will have no problem reaching all areas of your head.
With all those great features, the price is also super attractive. If you want to buy the best blow dryer for black hair with a diffuser, this Bellforno hair dryer should definitely be on your list.
Trezoro: Best ionic hair dryer for black hair
This blow dryer has been receiving a lot of good reviews lately so I decided to try it out. After that, I had to add my two cents.
Pros:
less noise
Cons:
the plastic smell when working
Trezoro hair dryer review:
When unboxing, this hair tool came with 2 concentrators and 1 diffuser, holding this blow dryer in your hand- you can feel the quality. Heft, but not too heavy and well-balanced.
The first thing you notice when you turn it on is the power. It is a 2200W DC motor – making it one of the most powerful hair dryers on the market. And it definitely showed when I used it. My natural hair was dry in no time! Moreover, the sound level was also significantly reduced- something that is very important to me because I have kids and I don’t want to disturb them when I’m getting ready in the morning.
The standard ceramic-tourmaline grille is also a great feature because it emits negative ions which help to dry your hair faster while also creating shine and reducing frizz. It’s proved that this type of material is the best for your hair- much better than the plastic or iron grilles that some other models have.
I believe the in-built iconic system is what makes this blow dryer so special, to the point that the manufacturer names the product after it. This system is designed to give your hair long-lasting hydration, lock in the natural moisture of each strand and smooth out scales- making your hair softer over time. And I have to say that it really works! My hair has never looked so healthy and shiny.
The unique hair diffuser is also a great addition because it not only helps to form curls and add volume but also protects your hair from heat damage. Also, the cool shot button is very handy when you want to lock in your style.
Talking about the temperature, this model has 3 heat settings and 2-speed settings, which is my own standard for a good hair dryer. I think this is more than enough for most people, even if you are a professional stylist who needs to style all kinds of hair.
Also, the removable rear filter is very convenient because you can clean it easily, which is important for the longevity of the product.
The pricing is also very reasonable considering all the features that this product has. Overall, I’m very impressed with the Trezoro 9300 Ionic System and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for the best ionic hair dryer for black hair.
InfinitiPRO by Conair: Best bonnet hair dryer for black hair
If you are a fan of deep conditioning treatments, then you may want a bonnet dryer that can help you to achieve the best results. And The InfinitiPRO by Conair Conditioning Soft Bonnet Dryer should be on your radar.
Pros:
inexpensive
Cons:
only 4 heat/speed settings
Infinitipro by Conair hair dryer review:
Despite its inexpensive price, this bonnet dryer offers infrared heat technology, which can penetrate deep into the hair shaft to help the conditioner work more effectively. This feature, combined with the tourmaline-ceramic ionic generator, is what makes this bonnet dryer stand out from other options on the market. According to my own experience, my hair becomes softer, shinier, and more manageable after using this product along with the conditioner.
Different from the hooded dryer, which is a stand-up dryer that you need to sit under, the bonnet dryer is like a hair steamer. You can move around freely while the machine is working. And you can even do other things such as watching TV or reading a book while the conditioner is developing in your hair. This is great for those who like traveling or have a busy lifestyle.
About the temperature, this machine has 4 heat/speed settings, which is not meet my standard. Due to my experience, a good hair dryer should have at least 6 heat/speed settings (3 heat levels and 2 speed levels), which can give you more options to choose from. However, since the price is very inexpensive, I guess this is one of the compromises that you have to make.
The unique feature of this hair dryer is the “Easy-Lock” system. It is a great design that allows you to attach and detach the hose quickly and easily. This is very convenient, especially when you need to pack it for travel. Imagine that the hose cannot be detached from the machine, and you have to put the whole unit in your suitcase. That would be terrible, right?
The cord is only 6 feet long, which seems to be a bit short at first, but given that the hose is 4 feet long, you have a total of 10 feet to work with. This should be enough for most people. But if you need a longer cord, you can always buy an extension cord separately.
The InfinitiPRO by Conair Conditioning Soft Bonnet Dryer is a great choice for those who are looking for the best bonnet hair dryer for black hair. It is very affordable, it comes with some great features and the price is unbeatable. If you are looking for a good bonnet dryer, then this is the one that you should get.
OMO Team: Best blow dryer brush for black hair
Just in case you wanna try something new instead of the classic blow dryer, we’ve got you covered with the best hot air brush out there. The OMO Team hot air brush is a game changer when it comes to your hair routine. This is a 2-in-1 hair tool that can both dries and volumizes your locks, which is amazing for versatile styling.
Pros:
strong blow but not too hot
Cons:
Not dual-voltage, used in the US only (110V)
OMO team hair dryer brush review:
Unboxing this tool and holding it in your hands, you can immediately tell that it’s high quality and very well-made. The ergonomic design makes it really easy and comfortable to grip, even when your hands are wet. It’s also super lightweight, which is great for styling your natural hair without getting tired arms.
Unlike normal blow dryers, the benefit of a blow dryer brush is the 360° airflow that evenly distributes heat to your natural hair. This helps to prevent heat damage and makes your hair super soft and shiny. The OMO Team hot air brush only has 3 different heat settings (low, medium, and high), which seems below the standard of the normal blow dryers. However, given that it is a blow dryer brush combo, I think that 3 heat settings are enough thanks to the evenly distributed heat.
The material of the brush is ceramic, and its ionic technology helps to reduce frizz and add shine. The bristles are also super soft and gentle on your hair and scalp, which is great for people with sensitive skin.
The thing I like the most is the ALCI plug that comes with the brush. This is a safety feature that prevents electric shocks, which is what most manufacturers forget to include. However, the thing I don’t like is that this tool is not dual-voltage, so you can’t use it when you travel internationally. In fact, it is designed to use in the US only (110V).
About the cord, it is 6 ft long, which is the average length of most cords. It is also tangle-free, so you don’t have to worry about annoying tangles.
Just in case you want to know, the dimension of the brush is 12.5 inches in total length, while the barrel width is 4 inches. The length of the barrel is 4.7 inches. This hair tool also comes with a 1-year warranty, which is great considering the price point.
Considering all the features and performance, I would say that the OMO Team hot air brush is definitely worth the price. It is a great hair tool for both everyday use and special occasions. So, if you are seeking the best blow dryer brush for black hair, this is the one you want!
How to blow dry Afro hair straight
Blow drying seems like a simple task, but Afro hair is naturally drier, more brittle, and kinky, so it requires a little more care than other types, especially when you want to blow dry your hair straight.
Here are basic steps on how to blow dry African American hair straight properly:
- Start with clean, conditioned hair. This will help to prevent damage and breakage during the blow-drying process.
- Section your hair off into manageable sections. Clip the top sections out of the way so that you can focus on blow-drying the lower sections first.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This will help to protect and nourish your hair. The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil is recommended. Apply it to one hair section with your hands.
- Next, apply a heat protectant to that section. This will help to prevent heat damage from the blow dryer. The CHI 44 Iron Guard is recommended.
- Now detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb before you start blow drying. This will help to prevent knots and tangles from forming and also help distribute the conditioner and heat protectant evenly.
- Start blow drying that section on a low heat setting and gradually increase the heat as needed. Focus the airflow on the roots of your hair and work your way down to the ends.
- (Optional) While blow drying, use a brush to help smooth and straighten your natural hair.
- If you have the blow dryer comb, you can use that. If not, you can use a regular comb or brush.
Once you’re done with that section, move on to the next one and repeat the process until all of your hair is dry. The final result should be smooth, straight, and frizz-free hair.
More: List of Best Flat Irons for African American Hair (w/ Pros & Cons)
Final thoughts
I’ve listed six of the best blow dryers for black hair on the market today, complete with detailed reviews of each product. So, whether you’re in the market for a new dryer or just looking to compare different products, I hope this article has been helpful. Now it’s time to get shopping! Have you tried any of these blow dryers? What was your experience?
More:
F.A.Q
What is the best professional hair dryer for black hair?
The Paul Mitchell Express IonDry+ blow dryer is a top-tier professional hair styling tool designed to provide exceptional performance for all hair types, especially black hair. With its advanced express ion complex technology and powerful airflow, this dryer delivers fast and efficient drying without damaging or over-drying hair.
What is the best blow dryer for natural black hair?
The Bellforno blow dryer stands out as a top choice for natural black hair due to its innovative Ceramic Tourmaline Ion Blow technology. This advanced technology works by emitting negative ions, which help to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and promote healthier-looking hair. Additionally, the ceramic tourmaline components distribute heat evenly, minimizing the risk of heat damage.
What is the best blow dryer for black hair?
The RUSK W8less is an excellent blow dryer for black hair due to its innovative far-infrared and ion technology that efficiently heats hair from the inside out, locking in natural moisture and reducing the risk of heat damage. Furthermore, this product is offered at a reasonable price point, making it an accessible option for those looking to achieve healthy, lustrous locks.
What is the best blow dryer with comb for black hair?
The Jinri Paris is an excellent choice for those seeking a blow dryer with comb that is ideal for black hair. Its affordable price, coupled with multiple attachments such as a diffuser, concentrator, and hair pik, make it a versatile and indispensable tool for all your styling needs.
How do I protect my black hair when blow-drying?
Here are some tips to protect your black hair when blow-drying:
- Use a heat protectant spray: Before blow drying your hair, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair. This will help to protect your hair from the heat of the blow dryer.
- Use a diffuser attachment: A diffuser attachment can help to distribute the heat of the blow dryer more evenly, which can help to prevent damage to your hair.
- Start with damp hair: Begin blow-drying your hair when it’s still damp. This will reduce the amount of time that you need to expose your hair to the heat of the blow dryer.
- Use a low heat setting: Use the lowest heat setting possible when blow-drying your hair. High heat can damage your hair and cause it to become brittle and dry.
- Don’t focus the heat on one spot: Move the blow dryer around your head, rather than focusing the heat on one spot. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming overheated and damaged.
How often can you blow-dry your black hair without damaging it?
As a general rule, it’s recommended that you limit blow drying to no more than once a week. However, if your hair is healthy and well-maintained, you may be able to blow dry it more frequently, such as every 2-3 days. It’s important to pay attention to your hair’s response and adjust your blow-drying frequency accordingly.
Should I put oil before or after blow-drying black hair?
It’s generally recommended to apply oil to your black hair after blow drying, rather than before. This is because applying oil before blow drying can actually make your hair more susceptible to heat damage. The heat from the blow dryer can cause the oil to penetrate the hair shaft, which can lead to breakage and other types of damage.
Instead, it’s best to wait until after you’ve finished blow-drying your hair to apply oil. This can help to seal in moisture and add shine to your hair. It’s important to use a small amount of oil, as using too much can make your hair look greasy or weighed down.
To apply oil after blow drying, start with a small amount (a dime-sized amount is usually sufficient) and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Then, apply the oil evenly to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Be sure to focus on the areas that tend to be drier or more prone to damage, such as the ends of your hair.
More:
- Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer Review
- Laifen Hair Dryer Review
- L’ange Hair Dryer Review
- T3 Hair Dryer Review
- Rusk Speed Freak blow dryer review
- Solano Forza hair dryer review
- Gem Force hair dryer review
- Elchim hair dryer review
- Top lightweight hair dryers for arthritis
- Best hair dryers according to consumers
