When it comes to searching for the best hair dryers for curly hair, it can be tough to hit the nail on the head. The wrong attachment can flatten curls, and if you're not careful enough, a hair dryer that doesn't accommodate your hair type might end up amplifying frizz. To avoid styling stress, you'll want to invest in a hair dryer that's actually designed with curly hair in mind.
Searches for 'how to look after curly hair' have increased across search engines in the UK; it's no surprise that haircare giants like Dyson and ghd are working to expand their product offerings with curl-friendly options. But, if you're still struggling to figure out how to bring life to your curls, we've put the best hair dryers for curly hair to the test to make the choice a lot less daunting.
Grazia's Best Hair Dryers For Curly Hair 2025, At A Glance:
Best overall hair dryer for curly hair: Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX HD542UK, £159.99 was £199.99, on Amazon
Best versatile hair dryer for curly hair: Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer, £299.99 was £399.99, on Dyson
Best lightweight hair dryer for curly hair: Babyliss Air Power Pro Hair Dryer, £150, on Sephora
Best foldable hair dryer for curly hair: Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe Hair Dryer with Diffuser, £109.99, on Boots
Best high-performance hair dryer for curly hair: ghd Air Hair Drying Kit, £155, on Amazon
Best fast-drying hair dryer for curly hair: Panasonic EH-NA0J-N895 Hairdryer with Diffuser, £329.99, on Boots
Best travel hair dryer for curly hair: Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer Travel Edition, £109, on Curlsmith
Best compact hair dryer for curly hair: amika Mighty Mini Dryer, £40 was £50, on Cult Beauty
Best value hair dryer for curly hair: Revlon Airflow Control Dryer, £27.99 was £34.99, on Amazon
Best hair dryer for wavy hair: Bellissima Diffon Supreme, £149.99, on Boots
Now more than ever, there's a vast variety of hair dryers that cover all purposes. The best travel hair dryers and the best hair dryer brushes make exceptional choices for styling curly hair when you're on the go. Effortless to pack away in your suitcase on a whim, you'll have these lightweight options to thank - especially as hot and humid conditions can often compromise curls.
Hair dryers cover a range of budgets, from state-of-the-art salon-worthy models to more purse-friendly picks. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, there's a world of choice when it comes to hair dryers. We've covered everything in our guide to hair dryers for curly hair, so you can make an informed decision on the best choice for you.
How To Choose The Best Hair Dryer For Curly Hair For You
Curly hair types are widely regarded as covering hair types from 3A to 4C, which span from loose spirals to tightly coiled, afro hair. Determining your hair type is the best place to start before making your purchase, so you know exactly what types of tools, features and settings you may be looking for.
When you have curly hair, you'll likely need a diffuser or a variety of tools to keep curls tight and bouncy. Look towards the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer or ghd's Air Kit that allows diffuser attachments so you can switch in and out of different styling options easily.
We consulted celebrity hairdresser, Jay Birmingham, whose client list includes Maya Jama, Rochelle Humes, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Munroe Bergdorf. He revealed, 'My top hair dryer to use for curly hair is the Shark SpeedStyle. This hair dryer helps to define curls, add volume, and shine. Plus, it dries the hair quickly. I always suggest that when choosing a hair dryer for your curly hair - to consider the attachments, too. Wide tooth comb attachments and diffusers are incredible for curly hair types, helping to keep curls looking their best, defined, smooth and free from frizz.'
Some features you'll want to look out for are low-speed and low-temperature settings to avoid heat damage and to keep your curls under control. Remember that you want to dry your curls slowly and ease them into drying rather than blasting them with hot air, as this will flatten your curls.
How We Tested The Best Hair Dryers For Curly Hair
We consulted the Grazia testing panel, who have a range of curly hair types and hair textures, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of some of the best hair dryers for curly hair on the market. Our beauty testers looked at eight hair dryers on the high street, taking into consideration factors such as ease of use, settings and features, design and functionality, variety of tools, drying speed, value for money and efficiency.
Ready to add the best hair dryer for curly hair to your collection? We've tried and tested the best on the high street. Shop from the edit, below.
Shop: Best Hair Dryers For Curly Hair To Buy In 2025
Best Overall Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
The Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer is used by numerous salons across the country, harnessing ionic technology to protect against heat damage. A consistently regulated temperature means that it's optimised for scalp safety, keeping your hair in the best condition it's ever been. It comes with four attachments, including a diffuser and the frizzfighter finishing tool to ensure your curls and waves look bouncy. Many reviewers have praised the SpeedStyle, with one claiming it's even better than the highly sought-after Dyson. Our expert and celebrity stylist, Jay Birmingham, crowns his as his top pick, too.
Grazia's testing panel say: Chelsie Tate, who describes her hair as 'mixed textured, high porosity (prone to frizz) afro hair', says, "The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 High-Velocity Hair Dryer System offers powerful, lightweight hair drying for all hair types. Complete with multiple attachments and features for every hair need, I was excited to put it to the test. After years of using a basic diffuser and a separate blow-dryer brush, it was convenient to have everything consolidated into one product. Overall, I feel that the Shark SpeedStyle Pro not only lived up to everything it claims to do but exceeded my expectations. It is extremely lightweight and compact once folded, meaning it’s perfect for travelling. As a family of multiple hair textures, it includes features that we can all take advantage of (including my older sister, who has already borrowed it for her and her daughters’ hair and LOVES it!) The highlight of the Shark SpeedStyle Pro for me would have to be the drying time and the fact that it is so lightweight. It has become a staple in my weekly wash day routine, which is no longer a chore to do! I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys wearing their natural hair in different styles."
Pros
- Fast drying time which makes it incredibly convenient for those with a busy lifestyle
- No heat damage with ionic technology (an important thing to consider with curly, afro hair)
- Our tester found it versatile with multiple attachments for every hair type and need
Cons
- Our tester couldn't find any cons while testing, however one reviewer claimed the temperature can be fairly hot when using the diffuser
Weight: | 1.1kg |
Air Flow: | High-velocity airflow, capable of accelerating up to 0–100 mph in less than a second |
Heat settings: | 4 heat, 3 speed |
Voltage: | 220–240 V approx |
Wattage: | 1700W |
Best Hair Dryer For Curly Hair For Versatility
www.dyson.co.uk
We think arguably one of the best hair dryers on the market, no matter your hair type, the Dyson Supersonic comes out on top. With its powerful Dyson motor and multiple attachments, you can diffuse your hair out and tame flyaways in record time. Not only is this hair dryer designed for all hair types, but the fast drying technology, combined with heat control, ensures little heat damage. Reviewers love how efficient this hair dryer is, with one reviewer calling it the best hair dryer ever.
Grazia's testing panel say: Rheanne Thomas, who describes her hair as a 'blend of 2B, 2C and 3A curls', says, "I‘d long heard the buzz about Dyson hair dryers being the ultimate hair hack, with #HairTok tutorials featuring impressive before and after results, especially for girls with curly tresses. The Nural™ is the ultimate all-rounder. A hair dryer that caters to a range of curl types while packing some seriously game-changing features. Design-wise, it’s sleek, lightweight, and looks like it belongs in a salon, yet it’s totally intuitive for at-home use. The packaging was compact and fuss-free, with a pamphlet outlining the attachments. The Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair dryer is now part of my ‘wash day’ dream team. For all lengths, this lightweight, easy-to-grip hair dryer creates a bespoke experience, giving your curls just what they need. All in all, this product might just be redefining what it means to be salon quality. It’s a pinch on the purse, but your hair will thank you in the long run."
Pros
- Features Scalp Protect Mode which is perfect for dry or sensitive scalps
- The Attachment Learning with the diffuser tool makes it ideal for long, curly and coily hair types
- Comes with optimum heat styling temperature with 4 different heat settings
Cons
- Long or voluminous hair types may want a larger diffuser
Weight: | 680g |
Air Flow: | 13.3 l/s |
Heat settings: | 4 heat, 3 speed |
Voltage: | 220-240V |
Wattage: | 1,600 W |
Best Lightweight Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
www.sephora.co.uk
It seems, at some point or another, we've all been the owners of a Babyliss hair dryer. The truth is, they're a classic when it comes to styling tools, and this is a brand that truly gets the job done. The Babyliss Air Power Pro promises fast drying, an ultra-lightweight design, optimised airflow, and anti-frizz capabilities. Delighted customers were particularly impressed by its efficiency and ease of use. In fact, one reviewer took to the comments to say it's as light as a feather to hold, with a weight of just a mere 380 grams.
Grazia's testing panel say: Krishnaa Patel, who describes her hair as '3A/3B with bleached balayage', says, "The BaByliss Air Power Pro is an ultra-lightweight, high-performance hair dryer that delivers fast-drying results. In a competitive market, it stands against brands like Dyson and Shark SpeedStyle Pro but offers a more budget-friendly alternative. Upon initial use, the product feels premium with its attractive colour, lightweight and streamlined look. In terms of drying speed, it lived up to expectations, cutting down my drying time significantly. The airflow was optimised, and I found the temperature and airflow control easy to use. The diffuser attachment was fantastic for my curly hair, leaving it defined and frizz-free. My hair didn’t feel dry afterwards; instead, it felt hydrated and looked shiny, which is a huge plus. Overall, I was impressed with how it exceeded my expectations, especially in terms of weight and ease of use."
Pros
- The airflow was optimised, and our tester found the temperature and airflow control easy to use
- Extremely lightweight and easy to manouever with a sleek, lightweight and premium design
- Our tester found it excelled in its core function, making it a solid performer for those with thick, curly or bleached hair
Cons
- Much noisier than expected, which may prove challenging to use in shared spaces
Weight: | 380g |
Air Flow: | 200km/hr air speed |
Heat settings: | 4 heat, 3 speed |
Voltage: | 230 V |
Wattage: | 1,700 W |
Best Foldable Hair Dryer For Curly Hair

www.boots.com
Made to reduce split ends and minimise damage, this Panasonic Nanoe mineral hair dryer has double mineral ions to penetrate the hair and increase cuticle strength. Its foldable and compact design makes it particularly easy to store and travel with, a fantastic option for those who are often away from home. This hair dryer works to reduce any frizz and dryness, maintaining the cuticle to reduce split ends over time. Many reviewers took to the comments to say that they've seen a reduction in frizz on their curls, largely due to the Nanoe™ Technology.
Pros
- Its design is foldable and compact, making it ideal for easy storage and travel
- It uses Nanoe™ Technology in order to eliminate static and reduce frizz
- Its design isn't as lightweight as the Babyliss Air Power Pro Hair Dryer, but still fairly light and comfortable to hold
Cons
- The airflow uses moderate to lower heat, and not necesarily as powerful as other hair dryers so hair may take longer to dry
Weight: | 600g approx |
Air Flow: | N/A |
Heat settings: | 4 heat, 3 speed |
Voltage: | 240 V approx |
Wattage: | 2000 W |
Best High-Performance Hair Dryer For Curly Hair

Take it from us, you'll always have a good hair day with ghd. With the ghd Air Hair Drying Kit, your curly hair will be in safe hands, so you can keep your hair as bouncy as you need. Including a diffuser attachment, a size three ceramic brush and styling clips, this is one of the best styling kits for those with wavy and curly hair. A reviewer with thick, curly hair commented that the Air Hair Drying Kit practically cut her styling time in half, making it effortless when she wanted to switch it up and go for a sleek, salon-worthy blow-dry. Another claimed the diffuser helped with definition when it came to their curls, especially compared to others on the market.
Pros
- Harnesses the power of ionic technology to cut back on heat damage while enchancing shine
- Has a professional grade performance, designed for salon-quality results at home and backed by ghd's reputation
- Delivers strong, powerful airflow for fast drying without overheating your hair
Cons
- The buttons are situated on the back which makes it slightly harder to control
Weight: | 1.54 kg approx |
Airflow: | A high-pressure airflow system with a patented, removable air filter |
Heat settings: | 2 heat, 2 speed |
Wattage: | 2100W |
Voltage: | 220–240 V approx |
Best Fast-Drying Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
www.boots.com
Creating a bespoke experience, the Panasonic Hairdryer utilises cutting-edge Nanoe™ Technology to nourish the hair as it dries, locking in moisture, invigorating your scalp and nourishing your tips to reduce dryness and split ends using its multiple different modes and temperature settings. Its diffuser features long prongs, enhancing volume for curls and waves using a powerful, fast-drying airflow. And when you're looking for smoother, straighter hair? Use the concentrator for precise styling. Many reviewers noticed an improvement in the condition of their hair after use, claiming that their hair feels stronger, softer and more controlled.
Grazia's testing panel say: Sorcha Morgan, who describes her hair as 'dyed blonde curls', says, "This hair dryer absolutely blew me away (pun intended). When I got my hands on the box, I’ll admit, I was impressed. It looked sleek and classic, and inside, I found a regular nozzle, a diffuser (smaller than I’m used to, but still good), and, of course, the shining star of the show - the dryer itself. This dryer lets you adjust the air blast with several heat settings, from cool to hot, plus a ‘scalp’ mode to keep things comfortable, and even a ‘skin’ setting to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Right out the gate, this dryer surprised me. My hair dried way faster than I expected - no towel-drying or blasting with hot air needed. I went straight into diffusing and ended up with soft, bouncy curls. No frizz, no fuss. For someone with dyed blonde curls, finding a product that gives minimal heat and adds moisture is like striking gold. Plus, it dries your hair so fast that I ended up being on time for brunch (which is a miracle in itself). The dryer is lightweight, which makes it super easy to travel with, and the range of temperatures means I could dry my hair quickly without turning it into a scorched mess. Long story short: if you're on the hunt for a new hair dryer, this is it. Whether you’re a curly girl or someone who loves sleek, straight hair, this dryer’s got your back. It’s exceeded all my expectations, and I’m so excited to keep using it."
Pros
- Promises quick and fast-drying reslts that cuts your styling time down
- Features Nanoe™ MOISTURE+ Technology that helps to deeply moisturse your hair
- Our tester said the four modes allow you to dry your hair the way you want it
Cons
- As hair dried quickly, people with thinner hair may need to spray their way with water while diffusing to achieve the desired look
Weight: | 460g |
Airflow: | 1.6 m³ per minute |
Heat settings: | 4 temperature modes, 3 speed |
Wattage: | 1,600 W |
Voltage: | 220–240 V approx |
Best Travel Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
uk.curlsmith.com
While finding a good hair dryer for curly hair is hard enough, finding a hair dryer for travel is even harder. Luckily, Curlsmith's Defrizzion Dryer does both jobs in one, using a dual voltage, which makes travel seamless. Despite being advertised as a travel dryer, the Defrizzion stands as its own product and many reviewers concluded it's incredibly convenient. A delighted shopper called it a lifesaver, while another commented that it's one of the quietest hair dryers they've ever used. All in all, if you're looking for lasting, bouncy curls both in the day-to-day and during travel, this hair dryer is an efficient choice.
Grazia's testing panel say: Jade Pearson, who describes her hair as '3A curly hair that tends to be dry and frizzy', says, "The Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer – Travel Edition is a rare contender in the curly-specific travel dryer market. On first impression, the packaging felt premium, the velvet travel bag was a nice touch, and the dryer itself had a solid, slightly weighty build - not feather-light, but compact and foldable, which bodes well for travel. The process took around 30 minutes using the high-speed, medium-heat setting. Despite its smaller size, the dryer delivered beautifully. My curls were shiny, springy, and had far less frizz than I usually see. They even held their bounce and shape the next morning, which rarely happens for me after one night. It didn’t overheat, and I appreciated how quiet it was. While it could improve in areas like the strength of the cold shot and slightly reduce weight, these are minor drawbacks compared to the benefits. For £109, the Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer – Travel Edition strikes a balance between portability and performance. For my 3A curls, the results were genuinely comparable to a curly salon finish. The diffuser’s prongs lifted my roots for volume, and the overall shine and shape were impressive. I would recommend this to anyone with curly or wavy hair looking for a dependable dryer that travels well and performs even better."
Pros
- Our tester found it delivered salon-quality curls with great definition, shine, and volume on 3A hair
- Has a travel-ready design with foldable handle and includes a roomy velvet storage bag
- Doesn’t overheat and is safe and gentle on the scalp, even at high heat
Cons
- The cold shot feature isn’t strong, less effective for setting curls
Weight: | 465 g |
Airflow: | N/A |
Heat settings: | 3 heat, 2 speed |
Wattage: | 1200 W |
Voltage: | Dual voltage (suitable for international travel) |
Best Compact Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
If you're looking for a travel hairdryer that's also incredible value for money, meet amika's Mighty Mini Blow Dryer. It's slightly more compact than the Curlsmith Defrizzion, and is much cheaper, too. Made with international travel in mind, that's all thanks to its dual voltage, neat design and aesthetically pleasing carry case. It even includes a diffuser for defining curls on the go. Described as a staple travel buddy by one reviewer, they say this hair dryer goes everywhere with them on their travels. This compact dryer is fantastic value for money, reduces frizz and enhances shine, all at once.
Grazia's testing panel say: Rosanna Readfern-Gray, who describes her hair as 'type 3B', says: "When it comes to the amika Mini Ionic Hair Dryer, I was intrigued with its travel-friendly size yet powerful 1200 wattage. Looking over the instruction manual, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of information it offered, from storage and cleaning to styling tips, but I was disappointed that there was no curly hair or diffuser information. Having the knowledge already, I jumped right in. Even on the lowest setting, it's clear the product is very powerful, and despite its size, it made quick work of drying my roots before switching to the diffuser attachment. At this point, I did notice the dryer heats up quickly, so it’s important to take care when changing the attachments. The small diffuser was a challenge initially with my hair length, but with practice, I found it easier to achieve my desired style. My hair is naturally very frizzy, and the dryer did a good job of reducing this and bringing out my natural curl pattern. I would highly recommend this dryer for anyone who travels or anyone who needs a fast-drying, space-saving solution. It was a lifesaver on my trip, saving me from the dreaded hotel room hairdryer and is perfect for on-the-go lifestyles."
Pros
- Incredibly compact despite not being foldable, easy to pack in a suitcase and features dual voltage for international travel
- Its tourmaline-infused ceramic technology reduces frizz and enhances shine
- Our tester found it fantastic value for money, especially as its one of the cheapest options on the list
Cons
- Does have limited power compared to competitors, especially for thicker hair types who may find the small attachments a struggle
Weight: | 680 grams approx |
Airflow: | N/A |
Heat settings: | 2 heat, 1 speed |
Wattage: | 1000 W |
Voltage: | Dual voltage (100–240V) |
Best Value Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
Easily the most accessible and budget-friendly within the edit, the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer uses Ceramic Tourmaline Technology to deliver smooth, shiny and frizz-free hair. Including an attachable diffuser, this powerful yet compact hair dryer defines the shape of your curls. Features such as a built-in concentrator and 90-degree rotating head offer more control, while its wider head increases airflow volume and targets wider sections of hair. All in all, shoppers were impressed with its price point, powerful airflow and fast-drying results.
Grazia's testing panel say: Katie Atkinson, who describes her hair as 'thick, coarse, naturally curly medium length hair', says, "With so many models hitting the £200+ mark, it’s easy to assume that you have to remortgage your house just to get your hair dry in under 20 minutes. When I was asked to review Revlon’s Airflow Control Dryer, I was definitely intrigued, it has a £29.99 price point on Amazon and features a rotating built-in concentrator that makes drying on the go easier and more controlled. Right out of the box, I liked the look of it. It’s lightweight and compact, though not quite small enough to be classed as a true “travel” dryer. As for the diffuser, it's thumbs up from me. The airflow felt even, it ran hot, and it dried my hair quickly without turning it into a frizz ball. For thick, curly, or textured hair, that’s no small feat. Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with how well it performs across different styling needs. Stylish, compact, easy to handle, and impressively powerful for its size this dryer is a standout at its price point. Whether you're doing a quick blast dry before running out the door or taking your time with a full styling session, it delivers. All in all, I’m really happy with my new Revlon’s Airflow Control Dryer - it's earned a permanent spot in my daily routine."
Pros
- Fantastic value for money, a fraction of the cost of high end dryers like the Dyson, yet still delivers impressive performance
- Smaller than most full sized dryers but still packs a punch; a great design that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy
- Makes use of hot, fast airflow that handles thick, curly, or coarse hair with ease
Cons
- The side positioned buttons can be accidentally triggered until you adjust your grip
Weight: | 870g |
Airflow: | Strong and fast drying airflow, but the functionality of the rotating head had mixed reviews |
Heat settings: | 3 heat, 2 speed |
Wattage: | 2000 W |
Voltage: | N/A |
Best Hair Dryer For Wavy Hair
www.boots.com
In a single tool, this diffuser is designed with waves and curls in mind, boosting the shape and elasticity of your hair with ionised technology to also maintain hydration. Upon testing, we couldn't determine this as one of the best hair dryers for curly hair, as our tester concluded it wasn't the best fit for her 4C hair type. However, having tried it on 2B/2C wavy hair, we've determined it's much more suitable for waves instead. Designed by expert curl professionals, it supposedly spreads air evenly around the curls and simulates natural drying, helping to define curls with bounce.
Grazia's testing panel say: Seyi Adaobi, who describes her hair as '4C hair with tight coils, dense, and prone to shrinkage', says, "I’ve seen this diffuser pop up on TikTok, so I had high expectations. I tried it twice because, on the first try, my hair was sticky and stiff since I saturated my hair with too much product. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find many tutorials for tighter curl patterns, so I’d like to experiment more and embrace my afro using this tool differently. It wasn’t a total fail, but it didn’t wow me either. The Bellissima Diffon Supreme has its strengths, especially for looser curls, but it may not be the best fit for tight, coily 4C hair. My sister tried this product; she has a slightly looser curl pattern than mine, and even she wasn’t feeling it much either. Her feedback was similar; it took too long, and the results weren’t worth the effort. The Bellissima Diffon Supreme is a well-designed product with some great features, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it for 4C curls. That said, the main highlights of the product are its lightweight feel, ergonomic design, and range of settings. I would recommend this to people with looser curls (2B-4A). Overall, the Bellissima Diffon Supreme has potential, but it’s not a universal solution for all curl types. If you have looser curls and are willing to experiment, it might work for you. But for coily textures like 4C, it just doesn’t provide enough definition or efficiency to justify the cost."
Samantha Price, senior commercial content writer at Bauer Media, says: "Taking Seyi's feedback into consideration, I put the Bellissima Diffon Supreme to the test on my type 2B/2C wavy hair. My hair is coarse and prone to frizz. I'm new to diffusing, so I'm not sure I fully have the technique down, but I was able to create bouncier, exaggerated waves - maybe even bordering on curls - with this diffuser, so, initially, I found the result impressive. I agree with Seyi in that it does take a long time to style your hair with it, and while it does include cold shot and higher speed settings, blasting my waves made them drop. I noticed that, while my waves were more defined, my hair still maintained its frizz, and the effects weren't necessarily as long-lasting as I'd like. Maybe this is due to the fact that I hadn't used the right products or technique. Having said that, I love how it's a standalone diffuser on its own rather than being an attachment you clip on to a hair dryer, and like Seyi, I found it ergonomic and lightweight to hold. For those with looser waves and curls like myself - particularly those who know their way around a diffuser - this product may be deemed incredibly useful. Loads of reviewers love this product, calling it a game-changer for their curls. So, I guess it all comes down to your unique hair type, products used and possibly your technique."
Pros
- Its all-in-one, ergonomic design makes it convenient, lightweight and easy to hold
- Harnesses the power of ionic technology to cut back on heat damage
- Its settings are solid and comes with different speeds and heat levels to allow customisation
Cons
- Our tester found it struggles with 4C hair, while it emphasised her natural curl pattern, she had to put in a lot of effort to get the definition she wanted
Weight: | 725g approx |
Airflow: | N/A |
Heat settings: | 3 heat, 2 speeds |
Wattage: | 650 W |
Voltage: | 220–240V approx |
Best Hair Dryers For Curly Hair FAQs
What curl pattern do I have?
Knowing how to work out your curl pattern will help you to make healthy and effective decisions on your hair products and hair tools, whether that's your shampoo or the best straighteners for curly hair. Curly hair is widely regarded as covering hair types 3A to 4C, from curls to coils. Wondering where you stand with your curls? Follow our guide on hair types for best recommendations.
Are ceramic or ionic hair dryers better for curly hair?
When deciding on which hair dryer is better for your needs, first, we'll explore some of the key differences between ionic and ceramic technology used in hair dryers. Here are some of the features in both.
Ionic: Hair naturally has positive ions, especially when it's dry or damaged. However, ionic hair dryers emit negative ions using ion generators built into the internal components of the dryer, which, in turn, come into contact with your hair through the air. These negative ions neutralise static and frizz by balancing out the charge and help moisture penetrate the hair shaft, combating dryness often found in curly hair types.
Ceramic: These work by using ceramic materials like clay or porcelain in their internal components to provide gentle, even, and consistent heat, which prevents hot spots and reduces the risk of overheating. The body of the hair retains some volume and simultaneously provides a smooth finish.
Birmingham adds, 'I think that both types of hair dryers have their positives and negatives. An ionic hair dryer is particularly good for taming frizz and retaining hair moisture, which can result in better curl definition. However, I typically opt for a ceramic hairdryer option because I find them better when it comes to styling. They provide a more consistent heat and work well when paired with heated styling irons and curling irons to create a hairstyle with more hold.
For those with drier or more delicate curls, a ceramic dryer is also beneficial as it provides even heat distribution and is gentle on the hair. Ionic hair dryers work very quickly, and if used too often or for too long periods of time, they can lead to hair dryness and breakage.'
How to dry your hair without ruining your curls?
Wondering how to successfully dry your curls, without contributing to frizz? Birmingham also revealed his top tips on how to dry and style curly hair, so you can get the best results every time.
• 'Consider using a microfiber towel to lightly absorb excess moisture from your hair before blow-drying.'
• 'Always apply a heat protectant before drying your hair, to keep your hair protected.'
• 'Consider a LOC system for your hair before blow-drying (Liquid, Oil, Cream). This will keep your curls looking their healthiest.'
• 'Apply a curl cream or serum into your hair before blow-drying for added nourishment and to help define your curls.'
• 'Use a low setting on your hair dryer to prevent damage.'
• 'Use an attachment such as a wide-tooth comb attachment or a diffuser when blow-drying.'
• 'When you have finished blow-drying, finish by using the cool setting on the hair dryer, as this will help to seal the cuticle and give your hair a smoother appearance.'
Caitlin Casey was a senior commerce writer for Grazia UK for three years. She has written across various publications since 2017 and covers shopping, fashion, beauty, women’s lifestyle, popular culture, as well as all things trending.
Samantha Price is a senior commercial content writer for Bauer Media, covering brands such as Closer and Grazia. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.