The 13 Best Hairstylist-Approved Affordable Hair Dryers Of 2024
Make your tresses appear shiny and gorgeous without spending hours at the salon.
Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a degree in barbering. He has also won several barbering contests and successfully operated a barbershop for the last two decades. As a skilled hair stylist for 20 years, his goal is to teach others how to achieve a beautiful appearance through their hairstyles.
Read full bio of Khamis Maiouf
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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There are many fancy hair dryers in the market, but if you are new to the world of hairstyling and want to start slow, you can invest in the best affordable hairdryers. As salons charge a bomb, having a hairdryer at home at your disposal can be quite useful. Hairstyling is something that we all love, and to get a salon-like hairstyle at home, we need a great dryer. Well-styled, frizz-free, shiny, and blow-dried hair accentuates your look. Your hair dryer should feature the right heat settings, weight, wattage, removable attachments, and a manageable cord length.
This article can help you make the right choice from among our top picks. Let’s have a look at the list!
In This Article
The 13 Best Affordable Hair Dryers That You Will Love – 2024
Caution:
Do not place the appliances near a tub or sink.
1. Best For Frizzy Hair:Conair 1875 Pro Hair Dryer
Have you ever struggled with frizz when you blow dry your hair? We’ve got the right solution for you! The Conair 1875 Pro Hair Dryer is just what you need to get smooth, shiny hair with less frizz. Its ceramic tourmaline technology ensures that the heat is uniformly spread throughout to reduce damage. One can use it for versatile styling for all types of hair. The blow dryer has three different hair settings with two different speeds to cater to all types of hair. After getting the desired results, you can finish off by giving your hair a whiff of cold air with the cool shot button feature.
Pros
- Uses ionic technology to provide shine
- Includes a concentrator for focused airflow
- Comes with an attachable sleek nozzle for styling hair
- Removable filter to make it easy to clean
Cons
- Dries hair a bit slow
Pro TipHold the hair dryer at a distance of six inches from your hair. It prevents over-drying the hair and damaging the hair cuticle.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 3,543 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
2. Best For Quick-Drying:Conair InfinitiPro Hair Styling Tool
If you want salon style performance, the Conair InfinitiPro Hair Styling Tool is your pick. It uses ionic technology for smooth, shiny looking hair and contains frizz up to 75%. The removable filter protects the device from product build up and keeps it long lasting. One of the best affordable hair dryers in the market, this device uses a professional AC motor which dries your hair 50x faster than the others. This professional hair dryer also gives you 3x longer dryer life.
Pros
- Ceramic technology for uniform heat distribution
- Comes with a diffuser attachment for textured styles
- Customizable heat flow
- 6 foot power cord
- Includes a concentrator for smooth styles
Cons
- Might be less durable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,877 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Lightweight Design:Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic Hair Dryer
Designed with ionic turbo ceramic technology, the Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic Hair Dryer leaves you enjoying salon style perfect blowouts all day and night. The ceramic technology emits far-infrared heat that protects the cuticle layer from over styling. Suitable for all hair types, this versatile but affordable hair dryer has an option of six speeds and heats. It comes with a diffuser, a concentrator nozzle, and a cold shot button to help set your styled hair last longer. Let your hair get that salon-worthy finish everyday!
Pros
- Powerful airflow to define natural waves
- Bonus attachments of diffuser and concentrator
- Soft-touch comfort grip
- Easy cleaning
- Lightweight design
- Economical
Cons
- Attachment gets loose sometimes
| Hair:Conair 1875 Pro Hair Dryer Best For Frizzy Hair | Conair InfinitiPro Hair Styling Tool Best For Quick-Drying | Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic Hair Dryer Best Lightweight Design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1875 watts | - | 1875 watts |
| Material | Tourmaline Ceramic | - | Ceramic |
| Color | Black/Chrome | - | Black/Gold |
| Dimensions | 3.63 x 9.25 x 10.27 inches | 3.5 x 10 x 8.5 inches | 6.1 x 11.1 x 9.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds | 2.2 Pounds | 0.07 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,543 | 4,877 | 727 |
| Price | $32.99 | $22.49 | $39.99 |
4. Best Non-Slip Grip:Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer
For shiny, smooth and frizz-free hair, the new and improved Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer is your go-to choice. This powerful dryer uses an advanced coating that protects your hair 3x times more than other dryers during styling. This hair dryer uses its proprietary micro-conditioning technology to keep hair healthy and shiny. The attachable diffuser and concentrator that come with it produce more volume and precision for your styling technique. It is a great gifting option for your loved ones!
Pros
- Combines ceramic + ionic + tourmaline grill
- Faster drying power with 1875 watt
- Three heat, two speed strong airflow
- Includes a cool shot button
- Removable air filter
Cons
- Might not suit very curly hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,365 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
5. Best For Moisture Balance:Andis Hair Dryer
The affordable hair dryer uses high ionic technology that breaks up water molecules to give you a quicker drying time. It has a high velocity airflow with a three air/heat setting to tame frizzy hair. The ceramic technology produces even heat and preserves the natural oils in your hair. The body material is polymer and it also has a cool shot button to lock in your hairstyle. With its perfect speed and efficient features, the Andis Hair Dryer stands out as one of the best affordable options, even including a soft-bristle attachment for smooth, frizz-free hair. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing.
Pros
- Ceramic even heat seals in moisture
- Dual voltage for worldwide travel
- Turbo boost for high speed
- Includes wide tooth comb and fine tooth comb
Cons
- Can lead to overheating
Quick TipDo not spend too much time drying one section to avoid overexposure to heat as this might lead to weaker hair with reduced elasticity.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 9,373 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
6. Best Travel-Friendly Design:Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Folding Handle Hair Dryer
As the name suggests, this unique yet efficient hair dryer has a full 1875 watts of drying power and can be great for travel. Why? Because it has a folding handle that makes it compact and perfectly storable by taking less space. It has two heat and speed settings which helps you style your hair in different ways. It also has a powerful motor for even heat distribution and quick drying.
Pros
- Dual voltage worldwide use
- Two different speed and heat levels
- Enables versatile styling
- Folding handle for easy storage
Cons
- Air might not be hot enough
"I've consistently used this as my go-to hair dryer, for its lightweight and compact design. It is very convenient for travel and does not compromise on performance. It's perfect for my fine hair and the dual voltage helps with the functionality too."
7. Best User-Friendly:Revlon Lightweight Hair Dryer
Reduce the frizz in your hair with the Revlon Lightweight Hair Dryer. It is equipped with 2 speed settings and a cool shot button to style your hair comfortably. This hair dryer provides fast hair drying with 1875 watts. The advanced ionic technology provides less frizzy, shiny, and healthy hair. In addition, the advanced professional hair dryer comes with anti-slip bumpers that give you a good grip as you style your hair.
Pros
- Hanging loop
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Long-lasting results
Cons
- None
"The Revlon dryer is so comfortable to use because of its lightweight, compact design, It is a very practical choice for busy people on the go and those who like to travel. It heats up quickly and the added cool burst feature is great for preventing hair damage. It's a solid tool for everyday use."
8. Best Durability:Nition Ceramic Salon Hair Dryer
For a hair dryer that impresses with its high performance, the Nition Ceramic Salon Hair Dryer runs on a durable AC motor that produces a strong airflow to dry your hair. It reduces static frizz to make the hair soft. It’s designed to feature a double protection circuit that prevents overheating and over current waves. It also comes with three attachments and three heat settings. The styling salon dryer has two wind seed settings and one cool shot button to retain styled hair for a longer time. It has a 7.5 feet long power cord with a hanging loop for easy and convenient hair drying.
Pros
- Ceramic coated grill fused with argan oil, nano silver, and tourmaline
- Hot hair emitted with these elements leaves hair silky, shiny, and frizz-free
- Includes 3 accessories— diffuser, comb, concentrator
- Removable air inlet grill for easy cleaning
Cons
- Product is not lightweight
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,755 reviews claiming its efficacy.
9. Best Ergonomic Design:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Travel Compact Dryer
Compact, travel-friendly, and powerful, the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Travel Compact Dryer is lightweight and suitable for all hair types. Thick or thin hair, curly, straight or wavy hair, fine or coarse hair, all you need is to get your hands on this affordable hair dryer and rock out in style. Its ionic technology protects hair from heat damage. It functions on 1000 watt power, has dual voltage and two heat and speed settings. Get shiny, frizz-free and healthy-looking hair with this hair dryer. If you want to find out more about this compact product that comes at a low cost and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Pros
- Ionic technology to dry hair fast with less frizz
- Includes removable filter and stand
- Ultra-lightweight
- Foldable handle for easy storage
Cons
- Does not come with accessories
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,786 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
10. Best Customizable Heat Settings: RUSK Engineering W8less Professional 2000 Watts Dryer
The RUSK Engineering W8less Professional Dryer is the New York Times’ top pick among professional-grade dryers, outperforming other pro dryers three times its price. It features ceramic and tourmaline-infused grills and adjustable speed settings that impart superfast drying. It repairs hair scales, provides deep nourishment to your hair, and adds shine. It has customizable and adjustable heat settings which make it a suitable dryer for even the finest hair types and has an in-built ionic generator that ensures you have frizz-free, salon-style blowouts at home.
Pros
- Lightweight and noiseless
- 7 speed and several heat settings
- Detachable concentrator nozzle
- 9 feet long cord
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Not durable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 3,792 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
11. Best Plasma Ionic Technology:Yiiho Ionic Hair Dryer
The Yiiho Ionic Hair Dryer is powered with plasma hair care technology that generates positive and negative ions to tackle frizz and static. The plasma generator also prevents heat damage and maintains the moisture balance in your hair and leaves it looking healthy and shiny. It has a powerful 1800W motor for increased airflow speed, ensuring a quick-drying performance. It features three smart-heating functions for regulated temperatures so that you enjoy a uniform drying experience that keeps your hair damage-free. Moreover, its sleek, compact, and unusual design is not only aesthetic but also travel-friendly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Eliminates frizz
- Cool heating temperature to set the style
- Detachable styling nozzle
- Detachable diffuser
- Multi-airflow structure
- Portable and compact
- Fast-drying performance
Cons
- Noisy operation
12. Best For Cuticle Protection:John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Dryer
A lightweight and affordable hair dryer for easy hair drying, the John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Dryer is perfect to take with you while traveling without adding a lot of weight to your luggage. It comes with a diffuser that can dry naturally curly hair and waves while also reducing frizz. This wallet-friendly hot tool features a professional rocker switch that helps you customize your styling experience. Made with a high voltage advanced ionic generator, this budget hair dryer is easy on your hair and locks in your style with the cold shot. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.
Pros
- Attain frizz-free hair with the ionic technology
- Titanium ceramic coated grill for even heat distribution
- Custom styling with customizable heat
- Cold shot to retain your hairstyle
- Lightweight AC motor
Cons
- Not suitable for long time use
- Might get hot during use
13. Best For Curly Hair:Panasonic Low Noise Ionity Hair Dryer
How many times have you wondered if you wanted to use your hair dryer when someone is sleeping in the same room as you because of all the noise it makes? Well, you will not have to worry about that with the Panasonic Low Noise Ionity Hair Dryer. It is one of the best quiet hair dryers that dries hair quickly, making it the quietest model of hair dryer. Not just silent and lightweight, but it’s also easy to use while blow drying with a hair brush.
Pros
- Low noise level
- Ionic technology for silky hair
- Helps retain hair moisture
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Made especially for Japanese market
- Requires an adaptor or power transformer to use in other countries
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Budget Hair Dryer?
What Is The Best Inexpensive Hair Dryer?
To choose one of the best inexpensive hair dryers, the thing to keep in mind is that it has to be feature-led. The right wattage, weight, accessories, and coating will make a hair dryer suitable for any hair and the best to enable professional salon styling. Over the years, hair dryers have evolved drastically and now it is possible to get a good feature-filled hair dryer for a cheaper price. However, if you’re in the market for a more premium experience, you might consider investing in an expensive dryer with more advanced features and designs for a salon-quality result.
How Long Should A Hair Dryer Last?
Typically, according to hairstyle experts, a good quality hair dryer should last for about two to seven years. But this solely depends on you and how much you use it. If you use a hair dryer every day, it should last for close to two years but lower the frequency of use, the shelf life of your hair dryer will increase. It also depends on how well you take care of it.
What Are The Key Features To Consider While Buying A Hair Dryer?
To ensure that your hair sustains minimum damage, you must choose the ones that don’t skimp on their performance but have protective features that help your hair. Depending on the type of hair you have, here are some of the features to look out for when you’re choosing your hair dryer:
- Wattage: Ideally a hair dryer between 1000 to 1875W uses the right power to quickly dry your hair but at the same time does not damage it.
- Setting: One of the best features to have, the cold shot button secures your hairstyle and makes it long-lasting. It is that button on your hair dryer that has a snowflake icon on it.
- Ionic Technology: This feature is new in hair dryers. It is known to break down water molecules and smoothen out your hair. It also reduces heat damage to a large extent and also dries hair faster.
- Attachments: Several affordable hair dryers now come with attachments like a comb, concentrator, or a diffuser. If you have curly hair, look out for a diffuser because it keeps your curls defined and in shape, preserving your natural curl pattern. If you have sleek or straight hair, opt for a concentrator that helps keep the frizz away and give you silky smooth hair.
- Weight: Another factor to consider when choosing your hair dryer is the weight of the dryer. Most people do not think about the weight of the dryer but it is important to choose a lightweight hair dryer that is easy to maneuver and convenient for travel and storage.
- Coating: Not all hair dryers have the same coating. The grills that are coated with ceramic or ionic technology have different effects on your hair. Hair dryers with ceramic grills regulate the air temperatures to prevent high-intensity heat from damaging thin hair while ionic hair dryers produce negatively charged ions to break down positively charged water molecules that help tame frizzy hair. Ionic technology is slightly more expensive but it’s a great solution for frizzy hair.
Infographic: Quick Tips For Proper Hair Dryer Maintenance
Not taking proper care of your hair dryer may reduce its efficiency, which, in turn, may affect the hairstyle. Therefore, you need to know how to properly clean, use, and store a hair dryer to ensure it stays as effective as new for a long time and does not interrupt your hair styling sessions. Check out the infographic below for some common hair dryer maintenance tips.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Salon-like hairstyle is what we all desire. However, it takes so much effort to get such a hairstyle. A hair dryer is a must to style your hair in different ways. However, not all hair dryers are ideal for styling. Besides drying your hair, your dryer must also eliminate frizz and accentuate your hair look. Additionally, having different heat settings allows you to style your hair comfortably and enhance your hair texture and the health of your hair shaft.
The Conair 1875 Pro Hair Dryer is the best pick for a powerful and affordable hair dryer. The ionic generator of the Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic Hair Dryer keeps the hair free of frizz and static, while the Nition Ceramic Salon Hair Dryer has a ceramic heating element that prevents hair damage. You might look for dryers that come with additional accessories like a concentrator or a diffuser. However, if you like to travel across the globe, avoid dryers that do not have dual voltage and need adapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cheap Hair Dryers Good?
Hair dryers have come a long way since the time they started. Many budget-friendly air dryers offer great features and technology to style your hair as you desire.
Is Ionic Or Ceramic Hair Dryer Better?
Hair dryers with ceramic grills regulate the temperatures to prevent heat damage while ionic hair dryers break down water molecules to help tame frizzy hair.
Why Is My Hair Dryer Getting Hot?
If your hair dryer is getting too hot too fast, it is an indicator that it needs replacement. The average shelf life of a hair dryer is between 2-7 years depending on your usage.
How To Not Burn Your Hair?
Good quality hair dryers will prevent your hair from burning. Always choose hair dryers according to your hair type and apply a heat protectant in case of excessively damaged hair.
Is A 2000 Watt Hair Dryer Good?
According to experts, the heat range for good hair dryers is between 1000-1800 watts. Anything above that is unnecessary for the hair and may cause too much damage.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Author Srijani Roy Chowdhury is a hair and beauty enthusiast who takes a keen interest in the latest hair care and styling products. She believes that salon-style hair can be achieved at home when the right hair dryer is used. So, she compiled a list of the top products after a thorough and detailed review of all products available on the market. This buying guide will guide you to choose a hairdryer that will smooth out frizz-prone hair so you can look your best.
Read full bio of Khamis Maiouf
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