11 Best Hairstylist-Approved Affordable Hair Dryers Under $50 (2024)
Invest in the hairdryer of your dreams without burning a big hole in your pocket.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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.
Read full bio of Swathi E
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Hairstyles are super important and can either accentuate or utterly destroy your look. But why would you spend money at beauty salons when you can get the best hair dryer under 50 dollars to give you bouncy and frizz-free voluminous hair at home? That’s right! After a good hair wash, use the hairdryer to dry your hair and the right beauty products to tame all the frizzies and flyaways. You can also try out different techniques and style your hair with ease by yourself. Blown-out hair, even by itself, looks fantastic and lively and there are numerous tutorials online to help you perfect the blow-drying techniques.
So that you can achieve all your hairstyling goals without burning a hole in your pocket, or wasting time commuting to and fro a hair salon, we have got you a list of the best hair dryers under 50 dollars. We have also mentioned the most important features of each so that you can make the best choice for your needs. So, read on!
In This Article
11 Best Budget-Friendly Hair Dryers
1. Best Overall: Revlon 1875W Compact And Lightweight Hair Dryer
If you are a frequent traveler, moving around with a bulky hairdryer can be quite inconvenient. But this sleek and compact blow dryer by Revlon makes for a perfect travel-friendly hair styling tool. It has 2 heat and speed settings, which allow you to control airflow depending on your hair type. This lightweight air dryer also enables you to style your hair and set it, thanks to its cool shot setting. This styling tool features anti-slip bumpers to prevent your hand from slipping, a hanging ring for easy storage, and a removable end cap for cleaning and maintenance. Click this video to learn more about the product from the reviewer’s experience of testing it.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Features cool shot button to style your hair
- Available in 3 colors
- Easy to use and store
Cons
- It is not dual voltage
- Tends to overheat quickly
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 7,911 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Heat Protection: Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer
A perfect combination of ceramic, ionic and tourmaline technologies, this Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer dries your hair faster, reduces frizz, and distributes heat evenly, without damaging your hair. It features Advanced Coating Technology that offers three times more heat protection when styling your hair, while the built-in micro conditioners lend you softer and healthier hair. What’s more? It includes diffuser and concentrator attachments for precision and easy styling. With 3 heat and 2 speed settings, it helps you dry your hair at your preferred temperature. Plus, the cold shot button allows you to lock the style. Learn more about the product in this video, as it is tested for its features.
Pros
- Features Proprietary Micro Conditioner Technology that softens hair
- The 1875-watt power dries hair faster
- Cuts down frizz
- Diffuser attachment helps define curls
- Includes a removable air filter for easy cleaning
Cons
- The diffuser may not attach properly
- May not be suitable for super curly hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,365 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best Anti-Frizz: KISS 1875W Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer
If it seems like your hair takes forever to dry, this hair dryer by KISS will save you a lot of time. It features 3 heat and 2 speed settings and an 1875 W power setting that dries your hair instantly. It makes your hair soft, bouncy, and frizz-free, thanks to the advanced ionic system that preserves moisture and hydrates your hair while also eliminating static and reducing frizz. The Ceramic Tourmaline technology evenly distributes heat ensuring damage prevention and imparting a glossy finish to your hair. With the addition of 3 attachments and 4 hair clips, it gets easier to style any hair type. This tester’s experience video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Durable
- Anti-frizz technology
- 3 attachments and 4 hair clips
- Hanging loop for storage
- Ergonomic design
- Ideal for both men and women
Cons
- Bad placement of power button
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,303 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
4. Best For All Hair Types: Conair 1875-Watt Mid-Size Hair Dryer
A hair dryer that is lightweight, powerful, and classic, what’s not to love? Conair 1875-Watt Mid-Size Hair Dryer is both convenient and easy on your hair. Thanks to its 1875W powered motor, this hair dryer dries your hair in no time. This all-white beauty tool features an ergonomic handle that provides better grip, while the 2 heat and speed settings helps you control the air flow depending on your hair type and the hairstyle you prefer. It also includes a cool shot feature that helps close your hair shaft without damaging the cuticles, while locking your hairstyle in place.
Pros
- Heat and speed settings allows you to control the flow of air
- Includes hang ring for easy storage
- Cuts down your hair drying time in half
- Lightweight and compact
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Heats up quickly
- May not be suitable for long hair
"This hair dryer is lightweight and easy to use. It features two heat and speed settings, which allows me to customize its functions according to my hair needs. I like its ergonomic handle that I can grip easily. The device dries my hair quickly, and I have not noticed any hair fall after using it."
Pro Tip5. Best Durable: JINRI 1875W Professional Salon Grade Hair Dryer
One of the best hair dryers in the market, JINRI 1875W Professional Salon Grade Hair Dryer is efficient, durable and easy on the wallet. It has all the features that you need to get a smooth and beautifully blown out hair – 3 temperature settings, 2 speed settings, a cool shot button, and 2 functional concentrator attachments (one for precision styling and the other to define your natural curls). It features an advanced technology ionic function, which means the blow dryer produces negative ions that locks in moisture and protect your scalp from heat damage, while also eliminating frizz and lending your smooth and silky hair. It uses 1875 watts of power, which helps dry your hair in an instant, while the quiet operation allows you to use it in most spaces without causing disturbances.
Pros
- Multifunctional and adjustable heat, speed and cool shot settings
- Reduces hair drying time and produces low noise
- Negative ions function reduces frizz and helps preserve moisture
- Includes anti-leakage plug and long cable
- Includes concentrator and diffuser attachments, and a removable filter
Cons
- Bulky
- May not be suitable for thick hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,181 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best Portable: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
The famous proverb, ‘Good things come in small packages,’ holds true for this Nano Titanium Travel Dryer by BaBylissPRO. This top-rated dryer is compact and lightweight but powerful enough to blow dry all hair types, including thick and coarse hair. Not only does this travel hair dryer dry your damp hair, but its nano titanium and ionic technology reduces static frizz and protects hair from damage. Its dual voltage and folding handle features make it convenient to carry while traveling.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Nano titanium and ionic technology
- Dual voltage
- Features 2 heat/speed settings
- Includes removable filter and stand
Cons
- May take longer to dry hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,786 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best For UV Protection: NITION Negative Ions Ceramic Hair Dryer
Say goodbye to dry and frizzy hair with the help of this sleek and compact hair dryer by NITION. Its ceramic-coated outlet grill is infused with a formula consisting of nano silver, argan oil, and tourmaline, which work together to smoothen frizzy hair, repair damaged hair follicles, and protect against UV radiation, leaving you with hair that is soft and shiny. This styler is equipped with far-infrared technology that penetrates your hair strands for quick styling and delivers uniform heat to reduce damage. It features easy-to-control temperature and airspeed settings and comes with 3 attachments that make your hair styling experience more convenient.
Pros
- Comes with removable diffuser, comb, and concentrator attachments
- Imbued with nano silver, argan oil, and tourmaline
- 3 heat and 2 speed settings
- Low noise
- Includes a hanging loop for a secure storage solution
- Anti-leakage plug
Cons
- The attachments may not click in instantly
- Tends to overheat when used at the highest setting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,755 rave reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Lightweight: Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer
The Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer is a professional-grade hair dryer designed to provide an efficient and effective hair-drying experience with minimal damage to the hair. This hair dryer comes with an ionic generator that builds a protective layer on hair to prevent damage and add shine. The diffuser enhances natural curls and waves, making it perfect for people with curly or wavy hair. It features three heat settings and two-speed settings, making it versatile for all hair types and styles. The cool shot button allows you to set your style in place while reducing the risk of heat damage. The dryer also comes with a powerful motor that delivers strong airflow, allowing you to dry your hair quickly without exposing it to excessive heat.
Pros
- Multifunctional and adjustable speed, heat, and cool shot settings
- Reduces hair drying time and produces low noise
- Negative ions function reduces frizz and helps preserve moisture
- Lightweight
Cons
- No hanging ring
- Heats up quickly
9. Best Ergonomic Design: InStyler Turbo Ionic Dryer
The InStyler Turbo Ionic Dryer is a professional-grade, advanced technology hair dryer that is designed to give you fast and efficient drying results with minimal damage to your hair. This innovative hair dryer utilizes turbo ionic technology that dries hair up to 2X faster and retains moisture while reducing frizz and enhancing shine. It comes with a powerful motor that provides fast and consistent airflow, allowing you to dry your hair quickly without exposing it to excessive heat. This efficient hair dryer features two heat settings and custom airflow options making it versatile for all hair types and styles. The cool shot button provides an instant blast of cool air to set your style in place and reduce the risk of heat damage.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Long, tangle-free power cord
- Precision styling control
- Customizable heat settings
- Removable airflow concentrator
- Fast-drying
Cons
- None
"This hair dryer is my go-to when I am in a hurry. It dries my hair within seconds. It retains my hair’s natural oils and leaves my tresses looking nourished. The device also tames my frizzy strands nicely. I like that it is lightweight and never makes loud noises."
10. Best Non-Slip Grip: ROSILY Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
The ROSILY Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer comes with a powerful 2200W motor that delivers fast and consistent airflow, allowing you to dry your hair quickly without exposing it to excessive heat. It features three heat settings and two-speed settings, making it versatile for all hair types and styles. The cool shot button provides an instant blast of cool air to reduce the risk of heat damage. The ionic technology in this professional-grade hair dryer seals the cuticle and locks in moisture for amazing frizz control of up to 75%! It eliminates static and makes hair look shinier and generally healthier. This hair dryer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality hair styling tool that delivers efficient and effective drying results while minimizing damage to the hair.
Pros
- Comes with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment
- Non-slip handle
- 8.7 ft long cord
- Sleek and lightweight
- Adjustable heat and speed settings
- Negative ions help condition and soften hair
- Dries hair faster
Cons
- May take longer to dry hair
11. Best Fast-Drying: Hot Tools Professional Royal Velvet Hair Dryer
An excellent combination of luxury and practicality, this hair dryer cuts down your hair drying time drastically. It features direction technology that helps reduce overheating and prevents damage and eliminates frizz and lends you glossy and lustrous mane. This lightweight hair dryer comes with 6 heat and 2 speed settings that allow you to control the temperature and airflow based on your hair type and texture. It also includes a concentrator attachment and a styling pik to enhance your hairstyle further.
Pros
- Direct ion technology
- Reduces damage and frizz
- Variety of speed settings
- Includes concentrator and styling pik attachments
- Includes a cool shot feature to set your hairstyle
- The rubber-coated body ensures a comfortable grip
Cons
- Tends to make a lot of noise
- The handle may overheat fast
"This hairdryer functions nicely and leaves my hair looking fuller and healthy. It has multiple heat and speed settings, which I can customize to suit my hair type. I like that it has a cool shot feature as it helps me set my hairstyle. The device is lightweight and easy to operate."
If you are looking for a professional blowout without emptying your pockets by visiting the salon, we have good news for you. You can choose a highly affordable hair dryer under $50 to help you achieve the perfect blowout. The best inexpensive blow dryer can turn out to be as good as the professional one. It can be quite the lifesaver for your hair and wallet, as long as you find one with the right features. So, read on to know what factors to consider while choosing the best budget-friendly hair dryers under $50.
What To Look For In The Best Budget-Friendly Hair Dryers
Wattage
Usually, hair stylists recommend a wattage of 1500 to 1800. This
will keep your styling time down and eliminate breakage and heat damage.
Consider your hair type when choosing the wattage; thin hair requires a lower
wattage than curly and thick hair which. High-wattage dryers do not burn out
quickly and provide long-lasting results.
Heat And Speed Settings
Your budget-friendly hair dryer should feature adjustable heat and speed settings for faster dry time. This allows you to choose the degree of heat as per your hairstyle and type. As with the wattage, lower or medium heat settings will be less damaging to the hair. For fine hair that dries easily this is an important feature. Look for a cold button as cool air seals the cuticle and boosts shine.
Accessories
For versatility in your blowout, choose a hair dryer with attachments. Alicia Igess Jones, a hairstylist, says, “The dryers with the attachments would be best for textured hair.”
A concentrator nozzle focuses the airflow coming out of the hair dryer to offer
more targeted drying. The concentrator makes it possible to dry specific
sections at a time which is key for de-frizzing and straightening. A diffuser
works by spreading the airstream over a wider area but in a more controlled
way to reduce dry time. This helps to set the curls in a scrunched position to hold the shape longer. Also, look for long cord lengths as shorter cords can make it difficult to maneuver the dryer.
Additional Features
Hair dryers come in different types – iconic, ceramic, and titanium. For hair that is frizzy and difficult to dry, choose the iconic dryer. These professional-grade dryers work best for closing the cuticle and removing moisture from the hair to make the finish more polished compared to traditional dryers. Dry hair benefits from ceramic or porcelain dryers as the heat is less harsh and more consistent in temperature. If the ceramic-coated outlet grill is infused with nano silver, argan oil, and tourmaline, the dryer helps repair damaged hair, protects it against UV radiation, and enhances the hair texture. Choose a lightweight, ergonomic model so you do not tire your arms. If you travel frequently, a compact design is ideal.
Infographic: Essential Safety Tips When Using Hair Dryers
When it comes to using hair dryers, safety should always be a top priority. Using them recklessly can cause burns on your skin, damage your hair strands, and even cause the dryer to malfunction. Check out the infographic below to learn how you can use this device the right way and get salon-like blowouts on your own!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
With the help of these affordable dryers, get gorgeous and salon-quality hair at the comfort of your home. And when you can get one at a budget-friendly price, it just seals the deal. Aside from the price, it is important to consider a lot of other factors such as attachments, weight, wattage, airflow, multiple heat settings, and cord length, when it comes to picking the right one. The Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer has an advanced protection mechanism that shields the hair from heat damage. The Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer has a revolutionary ion technology for ultra-fast drying and frizz-free hair, while the ROSILY Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer has a premium ceramic build and ionic features to ensure salon-quality smoothness and shine. We have put together a list of 11 best hair dryers under $50 that not only dries your hair but also gives enviable blown-out tresses! Which of these dryers can’t you wait to try out? Do let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use a hair dryer daily?
No. A hair dryer may damage the hair if you heat style your hair daily.
Is a cold hair dryer good for your hair?
Yes. Although it takes longer to dry your hair with a cold dryer, it is a healthier option for the hair.
Is dryer harmful for the hair?
Yes. Regular use of dryers on high temperature settings may damage your hair and scalp health.
Can a hair dryer straighten the hair?
Yes, a hair dryer can help straighten damp hair. Section your hair into smaller bits, comb through and follow the direction of the comb with your dryer while distributing the heat equally.
Which is better: AC or DC hair dryer?
AC hair dryers offer quicker drying results and have longer durability than DC dryers. But they are also more expensive than DC dryers.
How many watts is a good hair dryer?
1800 to 1850 watts of power is good for quick drying results.
How long do hair dryers last?
A good-quality hair dryer motor may last up to 1000 hours, anywhere between 3-8 years, depending on how often you style your hair.
How can I protect my hair from my hair dryer?
Using a heat protectant spray can help you to create a barrier between your hair cuticles and heat. You can also towel-dry your hair to a good extent before blow-drying it so that there’s less exposure to heat. You can use cool settings at the end to prevent the heat from lingering in your hair strands longer.
Can we use a hair dryer daily?
No, it’s best not to use a hair dryer daily. Using a blow dryer every day can ruin the hair by stripping the natural oils of the hair, drying out the cuticle, and causing breakage and frizz.
How many watts is a good hair dryer?
For personal use, invest in a hair dryer that has around 1800 to 1875 wattage.
Does an affordable hair dryer provide as good results as an expensive hair dryer?
High-end hair dryers come with good heat control and fast drying power. Products that are comparatively less expensive can work slower and are likely to cause more heat damage.
How long does a hair dryer last?
The average life span of a hair dryer is around 800 hours. The more frequently you blow dry your hair, the sooner you will have to replace it.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a hair care enthusiast and has a good knowledge of essential products to keep your hair frizz-free and healthy. She extensively studied numerous affordable hairdryer options available on the market and browsed hundreds of reviews on trusted online platforms to compile this list of best hair dryers under $50. These easy-to-use and durable products are ideal for taming flyaways and styling your hair in the way you like.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
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