Our testers especially liked how lightweight this hair dryer is, although the shape can be a little bulky. (It’s not our top pick for travel.) It has six heat and speed settings, as well as a diffuser and smoothing attachments.
Why it’s worth it: The Dyson Supersonic r isn’t just another blow-dryer—it’s the most forward-thinking one Dyson has ever made. The petite, ultra-light body and curved “r” shape aren’t just for looks; they’re engineered for better ergonomics, easier maneuvering, and styling that feels almost effortless. Inside, Dyson’s intelligent heat-sensing tech constantly monitors airflow temperature to prevent dullness and breakage. It’s also the fastest dryer in the lineup, powered by the Hyperdymium motor that pushes out a precise, high-pressure airflow for a quicker, smoother finish. And because it releases negatively charged ions, your hair stays polished, shiny, and frizz-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a blow-dryer the best tool for styling hair?
A blow-dryer is one of the ultimate styling tools, thanks to its incredible versatility. Use it to tousle-dry for effortless texture, pair it with a round brush for a bouncy, salon-worthy blowout, or take advantage of multiple attachments to tailor your look to your mood—whether sleek and polished or soft and voluminous. But before you purchase a new hair dryer, Abergel recommends selecting a device that explicitly serves your hair type, like an ionic dryer for curly hair. (One of our fave picks, as evidenced above, is the InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer.) “If you have finer hair that needs more volume, use a traditional blow-dryer, not ionic,” Abergel adds. Unsure which to use or stuck sharing a dryer with a roommate or partner? Here’s the good news: Some options feature nonionic and ionic technology, so you can swiftly toggle between the two.
How do hair dryer attachments work?
When shopping for a new dryer, keep an eye out for attachments that can get you an even better blowout. Abergel noted that, for example, using a concentrator nozzle that precisely hits hard-to-reach areas is key to achieving salon-level results. “It concentrates the air and aids in directing the airflow exactly where you want it to go,” he says. This concentrated airflow also helps the cuticle of the hair lie flat, for more shine and less frizz, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kiki Heitkotter. Finish with a cold shot of air for extra shine, too.
How can I minimize heat damage?
Look for tools that feature multiple temperature settings because high heat isn’t always necessary—especially for fine hair types. If you have the time, low heat is best for preventing damage, and don’t forget to prep with a heat protectant. You might already be using one, though, as many leave-in products include protective ingredients. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King said to look for heat-protecting products with ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer. Aloe and argan oil help, too, sealing the hair cuticle for extra defense.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best hair dryers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different hair concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want shinier hair), and whether one product was tested across multiple hair types (i.e., straight, wavy, and curly hair). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser hair dryer worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.