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10 Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair of 2025
If you have coils, ringlets, or curls, you know that correctly drying your hair can have a major impact on how it looks until the next wash day. Want defined and bouncy curls that last? Look no further than the best hair dryers for curly hair, which are on a mission to make sure every day is a good hair day for you.
“Curly hair has a totally different process of maintenance than other textures, which require a different set of tools,” says curl expert Nai’Vasha, who’s styled the likes of Simone Biles, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Serena Williams. The main thing to look for in a hair dryer for curly hair is a range of heat and airflow settings: Curls do best when you dry them gently on low heat. Textured hair is no longer something that needs to be tamed — it’s something to be celebrated. This means that the best curly hair products and hair styling tools for coily, curly, and wavy hair types are on the rise, so it’s easier than ever to craft a routine that keeps your tresses looking flawless.
It’s equally important to start prepping curly hair even before a hair dryer comes into contact with it: by sudsing up with a shampoo for curly hair, followed by a conditioner for curly hair, and never, ever using a regular hairbrush (specifically designed brushes for curly hair are a must).
“People with curly hair are often scared of a hair dryer, especially when they’re trying to embrace their natural texture,” explains Nylza Yepez, hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio. But you don’t have to be: The best modern hair dryers enhance your pattern instead of flattening it. And the wide range of the best curly hair mousses, creams, gels, and other styling products will ensure your curls stay. Plus, if your hair falls a little flat, there’s always a curling iron or hot tool to kickstart the curl back into action.
To curate this list of the best hair dryers for curly hair in 2025, our editors conducted extensive testing on over 25 top-rated tools — evaluating the devices on types 2A to 4C hair — and gleaned crucial insights from experts. Below, all you need to pamper your curls in the way they deserve this year.
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L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro Hair Dryer
Beloved by our editors and managing to clinch a spot on WWD’s Greatest Hair Products of All Time list for 2025, this recent addition to the L’Oréal Professionnel will be an absolute gamechanger in your curly hair upkeep. There’s really no wonder the tool has already been used on the likes of Sabrina Carpenter: It’s powered by infrared light technology that cuts back on drying time and spares your curls from drying-related damage. The included diffuser attachment here snaps on magnetically and allows you to toggle between the temperatures of 120, 160, and 195 degrees Fahrenheit at ease. The dryer’s digital screen allows you to keep track of airflow and temperature, while the compatible AirLight Pro allows for even more customization based on your hair type and needs. Need to seal in all your newfound curl definition and bounce? There’s a cold shot feature for that.
Editor testing and review notes: “The results I witnessed after testing L’Oréal Professionnel’s AirLight Pro Hair Dryer were everything I wanted and more: My curls were as big, defined, and hydrated as I’ve ever seen them, and I didn’t look like a fuzzy dandelion (which is usually what happens when I air-dry my hair and then brush it out). I also tried out the AirLight Pro’s infrared light feature — which is activated by using it sans attachments and aiming its bright blue light directly on your mane. The tool’s infrared light is meant to replicate natural evaporation processes and thereby shorten drying time, which I can verify did, indeed, happen. Another perk is the AirLight Pro app, which lets you choose between basic modes for sleek, curly, and coily hair or pro modes for hair that’s colored, bleached, thinning, thick, and beyond, not to mention adjust heat and wind levels in a more incremental way than what can be done manually. The bottom line? This is a hair dryer that I plan on using in perpetuity.” — Senior Commerce Writer Stacia Datskovska
Price upon publish date of this article: $475
Dyson Airwrap Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long Diffuse
When Dyson dropped a curly hair-friendly Airwrap Diffuse that’s complete with attachments for type 2A to 4C curls, everyone collectively (and rightfully) lost their minds. This splurge-worthy tool comes with even more fixings than the original, TikTok-famous Dyson Airwrap, and the dryer’s special Coanda airflow technology prevents heat damage without sacrificing the styling result. The Airwrap Diffuse now features a wide-tooth comb, a new diffuser, and a round volumizing brush for good measure — here to lengthen your curls, reduce their overall frizz, and boost your mane’s fullness, respectively.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned a Dyson Airwrap for three years, so I can confidently attest to this tool’s ability to prevent damage and breakage while expertly styling my hair. The caveat? The original tool lacked attachments specific to curls. But now this is a nonissue with the Dyson Airwrap Diffuse, which boasts a full suite of attachments for stretching, defining, and enhancing my curls. Yes, it’s an investment, but one that will take the place of your other hair dryers and styling tools — leaving your hair healthier in the long run.” — Contributing Beauty Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $620
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex Professional Hair Dryer System
Shark Beauty is known for genius, budget-friendly hair tools like the FlexStyle multi-styler, and the recently launched SpeedStyle Pro Flex (an upgrade of the brand’s SpeedStyle model) is hands-down the brand’s best hair dryer for curly hair. This tool is impossibly small and lightweight for its drying power; even thick hair types can expect quick, efficient drying with the device. The included attachments in this configuration of the SpeedStyle are crafted with curly hair in mind, giving you the option to define curls, stretch coils, and smooth unwanted frizz. A bonus? The gadget flaunts the Frizzfighter Finishing Tool for keeping flyaways and frizz at bay. We see no flaws.
Editor testing and review notes: “I love how petite and powerful this hair dryer is — it has the portability of a travel hair dryer with the bells and whistles of a luxury tool. Unlike other multi-stylers, the SpeedStyle’s attachments take mere seconds to figure out, thanks to their intuitive design and the dryer’s settings that automatically adjust based on the attachment you click into place. The diffuser attachment is a standout due to its roomy bowl and adjustable prongs, which allow me to dry the lengths of my hair or add volume to my roots.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $249.99
Pattern The Blow Dryer
Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair care line, Pattern, released its first hot tool in January 2023 after two full years of development, and no detail was overlooked in the process. Each of the four included attachments in Pattern’s Hair Blow Dryer were created with curls in mind. The bowl diffuser features aluminum plates that heat up to expedite your dry time, and the comb attachment helps detangle without flattening out your ringlets. If you’re looking to stretch or smooth your curls, this high-achieving dryer can do that as well as the best hair dryer brushes out there.
Editor testing and review notes: “A multi-styling hair dryer is only handy if the attachments work with your hair texture — any for those with curly hair, that can be tricky to find. While testing Pattern’s hair dryer, I found myself using each of the included attachments on my curly hair, whether it’s the wide-tooth comb that detangles while drying or the brush that stretches out curls. Yes, the attachments are genius, but the hair dryer itself is, too. The heat and airflow settings cater to curly hair — I love that I have the option to use low, gentle heat for drying my locks without blasting them through the roof.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Laifen Swift Hair Dryer
Looking to shave minutes off of your styling time? Laifen’s Swift Hair Dryer is an ultra powerful, petite hair dryer that does its work quickly. This best hair dryer for curly hair beat out most of the others we tested based on its airflow strength, which disperses both hot and cool air for drying and setting your curls. While it’s available in multiple configurations, we recommend this set for its inclusion of a diffuser attachment and two concentrators. Despite its serious power, the tool is impressively lightweight.
Editor testing and review notes: “I tend to dread drying my long hair because many tools can feel heavy after a while, but this one is super small, lightweight, and makes the entire experience feel less bulky and burdensome. This also may be the most quiet hair dryer I’ve ever used. My only complaint is that the heat settings are only displayed via colorful LED lights on the back of the hair dryer, so it takes a few uses to get accustomed to what color corresponds with your preferred setting.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99
Remington ProLuxe HydraCare Dryer
This Remington bestseller has a special sensor to prevent heat damage while you’re drying, which is a rare feature to have for a hair tool that’s so budget-friendly. It comes with three attachments, including two concentrators and a diffuser with short prongs, so you can amp up your curls or smooth them out. For under $100, this is the definition of an affordable hair dryer: one that also comes equipped with Remington’s Moisture Lock Conditioning Technology, which releases micro-conditioners onto your locks for added hydration.
Editor testing and review notes: “This compact choice is a nice hair dryer for those who can’t be bothered to fuss with a trillion settings and attachments. I found myself using the diffuser and narrow concentrator attachment equally, and both made quick work of delivering the results I was after. The diffuser’s deep bowl and short prongs are particularly handy for drying the lengths of my hair.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $82.52
T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer
T3 tools are known for delivering a luxury feel and amazing results — all without an eye-watering price tag. The Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair due to its diffuser, comb, and concentrator attachments that enhance types 2A to 4C hair, as well as its accommodating selection of heat and airflow settings. Those settings adjust automatically to your hair texture, taking the guesswork out of daily styling.
Editor testing and review notes: “Once you get used to the range of settings, special features, and styling options this hair dryer delivers, you’ll be blown away (literally!) by the results. The smoothing comb attachment was a favorite of mine during testing — it’s a dream for those who deal with tangles after wash day, as it glides right through knots to separate curls without flattening them. Just note that the hair dryer is made with a slick material, so it may slide in your hand if you’re working with hair oils or emollient leave-in conditioners.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99
Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer
This sleek, tiny hair dryer packs a big punch, as it’s well-loved by hairstylists for its high-caliber drying power. Yes, the tool’s price tag is not a walk in the park, but it has all the perks your curly hair desires (like the Oxy Active Technology for greater shine, a mighty motor speed, and a 30-percent faster drying time than its counterparts, according to Ga.Ma Italy). The dryer even has an auto-clean setting to keep the filter free of dust and debris, plus a memory function that keeps track of your most-used speed and heat preferences. The best part? This hair dryer for curly hair clocks in at just over 10 ounces, making it one of the daintiest (and most results-oriented) parts of your hair routine.
Editor testing and review notes: “Tired arms, begone — this Ga.Ma hair dryer has the weight of a hair brush or flat iron in the hand. While that’s a selling point for anyone, it’s particularly helpful when you need to devote 30 minutes or more to taking your hair from sopping wet to bouncy and styled. The auto-cleaning function keeps it humming like new, so you can count on the purchase to outlast similar options. I’ve owned the tool for two years, and it still feels as powerful and efficient as the day I first took it out of the box.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $299.95
Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer
Many dryers aren’t efficient on the lowest heat setting, but this “Amazon’s Choice” Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer works extra well on low heat, which is great for maintaining your natural curl pattern. The diffuser attachment is sold separately but worth the purchase for its versatile, medium prong length that accommodates short to long hair. As for the dryer itself? Its ionic technology grants covetable shine by sealing the cuticle, meaning you’re bound to witness an uptick in how healthy your hair looks after saying “yes” to this Drybar favorite.
Editor testing and review notes: “Patience is a requirement when you’re diffusing curly hair, as airflow that’s too strong can blast curls out of their natural pattern and high heat risks damage. Drybar’s Buttercup Hair Dryer is a go-to for me because of its low heat and airflow settings that maintain my curl pattern without taking ages to dry my hair. I get a good amount of shine when I use the dryer, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Elchim 8th Sense Run Hair Dryer
Hairstylist Nylza Yepez swears by this luxury pick from Elchim, using it both at home and on the road. The ionic and ceramic features work together to prevent your hair from burning, and the airflow dries your strands from the inside out to boost overall shine. The diffuser is sold separately, so it’s pricey altogether, but the tool will last you ages — promises 5,000 whole hours of drying time.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is a professional hair dryer, through and through: It’s lightweight (amazing for longer styling times, which are usually involved with curly hair types) and ultra efficient even on a low heat and airflow setting. Out of the dryers we tested, this one earned high points for its durability — it didn’t show any signs of wear after weeks of repeated use and a few falls from a countertop onto a tile floor.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $265
What Does a Diffuser Do?
Hair diffusers are pronged attachments that snap onto the end of the hair dryer’s nozzle and are secret weapons for all curl patterns. The best hair diffusers are designed to dry the hair in its natural state, according to Nai’Vasha. They distribute the dryer’s airflow over a larger surface area, so you get less direct heat (which tends to flatten out curls). Be sure to use low heat to softly coax your hair into shape without creating excess frizz or flyaways, says Yepez.
What to Look for in a Hair Blow Dryer for Curly Hair
Ionic technology: Ionic technology helps decrease frizziness, as the negative ions reduce static electricity and promote shiny, bouncy strands, says celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. And for the science nerds among us, it also helps dry hair faster: Water has a positive ionic charge, so the negative ions repel the water from your hair.
Heat settings: We all know that hot tools can damage your hair when used regularly. But a dryer with adjustable heat settings is paramount — it allows you to calibrate the air temperature before it has the chance to burn your locks. “Your dryer should get very warm, but never so hot that you feel it’s going to burn your scalp,” says Dueñas. A cool setting is the cherry on top, as chilly air seals the cuticles of your strands for a shiny finish.
Diffuser type: All diffusers work similarly, but you can find them in a few different shapes. Cup diffusers are common: These circular attachments have prongs around a shallow bowl shape that’s helpful for corralling longer locks. Pronged options are just like the cup diffusers but without the bowl-like indentation, and they work like a charm to lift your mid-lengths and roots. If you’re not after more volume, try a hand-style diffuser (which looks exactly how it sounds). The unique shape dries curls without poofing up your roots.
Prong size: The length of a diffuser’s prongs also impacts your final look. Longer prongs diffuse less heat on your hair, providing softer curl definition. Shorter ones give you more control over where exactly the heat is concentrated, making them a great choice for those who want tighter ringlets.
How To Use a Hair Dryer For Curly Hair
Remove excess moisture: Once you step out of the shower, Yepez recommends wrapping your wet hair in a t-shirt or microfiber hair towel to soak up as much water as possible.
Prep with product: Opt for a mousse or gel that delivers light hold. Scrunch it onto your ends and up towards your roots — it’s important to avoid a brush or comb so you don’t disrupt your natural curl pattern.
Diffuse the roots: “Set your dryer to a low air setting on full heat, and focus your diffuser on the root area, moving slowly in a circular motion until it’s about 90-percent dry,” says Yepez. This gives your ends extra time to air-dry and allows you to finesse your hairline once you’ve dried your strands.
Dry the ends: Delicately take your curls and place the ends in the diffuser, then lift the dryer up towards your head. Be patient here, this step can take awhile. “Do not move the dryer until that section is about 95- to 100-percent dry,” Dueñas says. “The more you move curly hair when wet, the more frizz you will get.”
Hydrate your hair: Once your hair is almost fully dry, spritz a hydrating leave-in conditioner onto your ends. Then, do your best not to touch those strands, as excess touching or brushing will disrupt the natural curl pattern.
Reset as needed: If your curls fall flat between wash days, mist your mid-lengths to ends with water to reset your look, says Yepez.
Tips for Drying Curly Hair Without Frizz
Prep with product: Curly hair products with hold, like mousses, are an essential step for corralling stray hairs into ringlets and coils when you dry your hair. Apply the product on damp hair in a gentle lifting motion, from your ends up to your roots.
Diffuse carefully: A diffuser is your friend: Without the attachment, the blast of hot air will ruin the shape of your ringlets. Stay patient and practice what Nai’Vasha calls the “do not disturb” technique. Once your hair is settled in the diffuser attachment, don’t move it until you’re dry. Finish with a leave-in conditioner or hairspray to set the curls in place.
Refresh with curl cream: Even the best blowout can result in frizz after a few days, but don’t fear. Curl creams and leave-in conditioners are designed to reactivate your ringlets between wash days and keep frizz at bay. Warm the product in your hands and scrunch it into any areas that are falling flat or looking frizzy.
Sleep strategically: Silk pillowcases or silk bonnets are excellent for maintaining your style when you sleep, according to Yepez. Unlike cotton, silky material won’t rough up your hair, meaning you’ll wake up without tangles, frizz, or clumps.
How We Chose the Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair
To select the best hair dryers for curly hair, we first fielded questions to hairstylists with authority and expertise in caring for various types of curly and coily hair. Using their advice and recommendations, we researched the market to find hair dryers that cater to different curl patterns and styling goals. On top of extensive personal testing, we also combed through customer reviews to ensure the selections on our list work for a variety of curl patterns, thicknesses, and lengths. We tested over 25 hair dryers, honing in on the 10 best ones that are worth your time and money.
How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair
A panel of testers evaluated over 25 models of dryers for curly hair to curate this list. We tested them on our own hair and human hair wigs — noting how each one dealt with type 2A to 4C locks. Beyond this range of curl patterns, we also tested the dryers on a range of hair lengths and thicknesses. Our testing period lasted two months, during which we evaluated the selections’ longevity, styling versatility, and how they held up to everyday wear and tear. During testing, we assessed the attachments, special features, ease of use, heat and airflow settings, the visual results that these best hair dryers for curly hair delivered, and more.
WWD Shop editors test curly hair dryers on types 2A to 4C curls in our New York City office.
WWD/Allie Holloway
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Meet the Experts
Michael Dueñas is a Los Angeles–based curly hair specialist. He’s worked with celebrity clients including Rachel Brosnahan, Noah Cyrus, and Padma Lakshmi, styled for runway shows, and shot editorials for numerous brands.
Nai’Vasha is a celebrity curl expert. She founded Curl Queen in 2021 with the goal of empowering women to love and honor every part of themselves: including every wave, every curl, every coil, and every kink.
Nylza Yepez is a hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio. Originally from California, she trained under hair experts Leo Manetti and Marco Santini. Yepez worked on many NYFW shows and specializes in textured haircuts.
Meet the Authors
Claire Sullivan was the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She has type 2B hair, so she’s well versed in troubleshooting curl-related woes and finding the best tools that deliver a great hair day. Sullivan wrote the original version of this story.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly tests out and reports on popular hair styling tools.
