We’ve got some brilliant news for you: you don’t have to break the bank to buy an affordable, high-quality hair dryer. However, you do need to think carefully about the dryer that you buy to get the best hair dryer for your money.
You’re probably aware that there are so many different dryers available, each with unique designs, specific technology, and different drying capabilities.
So, how do you pick the best hair dryer? Join us as we reveal six crucial things you must check before buying a hair dryer to ensure you pick the best product you can afford.
How to choose the best hair blow dryer
While most people start with price when considering the best hair dryer they can afford, we think that you need to dive a little deeper. That said, you certainly don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a hair dryer, when there are so many great options at less than $160. So, with that rough budget in mind, here are some key things to consider before choosing the best hair dryer for your styling preferences:
1. Consider its technology
There are so many different products on the market, so choosing the best professional hair dryer is far from a simple task. We recommend starting with the type of technology the dryer uses, so you can narrow your search straight out the gate.
The best ionic hair dryers use ionic technology to dry your hair quickly and efficiently. These dryers release ions into the airflow, which eliminates static, resulting in a frizz-free blow dry. The negative ions are much more effective at breaking down water molecules in your hair, which results in a sleeker and quicker blow dry.
Therefore, if you want a dryer that is quick, efficient, and frizz-free, ionic technology is definitely your friend!
2. Check its wattage
Though you don’t necessarily need a super fast hair dryer that will literally blow you away, you do need to check the wattage and power of the hair dryer that you buy.
You should aim for dryers with a wattage of 1,400 or more, as this is the ideal power level. A dryer with a wattage of 1000 or less will be inefficient and isn’t likely to dry your hair thoroughly.
3. Think about its weight and size
Choosing the best lightweight hair dryer is a great option if you travel often for work and don’t want to take up half of your luggage space with a dryer. Ordering a compact travel hair dryer that’s super lightweight (500g or less) will ensure that you can dry and style your hair no matter where you are.
You no longer need to rely on bulky, heavy hair dryers to achieve a salon-grade blow dry at home, as portable, lightweight dryers with brushless motors and ionic technology are capable of incredible results.
4. Look for adjustable heat settings
One of the most crucial features of any modern hair dryer is how many heat settings it has. The best blow dryer for volume and natural hair should offer at least three adjustable heat settings: low, medium, and hot, providing you with flexibility when it comes to blow drying your hair.
When you toggle the dryer to its lowest heat setting, you’re able to dry your hair efficiently without overdrying it, which is a brilliant way to prevent dehydration and breakage. Moreover, it gives your hair a break from heat-based styling and helps it to retain its moisture.
Also, frizz is primarily caused by your hair drying out excessively, so using the dryer’s low or medium heat setting enables you to lock in your hair’s moisture content and prevent it from drying out.
5. Ascertain which styling attachments are available
Depending on how you usually style your hair, it’s a great idea to buy a hair dryer with various attachments to improve your look. For instance, opting for the best hair dryer with a diffuser is a brilliant way to dry your curly hair evenly and without focusing on just one area. A diffuser attachment enables the even distribution of air throughout your curls and waves and is a brilliant addition.
You can also look for dryers that come with a concentrator nozzle, which helps to focus the air on a specific section of your hair. This attachment is handy when blow drying straight hair, as it can help to prevent flyaways.
Ultimately, if you want to mix things up when styling your hair and often change the way you blow dry your hair, choosing a dryer with attachments will help you achieve your desired goals.
6. Review ease of use and performance
Whether you’re looking for the best blow dryer for 4c hair or 2a hair, you need to consider how easy it is to use and how well it performs. To gauge this, consider independent reviews and look for endorsements from stylists, celebrities, and verified users.
After all, a hair dryer might look great, but if it isn’t reviewed and well-regarded in the real world, ordering it online is a risk.
3 cost-efficient and best hair dryers for all hair types in 2024
At Laifen, we’re incredibly proud that more than eight million people have ordered our highly-rated, award-winning ionic hair dryers. But which Laifen dryer is best suited to your needs and styling preferences? Check this out:
1. The Laifen Swift Special – The best hair dryer for curly hair
The Laifen Swift Special is an ionic hair dryer that’s perfect for women with curly hair. It features adjustable heat settings, meaning you can dry your hair on the low, medium, or hot setting. Using lower temperatures will prevent your hair from drying out and frizzing.
Moreover, the Swift Special comes with three nozzles – a standard styling nozzle, a diffuser, and a concentrator nozzle. The diffuser is perfect for blow-drying curly or wavy hair, as it as it ensures the even spread of air around your head.
2. The Laifen SE – The best hair dryer for men and women on a budget
Are you looking for a super affordable hair dryer that helps you blow dry your hair effortlessly, whether at home or on the road? If so, the Laifen SE is precisely what you’re looking for.
Available at just $116.99, the SE is our most affordable model, but it still features ionic technology, adjustable heat, and a super lightweight design. In other words, it’s the perfect hair dryer for anyone looking for a lightweight, compact dryer on a budget.
3. The Laifen Swift – The best travel hair dryer
If you’re regularly on the move and are looking for a lightweight, compact hair dryer to pack in your carry-on luggage, the Laifen Swift is ideal. Weighing in at less than 500g, it’s considerably lighter than many of its competitors and takes up very little space in your luggage.
Like all other Laifen dryers, the Swift is powered by ionic technology, reducing frizz and enabling you to achieve a salon-grade, sleek blow dry no matter where you are.
Comparison of our top dryers: Which is best for you?
Unsure about which Laifen dryer is best suited to your drying and styling preferences? Check out our table below to compare the key features of each dryer:
| Criteria | Laifen Swift | Laifen Swift Special | Laifen SE |
| Technology | Ionic | Ionic | Ionic |
| Wattage | 1,400W | 1,400W | 1,400W |
| Weight | 407g | 407g | 407g |
| Size | 277/70/89mm | 277/70/89 | 277/70/89 |
| Adjustable heat settings? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diffuser attachment? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Concentrator attachment? | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rating | ⭐4.7/5.0 | ⭐4.7/5.0 | ⭐4.7/5.0 |
| Price | $139.99 | $151.99 | $116.99 |
The verdict: Choosing the best hair dryer
If you’re currently looking for a new hair dryer, the Laifen Swift, Swift Special, or SE are trusted by over 8 million people. Our dryers help you achieve a salon-grade look every time, no matter where you are.
The ionic technology ensures efficient, frizz-free drying, while the adjustable heat setting means you can toggle between low and medium heat to protect your hair from drying out.
So, whether you have curly or straight hair, thick or thin hair, Laifen is one of the best hair dryers currently available – check out our range now to decide which is best for you!
