Byrdie / Joy Kim
TL;DR
Your best bet for drying fine hair is the eight-speed Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000, as you get 1875 watts and 125 volts that will blow air at 80+ MPH. If you're looking for something more affordable, we recommend the Remington AC2015 Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology. This drugstore blow dryer has three heat modes and two speeds, plus a pearl-infused ceramic barrel that conditions your hair as it dries.
Fine hair can be tricky to style. The good news is that it typically dries much quicker than thicker strands, but the bad news is that some blow dryers make fine hair look flat. Why? Many of today's models use ionic technology that blasts negative ions to dry locks faster. Ionic dryers also create a smooth, sleek finish, which isn't necessarily bad, but they can make finer hair types look limp. So, what are fine-haired folks to do? Your best bet is a standard blow dryer—as in one without fancy ionic technology or an option that allows you to turn the negative ions off and on. Additionally, super high wattage can be a lot on hair, so to avoid damage, look for a relatively low-watt model or one with adjustable heat settings.
To help narrow down the list of standard blow dryers, we conducted hours of research on top-rated models. We evaluated their temperature options and considered extra features that minimize heat damage. We then tried some of the most popular options for a couple of weeks. Our testers rated how well each performed, keeping the ease of use, drying time, and their hair's overall look and feel in mind. We combined these results with haircare experts and our research to compile our list.
Best Overall
Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000
Amazon
8 heat & speed settings
Includes 2 nozzles
Has a dual filtration system
The dryer is relatively heavy
Max Temp: 101 ºF | Features: 8 heat settings, cool shot, 9-foot cord | Wireless: No
Thanks to its whopping eight speeds and multiple heat settings and lightweight, ergonomic design, this blow dryer is our best overall pick. "Harry Josh's Pro Dryer is great because you get 1875 watts and 125 volts that will blow air at 80+ MPH to cut drying time in half. It has a variety of heat settings and air settings to target finer hair as well," says New York-based hairstylist Sky Kim of Serge Normant at John Frieda. "Plus, you get dual ion functionality to allow for a customized sleek or voluminous styling with maximum shine."
Best Budget
Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Very inexpensive
Has a cool option
Lightweight
Doesn't have all the bells and whistles
Max Temp: 248 °F | Features: 2 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No
Looking for something a little easier on your wallet? You can't go wrong with the Conair Mid-Size Hair Dryer. This affordable, no-nonsense tool delivers 1875 watts of power. You can run it on high or low to dry fine hair and then lock your style into place with the cool shot button.
Best Drugstore
REMINGTON Pro Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Crushed pearls help condition
3 heat & 2 speed settings
Includes concentrator & diffuser
Doesn't get super hot
Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, cool shot | Wireless: No
The Remington Pro is a solid drugstore dryer. Crushed pearls are infused into the ceramic barrel, which helps condition thin hair as it dries. With 1875 watts of power, three heat settings, and two speeds, this hair dryer allows you to fine-tune your drying experience.
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
Best Splurge
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Makes hair look sleek
Dries quickly
Includes concentrator & diffuser
Not for beginners
Max Temp: 212 °F | Features: 3 speeds, 3 magnetic nozzles | Wireless: No
Dyson's Supersonic has held court in the world of hair drying since its release in 2016. This futuristic tool doesn't just look cool. It blasts your strands gently yet efficiently with heat-control technology while minimizing damage. The price tag is undoubtedly steep, but it might be worth splurging on this superstar blow dryer. "This will save you time, which cuts heat damage, and you get different nozzles to help you target static or rough-dry the hair. Plus, you get a variety of heat and speed settings," says Kim.
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
Best Pro-Level
GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer
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Sephora
Helps boost shine
Dries hair quickly
Lightweight
Gets very hot quickly
Max Temp: 220 °F | Features: 2 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No
Professional blowouts might be having a moment, but believe it or not, you can get a pro-level finish right at home. This award-winning blow dryer boasts a high-tech aerodynamic design to deliver salon-quality results on all hair types and textures—even thin strands. "It's a powerful dryer but also very gentle and offers different settings based on your needs," Kim tells Byrdie. "It's really light, too, so it'll save you some arm strength!"
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best for Damaged Hair
Eva NYC Far-Infrared Dryer
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Amazon
Infused with tourmaline
Dries hair smooth
Hanging hook for storage
A little heavy
Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 2 attachment heads, cool shot, 2 speed settings, 3 heat settings | Wireless: No
If you're working with thin, damaged hair, we recommend the Eva NYC Spectrum. It uses "far-infrared" technology, which dries hair from the inside to protect your outer cuticles from static and breakage. The barrel is infused with tourmaline (AKA finely ground crystals), making it easy on thin hair. This 1875-watt blow dryer is also designed to create volume and give limp tresses a little more oomph.
Best for Styling
Revlon One-Step Hot Dryer and Volumizer
Amazon
Cuts styling time
Creates volume
Good value
Can't be used without brush
Max Temp: 175 °F | Features: Cool tip, bristle brush, 3 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No
When it comes to styling, fine hair can be finicky. It can help to dry your hair with a round brush, which builds volume and creates a polished (but not overly smooth or limp) finish. With this in mind, Revlon's One-Step Volumizer is a hairdryer and round brush in one. The expertly designed nylon and boar-bristle brush detangles and styles while the warm air dries your hair and locks your look into place.
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
Best Volumizing
Drybar Blow-Dryer Brush
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Amazon
Great for adding volume & shine
Lightweight
3 temperature settings
Can't be used without brush
Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: Cool tip, bristle brush, 3 heat settings | Wireless: No
Speaking of volume, the Double Shot uses a similar brush-blow dryer combination, which does wonders for fine hair. Thanks to its lightweight design and ergonomic handle, it's easy to style your hair without straining your wrists or making your arm muscles feel like Jello. This dryer has three temperature settings, so you can customize the airflow. The tufted bristles have soft nylon tips, providing the perfect level of tension for creating just the right amount of lift and body.
Best Smoothing
BabylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer
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Amazon
Ionic technology
6 heat & speed settings
Comfortable to hold
Red paint may peel
Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: Cool shot, 9-foot cord, 6 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No
If your hair tends to lose smoothness when it dries, we suggest the BaBylissPRO TT. It delivers that far-infrared heat we mentioned earlier, which helps to combat static. The result? Healthy-looking locks without any flyaways.
Best Fast-Drying
InStyler TURBO MAX Ionic Dryer
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Amazon
Dries hair quickly
Ionic technology with shut-off
Lightweight
No diffuser
Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 2 heat settings, cool shot, 9-foot cord | Wireless: No
Fast dry time is a coveted blow dryer feature, no matter your hair type. To dry your hair in a flash, reach for this product. Thanks to a high-torque motor and aerodynamic airflow, this dryer stakes its claim as one of the fastest in its category. While it does use ionic technology, this feature can be turned off to avoid limp strands.
Best for Travel
Conair Travel Professional Hair Dryer
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Amazon
Small & packable
Includes concentrator attachment
3 heat & 2 speed settings
No diffuser
Max Temp: 158 °F | Features: Cool shot, 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings | Wireless: No
You'll be glad you packed the InfinitiPro when you're on the road. This compact travel dryer is more powerful than it looks. It uses a pro-level motor and 1600 watts of power to dry hair quickly while reducing static and minimizing damage. With two speed settings and three levels of heat, plus a cool shot button, you can customize the airflow based on what works best for your hair. This blow dryer also comes with a concentrator attachment, allowing you to direct heat on one section at a time while styling your hair.
Best for Flyaways
MHU Salon Grade Hair Dryer
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Prevents flyaways
Quiet motor
Reasonably priced
Not the most compact
Max Temp: 160 °F | Features: 2 speeds, 2 heat settings, cool shot, diffuser | Wireless: No
This pro-grade blow dryer tackles static and prevents flyaways without making fine hair go limp. It has all the features of a standard dryer and boasts a quiet yet powerful motor that promises to dry your hair quickly without damage. It's not as compact as other options, but the mid-range price is definitely reasonable.
Most Innovative
Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
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Zuvi Life
Compact and modern-looking design
Dries without stripping moisture
Minimizes possibility of heat damage
Difficult to use at first
Max Temp: ≈ 150 °F | Features: 3 heat settings, diffuser, concentrator, gentle air attachment | Wireless: No
The Zuvi Halo is one of the most impressive options we've tried in terms of cutting-edge technology. This innovative hair dryer dries the surface of your strands without stripping the moisture within. It's also remarkably quiet, compact, and modern-looking, and when you turn it on, the head illuminates to display opalescent colors. The price might be hard to justify, but if it's within your budget, we say go for it.
What to Look for in a Blow Dryer for Fine Hair
- Heat and speed settings: "When looking for blow dryers for fine hair, make sure you check for the heat and speed settings so you don't accidentally fry your hair in the process," says Kim. Since thin hair is often more susceptible to damage, it's important to avoid overheating it with styling tools. You'll want to get a medium-wattage blow dryer or one with multiple heats and speed settings. Aside from minimizing damage, this allows you to customize your drying experience and create different styles. Many hair dryers don't go above roughly 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which can help protect fine, fragile strands.
- Non-ionic: Many modern blow dryers feature ionic technology. This means they deliver negative ions to dry hair faster and create a smooth, sleek finish. While they're certainly convenient, those with fine hair may want to avoid ionic dryers, as it can create a flat, limp appearance. Opt for a non-ionic hair dryer or one with the option to turn the feature off.
- Volumizing technology: Kim also suggests considering a blow dryer's volumizing technology, which is crucial for giving body to fine hair. This might be in the form of a brush-dryer combo or a volume-boosting switch. According to Kim, rough-drying your hair before blow-drying it is the key to fullness and volume. "If you want a more voluminous blowout, direct your rough-dry upwards and under your sectioned hair," she says. Another option is to get a two-in-one design that doubles as a blow dryer and round brush.
Why Trust Byrdie
This shopping guide was written by Theresa Holland, a professional content creator specializing in beauty and wellness. With a lifelong frustration for her fine hair, she's tried many volumizing techniques and blow dryers over the years, including options from Zuvi, Conair, Revlon, GHD, and BabylissPRO. You can find more pieces by Theresa on MyDomaine and The Spruce. She consulted the following expert for this story:
- Sky Kim, a New York-based hairstylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda who has extensive experience with using all kind of hot tools to add volume to fine hair.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any blow dryers for fine hair from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
