#THICC. No, not my thighs but my hair! I’ve been born with thick, curly hair that if only getting my hair blow-dried in a salon was not expensive, I’d probably be getting it done daily.
But why spend thousands of dollars on something I can do myself? Like a true blue Do-It-Yourselfer, I know that with the best hair dryer for thick hair and the proper techniques, I can achieve the same salon gorgeous hair I always dreamed of.
Traditional blow dryers sure do the job of drying and styling hair but often come with damaging results. Users note their hair becoming more brittle, super dried out and with lots of split-ends after months of using the traditional blow dryer.
My hair has already suffered enough from straightening irons, hair colors and styling products that I don’t want to incur further damage.
Thus, I created this article to help out people who want to get professional blow drying results without sacrificing their hair’s health.
Let’s delve in deeper and get to know the best hair dryers that advanced technology can offer: Ionic, Ceramic and Hybrid hair dryers.
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Contents
- Is Ceramic Or Ionic Hair Dryer Better?
- What Should I Look For In A Hair Dryer For Thick/Long Hair?
- Blow Drying Tips and Techniques for Thick, Long Hair
- Use a Good Hair Conditioner
- Towel Dry Hair to Remove Excess Water
- Prep Hair With a Quick-Dry Spray Instead of Oil-Based Serums
- Choose The Best Hair Dryer for Your Hair Type
- Go With Natural Brushes Like Boar
- Divide Hair in Sections
- Top Off With a Gloss or Relaxing Balm
- Seal The Deal by Blasting Your Hair With Cool Air
- Best Hair Dryers for Thick Hair (2024)
- FAQs
- Putting it All Together
Is Ceramic Or Ionic Hair Dryer Better?
Traditional hair dryers used to be so damaging especially with prolonged use. Its extreme dry heat can damage the hair shaft which can cause dryness, brittleness, and split ends.
Modern technology advancements aim to make hair drying more efficient and less damaging to the hair, giving way to the rise of ceramic and ionic hair dryers.
But which among these two hair dryers is the best, ceramic or ionic?
The answer depends on what you really need for your hair (there’s more to life than just drying your hair!) so let’s do quick pros and cons for both dryers in order to weigh in and find out which among these would be best for you.
Ionic Hair Dryer
Ionic hair dryers work by releasing negative ions to break down water particles into smaller, easy to evaporate pieces. It is perfect for those with thick and curly hairs.
Pros
- Hair dries faster with the help of negative ions.
- Lower temperature can be used to dry hair.
- Retains definition of curls.
- Controls frizz.
Cons
- More expensive than regular and ceramic blow dryers.
- Makes it easy to over-dry which may end up damaging fine hair.
- Makes fine hair limp and dry.
- Does not build volume for fine hair.
Ceramic Hair Dryer
Ceramic hair dryers have metal and ceramic coated plates that help distribute heat evenly.
Auto sensors regulate the heat depending on the room temperature. This feature helps the hair dry faster without incurring much damage compared to regular blow dryers.
Because of this, ceramic hair dryers are a perfect choice for all types of hair. Whether you have thin or thick, curly or straight hair, the ceramic dryer will work well for you.
Pros
- Hair dries faster through non-damaging infrared heat.
- Auto-adapts temperature based on room temperature.
- Tames frizz.
- Increases shine.
- Great for all hair types (most especially for fine and damaged hair).
Cons
- More expensive than regular or traditional blow dryers.
- May start off really hot before it auto-adjusts.
But wait, there’s one more! People who want the best of both worlds (ionic and ceramic) can actually enjoy it by getting hybrid dryers.
One popular choice is the tourmaline hair dryer which emits both negative ions and infrared heat to promote shiny and frizz-free hair.
What Should I Look For In A Hair Dryer For Thick/Long Hair?
Blow drying thick and coarse hair can be a challenge whether you go to a salon or choose to do it at home.
Having the right blow dryer to do the job without causing damage is important because as they say, our hair is our crowning glory!
So grab your pen and paper and list the following considerations when buying the best hair dryer for you.
Technology
The best dryer for long, thick hair is either an ionic or tourmaline hair dryer. The negative ion emitted in both these dryers can help dry hair in a jiffy without inflicting damage.
The result? Shiny and frizz-free hair.
Wattage
Thick, hard to dry hair can benefit from a dryer with 1800 – 2000 watts. This range of wattage is popular amongst professional stylists and are commonly used in salons.
You’re bound for salon gorgeous hair made right in the comfort of your own home.
Weight
A good blowout can easily turn into a heavy lifting workout sesh in no time. It’s important to consider the heaviness of your blow dryer especially if you have thick hair.
Thick hair takes some time to dry compared to those with finer hair, which means you’d be holding your blow dryer longer.
The most comfortable weight for a blow dryer is 1 pound (0.45 kg), anything more than that can strain your muscles especially with prolonged use.
Settings
It’s best to look for a blow dryer that has adjustable heat settings as this will allow you to select the amount of heat that your hair needs.
A high heat setting works well for thick, curly and frizzy hair. The medium setting is ideal for normal hair, while the lowest heat setting is best for people with fine, thin or damaged hair.
Lastly, choose a dryer with a cool setting to seal off your cuticles and reduce frizz. A cool setting locks in the style while lending your hair with some glossy shine.
Accessories
Want to go from straight to curly or the other way around? Accessories such as a diffuser, concentrator, and a comb or pik attachment can play a big role in creating your style of choice.
Blow Drying Tips and Techniques for Thick, Long Hair
The following tips can help improve your blow dry experience by cutting your blow dry time in half while minimizing damage.
Use a Good Hair Conditioner
Conditioners help detangle strands, make it easier to dry and protect hair from heat damage. Choose one that is organic, made with natural oils and without any harmful chemicals.
My top pick is Silk 18 Natural Sulfate-Free Hair Conditioner with Argan Oil, Silk Amino Acids and Jojoba Oil.
Towel Dry Hair to Remove Excess Water
Before blow drying your hair, make sure that it’s at least 75% dry. Remove extra moisture using a highly absorbent towel like this microfiber towel from Rainleaf:
Prep Hair With a Quick-Dry Spray Instead of Oil-Based Serums
Serums can trap hair moisture making it a bit of a challenge to dry. Using a quick-dry spray like this one from Loreal can cut your blow dry time in half while protecting your hair.
Loreal Advanced Blow Dry it Quick Dry Primer Spray:
Choose The Best Hair Dryer for Your Hair Type
Thick, long hair can benefit more from an ionic based hair dryer. While people with limp, fine and damaged hair should stick to ceramic hair dryers for more volume with less damage.
Check out my suggestions below to find the best hair dryer depending on what your hair needs and your preference.
Go With Natural Brushes Like Boar
Using metal brushes can absorb and multiply the heat from your hairdryer, which can, eventually, lead to damaging your hair more.
Choose natural bristles like boar and brushes that are hollow in the middle and have slats for an even air flow.
My fave brush is this Fixbody Round Barrel Anti-Static Brush with Boar Bristles:
Divide Hair in Sections
Dividing hair into sections ensures efficient drying with minimal exposure to heat.
I like dividing my hair into 6 sections and holding them in place with a styling clip before I begin blow drying from the bottom to the top section.
These F-BBKO non-slip alligator clips are my go-to as it can hold my thick hair in place:
Top Off With a Gloss or Relaxing Balm
For a more natural look, avoid using hair sprays which can lessen your hair’s natural bounce and shine. Instead, use a gloss or a relaxing balm to seal your style and add some healthy shine.
Try this It’s a 10 Miracle Blow Dry Balm and see the difference for yourself:
Seal The Deal by Blasting Your Hair With Cool Air
Blasting your hair with cool air seals not only your style but also your cuticles. This makes hair shinier and healthy-looking. Most of the products recommended below have this cool air function except for one (the travel-sized blow dryer).
Best Hair Dryers for Thick Hair (2024)
Blow dryers are not created equal!
The best hair dryer for long thick hair is one that has enough power to do a speedy blow-dry, has the right technology to dry hair without incurring damage and has the right attachments for styling and more definition.
Below are my top picks for the best blow dryers depending on what you need. Check them out!
Best Hair Dryer Under $100
Remington Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology
Want professional results without breaking the bank? Remington gives you the power of three amazing blow dry technologies for a very affordable price.
That’s triple times quick drying and damage protection for healthy hair without the frizz!
With multiple heat settings and a cool shot setting, you can choose the level of heat your hair needs and seal the look for a lasting effect.
This set comes complete with a concentrator for straightening hair and a diffuser to create those va-vavoom curls!
Pros
- Affordable.
- Combines the power of ceramic, ionic and tourmaline technology.
- 1875 Watts.
- Weighs less than a pound (unit only).
- 3 heat settings, 2 speeds, and a cool shot setting.
- Comes with a concentrator and a diffuser.
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
- Hang loop for storage.
Cons
- Wiring and plug could use some improvement.
Best Ceramic Hair Dryer
BaBylissPRO Ceramix Xtreme Dryer
This sleek matte black blow dryer is the cream of the crop amongst all ceramic blow dryers.
It packs on 2000 watts of power for a faster blow-drying especially for people with long, thick or even curly hair.
With 6 heat and speed settings to choose from, you can customize your blow-dry session while maintaining your hair’s health sans any damage.
Pros
- Ceramic technology.
- 2000 Watts.
- Weighs 1 pound.
- A total of 6 heat and speed settings and a cold shot button.
- Comes with a concentrator attachment.
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
- Hang loop for storage.
Cons
- Wiring and plug could use some improvement.
Best Ionic Hair Dryer
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Ion Choice Hair Dryer
Gone are the days when ionic hair dryers were solely made for people with thick hair. Conair made sure that this hair dryer can be used for all hair types with the addition of the Ionizer button.
Fine-haired ladies can now opt to close the ion for a volumizing blow dry or turn it on to give thick haired ladies a sleek and shiny blow dry.
Oozing with power, this unique beauty packs on 1875 Watts to cut your drying time in half.
Pros
- Affordable.
- A pretty iridescent rainbow finish.
- Uses ceramic technology for even heat distribution and quicker drying.
- 1875 Watts.
- Lightweight.
- Has 3 heat, 2-speed settings, and a cool air shot button.
- Comes with a diffuser and concentrator.
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
- Ionizer feature to accommodate all hair types.
Cons
- Loud sound.
- Heat may not be enough for some people.
- Button placement gets in the way of holding the blow dryer.
Best Lightweight Hair Dryer
Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer the Official Hair Dryer of Drybar
Recreate that luxurious Drybar blow out at home with their very own tool of choice. Buttercup is known as the official blow dryer of Drybar.
It has a powerful motor boasting with 1875 Watts of power that can transform your hair into a celeb state – shiny and silky smooth!
Powerful yet ultra-light, you won’t get tired holding the Buttercup.
Pros
- Combines infrared and negative ion (Nanoionic) technology.
- 1875 Watts.
- Weighs 1 pound, 1 ounce.
- Has 3 heat settings, 2-speed settings, and a self-locking cool shot button.
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
- Hang loop for storage.
Cons
- Expensive.
Best Hair Dryer for Thick Curly Hair
Jinri Professional Negative Ions and Infrared Heat Hair Blow Dryer
Curly haired babes all around the world are happy to find this gem. It’s a powerful blow dryer with 1875 watts of energy yet gentle and safe for curly hairs.
Thanks to the combination of ionic and infrared technology, curly hairs can easily be dried inside and out without the damage.
It also comes with curl-friendly attachments to define curls without the frizz, so regardless if you have wavy, loose, tight or afro curls you’re bound to have healthy and fabulous looking hair!
Pros
- Affordable.
- Tourmaline ionic technology doubled with infrared heat.
- 1875 Watts.
- 3 heat settings, 2-speed settings, and a cool shot button.
- Comes with a diffuser, hair pik, and a concentrator nozzle
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
- Hang loop for storage.
- Minimal noise.
Cons
- Quite on the heavy side at 1.65 pounds
Best Quietest Hair Dryer
Ion Whisper Quiet Lite Ionic - Ceramic Hair Dryer
Lightweight, quiet and yet oh so powerful.
This Ion blow dryer is a dream come true with 1875 Watts of power for a swift blow drying action. It combines the power of tourmaline ceramic and ionic technologies to provide hair with smooth and shine sans the frizz.
Get fab hair without waking the entire neighborhood, choose Ion!
Pros
- Whisper quiet.
- Tourmaline ceramic and ionic technology.
- 1875 Watts.
- Weighs 1 pound.
- Has 4 heat settings, 2-speed settings, and a cool shot button.
- Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
Cons
- Wiring and plug could use some improvement.
Best Travel Hair Dryer
Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer with Folding Handle
Get salon-beautiful hair anytime, anywhere without the weight. This Conair miniPRO is a compact, travel-friendly version of its famous big sisters.
Like the regular version, this baby comes with the same tourmaline ceramic technology to distribute heat evenly for a healthy blow dry.
Lightweight with a velvety touch, it comes with a foldable handle for easy storage that won’t take up much of your luggage space. Grab the perfect travel buddy now!
Pros
- Tourmaline ceramic technology.
- Dual voltage.
- Compact and weighs less than a pound.
- Has 2 heat/speed settings.
- Comes with a concentrator.
Cons
- No cool shot button.
- Only has 1200 Watts.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Highest Wattage For A Hair Dryer?
A: Professional grade blow dryers can reach up to 3600 watts.
Q: Is Higher Watts Better For Hair Dryer?
A: When it comes to the battle of the best hair dryers, wattage is an important factor.
While the higher wattage may be the better choice because it can dry hair faster, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can crank up the heat to the highest setting.
For a home blow dry, 1300 – 1875 watts is recommended for a quick blow dry sesh.
However, if you’re planning on using your blow dryer for curling hair or setting your bangs, opt for a lower wattage as you’re not necessarily in a hurry to finish your styling.
Q: What Is The Quietest Hair Dryer?
A: The Ion Whisper Quiet Lite Ionic mentioned above is by far the quietest hair dryer in the market. It’s powerful without the noisy whirling sound.
Check out my product review above. 😊
Q: Can Blow Dryers Cause Fire?
A: Yes. The higher the wattage and heat setting, the quicker the wiring can overheat which can melt off its protective coating and can eventually cause a fire.
As a precaution, try to feel the blow dryer and cord while you’re using it on a high heat setting. If it feels warm or even hot to touch, turn your dryer off and unplug it for a while until it cools down.
Check the plug and the cord regularly for any signs of damage like exposed wiring or melted parts.
If it’s still under warranty or a guarantee, send it back to the manufacturer for a replacement or refund.
Q: How Can I Know If I’m Over Drying My Hair?
A: There are two signs that you’re over drying your hair.
First one is very obvious, your hair gives off that burnt smell. The second one may happen over time as a result of over drying, your hair may have a severely dry texture (like that of a broom), brittleness and split ends.
A good measure to avoid over blow drying is to look at yourself in the mirror instead of looking somewhere else (like the TV or your laptop) and try to feel your hair if it’s already dry.
Using a heat protectant spray before blow-drying can also prevent hair from being damaged.
Putting it All Together
The best hair dryer for thick hair is an important tool in making sure your hair is camera ready every single day without any damaging effects.
These new technologies available in the market make blow drying as safe and gentle as it can be without sacrificing the results.
Which of the products listed above is your fave? Mine is the Jinri professional hair dryer because of its amazing performance and accessories that work well for my thick, curly hair giving it more shine and definition.
Have you tried any of the blow dryers above? Share your experience with us and help other people like you decide on which hair dryer is the best. Till next time, my Rapunzels!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
