The 15 Best Ionic Hair Dryers That Can Deliver a Speedy Blowout, According to Hair Stylists
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Regardless of how hard I try, I can never quite seem to re-create the shiny, voluminous blowout I get at the salon on my own accord. Then there’s the issue of time. Unfortunately, I’m kind of known for procrastinating when it comes to getting ready for the day. Aside from my lack of skills and poor time management skills when it comes to getting ready, I’m also plagued by bleach-induced damage and breakage, which has led me to dodge heat styling altogether. That is, until my hair stylist suggested that I make the switch to a so-called ionic hair dryer. Despite getting to test new beauty products on the regular, I admittedly had no idea what an ionic blow dryer even was, let alone how they work.
Best Ionic Hair Dryers at a Glance
- Best Overall Ionic Hair Dryer: AIRYOMI Hair Dryer , $140
- Best Ionic Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair: SUTRA Infrared AC Blow Dryer , $116 (originally $135)
- Best Affordable Ionic Hair Dryer: Dxliwky Professional Ionic Hair Dryer Blow Dryer , $25
- Best Splurge-Worthy Ionic Hair Dryer: TYMO Hair Dryer , $170 (originally $200)
- Best Lightweight Ionic Hair Dryer: BaBylissPRO Hair Dryer , $100
- Best Ionic Hair Dryer for Travel: LOVEPS Hair Dryer , $28 (originally $34)
- Best Volumizing Ionic Hair Dryer: 7MAGIC Hair Dryer Brush & 6 in 1 Hair Styler , $152
- Best Ionic Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: DevaCurl DevaDryer, $180
In a nutshell, ionic hair dryers can dry hair faster, promote shine, seal in moisture, reduce frizz, and retain definition for curls and waves. How so you might ask? We spoke to four hair stylists and asked them for their product recommendations.
Read on for all the answers to your ionic hair dryer questions, as told by our hair experts. And scroll even further to check out the best ionic hair dryers on the market right now. They range from super affordable to splurge-worthy, as well as ones geared towards curly hair and ones that are amazing for adding volume to your locks.
Our Experts
- Owner and head stylist of WiP Salon Ransome Brown
- Hair stylist Madison Sullivan
- Celebrity hair stylist and owner of Polished Pub Hair & Nail Bar Natalie Lamorena
- Celebrity hair stylist Emilio Uribe
- SUTRA brand ambassador Gabriel Samra
What is an ionic hair dryer?
“Ionic hair dryers use negative ions to break down the water molecules in the hair, drying it from the inside out,” Sullivan explains. When shopping for an ionic blow dryer, you should pay close attention to ceramic materials, multiple heat and speed settings, and an ionic generator, according to Samra. “Ionic technology uses negative ions to dry hair faster and reduce frizz by breaking down water molecules quickly. When combined with infrared heat, which dries hair from the inside out, it helps maintain moisture and minimize heat damage, leaving your hair smoother and shinier,” he adds.
What is the difference between an ionic hair dryer and a regular hair dryer?
While ionic hair dryers utilize negative ions, regular hair dryers rely on heated coils, per Sullivan. “The main difference between an ionic hair dryer and a regular one is in how they dry your hair. An ionic hair dryer releases negative ions that help break down water in your hair, making it dry faster with less heat and less frizz. Regular hair dryers just use hot air, which can cause more frizz and possible heat damage,” Samra explains.
Who should use an ionic hair dryer?
“Ionic dryers are great for someone with thick, coarse hair, as they speed up drying time and help to remove frizz. For someone with fine or fragile hair, it is easy to overdry the hair, so be careful when using an ionic hair dryer,” according to Sullivan.
The Best Ionic Hair Dryers to Shop Right Now
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Lamorena also approves of this pick, saying, “This dryer is known for its fast drying time and sleek finish, thanks to its nano titanium technology. It’s ideal for reducing frizz and smoothing out hair.”
