A hair dryer should be a staple styling tool on every girl’s bathroom counter. It’s a versatile device that not only lets you dry your hair, but also helps you style your hair to whatever look you want to rock for the day.
However, not all hair dryers are created equal, and you need to find one that works for your hair type. For example, if you’ve got fine hair, you’ll need a hair dryer that adds maximum volume and makes your fine strands look fuller. Here’s a list of your best options in 2020:
Read also related articles: Best flat iron for fine hair, best lightweight hair dryer, and best heat protectant for fine hair.
Post Contents
- Best Hair Dryers for Fine Hair
- 1. Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry
- 2. Parlux EcoFriendly 3800 Hair Dryer
- 3. Remington Pro Hair Dryer
- 4. BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
- 5. RUSK Engineering Super Freak Professional
- 6. Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
- 7. Solano Supersolano 3500 Lite
- 8. Revlon 1875 Watt Infrared Hair Dryer
- 9. Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair Dryer
- The Best Hair Dryer for Fine Hair FAQs
- Final tips
Best Hair Dryers for Fine Hair
We researched and tested dozens of hair dryers to find the best quality products that will let you enjoy salon-quality blowouts, add volume to your fine and flat hair, and eliminate split ends. Below are detailed reviews of our best finds:
1. Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry
The best of the best is the Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry, a top-of-the-line styling tool that boasts of more than a handful of innovative features like a clean filter indicator, LCD display, and rubber coating that makes the hair dryer more durable.
This hair dryer lets you play with four different heat settings so you can experiment and find the best heat level that works for your hair. It also means that it would work for other hair types, so you can lend it to a family or friend in need of a quick zush.
Moreover, the Neuro Dry by Paul Mitchell also features a professional grade motor that performs tremendously well and increases the hair dryer’s lifespan. Of course, that makes the hair dryer a little bigger so it’s not as travel friendly, but it’s definitely an ideal home-salon staple.
Pros
- Tourmaline ion technology
- Protective rubber coating
- Indicator light for filter condition
- 4 heat settings
Cons
- Big and heavy, not suitable for travel
2. Parlux EcoFriendly 3800 Hair Dryer
If you want a somewhat eco-friendly tool with the lowest EMF and recyclable packaging, the Parlux EcoFriendly 3800 Hair Dryer is one of your best options. It’s made with heat resistant materials to keep the hair dryer cool while it’s blowing hot air and drying your strands.
One of the many things we like about this hair dryer is that it makes use of a strong, powerful, and long-lasting motor that delivers 2100 watts of power, and can easily last for well beyond 2,000 hours. That’s a lot of hair drying sessions!
It also comes in three different colors for you to choose from, including white, black, and red, although the design isn’t really as modern and up-to-date as other hair dryers on the market. Nonetheless, you’re paying for performance here, and in that aspect, this hair dryer is worth it.
Pros
- Eco-friendly construction and packaging
- Ceramic heating technology
- Lightweight profile
- Long lasting, powerful motor
Cons
- More expensive than other options
3. Remington Pro Hair Dryer
While our top two picks are a little expensive, we also have a lot of budget-friendly options on this list, starting with the Remington Pro Hair Dryer, a no-frills, straightforward hair dryer that boasts of a professional-grade AC motor.
It’s a really long-lasting hair dryer that is loved by salon and home stylists alike, since it offers three different heat settings that you can choose from, and it comes with a diffuser, concentrator, and other standard accessories.
Perhaps the only downside with this hair dryer is that it’s a little large and heavy, and comes with a bulky cord, but it does make for a great performance and it’s sure to give you the best value for your money.
Pros
- Ionic and ceramic technology
- Affordable, value for money option
- 4 year warranty
Cons
- No dual voltage
- Short and bulky cord
4. BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
One of the most popular hair dryers on the market today is the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer, which, as the name suggests, is perfect for frequent travelers since it features dual voltage use so you can bring it anywhere you go.
This hair dryer is lightweight, compact, portable, and even comes with a long cord. It’s also really affordable. And, despite its size, it certainly packs a punch- this dryer doesn’t overheat, and it features a titanium construction and ionic technology.
Now, it does come with only two heat settings, and it operates at a lower wattage so drying your hair may take a bit longer, but if you have fine hair, that shouldn’t be much of a problem since fine hair doesn’t take long to dry. Besides, this hair dryer is a pretty innovative option for its price, and for that alone, it’s a great investment.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight and compact
- Long cord, dual voltage
- Ionic technology
Cons
- 2 heat settings only
- Low wattage means longer use
- No diffuser
5. RUSK Engineering Super Freak Professional
If you want a hair dryer that works for just about any type, density, and length of hair, which is a must-have in family homes so you don’t have to each buy individual hair dryers, we highly recommend the RUSK Engineering Super Freak Professional.
It’s a 2000 watt hair dryer that comes with low to high heat settings to work on fine to thick hair. It’s guaranteed to dry your hair quickly no matter how long or thick it is, most likely due to the professional AC motor made in Italy.
We also like its simple, no-frills design and construction, especially since it features a comfortable, non-slip grip so you can easily hold up the hair dryer for minutes on end. It even comes with a long cord so you can move around aplenty while drying and styling your hair.
Pros
- Tourmaline ionic technology
- Ergonomic design with non-slip grip
- Fast-drying even for thick hair
Cons
- More expensive than other options
6. Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
This next one is also a great budget hair dryer that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance. The Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer is an ideal home hair dryer that comes in either black or pink, and features a non-slip grip.
It also boasts of a strong 1875 watt motor, ceramic and ionic technology, three heat settings that are easy to control, a diffuser and concentrator to let you better work on your fine hair, and an overall long lasting product.
All that said, like many hair dryers for home use, this Conair hair dryer features a bulky design and comes with a long cord. It’s also a bit loud, which can be annoying if you use it for more than a few minutes (which shouldn’t be an issue for those with fine hair, thankfully).
Pros
- Ceramic and ionic technology
- Non-slip grip
- Affordable, value for money option
Cons
- Heavy build with a short cord
- Relatively noisier than other options
7. Solano Supersolano 3500 Lite
Solano is one of the most reputable and trusted hair dryer brands that has been offering great quality products since the mid 70’s. They are also the first to introduce cool shot buttons on hair dryers, which help set your hairstyle in place.
So, it’s only right that we include them in this list, specifically the Solano Supersolano 3500 Lite, which is great for home use. This hair dryer features an Italian DC motor that’s equal parts lightweight and powerful.
Plus, the motor also doesn’t overheat even if you use it for long periods of time. This hair dryer also makes use of negative ions and ceramic components to evenly distribute heat while preventing frizz. All in all, it’s a great product that you should definitely try.
Pros
- Eco-friendly construction
- Ceramic and ionic technology
- Lightweight but powerful
Cons
- More expensive than other options
8. Revlon 1875 Watt Infrared Hair Dryer
Did you know that Revlon not only sells hair care products, but hair styling tools as well? We particularly like their Revlon 1875 Watt Infrared Hair Dryer, which boasts of a triple layer ceramic coating, infrared heat, and tourmaline ionic technology.
What all those things do is dry your hair while being gentle on your strands, so that your hair shafts won’t get overly dried, which is what leads to frizzy hair. This dryer also comes with a diffuser, concentrator, and a long cord.
That said, it’s a little on the heavy side and takes a longer time to dry your hair, but if you’re okay with spending an extra minute or two with your hair while also saving money from buying an expensive hair dryer, this is a pretty great deal.
Pros
- Ceramic and ionic technology
- Infrared heat is gentler on hair
- Longer cord for easier styling
Cons
- Heavy profile
- Slower drying
- No dual voltage
9. Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair Dryer
Another excellent option for a hair dryer is the Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair Dryer. It’s a high quality hair dryer that’s made by Elchim, which is an even older brand than Solano, has been around as early as the 40’s.
Among its many features include ceramic technology, a professional AC motor, and a built-in silencer. It also has a sleek and elegant design, and has low EMF emissions, so it’s better for the planet as well.
Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is so much better than the standard two-year warranty for most brands. It does weigh a bit heavier than other hair dryers, but even so, it’s a pretty good bargain if you want a hair dryer for fine hair.
Pros
- Ceramic technology
- Low EMF radiation
- Noiseless performance
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- You need to pay shipping fees for repairs
- Not suitable for travel
The Best Hair Dryer for Fine Hair FAQs
What can a good hair dryer do for your hair?
Hair dryers nowadays don’t only dry your hair or help with styling, they also offer lots of additional benefits. For example, blow-drying your hair can make it appear smoother, fuller, and more luscious. It can also make your hair feel healthy if you pair it with dry shampoo, volumizing powder, or moisturizing products.
Moreover, hair dryers can also make your hair look shiny with the use of the cool shot button that prevents overheating of your hair shaft, which in turn preserves your hair’s natural shine.
There are also hair dryers that use ceramic elements and ions to limit the damage caused by heat, since the heat from the hair dryer is distributed more evenly, and your hair’s natural moisture gets locked into your strands.
Will using a hair dryer make your hair dry and brittle?
No. Hair dryers won’t make your hair brittle or dry, as long as you use a good quality hair dryer, use it correctly based on your hair type, and use the right hair care products like heat protectants that act like sunscreen with the use of water-soluble silicones to protect your hair shaft, and moisturizing agents that prevent dryness.
Since the hair dryer was first invented back in the 1920s, these styling tools have come a long way to make the drying process better, safer, and more efficient on your hair. These include adding more heat levels and using innovative materials and technology to prevent hair damage.
For instance, infrared light can be used to dry your hair so your hair shaft doesn’t get as much heat damage. A burst of cold air helps seal in your hair cuticles so they don’t overheat. Ceramics distribute heat evenly, and negative ions lock in moisture in each hair strand.
How do hair dryers for fine hair work?
A good hair dryer should be able to fix (or at least mask) certain hair issues such as lack of volume, dullness, and frizziness, with the use of certain technologies and materials.
If you have fine hair, for example, a cool shot button not only lets you seal in your hair style, it also lets you use cold air throughout the entire hair drying process so you don’t fry your thin hair strands to a crisp.
A concentrator would also enable you to dry and style your hair more efficiently without causing as much damage. Most importantly, the hair dryer itself should offer a low heat setting that would best work for fine hair so you can dry and style it without making your hair frizzy, burnt, or damaged.
What are the key features of a good hair dryer for fine hair?
Over the years, hair dryers have become more complex and specialized, so buying one today is not as easy as it seems since there are lots of different things you need to look for, meaning, you can’t just look at the price. The most important factors and features of a good quality hair dryer include the following:
- Heating elements (ex. ceramic, infrared light)
- Construction (ex. titanium plates, heat resistant handles, non-slip grip)
- Ionic technology and other innovative features
- Heat settings (lower for fine hair, higher for thick hair)
- Motor type and wattage (higher wattage means more power, faster drying)
- Weight, size, and ergonomics (lighter hair dryers are easier to use)
- Cord length, dual voltage (more suited for international travel)
- Removable filter, included accessories (ex. concentrators, diffusers)
Ultimately, your decision should be based on these things:
- What type of hair do you have? Is it short and fine, or long and thick? Is it healthy and moisturized, or dry and prone to damage? This will determine the appropriate heat level.
- How often do you use a hair dryer? If it’s every day, it’s smart to invest in a high-end hair dryer, but if it’s more like once a week, a budget hair dryer would do just fine.
- Do you often spend several minutes styling your hair with a hair dryer? If so, you need a lightweight dryer with excellent heat resistance. Accessories also help style your hair.
- Conversely, do you want to dry your hair as fast as possible? An AC motor and high wattage will give you better wind power, heat control, and durability.
- Do you travel around and out of the country often? Is your power outlet far from the mirror? Do you want to be able to style your hair on the go?
- Are you a bit clumsy, or are living with a child? A rubber coating will protect the hair dryer against breakage.
Final tips
There are lots of amazing options when it comes to the best hair dryer for fine hair, such as the Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry, a top of the line hair dryer that comes with all the bells and whistles you can expect from a high-end hair dryer.
When buying a hair dryer, keep in mind these helpful tips:
Ideally, you should be able to turn off ionic settings if you don’t want your hair to look too flat, and turn it back on if you need to get rid of frizz and flyaways so you can enjoy sleek and smooth hair.
And, while wattage is important in terms of power, fine hair is susceptible to breakage, so you shouldn’t use anything too aggressive, otherwise you’ll damage your hair. As such, try not to go above 1875 watt hair dryer.