Frequently asked questions

What specific features should someone with curly hair prioritize when selecting a blow-dryer?

“Look for multiple heat and airflow settings so you can customize based on how delicate or dense your curls are, plus true ionic technology to reduce frizz and boost shine. “A quality diffuser is non-negotiable because it helps curls dry evenly without disturbing their natural shape,” says Taylor. James breaks down the technology further, noting that “ionic technology works wonders on dense, curlier hair textures because it breaks down water molecules faster.” This is key because it keeps the frizz at bay during the drying process, which results in an overall smoother finish.

Titanium technology is like a moisture vacuum for low-porosity, thick, and coarse hair that holds water beneath the tightly packed cuticle layer within the strand. It delivers high heat that rapidly moves moisture to the surface, speeding dry time and creating a sleek, longer-lasting blowout.” On attachments, James adds that “a diffuser, comb, and nozzle attachment are clutch for creating a myriad of styles and will help perfect your blowout skills,” while Taylor rounds it out: “I also love dryers that maintain consistent heat so you are not shocking the hair cuticle and causing unnecessary dryness.”

What steps should you take when blow-drying curly hair to prevent damage?

Both experts agree that prep is everything before heat ever touches your hair. “I recommend a double cleanse, starting with a detoxifying or clarifying shampoo that won’t strip the hair. This first shampoo gently removes excess oils and product build-up, resulting in a ‘squeaky clean’ feel that allows better absorption for moisture and essential nutrients,” says James. Follow that with a hydrating shampoo, then a protein hair mask, detangling from ends to roots, and sitting under a dryer or steam cap for at least 20 minutes. James stresses that “the application of protein and moisture-infused formulas throughout your washday prep is key to healthier strands before heat styling.”

Taylor’s approach zeroes in on the styling step itself: “Healthy blow-drying always starts with moisture and protection, so I prep the hair with a heat protectant and a lightweight leave-in to keep curls flexible. I work in sections and use medium heat with low to moderate airflow so the curls dry gently instead of being blasted apart.” Both agree on finishing strong. James insists on a heat protectant applied root to tip as a final step, while Taylor adds, “I always finish with a cool shot to seal the cuticle and lock in shine.”

Should recommended heat settings vary between looser curls and tighter coil patterns?

“Looser curls and waves can typically tolerate slightly higher heat since the hair strands are often smoother and less prone to tangling, Taylor says. “Tighter coils and kinky textures need lower heat and slower airflow because the cuticle is naturally more raised and fragile.” James adds that other factors beyond curl pattern play a major role: “Density, porosity, and even length often determine heat settings as well. For instance, when the hair is shorter, it typically takes less time to dry because the flow of the air is concentrated in a smaller proximity and takes less time to travel from root to tip.”

Technique and tools matter, too. James notes that “if you are using a comb attachment to blow-dry higher curl patterns, you may be able to use lower heat than you normally would when using a round brush.” Ultimately, James puts it best: “No two curls are the same, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a successful, healthy, blowout on curls, even if the curl pattern appears to form the same shape.”

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best blow dryers for curly hair, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.