Whether you're a blowout whiz or prefer to rough-dry and go, using one of the best hair dryers for frizzy hair can make all the difference when it comes to achieving smooth, silky hair. But when practically every dryer on the market promises frizz-free hair, it can be hard to determine which ones are worth it and which are a total waste of money. That's where celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab. Tokyo brand ambassador Andrew Fitzsimons's expert advice comes in.
"You should look for hair dryers that are ionic or tourmaline, and always make sure to get the nozzle attachment," he summarizes of choosing a blow dryer that will reduce frizz. "They use negative ion technology and will dry your hair faster, leaving it less frizzy," he goes on to explain. As for the concentrated nozzle, Andrew says you should use this even if you're just rough-drying your hair. "The air is more direct and focused with the nozzle attachment, instead of dispersed, which causes hair to frizz."
Of course, a hair dryer alone isn't going to entirely eliminate frizz. Before you blow dry, Fitzsimons says there are two important rules to follow. First, make sure your hair isn't sopping wet when you hit it with heat. If you don't have spare time to let your hair air dry for a bit first, Fitzsimons recommends towel-drying your hair with a cotton cloth or microfiber towel, which will help get rid of excess water without contributing to frizz. "If you start blow-drying on completely wet hair, you can actually cause the water in your strands to heat up too rapidly, which will basically fry your hair and create more frizz," he explains.
The second non-negotiable is prepping your hair with a heat protectant to prevent your heat styling tools, including blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, from causing dryness or damage. Dry hair means more frizz because the cuticle becomes raised, allowing outside moisture from the air to enter and swell the strands, so keeping your hair healthy with the help of a heat protectant will also reduce frizz. "I like NatureLab. Tokyo's Perfect Shine Oil Mist before using a blow dryer because it will leave your hair looking shiny and frizz-free, and it will also protect your hair from heat," Fitzsimons says.
Now that you're armed with the proper blow-drying tips, ahead are five of the best hair dryers for frizzy hair — from Fitzsimons's go-to dryer to under $50 options, and even a travel-size frizz-fighter.