No matter your age, styling your hair is something that can instill confidence and positivity about your appearance. And, when you’re in a pinch and running late, there’s no better way to get your hair ready quickly than drying it with a blow dryer.
Blow dryers all differ in size, weight, features, and added parts. To help you find a hair dryer that works well and doesn’t put strain on your arms or shoulders, we compiled a list of hair dryers that are ultra lightweight, sleek, and easy to use.
Read on for our review of our top picks for hair dryers, plus everything to consider before making a purchase.
The best lightweight hair dryer
Revlon 1875W Compact Hair Dryer
Revlon’s compact dryer weighs just over a pound and is perfect to travel with because of how lightweight and compact it is.
The dryer has no set system to regulate temperature—there’s either hot air, or you can use the snowflake button that initiates a stream of cold air.
Unfortunately, the lack of temperature control might frustrate people who are used to having flexibility with the temperature of their dryer.
On the bright side, this model is impressively lightweight, and you can purchase it in fun colors like bubblegum pink or egg yolk yellow.
Pros
- By far the most affordable model listed
- Two speed settings
Cons
- Only one temperature setting
- Doesn’t come with a diffuser
Key Features
- Available in black, pink, or bright yellow
- 1875 watts of power
- Snowflake button for shot of cool air
- Hanging ring for storage
Specifications
- Brand: Revlon
- Model: RVDR5034
- Dimensions/Weight: 3.4 x 9.4 x 7.2 inches; 1.2 pounds
JINRI Infrared Professional Salon Hair Dryer
JINRI’s dryer uses 1875 watts of power to dry your hair. The dryer utilizes negative ions plus infrared heat to eliminate static and frizz for sleek, dry hair.
Complete with two speeds and three heat settings, you have plenty of options for how you want your blow-drying experience to go. The dryer also comes with three attachments: a diffuser for curly hair, a concentrator for straight hair, and a comb to get through pesky tangles pre- and post-dry.
Pros
- Equipped with three attachments that serve all hair types
- Air filter can be removed for cleaning
Cons
- Heavier than other models on our list
Key Features
- 1875 watts of drying power
- Hang loop for hanging the dryer between uses
- Two speeds
- Three heat options
- Three bonus attachments
Specifications
- Brand: JINRI
- Dimensions/Weight: 10.6 x 3.5 x 8.3 inches; 1.65 pounds
Conair 1875 Watt Full Size Pro Hair Dryer
This full size yet lightweight hair dryer from trusted Conair is a great choice for both at home and on the go styling. This hair dryer provides uniform heat so it takes less time to dry your hair, and tourmaline ceramic technology helps condition and fight frizz.
The dryer has an easy to maneuver switch to move between 3 heat and 2 speed settings for different hair types. There’s also a cool shot button to lock your style in place. This dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle which works well for smooth, sleek styles.
Pros
- Easy to switch between speed and heat modes
- Concentrator nozzle is a nice accessory
- Comes in fun colors and finishes
Cons
- Cord is short
- Handle can be slippery
Key Features
- 3 heat and 2 speed settings
- Cool shot button
- Natural ion output to fight frizz
- Removable air filter
Specifications
- Brand: Conair
- Dimensions: 3.63 x 9.25 x 10.27 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
CONFU Ionic Hair Dryer
This unique hairdryer by CONFU features multiple heat and speed settings so you can adjust to your exact specifications. It’s portable and lightweight and comes with diffuser and concentrator attachments which you can use depending on your hair type and desired style.
The dryer has constant temperature protection to avoid frizz and heat damage. It also features overheat protection for extra safety.
Pros
- Long cord for easy maneuvering
- Ion technology keeps hair smooth and cuts down on drying time
- Constant temperature control helps prevent overheating
Cons
- Air nozzle can become very hot while in use
- Longer hair can get sucked into the motor
Key Features
- 3 heat settings and fully adjustable wind settings
- 1600 watt max power
- 6.5 foot long cord
- Overheat protection
- Diffuser and concentrator attachments
Specifications
- Brand: CONFU
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.5 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
Our Best Lightweight Hair Dryer Guide
Hair dryers differ from brand to brand, which is why you want to make sure you’re in the know before purchasing one. Read on for our tips that will guide your decision.
Ionic Technology
With there always being a new trend in hair care, some people might be wary of the so-called transformative powers of ionic technology. Though it’s impossible to say if ionic technology will change your life, science does show that negative ions make an impact.
Negative ions help to break down water molecules, which in turn speeds up the hair-drying process. This means that you’ll be saving time every time you dry your hair. Also, if you experience pain in your arms, shoulders, or back, the less time you spend drying your hair, the better!
Added Parts
Nozzles and add-ons might seem like an added bonus, but depending on your hair type, they might actually be a necessity.
For example, if you have thick, curly hair, blow drying without using a diffuser could be a recipe for disaster. Curly hair is more likely to dry out and frizz up if high heat is applied too directly. To protect your hair and also maintain shimmer and shine, a diffuser can make a world of difference. Diffusers spread the heat over a larger area so your curls stay intact.
Concentrators have the opposite effect. For fine, straight hair, concentrators are the way to go. Concentrators spotlight certain sections of the hair, smoothing out curly hair and evening out its texture. To maximize smoothness and straightness, concentrators are best used when accompanied by a comb or brush.
Technically, these extra nozzles are a pleasant addition, but they can really transform your hair and your blow-drying experience. Depending on the texture of your hair and what you want to do with it, selecting a dryer that comes with additional parts may be in your best interest.
