Key takeaways
- Best overall: Shark FlexStyle ($250 – $300).
- Best value: Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Hair Dryer ($25 – $39).
- Airflow dries faster than extra heat and causes less damage.
In this article
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Choosing hair dryers in the US is easier when someone has already sorted the good from the overpriced. Below are the hair dryers we would buy right now, the ones worth a second look and the ones we would skip, each with a typical price and the reason behind the call.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Shark FlexStyle ($250 – $300)
- Best value: Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Hair Dryer ($25 – $39)
- Premium pick: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($399 – $429)
Hair dryers compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark FlexStyle | Buy | 8.6/10 | $250 – $300 |
| Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | Buy | 8.6/10 | $399 – $429 |
| Shark HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator | Buy | 8.5/10 | $199 – $279 |
| Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush | Buy | 8.2/10 | $39 – $69 |
| Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Hair Dryer | Buy | 7.9/10 | $25 – $39 |
| Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler | Consider | 8.4/10 | $500 – $600 |
Our picks in detail
Shark FlexStyle
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $250 – $300
Shark FlexStyle is one of the hair dryers we would buy in the US. It scores 8.6/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $250 – $300.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Fast drying with less heat · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $399 – $429
Why we like it: Fast, quiet and gentle on hair.
Pros: Fast drying · Intelligent heat control · Magnetic attachments
Cons: Very expensive · High-pitched sound
Buy it if you blow-dry daily and want fast drying with controlled heat and less frizz.
Skip it if you want value; good ionic dryers cost a fraction of the price.
Shark HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator
Dyson alternative · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $199 – $279
Why we like it: Fast, smart drying for less.
Pros: Fast drying · Auto heat control · Good attachments
Cons: Heavier than Dyson · Pricey
Buy it if you want Dyson-like speed and smart heat control for less money.
Skip it if you want the lightest dryer.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
Volume on a budget · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $39 – $69
Why we like it: Dry and style in one step.
Pros: Very affordable · Dries and styles at once · Adds volume
Cons: Bulky · Can be hot on fine hair
Buy it if you want to dry and add volume in one step at a low price.
Skip it if you have very thick or very short hair.
Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Hair Dryer
Budget · Verdict: Buy · Score: 7.9/10 · Typical price: $25 – $39
Why we like it: Ionic dryer under $40.
Pros: Very cheap · Ionic · Several heat settings
Cons: Loud · Heavier
Buy it if you want a fast, inexpensive ionic dryer.
Skip it if you want premium heat control or quiet operation.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $500 – $600
Our verdict on Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is consider: a decent option, but compare it with the picks above before paying $500 – $600.
What to check before you buy
- Airflow dries faster than extra heat and causes less damage.
- Heat and speed settings help with different hair types.
- Lighter dryers are easier for long or thick hair.
What to skip
Common mistake: Using the highest heat every day.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Mid-range ionic dryers give salon-style results.
Compare more options
Search hair dryers on Amazon See top-rated hair dryers on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hair dryers in the US?
Our top pick is Shark FlexStyle (typically $250 – $300). For the best value, choose Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Hair Dryer (typically $25 – $39).
What should I check before buying hair dryers?
Airflow dries faster than extra heat and causes less damage. Heat and speed settings help with different hair types.
When is the best time to buy hair dryers in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying hair dryers?
Using the highest heat every day.