Hi, friends!
I’m looking for some hair dryer recommendations, and I’m hoping you guys might be able to help me out!
A few years ago, Mal bought me a fancy ionic hairdryer, but instead of it making my hair sleek and smooth, it makes my hair frizzy. I know. It’s suppose to do just the opposite, but it doesn’t. I’ve tried all sorts of hair products, brushes, and techniques, but, no matter what I do, my hair still comes out all frizzy. You’d think it was just my hair, but when I blow dry it at hotels (or my in-law’s or friends’ houses) with a regular hairdryer, it always comes out looking so good. Not frizzy at all!
I’ve dealt with my hairdryer for a few years now because Mal bought it for me, and I know he put a lot of time, effort, and thought into his gift. He always does his research before making a big purchase like this, so I feel bad that I want to replace it. I finally talked to him about it the other day, and he was totally cool with me wanting to get a new hairdryer, so now I am looking for recommendations!
Do you like your hairdryer? Would you recommend it?
Some eats from yesterday”¦
Breakfast: Shredded potatoes (cooked in bacon grease – oh yes!) with runny eggs, ketchup, and an iced coffee on the side.
Workout: 3 miles with Kerrie + CrossFit (5 rounds for time: 400 meter sprint + 50 meter Prowler Push).
Post-WOD: White Chocolate Chip iced coffee from Marylou’s.
Lunch: Big salad with chicken, Pad Thai noodles, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard, and creole seasoning (from a friend who was recently in New Orleans).
Afternoon snack: Zucchini slices with Spicy Pepper Jack from The Laughing Cow, edamame, and freshly ground pepper.
Afternoon fun: Playtime with Q, who was seriously rocking his “Blue Steel.”
And celebrating National Dog Day with my favorite furry friend!
Afternoon snack: Dark chocolate chunks (from Whole Foods in the baking aisle) + almonds.
Dinner: Big salad with chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard, and creole seasoning.
Dessert/snacks: Dark chocolate chunks + almonds + mint chocolate chip ice cream + Kashi Berry Fruitful cereal.
Ebates Labor Day Sale
Just wanted to share some great Labor Day deals from Ebates!
Labor Day Sale (August 26 – September 1)
- New Balance – was 6.0%, now get 12.0% Cash Back
- Avon – was 3.0%, now get 6.0% Cash Back
- Home Depot – was 2.0%, now 4.0% Cash Back
- HSN – was 2.0%, now get 4.0% Cash Back
- Dell Small Business – was 2.0%, now get 4.0% Cash Back
- Home Decorator’s Collection – was 3.5%, now get 7.0% Cash Back
- Living Social – was 3.0%, now get 6.0% Cash Back
- Macy’s – was 3.0%, now 6.0%
- Hotels.com – was 3.25%, now get 4.25% Cash Back
- Kohl’s – was 3.0%, now get 6.0% Cash Back
- Neiman Marcus – was 4.0%, now get 8.0% Cash Back
- Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts – was 4.5%, now get 8.0% Cash Back
- Backcountry.com – was 5.0%, now get 10.0% Cash Back
- Saks Fifth Avenue – was 4.5%, now get 9.0% Cash Back
- Gap – was 2.0%, now get 4.0% Cash Back
- Orbitz – was up to 6.5%, now up to 11.0% Cash Back
- Jos. A. Bank – was 4.0%, now get 8.0% Cash Back
- Lowe’s – was 2.0%, now 4.0% Cash Back
- Bloomingdale’s – was 3.0%, now get 6.0% Cash Back
- Overstock – was 2.5%, now get 5.0% Cash Back
- Amazon Kitchen – was 0.0%, now get 3.0% Cash Back
Question of the Day
Do you like your hair dryer? Would you recommend it?
112 Comments
I’m a hairstylist and am a pretty big blowdry snob. My favorite has to be the “croc” convertible. It has an ion button as well but I don’t use it on the ion setting. It’s VERY powerful and extremely light weight (my favorite part). I think it goes for around $125- but totally worth it! It will last you years. I also wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your post yesterday as well. It takes a lot of courage to share your personal life. I have a 6 week old and I’m going to start my exercise routine up next week. And your post inspired me. Thank you for you sharing! I hope you continue to share 🙂
Thank you!!!
I have no clue what brand my hairdryer is, I’ve had it forever. What I do know is that I want that dog!! Too cute!
i use some cheapo revlon hair dryer but it gets the job done!
I got mine as a freebie for ordering something – I’ve had it for 5 years now and it’s the best! It’s a Bosh I think.
I actually really like my Conair Infiniti Pro. Nothing fancy! 😉 I always use it with the triangular nozzle attached to cut down on frizz! I also notice a difference in my frizz factor when I travel. I think it often has to do with the hardness (or softness) of the water. Pureology hair products have definitely helped smooth my hair! They are designed for color-treated hair but work great on my non-dyed hair, too! Good luck 🙂
I have this one and works great!
http://www.target.com/p/conair-infiniti-pro-ac-motor-dryer/-/A-14921184?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14921184&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=14921184&LID=17pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14921184&kpid=14921184&gclid=CLrBzJGvs8ACFSxk7AodEBEAoA
Thank you!!
@Tina: YES! That one is amazing! I bought it 4 years ago and still going strong 🙂
Post partum hair gets really weird, as I’m sure you’ve noticed and maybe this is why you’re searching for a new dryer. Unfortunetly, the key to a “good dryer” is a good dry-est (?), so that’s why hair always looks fabulous after going to a salon, they know how to get it done. Doing it properly is fine but its a PITA and there is an easier way!
Oviously (whoa lots of adverbage over here) I don’t know you’re routine, but if possible wash your hair at night at let it air dry. Avoiding heat is the best thing for your hair. Then, in the morning run a hot hair straightener through. DO NOT buy conair (anything), go with something around the $100 range. Your hair will be dry in the morning and the straightener will just breeze on through and give you super nice, sleek hair.
I’ve had the frizzy issue since I got the hairdryer and my hair is fine when I use other dryers, so it’s probably not a postpartum issue, but it could be a wet/dry issue! I will definitely try that! Thanks!
I bought a cheap one at Marshall’s and love it much better that the $100 I bought at a hair salon last year. BTW do you shampoo every day? THAT could be making your hair frizzy. You can wet and blow dry it every day without frizz if you only wash a couple of times per week.
I usually shampoo every other day.
Tina, I have naturally curly and frizzy hair. Such a hassle in the summer. I read a few years back to only wash frizzy hair once a week with shampoo and just condition it the rest. I tried it and your hair isn’t greasy surprisingly. It does take a few weeks for your hair not to look a little funky though so you have to give it time. That may help with any dryer?
I’ll be watching this post because I don’t know if my hair has just changed (more fine now) but if I want to keep my curls in tact, I can’t blow dry it. It looks like cotton candy and I even use the cool/warm setting. So frustrating!
Without question, the Sam Villa E-t.c. Light Ionic Blow Dryer is the best. Which ionic model do you currently own?
I think the brand is T3? It says ‘featherweight’ on it, but the rest of the writing is worn off.
@Tina: @Tina:
T3’s are generally excellent appliances. I use them professionally for editorial work. I would contact the company even if it is a few years old. A T3 dryer should not be compromising the integrity of your hair.
I’ve had good luck taming “the frizzies” with an expensive product called “it’s a 10 miracle leave-in plus keratin”. It’s $20 for 4 oz but you only use a little bit. Really adds smoothness and shine.
I am a stylist; and I’ve been using the Twin Turbo for over 10 years. All of my co-workers use it too! It’s a little pricy, but it’s worth the money. It works great, and my clients that buy it to use at home love it! They say it makes a huge difference than their old blow dryers. It will also last forever! I use it 15+ times a day, and I usually only have to buy a new one every 1 1/2-2 years. So imagine how long it will last if you use it only once a day! Here’s the link…Good Luck!!
http://www.amazon.com/TURBO-POWER-Twinturbo-2800-Coldmatic/dp/B0009PL4D8
Thank you!!
I’ve been rockin’ a pixie cut for the last few months so I haven’t used a blow dryer in a while, but I have a Remmington one that I bought at Target (was patterened) and that thing actually works great. I also have fine hair (baby hair as some friends call it) so it doesn’t take much for my hair to get staticy though..
I have a Babyliss PRO hair dryer that I love that. I don’t use it that often because it’s so dry here in Denver, but when I lived in NY I used it all the time and LOVED it. Never burnt my hair and I never had frizz.
I’m just an average consumer (no hair style experience except dealing with my own frizzy mane 🙂 ) and did online research after my hair dryer broke. After reading and comparing tons of reviews, I purchased the BaBylissPRO TT® Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer and I really am pleased with it. Drys super fast!
Thanks!
Hey Tina! I have very fine hair and it gets frizzy very quickly. I bought a Solano hairdryer about 7 years ago, and I’ll never buy another brand–it actually gets my hair shiny and sleek.
I hope this helps!
Here’s a link to one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Supersolano-232rb-Professional-Ceramic-Toumaline/dp/B000BBGS5O/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1409142600&sr=1-2
Thank you!
@Tina: @Jenny: this the best hairdryer on earth
I’ve been using the Rusk Speed Freak for a couple years now and love it! http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3540311
It’s amazing how fast it works!
Thanks!
@melissa: I love the Speed Freak as well:)…I have SUPER thick hair and it dries in no time at all!
I have the Babyliss PRO (I think they have updated the model a bit since I got it) but it’s around $80 at Target and it works fantastic! I have curly/wavy hair so I needed something that gets the job done without any frizz. There are three different heat settings, plus a cool setting to eliminate frizz at the end. I would highly recommend it.
http://www.target.com/p/babylisspro-tt-tourmaline-titanium-3000-dryer-red/-/A-14278451?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14278451&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=14278451&LID=17pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14278451&kpid=14278451&gclid=CJWYnqS7s8ACFZJr7AodewsA-Q
Thank you!!
I also recently had to do a little hair dryer research/shopping. My roommate has a Chi hairdryer that I absolutely loved because it dried my hair quickly and left it smooth and shiny, but unfortunately it also cost over $100. I talked to my hairdresser and my sister (who is also a hair dresser) and both recommended I check out the Lee Stafford “Blow dry faster” professional ionic dryer (cheesy name, I know) – after some research I found it has amazing reviews and I agree with all of them. I can blow dry my hair on the medium heat setting (thick, medium length hair) in under 10 minutes and with a blast of the “cool” setting at the end, my hair is shiny and smooth. This doesn’t leave me sweating by the end and the best part is it’s only $30 at Target online! I totally recommend it to everyone!
http://www.target.com/p/blow-dry-faster-ac-salon-professional-ionic-dryer/-/A-15127011
Awesome! Thank you!
I just bought this one two weeks ago and love it!http://www.target.com/p/revlon-perfect-heat-pro-stylist-shine-booster-hair-dryer/-/A-14886097#prodSlot=medium_1_31&term=hair+dryer (It was $25 at the store). I usually only dried my hair maybe once a month in the past, because I hate how frizzy it gets, but I have noticed no frizz with this one, especially when I use the warm or cold setting (as opposed to hot).
Thanks!!
I have the same problem with my hair. Funny thing is I bought a Bed Head one at Target for $25 when I was desperate because my old one died and it works perfect. Sometimes nothing fancy is needed.
http://www.folica.com/tools/hair-dryers/babyliss-pro-ceramix-xtreme-babyliss-2000
It’s a little heavy (arm workout!) but I swear it dries my extremely thick, frizzy hair in record time. The first one I bought broke, but I received a warranty replacement from Folica for $10. Good luck with your search!
Thanks!!
I have quite a bit of wavy/curly hair that I blow dry straight pretty much every day. I use the Rusk Speed Freak: http://www.amazon.com/Rusk-Speed-Professional-Ceramic-Tourmaline/dp/B004MIKDBW/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1409144365&sr=1-1&keywords=rusk+speed+freak and I love it. It gets my hair much straighter than other dryers I have used before. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting and how you like it!
I love my Solia Hairdryer. I got it from Folica.com and I’ve had it for about 4 years now. Its a bit heavy, but works so well and so fast.
I have the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Portofino 6600 Hair Dryer – it’s light and dries my hair very quickly. I purchased it through folica.com which you can usually find a 20-25% coupon code for and has a fantastic full replacement within the 2-year warranty policy. (http://www.folica.com/tools/hair-dryers/babylisspro-nano-titanium-portofino-6600-hair-dryer#tab=overview)
Hi! So funny you mention the frizz from the fancy expensive dryer! I had the same problem and would have great hair days when I used hotel hair dryers. I just recently read in a magazine that a good tip from a stylist was to invest in a cheap hair dryer to avoid damage. Basically, since we are not pros, we could be using blasts of extremely hot air on our hair causing damage but the cheap conair ones don’t get as hot= less damage! Then I thought about it and I realized that hotels have the cheapest dryers ever but work wonders!!! Hope this helps!
I recently bought this dryer ( http://www.sephora.com/buttercup-blow-dryer-P378161?skuId=1506526 ) It’s spendy, but with this + a little argan oil smoothed through my hair, my hair is great. I don’t use other styling products or even a straightener most days. So, it was an investment, but it’s totally worth it to me.
I use a conair travel dryer from Walmart. It’s $10 and seriously better than every single high end dryer I’ve ever tried!
PBwonderful question alert:
So, I *think* my local brew house HAS to be similar to Marylous. I also live in MA but not near a Marylous and I’m dying to try a Peanut Butter Wonderful Ice coffee. My shop has a LOT of flavors: almond, white chocolate chip etc etc. I usually get a half white chocolate chip and a half regular. Which got me thinking that maybe I could ask them to combine a few things to GET me a PB Wonderful since they don’t have it on the menu?
Suggestions?
Ooooh! Very exciting! PB Wonderful is 1/2 white chocolate chip + 1/2 Hawaiian Chocolate Nut with a slash of cold Swiss Miss hot chocolate, but you could always try chocolate almond or soy milk instead. I hope you try it! Enjoy!
The T3 hair dryer has transformed my process in the morning! Its lightweight, doesnt dry my hair out, and even makes it easier to style. They are a little expensive but definitely worth every penny – I found mine on Amazon for $125 from the normal $200!
Yummy eats! Especially the breakfast hash! You should try avocado cooked for a couple of minutes in bacon grease…SO GOOD!
I use the T3 featherweight hair dryer. It’s on the expensive side but I have noticed a decrease in drying time (I have a ton of hair!) plus it’s lighter than hair dryers I’ve used in the past and I don’t get that annoying shoulder cramp from drying my hair. I bought it cheaper on amazon than I saw on other sites.
I recently bought the Babyliss Pro that a bunch of people commented they love and I love it too! It is currently $39.97 at Bed Bath and Beyond and you can use one of their coupons! They will also take it back if you don’t like it!
I LOVE my Bed Head ‘Hot Head’ 1875 watt hair dryer and I have super thick, frizzy hair. You can get it at Ulta or Amazon for a very fair price.
I tend to get frizzy hair too! My hairdresser recommended doing a deep condition every 6-8weeks. You can pay through the nose to do the ones at the salon but you can find cheaper ones(pinterest).
The hair dryer that I swear by is my red “ConAir Ionic Ceramic cord keeper.” It is compact and easy to store. Before I blow dry my hair though I use Miracle 10 to protect my hair from heat styling and for added softness. Its pricey but, to me it is worth every penny.
Rank & Style just did a post on blowdryers under $200. http://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-hair-dryers-under-200/
My friend has the Remington from Target and it’s awesome. I keep hoping my blowdryers dies so I can get that one. And I spent over $100 on mine!
omg that pug puppy video is adorable – when he’s upside down…too darn cute! thanks for sharing.
I’ve used this one for the last 3 years and love it. My mother and sister use it as well. Its a little heavy for some ppl, but dries really fast, especially if you have a lot of hair (which I do). If I’m traveling with friends they always ask to use it.
If you use retail-me-not for Ulta you can get a coupon for a few dollars off:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3110541
Regardless of what you choose, spending a little extra $ is totally worth it! Good Luck!
Do you think it could actually be your water? If the ph level is off or there are certain minerals in it, it could be causing the frizz. It would explain why the hairdryer isn’t working but it is fine when you stay at hotels. Just a thought.
I have the same issue. I find that if I wash and blow dry my hair straight, the day of it looks frizzy but on day two it looks great with just a straight iron through it! I think it has something to do with the oils on my scalp so I’ve been washing my hair at night and styling it in the morning. (I know that may be difficult for you with your exercising in the a.m; I always have to wash my hair after a workout). But with Mal going back to school and doing night time workouts this may actually work for you! 🙂
I ordered a BaByliss Pro when the cord of my previous hair dryer started getting hot near the part where you plug it in. It was old and I didn’t want to start a fire. It’s this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UHN0I6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I do really like it and I am sad when I have to use a dryer at a hotel, etc. Most of the time I pack it unless I am really short on space. It doesn’t solve my frizzy hair problems…my conditioner choice seems to be responsible for that (I use Aveda’s Smooth Infusion or Dry Remedy). But the hair dryer did cut my dry time in half since I have really thick hair that dries slowly. My only complaint originally was it is heavy but I’ve gotten used to it and like to think of it as a little extra arm workout.
I also use a large boar bristle round brush that has a ceramic center when I’m drying and it helps manage the frizzy hair too. Do you like the dryer your stylist uses? Maybe she could recommend one. Hope you find one you love!
Although I know they are almost always worth the splurge, I’m too cheap to spend a ton of money on a hair dryer! I just purchased the Conair Infiniti Pro 1875 at Ulta (http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4690123) – I love it! It’s super powerful, which is great for my long hair, and has heat as well as power settings. I also love the concentrator attachment it comes with, it’s really helpful for when I want a sleek blow out.
If you want to really invest in something, I’ve heard the Dry Bar buttercup blow dryer is awesome (http://www.sephora.com/buttercup-blow-dryer-P378161?skuId=1506526&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=kny432fg&pcrid=49113170199&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CjwKEAjwg_afBRD3rpChlqiKt1ESJACwY6NkDm9-npsCy_Fzf5_Sa1svNbHaHiD5oEesERPjaB9JIxoCR0nw_wcB).
Good luck!
I have been using the Conair Infiniti Pro AC Motor Dryer for a few years now and LOVE IT. It is SO powerful which helps to dry my very long, thick hair quickly- my roommates often steal it because it is more powerful than their salon-quality ones! And for $29.99 at target you cannot beat the price. Highly recommend.
Check out Baby Bliss! Mine has lasted me YEARS. It’s super powerful and takes 1/2 the time to blow dry my hair with than any other blow dryer (I have thick thick hair). My hair dresser also said it’s like having a salon style one at home. I absolutely love it and I think they are pretty reasonable as well!
Hi Tina!
I just ordered this one from Birchbox and love it! A little on the pricey side but I absolutely love it!
https://www.birchbox.com/shop/tools-and-accessories/hair/blow-dryers/sedu-6000i-blow-dryer
Liz
Ah Q is such a cutie! Oh my goodness. Also for hair dryers, I hear good things about the Dry Bar products/tools and since all they do is blowouts, I have to assume they know a thing or two about dryers! Sephora usually has good options so if you’re looking for one to invest in then I’d recommend seeing what they have 🙂
Hi Tina – when you add mustard to your salads do you add salad dressing as well or does it act as the dressing? If it acts as a dressing, do you find it coats the salad enough or is it a little dry?
Yep, it acts as dressing! 🙂
I had a hot pink chi hair dryer, but the darn thing died after a little over a year. I got a cheap revlon one at Marshall’s and it’s pretty good. You should tally up your recommendations for us 😉
I am the WORST with hair and makeup, so I’ll leave this one to others. But where did you get the headband?!? You always have the cutest ones! (…and I always need them since my hair is always a hot mess….)
Thanks! They’re from JUNK! 🙂