What type of blow dryer is best for fine hair?

Kim mentions a few features to keep in mind when shopping for a blow dryer for fine hair. “I would look for a blow dryer with a wide range of settings so that you can always depend on the low watt setting to minimize damage,” she says. “Another great feature to look for is the 'cool' setting, which will set your blowout after you’ve styled in order to hold volume.” She mentions that using a blow dryer that allows you to turn off the ionic setting (or, alternatively, a non-ionic blow dryer) is another great way to give limp hair volume.

How often should you blow dry fine hair?

When it comes to how often you should blow dry fine hair, Kim recommends keeping it as infrequent as possible in order to minimize damage. “The upside to having finer hair is that your hair dries faster fresh out of the shower, so you wouldn’t have to spend too much time with heat on your hair,” she says. On the days you do need to reach for your blow dryer? “You can let it air dry a bit before, rough dry the roots upwards for some volume, and just smooth out those ends.”

The 14 Best Blow Dryers for Fine Hair of 2023

Fine hair can be tricky to style. The good news is that it typically dries much quicker than thicker strands, but the bad news is that some blow dryers can make thin hair look flat. Why? Many of today's models use ionic technology, which blasts out negative ions to dry locks faster. Ionic dryers also create a smooth, sleek finish. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can make thin hair look limp.

So, what are fine-haired folks to do? Your best bet is a standard blow dryer—as in one without fancy ionic technology or an option that allows you to turn the negative ions off and on. Additionally, super high wattage can be a lot on thin hair, so to avoid damage, look for a relatively low-watt model or one with adjustable heat settings.

Now, there are a lot of standard blow dryers out there, so to help narrow down the list, we conducted hours of research on top-rated models. We evaluated their temperature options, and took into consideration extra features designed to minimize heat damage. We then tried some of the most popular options for a couple of weeks at a time. Our testers rated how well each performed, keeping the ease of use, drying time, and their hair's overall look and feel in mind. We then combined these results with haircare experts and our own research to compile our list.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

T3 Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Runner-Up, Best Overall:

Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

REMINGTON Pro Hair Dryer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Pro-Level:

GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer

Jump to Review

Best for Damaged Hair:

Eva NYC Far-Infrared Dryer

Jump to Review

Best for Styling:

Revlon One-Step Hot Dryer and Volumizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Drybar Blow-Dryer Brush at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smoothing:

BabylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Volumizing Technology
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

T3 Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

Thanks to T3's Cura Luxe Hair Dryer, I’m Never Getting a Salon Blowout Again

What We Like

Smooths hair
Has a volume boost option
Dries hair quickly

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Our number one pick for fine hair is the T3 Cura Luxe. Equipped with multiple digitally-controlled heat settings, two speeds, and a volume-booster switch, this award-winning hairdryer checks all the boxes for thin strands and then some. It may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but trust us, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

It dries hair impressively fast, Byrdie contributor Ashley Rubell noting it took her wavy, medium-density hair from wet to salon-worthy status in just ten minutes flat. It also leaves the hair soft, healthy, and full-looking—everything fine-haired folk would want from a blowout. Also, the negative ion generator can be switched on and off to leave hair extra-smooth.

Price at time of publish: $295

Max Temp: 140 °F | Features: 2 speed settings, 5 heat settings, cool shot | Wireless: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

8 heat & speed settings
Includes 2 nozzles
Has a dual filtration system

What We Don't Like

Can take time to dry hair

Thanks to its whopping eight speeds and multiple heat settings and lightweight, ergonomic design, this blow dryer is a close runner-up. "Harry Josh's Pro Dryer is great because you get 1875 watts and 125 volts that will blow air at 80+ MPH to cut drying time in half. It has a variety of heat settings and air settings to target finer hair as well," says New York-based hairstylist Sky Kim of Serge Normant at John Frieda. "Plus, you get dual ion functionality to allow for a customized sleek or voluminous styling with maximum shine."

Price at time of publish: $249

Max Temp: 101 ºF | Features: 8 heat settings, cool shot, 9-foot cord | Wireless: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Has a cool option
Very inexpensive
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Doesn't have all the bells and whistles

Looking for something a little easier on your wallet? You can't go wrong with the Conair Mid-Size Hair Dryer. This affordable, no-nonsense tool delivers 1875 watts of power. You can run it on high or low to dry fine hair and then lock your style into place with the cool shot button.

Price at time of publish: $17

Max Temp: 248 °F | Features: 2 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No

4.2

REMINGTON Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com

Remington's Pro Hair Dryer Gave Me Quick, Smooth Blowouts Every Time

What We Like

Crushed pearls help condition
3 heat & 2 speed settings
Includes concentrator & diffuser

What We Don't Like

Doesn't get super hot

The Remington Pro is a solid drugstore dryer. Crushed pearls are infused into the ceramic barrel, which helps condition thin hair as it dries. With 1875 watts of power, three heat settings, and two speeds, this hair dryer allows you to fine-tune your drying experience.

Price at time of publish: $35

Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, cool shot | Wireless: No

remington AC2015 pro hair dryer — Byrdie / Ashley Rubell

What Our Testers Say

"In only a few minutes, my hair was straighter and smoother while still holding some natural volume to it." — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester

Dyson

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

I Tried Dyson’s Supersonic Hair Dryer and It’s the Only Hair Tool I’ll Ever Need

What We Like

Makes hair look sleek
Dries quickly
Includes concentrator & diffuser

What We Don't Like

Not for beginners

Dyson's Supersonic has held court in the world of hair drying since its release in 2016. This futuristic tool doesn't just look cool. It blasts your strands gently yet efficiently with heat-control technology while minimizing damage. The price tag is undoubtedly steep, but it might be worth splurging on this superstar blow dryer. "This will save you time, which cuts heat damage, and you get different nozzles to help you target frizz or rough-dry the hair. Plus, you get a variety of heat and speed settings," says Kim.

Price at time of publish: $630

Max Temp: 212 °F | Features: 3 speeds, 3 magnetic nozzles | Wireless: No

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer — Byrdie / Ashley Rubell

GHD Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Lightweight
Dries hair quickly
Helps boost shine

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Professional blowouts might be having a moment, but believe it or not, you can get a pro-level finish right at home. This award-winning blow dryer boasts a high-tech aerodynamic design to deliver salon-quality results on all hair types and textures—even thin strands. "It's a powerful dryer but also very gentle and offers different settings based on your needs," Kim tells Byrdie. "It's really light, too, so it'll save you some arm strength!"

Price at time of publish: $279

Max Temp: 220 °F | Features: 2 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Infused with tourmaline
Dries hair smooth
Hanging hook for storage

What We Don't Like

A little heavy

If you're working with thin, damaged hair, we recommend the Eva NYC Spectrum. It uses "far-infrared" technology, which dries hair from the inside to protect your outer cuticles from frizz and breakage. The barrel is infused with tourmaline (AKA finely ground crystals), making it easy on thin hair. This 1875-watt blow dryer is also designed to create volume and give limp tresses a little more oomph.

Price at time of publish: $90

Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 2 attachment heads, cool shot, 2 speed settings, 3 heat settings | Wireless: No

4.2

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

Review: The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush Gave My Hair Serious Lift

What We Like

Creates volume
Good value
Cuts styling time

What We Don't Like

Can't be used without brush

When it comes to styling, fine hair can be finicky. It can help to dry your hair with a round brush, which builds volume and creates a polished (but not overly smooth or limp) finish. With this in mind, Revlon's One-Step Volumizer is a hairdryer and round brush in one. The expertly designed nylon and boar-bristle brush detangles and styles while the warm air dries your hair and locks your look into place.

Price at time of publish: $39

Max Temp: 175 °F | Features: Cool tip, bristle brush, 3 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush — Byrdie / Ashley Rubell

What Our Testers Say

"The Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer gave me a quick, easy-to-achieve, salon-quality blowout in mere minutes." — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester

4.4

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Great for adding volume & shine
Lightweight
3 temperature settings

What We Don't Like

Can't be used without brush

Speaking of volume, the Double Shot uses a similar brush-blow dryer combination, which does wonders for fine hair. Thanks to its lightweight design and ergonomic handle, it's easy to style your hair without straining your wrists or making your arm muscles feel like Jello. This dryer has three temperature settings, so you can customize the airflow. The tufted bristles have soft nylon tips, providing the perfect level of tension for creating just the right amount of lift and body.

Price at time of publish: $155

Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: Cool tip, bristle brush, 3 heat settings | Wireless: No

BabylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Beautyplussalon.com

What We Like

Ionic technology
6 heat & speed settings
Comfortable to hold

What We Don't Like

Red paint may peel

If your hair tends to lose smoothness when it dries, we suggest the BaBylissPRO TT. It delivers that far-infrared heat we mentioned earlier, which helps to combat static. The result? Healthy-looking locks without any flyaways.

Price at time of publish: $73

Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: Cool shot, 9-foot cord, 6 heat and speed settings | Wireless: No

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Dries hair quickly
Ionic technology with shut-off
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

No diffuser

Fast dry time is a coveted blow dryer feature, no matter your hair type. To dry your hair in a flash, reach for this product. Thanks to a high-torque motor and aerodynamic airflow, this dryer stakes its claim as one of the fastest in its category. While it does use ionic technology, this feature can be turned off to avoid limp strands.

Price at time of publish: $100

Max Temp: ≈ 140 °F | Features: 2 heat settings, cool shot, 9-foot cord | Wireless: No

Conair InfinitiPro Travel Professional Hair Dryer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Small & packable
Includes concentrator attachment
3 heat & 2 speed settings

What We Don't Like

No diffuser

You'll be glad you packed the InfinitiPro when you're on the road. This compact travel dryer is more powerful than it looks. It uses a pro-level motor and 1600 watts of power to dry hair quickly while reducing frizz and minimizing damage. With two speed settings and three levels of heat, plus a cool shot button, you can customize the airflow based on what works best for your hair. This blow dryer also comes with a concentrator attachment, allowing you to direct heat on one section at a time while styling your hair.

Price at time of publish: $30

Max Temp: 158 °F | Features: Cool shot, 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings | Wireless: No

Courtesy of Amazon.

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Prevents flyaways
Quiet motor
Reasonably priced

What We Don't Like

Not the most compact

This pro-grade blow dryer tackles frizz and prevents flyaways without making fine hair go limp. It has all the features of a standard dryer and boasts a quiet yet powerful motor that promises to dry your hair quickly without damage. It's not as compact as other options, but the mid-range price is definitely reasonable.

Price at time of publish: $60

Max Temp: 160 °F | Features: 2 speeds, 2 heat settings, cool shot, diffuser | Wireless: No

Zuvi Life

View On Neiman Marcus View On Zuvi.us

What We Like

Compact and modern-looking
Dries without stripping moisture

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Zuvi Halo is one of the most impressive options we've tried in terms of cutting-edge technology. This innovative hair dryer dries the surface of your strands without stripping the moisture within. It's also remarkably quiet, compact, and modern-looking, and when you turn it on, the head illuminates to display opalescent colors. The price might be hard to justify, but if it's within your budget, we say go for it.

Price at time of publish: $370

Max Temp: ≈ 150 °F | Features: 3 heat settings, diffuser, concentrator, gentle air attachment | Wireless: No

Final Verdict

Your best bet for drying fine hair is the award-winning T3 Cura Luxe Hair Dryer. The heat settings, multiple speeds, and volume-boosting mode are hard to beat. However, the eight-speed Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000 is a close runner-up. If you're looking for something more affordable, we recommend the Remington AC2015 Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology. This drugstore blow dryer has three heat modes and two speeds, plus a pearl-infused ceramic barrel that conditions your hair as it dries.

Meet the Expert

Sky Kim is a New York-based hairstylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda who has extensive experience with using all kind of hot tools to add volume to fine hair.

What to Look For in a Blow Dryer for Fine Hair

Heat and Speed Settings

"When looking for blow dryers for fine hair, make sure you check for the heat and speed settings so you don't accidentally fry your hair in the process," says Kim.

Since thin hair is often more susceptible to damage, it's important to avoid overheating it with styling tools. You'll want to get a medium-wattage blow dryer or one with multiple heats and speed settings. Aside from minimizing damage, this allows you to customize your drying experience and create different styles.

Like the Remington Pro and the Eva NYC Spectrum Far-Infrared Dryer, lots of hair dryers don't go above roughly 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which can help protect fine, fragile strands.

Non-Ionic

Many modern blow dryers feature ionic technology. This means they deliver negative ions to dry hair faster and create a smooth, sleek finish. While they're certainly convenient, those with fine hair may want to avoid ionic dryers, as it can create a flat, limp appearance.

Opt for a non-ionic hair dryer or one with the option to turn the feature off. The Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000 is a great choice if you're trying to steer clear of the smoothing technology.

Volumizing Technology

Kim also suggests considering a blow dryer's volumizing technology, which is crucial for giving body to fine hair. This might be in the form of a brush-dryer combo or a volume-boosting switch.

According to Kim, rough-drying your hair before blow-drying it is the key to fullness and volume. "If you want a more voluminous blowout, direct your rough-dry upwards and under your sectioned hair," she says.

Another option is to get a two-in-one design that doubles as a blow dryer and round brush. For instance, Revlon's One-Step Volumizer will give you a salon-level blowout right at home with fuller-looking, bouncy locks—and it's surprisingly easy to use.

FAQ

What type of blow dryer is best for fine hair?

Kim mentions a few features to keep in mind when shopping for a blow dryer for fine hair. “I would look for a blow dryer with a wide range of settings so that you can always depend on the low watt setting to minimize damage,” she says. “Another great feature to look for is the 'cool' setting, which will set your blowout after you’ve styled in order to hold volume.” She mentions that using a blow dryer that allows you to turn off the ionic setting (or, alternatively, a non-ionic blow dryer) is another great way to give limp hair volume.
How often should you blow dry fine hair?

When it comes to how often you should blow dry fine hair, Kim recommends keeping it as infrequent as possible in order to minimize damage. “The upside to having finer hair is that your hair dries faster fresh out of the shower, so you wouldn’t have to spend too much time with heat on your hair,” she says. On the days you do need to reach for your blow dryer? “You can let it air dry a bit before, rough dry the roots upwards for some volume, and just smooth out those ends.”

Why Trust Byrdie

This shopping guide was written by Theresa Holland, a professional content creator specializing in beauty and wellness. With a lifelong frustration for her fine hair, she's tried many volumizing techniques and blow dryers over the years, including options from T3, Zuvi, Conair, Revlon, GHD, and BabylissPRO. You can find more pieces by Theresa on MyDomaine and The Spruce.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any blow dryers for fine hair from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 15 Best Curling Irons for Fine Hair of 2023

Best Overall

T3 Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000

Best Budget

Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer

Best Drugstore

REMINGTON Pro Hair Dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology

Best Splurge

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Best Pro-Level

GHD Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer

Best for Damaged Hair

Eva NYC Spectrum Far-Infrared Dryer

Best for Styling

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

Best Volumizing

Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

Best Smoothing

BabylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer

Best Fast-Drying

InStyler TURBO MAX Ionic Dryer

Best for Travel

Conair InfinitiPro Travel Professional Hair Dryer

Best Frizz-Fighting

MHU Professional Salon Grade Hair Dryer

Most Innovative

Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer

Related Stories