No matter where we find ourselves in the world, when I travel with my mother, we often fall into a crisis. You’d think any decent hotel room would come stocked with a classic hot tool, but we’ve found the lack of fun more often than you’d think.
That said, I have plenty of experience walking into a drugstore and grabbing an affordable blow dryer to tackle a last-minute style problem. Sometimes I even bring extra home, just in case! Not my Dyson, of course; I’d be sad if she was left under the dirty sink and never saw him again. But there are plenty of good dryers out there—the price tags fall under a bit more luxurious hair tools on the market—will get the job done.
Previously, I shared my favorite affordable hair dryers for all hair types. Because, as celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons, told earlier MC“Having a hair dryer that works for your hair is very important.” Whether you find yourself in the same dilemma or just want a new tool to practice holding your round brush, there’s an option for you—for $60 or less.
An affordable long-term heat dryer for my family. I took this picture of my mother, bring it to our farm if possible.
(Photo credit: Sophia Vilensky)
My Go-Tos
As mentioned, I need a blow dryer at the last minute a few times. If one of these options is in stock (and it often is!), I know there will be no worries in the style department. They are lightweight, quick to heat, and easy to use.
Conair
Infinitipro by Conair Quick Styling Salon Hair Dryer
Conair’s InfinitiPro has been i I have been drying my house since I was a child. I’ve seen its exterior design change more than once over the years, and I can always count on it for quick dry and big power. The cord is long enough that you don’t have to worry about store placement, and that burnt orange color will always be a favorite. Why do so many tools look like crap these days? Take the clues!
Another brand winning the affordable hair dryer game: Revlon. Next to Conair, they really rule the market—and this is my favorite of their (non-brush) offerings, because the One Step will always be the star. Choose hot, warm, or cool heat from high or low, and enjoy the cool shutter button when you need to lock in that style.
Dear Minis
Texts reflect life, and “though young, she is fierce” could easily be a line written on these affordable hair dryers. They’re smaller versions of some iconic (and more expensive) full-size favorites, so it’s no surprise that they’re just as amazing.
FHI bills its mini dryer as “professional-powered” and “passport-sized.” If you’re a fan of full-size product offerings, I highly suggest picking up this small icon. It’s foldable, fits in your hand, and runs at 1200 watts despite its compact size.
BaBylissPRO
Nano Titanium Travel Hair Dryer
BaBylissPRO is another brand that true professionals always turn to. This super lightweight offering features a removable rear filter for easy cleaning, two heat settings, and a sleek, compact, and foldable body.
Collapsible Options
Packing light? We can make that work. These affordable burners fold up, so you can fit more in your bag while avoiding the worry of running into dinner with dripping threads. She is also TSA- and hairstylist-approved.
The ion
Dual Voltage Ionic Travel Hair Dryer
I love this little cutie. It’s very compact but has great drying power, and it’s powered with tourmaline to release negative ions and infrared heat for a nice blowout that doesn’t dry out your hair. It also features two voltages for universal use—bring it anywhere and everywhere!
CALISTA
Gogo Mini Hair Dryer
Anyway a pink a folding option? “When you look at it, you might think ‘this can’t even dry a doll’s hair.’ But guess what, it’s amazing, it does the trick,” shared a reviewer—a truly iconic sign of approval for a truly delicious and compact dryer.
For Curls
If you’re someone who needs a diffuser attachment or other added anti-frizz capabilities as part of your drying routine, there are great and affordable hair dryer options for you. Watch out for ionic technology—these negatively charged ions work to de-frizz and break up water molecules so they can better penetrate, and thus hydrate, your strands.
wavytalk
Hair Dryer With Diffuser
Featuring an attached diffuser and built-in ionic and ceramic technology to reduce frizz and support hydration, this WavyTalk dryer is lightweight, portable, and comes in a range of beautiful colors. I like the blue part, but there are good choices around.
HOT TOOLS
Pro Artist 1875w Turbo Ionic Dryer
Although this Hot Tools style favorite doesn’t have a diffuser attachment, I’m sure you’ll be able to find one. And of course, it’s the impressive ionic technology that makes the list. It features six customizable heat and speed options, as well as 1875 watts of power, so you can dry your hair and fight frizz the way you see fit.
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