Drying your hair is right up there with cleaning the dishes and waiting in line at airport security. It’s noisy, heavy, and time-consuming, but for those who are plagued with hair that simply cannot be air-dried (believe me, I know the battle), let us introduce you to ionic hair dryers.
An ionic hair drier is a hair dryer that emits a negative ionic charge. “The negative ions from the dryer balance out the positive ionic charges in your hair, which are created by damage to the cuticle,” famous colorist Jeremy Tardo says.
“Because water has a positive ionic charge, the negative ionic charge from an ionic blow dryer repels water, helping your hair to dry faster.” Isn’t it amazing? Aside from making your hair dryer faster, this technique seals the cuticles of the strands, allowing them to retain moisture. The ultimate effect is smoother, healthier, and less frizzy hair.
Below are some of our favorite ionic hair dryers.
1. Overall winner: ghd Air 1600W Professional Hair Dryer
The positioning of the generator is what makes ghd’s ionic dryer so magical. Unlike standard dryers, ghd’s generator is located closer to the nozzle, allowing released ions to reach your hair and lock in moisture. “This drier swiftly and elegantly smooths the hair and seals in moisture,” Tardo comments. It also has a 1600-watt motor and will dry your hair twice as quickly as a typical hair drier.
What We Like
- Hair dries rapidly
- hair is smoothed
- It is easy to handle and utilize.
- Quiet
What We Don’t Like
- There is no diffuser supplied.
2. Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer is the best budget option.
Conair’s ionic drier appears to be a no-frills alternative at first appearance, but its exceptionally quiet but fast-acting motor sets it apart. It is ergonomically built for pleasant style and has two heat and two speed settings to accommodate all hair types, from thin to thick. Did we mention it’ll be less expensive than lunch?
What We Like
- Quiet
- There are two heat and speed settings.
- Very low cost
What We Don’t Like
- Not as long-lasting as other alternatives
3. Best Budget Runner-Up: Hot Tools Professional 1875W Superlite + Quiet Ionic Turbo Dryer
For good reason, this low-cost ionic hair dryer is a fan favorite. It boasts three speeds, three heat settings (including a cool shot setting for locking in styles), and an ultra lightweight construction that makes styling much easier. Its 1875-watt engine is also extremely quiet, making it ideal for early morning blowouts.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Diffuser is included.
- There are six heat and speed settings.
- Enhances radiance
What We Don’t Like
- Not as quiet as other alternatives.
4. Instyler Turbo Ionic Hair Dryer is the best lightweight hair dryer.
Instead of a standard two-speed heat setting, this dryer has dials for customizing heat and airflow, as well as an ionic switch for switching between settings. It’s also exceedingly lightweight, weighing less than a pound to reduce arm cramps when styling, something we can definitely get behind.
What We Like
- Design is excellent.
- It is easy to handle and utilize.
- Is there ionic technology?
What We Don’t Like
- Hair might take a long time to dry.
5. Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer is the best for blowouts.
If Drybar knows anything, it’s how to master a blowout. This compact drier uses an 1875-watt motor to provide salon-quality drying in the comfort of your own home. It also has three heat settings, two power levels, and a cool shot button to keep your look consistent.
What We Like
- Helps to reduce frizz
- Two nozzles are included.
- The hair seems bouncy and glossy.
What We Don’t Like
- The air flow might be improved.
6. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is the best hot hair brush.
We’re already big fans of the hot air brush, which allows you to dry and style your hair with just one tool, and this ionic version from Revlon is a must-have. Its ion technology maintains the hair sleek, silky, and soft while allowing you to quickly create volume at the roots and curls at the ends. “This is the most user-friendly ionic equipment for at-home blow drying that has hit the market in quite some time,” Tardo explains. “It’s also quite inexpensive!” Cheap and simple? We don’t mind if you do.
What We Like
- Hair dries rapidly
- Increases volume
- Aids in hair styling
What We Don’t Like
- Loud
7. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer is the best for frizz control.
This compact yet powerful drier has six speeds and heat settings for a glossy and smooth blowout. Its motor has an astounding 2000 watts of power, which helps to significantly reduce drying time. It also has an easily detachable filter to make cleaning your dryer a snap.
What We Like
- Portable
- Has a strong motor
- It is easy to handle and utilize.
What We Don’t Like
- There is no diffuser supplied.
8. Conair InfinitiPRO SmoothWrap Hair Dryer is the best for damaged hair.
Damaged hair loves hydration and conditioning the most, which is why this Conair ionic hair drier is a must-have. It concentrates on increasing the number of conditioning ions that your hair absorbs, resulting in frizz-free, full-bodied hair. Furthermore, it employs ceramic technology to minimize future heat damage, which is a significant benefit.
What We Like
- Increases volume
- It aids in hair smoothing.
- It is easy to handle and utilize.
What We Don’t Like
- It does not become as heated as some other possibilities.
FAQ
What Features Should an Ionic Hair Dryer Have?
Heat and speed settings are adjustable.
Tardo recommends using an ionic hair drier with customizable heat and speed settings to adapt your blow dry session to your unique hair type. “Depending on the texture and demands of your hair, you’ll be able to utilize more or less wind and heat,” he explains.
Because any type of heat style has the potential to harm your hair, having customizable choices will also assist you avoid applying too much heat and burning your hair.
Components of Tourmaline and Ceramic
Tardo like hair dryers that employ ceramic and tourmaline materials, since they enhance the dryer’s overall advantages and preserve your hair from damage. “Ceramic heats evenly and consistently, which is ideal for styling hair—and not singeing it,” he explains. “Tourmaline emits more negative ions, enhancing the effects of an ionic hair drier.”
Wattage ranging from 1500 to 1800
When it comes to power, Tardo suggests a hair drier with watts ranging from 1500 to 1800. “Anything less than 1500 will slow down your styling time, and anything more than 2000 can become excessively forceful and cause unneeded harm to your hair,” he explains.
How should an ionic hair dryer be used?
Ionic hair dryers function similarly to classic models and may be used in conjunction with whichever style brushes or equipment you like to obtain the desired outcome. Tardo, on the other hand, suggests utilizing an air concentrator attachment with them to smooth out the hair.
Are ionic hair dryers superior to traditional hair dryers?
Because of its ability to trap in moisture and leave behind a silky, smooth finish, ionic technology is often best suited for thicker, dry, and/or frizzy hair. Regular models are ideal for adding volume and fullness.
