NBC Select Lists Top Hair Dryers for Different Hair Types

NBC Select published a guide to hair dryers suited for various hair types and budgets. The review draws on interviews with hairstylists and testing by editors with different hair textures.

The Dyson Supersonic ranks first. It includes five attachments and checks temperature more than 40 times per second, according to the brand. Celebrity hairstylist Courtney Foster said the device prevents heat damage and reduces frizz. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson reported visible improvement in hair health after regular use.

The T3 AirLuxe offers five heat settings and three speed settings plus two brushes. Additional attachments such as a diffuser must be purchased separately. Shark’s HyperAir uses optical sensors to detect hair thickness and texture, then adjusts airflow and temperature automatically. It combines heated air with ionized air to reduce frizz, according to the manufacturer.

Shark’s Smoothstyle functions as both a dryer and a heated styling tool with ceramic plates. Former NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider noted it produces straight or bouncy styles on wet or dry hair. Revlon’s One-Step received praise from updates editor Mili Godio for adding volume to fine hair at a lower price.

Foster recommended Conair’s ionic model with a 1.5-inch titanium ceramic barrel for reducing frizz. Babyliss’s 2000-watt dryer was favored by both Foster and Marabello for faster drying on thick, coarse hair. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin said a Conair diffuser dried her 3a/3b curls in under ten minutes while preserving shape.

The ghd Helios, at 1.7 pounds, was cited for quick drying of long hair with minimal attachments.

Schneider endorsed a sub-one-pound travel dryer with dual voltage and a folding handle. Kiss’s one-pound model includes tourmaline ceramic technology and multiple detangling piks for straight or curly hair. A basic Conair dryer without extra attachments was listed for users seeking volume and shine with fewer accessories. Reviewers on Amazon reported faster drying compared with prior models.