Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

People have different types of hair.  If you have hair that is naturally curly, such as African American hair, you need to be careful with the appliances that you choose.  African American hair can be quite fragile and breaks easily if it isn’t treated in the right way.  It requires the right kind of hair dryer and knowing which one is the best blow dryer for black hair is a must.

With so many options on the market it’s important to know what to look for.  I have done a lot of research on a number of blow dryers, looking at reviews and the experiences of those who use these appliances to bring you a comprehensive look at the top blow dryer for natural black hair.

Table of Contents

  • Blow Dryer For Black Hair – Comparison Table
  • Top 7 Blow Dryer For Black Hair Reviews
    • 1. BaByliss Pro BAB2000 Ceramix
    • 2. T3 – Cura Hair Dryer
    • 3. BaByliss Pro 5548 Nano Titanium Hair Dryer
    • 4. Elchim Classic 2001
    • 5. RUSK Engineering W8less Hair Dryer
    • 6. Conair Ionic Ceramic Hairdryer
    • 7. Jinri Negative Infrared Blow Dryer
  • What to Look for When Buying the Best Blow Dryer for Black Hair

Blow Dryer For Black Hair – Comparison Table

Top 7 Blow Dryer For Black Hair Reviews

1. BaByliss Pro BAB2000 Ceramix

BaByliss BAB 2000 Xtreme is my top pick of all time for blow drying black hair, Afro-textured hair since forever. This professional-grade hair dryer is capable of producing that extra dose power and precision black hair demands. It has a simple look, however, it comes with a strong long lasting motor which offers 6 heat and speed settings and an easy to clean removable filter.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

The ceramic in the hair dryer gives a more concentrated amount of far-infrared heat to let you dry your hair faster.  Quicker heat means you can reduce any damaging effects to your hair.

What I particularly like about this model is the narrow barrel. It gives you a maximum amount of air pressure for faster drying.  It also comes with a micro concentrated nozzle, focusing the air for styling and zero frizz. There’s a ceramic grill that pushes out the ions needed, allowing you to smooth your hair as you dry.

Another feature I was impressed with is the rubberized handle coating.  It just makes handling the hair dryer so much easier.  They have also placed the button for the cool shot feature ergonomically, right where your finger would naturally fall when you are holding the hairdryer.  It’s pretty handy to keep your style in place as you’re drying.

Get BaByliss Pro BAB2000 at Amazon

Pros of the BaByliss Ceramix Xtreme

Like the Nano Titanium model, BaByliss has created a nice range of professional blow dryers that you can use at home for some great results.  Here are what myself and other customers like about the BaByliss Ceramix Xtreme:

  • Plates are made of ceramic and emit far-infrared heat allowing for not only faster but also healthier drying.
  • Rubberized coating on handle improves ergonomic comfort and allows for a firmer and comfortable grip.
  • It has a narrow barrel that enhances the air pressure, making styling and drying more focused.
  • Comes with a concentrator nozzle for hair straightening and less frizz.
  • Cool shot feature for locking your style.
  • Multiple speeds and heat intensities.
  • Has a durable and high powered AC motor that gives 2000 watts.

Cons of the BaByliss Ceramix Xtreme

Some of the concerns noted for this model are that it’s a bit heavier than similar blow dryers and the rubberized coating seems to wear quickly.

2. T3 – Cura Hair Dryer

If you have flat and thin hair that looks even more thin after rinsing and conditioning, you might want to take a look at this model. It not only dries in lightning fast speed but also plumps up your strands to enhance the volume.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

Its unique design allows for wider air flow than what standard dryers offer, which considerably reduces the drying time. Another major highlight of this product is its built-in ion generator. It releases a cluster of negative ions into your hair to eliminate frizz and smooth out the dry, straw-like split ends.

With 3 heat and 2 speed settings, you can precisely customize the hair dryer to suit the length, thickness, texture, and heat sensitivity of your hair for maximum styling efficiency. Kudos to the manufacturer for the lightweight, easily maneuverable design as well.

There are probably hundreds of lightweight hair dryers out there but very few of them feel as good in hand as Cura. I don’t know the exact science behind it but it is what it is.

Get T3 – Cura Hair Dryer at Amazon

It could be partly due to the design and partly due to the material used in the body of the dryer. Despite the lightweight, it doesn’t seem or feel fragile when you hold it.

It’s one of those rare-to-find hair dryers that doesn’t demand solid skills to create salon-quality blowout at home. With a little practice and patience, you will be able to achieve a noticeable shine, volume and bounce to your locks with a hair dryer like this. To set your style in place once the blow drying is done, simply press the cool shot button on the dryer and behold the magic.

Pros of the T3 Cura

T3 Micro might not be a household name like Babyliss Pro which is kind of unfortunate. This brand effectively utilizes some of the most coveted hair styling technologies we have today. You won’t see too many hair dryers in this price range that fights frizz and split end problems using ionic technology.

  • The dryer components are made from robust, durable materials.
  • Lightweight body (weighs roughly 16 ounces), perfect length, and a 9 ft. long cord makes the dryer super easy to handle.
  • Precise digital heat and speed controls.
  • Meets ETL safety standards.
  • Boosts hair shine and volume by reducing frizz and dullness with its special ionic generator.
  • Has a cool shot button to set your style.
  • Great for both fine, thin and coarse, thick tresses.

Cons of the T3 Cura

My only major issue with the product is the positioning of the controls. The buttons are on the wrong side of the handle which makes changing the settings a bit awkward. It’s not really that big a deal, considering its terrific speed and styling efficiency but still worth pointing out.

3. BaByliss Pro 5548 Nano Titanium Hair Dryer

Here’s another high caliber dryer from BaByliss that uses Nano Titanium technology for a higher level of heat conductivity and faster drying without damaging the hair. Wattage is important when looking for a hairdryer for natural hair as well. I recommend going with at least 1,800 watts. This model gives you a powerful 2000 watts, which allows it to blow hotter and faster.  That means your hair requires less drying time with minimal damage.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

The reason I recommend this blow dryer as one of the best options for African American hair is that it has 6 speed and heat settings.  This allows you to find the best setting for your hair type that won’t damage it.  It includes the necessary cool shot feature as well which smoothes the hair cuticles, giving them a smooth look.

Another great feature I like is the weight of this hair dryer. A lot of you know how hard to dry and style your hair using a heavy blow dryer.  Your arm starts to ache!  This blow dryer is light in weight as well as having an ergonomic design to the handle.

This means you will have a more comfortable experience when using the blow dryer.  It comes with a concentrator nozzle for drying and straightening the hair.  Concentrated airflow helps to close the hair cuticle, leaving hair less frizzy and shinier.  The filter in this hairdryer is removable, so cleaning the lint that collects on hair dryer filters is a lot easier.  Many of the reviews I have come across indicate that this is a hairdryer that can last for quite a long time, even with heavy daily usage.

Get BaByliss Pro 5548 at Amazon

Pros of the Babyliss BAB NT5548

BaByliss has been part of the hair care industry for 57 years, constantly improving their products over time.  These dryers tend to last long because they are created with professionals in mind.  They also tend to be very hair health conscious.

  • 2000 watt power for faster drying.
  • Heat waves are mild and gentle on the hair.
  • Emits far-infrared heat that dries from within the hair shaft.
  • Light-weight, only weighs a pound making it very good for travel.
  • Works really well for voluminous and long hair.
  • Non-damaging to hair.
  • Uses ceramic technology.
  • Has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
  • Cold shot feature for fixing hairstyles.
  • Comes with a concentrator nozzle for straightening hair.
  • Compatible with hotel and home voltages.

Cons of the Babyliss BAB NT5548

Some customers felt this model was a bit powerful for their hair and that the mild heat waves weren’t strong enough for some hair types.  Other concerns were that the dryer was a bit big and the cord on it wasn’t long enough.

4. Elchim Classic 2001

The Classic 2001 works like a charm on naturally black, 4A-4G type curls, all thanks to its built-in premium-quality ceramic heaters. Its heat conduction ability is significantly better than regular hair dryer heaters, yielding a consistent and even distribution of heat.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

The rugged and powerful 1875 watts AC motor can effectively handle heavy usage while keeping the noise-level to an acceptable degree.

Combined with a wide nozzle, the dryer releases an ultra-powerful, concentrated stream of hot air that can get the job done in less than 30 minutes. Completely drying long, super thick and coarse black hair usually takes much longer than that.

It also also includes a narrow concentrator nozzle attachment for more precise styling. The attachment gets securely locked in place and helps to smooth out the extra dry and lackluster sections of your hair. You can choose from its 3 temperature and 2 speed settings to fine-tune the dryer to customize your blowout. The lowest temperature on this versatile hair dryer is just about perfect for thin and fragile strands.

Its ability to work on all hair types and create different types of blowout (messy, polished, wavy, curly, pin-straight, you name it) is off the charts and so is its speed.

Its high-quality AC motor generates enough torque to make sure you are never late for work again solely because of a slow hair dryer. I also loved the fact that the outer body is made from heat-resistant nylon, making sure the dryer is never too hot to touch.

Like all professional-quality hair dryers, this one also features a cold shot button for adding that perfect finishing touch to your blowout.

Pros of the Elchim Classic 2001

Elchim 2001 hair dryers promise quick salon-quality blowout with almost zero heat damage. It’s one of the very few brands to integrate high pressure air compression technology as mid-range hair dryers. The powerful and widespread stream of air released by its concentrator attachment can make your tresses sing, if used correctly.

  • The included concentrator attachment securely stays in place.
  • Works fast and efficiently on all types of hair.
  • Easy and streamlined controls.
  • Has a cold shot button to make your blowout last longer.
  • The casing is made from heat-resistant material.
  • Enhances the volume of super fine, delicate textured hair for fuller, healthier appearance.
  • The high power AC motor is quieter than average hair dryer motors.

Cons of the Elchim Classic 2001

If you have been using a small, travel-size dryer since forever, you might find this blow dryer a little bulky at first.

5. RUSK Engineering W8less Hair Dryer

I’ve chosen the Rusk W8less Professions dryer because it’s both powerful and lightweight, so you can use this hair dryer for all of your hair styling requirements.  I like the way it sits in my hand.  It’s very comfortable which is the key when you are using it over an extended period of time.  The Rusk also runs on a powerful 2000 watts which is perfect for natural hair.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

Another great feature is that it emits far-infrared heat which can penetrate the hair deeply allowing you to dry it from the inside out.  The benefit of far-infrared heating is that, when blow drying it dries your hair gently and doesn’t damage it.  When styling your hair it lessens the chance of being static and frizz.  It’s an ideal hair dryer for all hair lengths, styles and textures, especially on hair that is coarse and thick which tends to take longer to dry.

The hair dryer has ceramic that is tourmaline treated to create negative ions, allowing for quicker drying time.  You will get 3 speed and 3 heat settings as well as a cold blow feature, all of which can be used with the included concentrator nozzle to make your hair look healthy and super shiny.

Pros of the RUSK W8less

RUSK products were designed originally for hair salons but offer a range of their products for home use.  I personally like how convenient the RUSK W8less is to use due to its lightweight and easy to handle body.

  • 8-foot cord for better range of movement.
  • Rear filter that is removable for easier cleaning.
  • Its ergonomic design makes it easier on the hand and arms when using for an extended period.
  • Weighing under a pound, the name W8less is true to form.
  • Low noise when operating the blow dryer.
  • Runs off of an AC motor.
  • Emits far-infrared heating.
  • 2000 watts means hair dries faster
  • Comes with a concentrator nozzle for straightening hair.

Cons of the RUSK W8less

Some concerns about this product are that it can be sometimes overheated and the concentrator nozzle has a tendency to be loosed and detached when in use.

6. Conair Ionic Ceramic Hairdryer

I recommend this Conair model as a budget-friendly choice that works great for all hair types.   It offers all of the features you would need for natural hair. Conair uses tourmaline and ceramic technology that allows you to blow at a higher heat without damaging your hair. You have the style locking cool shot feature, 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings.

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

This model has an 1875 watt motor, which is right on the mark wattage wise for the best blow dryers for black hair.  The wattage for this dryer is the perfect choice if your hair is damaged, thin or fine, because it ensures that you don’t over-dry your hair.  You get a concentrator nozzle for focused drying and a hair diffuser to help spread airflow without ruining the texture of your hair.

The 1875 Ionic dryer generates its own negative ions, which works to neutralize static and frizz and gives finished hair a smooth shine that is more manageable. The ceramic component of the blow dryer makes it lightweight and conducts heat quite well.

Pros of the Conair Ionic Ceramic

Conair has been in the beauty industry for nearly 60 years, from making old-fashioned heating bonnets to the high tech and professional appliances you see today.  BaByliss and RUSK are both subdivisions of this long-standing company.  So what does their Ionic Ceramic blow dryer offer?

  • 3 heat and 2 speed settings that are great for all hair needs from thin and delicate locks to thick and harder to style hair.
  • Uses ionic (tourmaline ceramic) conditioning to protect hair and can reduce frizz by 75%.
  • High Torque DC motor increases air velocity to dry hair quicker.
  • Cool shot feature for locking in styles.
  • Filter is hinged for easy removal and cleaning.
  • 5-foot long power cord gives good maneuverability.
  • Comes with both a diffuser and concentrator nozzle.

Cons of the Conair Ionic Ceramic

One major concern was the lower wattage of this model making it not the best option for those with thicker and harder to dry hair.  Some reported a funny smell coming from the dryer and another concern was that the plastic coating began to flake after a few months.

7. Jinri Negative Infrared Blow Dryer

The Jinri Negative Ion Infrared blow dryer is a salon grade dryer that has 1875 watts, as opposed to the 2000 watts that many of the best blow dryers for natural black hair have.  This isn’t a noticeable difference though and you still get a hair dryer that dries the hair fast.  I liked that it comes with 3 attachments:

Best hair dryer for african american natural hair 2022

  • Concentrator Nozzle for added volume
  • Diffuser Nozzle to keep your natural curl pattern when drying
  • Comb Nozzle, great for fine and straight textures

So you can achieve a variety of styles.  It’s also light-weight and I can recommend this one for all hair types and anyone who wants to enhance their hairs’ natural curl and texture.

It also uses a combo of infrared and tourmaline technology which ensures defense for your hair against the harshness of heat and drying exposure.  The tourmaline ion technology eliminates frizz and static.  The far-infrared heat penetrates the hair shaft, helping even the thickest hair dry quickly. It has a cool shot feature to help hold your style after drying.

Pros of the Jinri Negative Infrared blow dryer

Jinri is a lesser known brand that has been around since 2002 and is based out of China.  It focuses on hair care appliances that are professional grade but that can be used in home as well.  Their infrared blow dryer was designed with all hair types and needs in mind.

  • 1875 watts of power while not as high as some brands, still produces a good stream of heat quickly.
  • It has three nozzle attachments for a range of styles.
  • Infrared and tourmaline technology lets hair dry faster. Defends it from heat damage and makes hair smooth.
  • Multiple speed and heat settings cover a range of hair needs.
  • Cool shot button for setting your style.
  • Power cord is nearly 6 feet long giving you more range of mobility.

Cons of the Jinri Negative Infrared blow dryer

With it being a lesser known brand, customers were uncertain of its reliability. It also is a bit less powerful than other blow dryers. It runs off of a DC motor, which is known to not have as long a life as an AC motor.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Blow Dryer for Black Hair

Before purchasing the best blow dryer for African American hair, there are several things you should look for.  For a start, here are five key features your blow dryer should have:

  • Wattage

The higher the wattage the better balance you get of heat and air.  This will make drying times much faster, which means your hair isn’t under the stress and strain of heat for longer than necessary.  The general rule of thumb is to look for blow dryers that have 1800 or higher watts.  Slower wattage blow dryers will give less airspeed and more heat making drying time longer and exposing your hair to damaging heat longer than necessary.

  • Ionic or Parallel Technology

Both technologies do the same thing. They work to balance out positive ions with negative ions.  This breaks down the water into smaller particles, making for faster drying times.  It also works to seal the hair shafts’ cuticle while protecting and preserving the natural oils in the hair.  The result is hair that looks shiny and feels healthy.  Both technologies are gentler on hair that is kinky or curly and tends to break more easily.

  • Porcelain/Ceramic

This is another essential for natural black hair.  Ceramic that is used in blow dryers is generally made of clay and is used in the heating element, blow dryers’ body or as a coating for the internal parts of the blow dryer.  Ceramic/Porcelain components create far infrared heat that is gentler on hair.  The longer wavelengths of energy that it emits are able to penetrate the hair in order to thoroughly dry it.  The gentler drying gives your hair some added heat protection as well.  The result is less frizz and more shine to your hair.

  • Multiple Speed & Heat Settings

Whether your hair is relaxed or natural, having multiple speed and heat settings are ideal.  The higher temperature settings tend to be better for hair that is coarse and thick.  Lower heat settings are better for hair that is more fragile or that has been relaxed.  Speed settings come into play for hair styling.  You want lower speeds but a reasonable amount of heat when creating your hairstyle, as opposed to high speeds to just dry your hair quickly.

  • Cool Shot

This is important for straightening your hair and setting your style since your hair will set as it begins to cool down.  The cool shot feature on blow dryers gives a blast of cool air throughout your style, which seals the cuticle of the hair and gives it a shinier, smoother look.  This feature is used when your hair is about 80% dry and it will also prevent over-drying of your hair.

There are also some features that aren’t necessary to have but can be useful.

  • Nozzle Accessories

Some blow dryers come with a concentrator nozzle, diffuser or both. They can be helpful in certain situations.  A diffuser will evenly distribute heat over a wider area of hair without disturbing the hairs’ texture.  It can also help to tame unruly curls. Diffusers are better for natural black hair.  The concentrator nozzle blows a direct stream of air that allows you to defrizz and straighten your style.  The concentrator nozzle is a good tool for relaxed or fine hair.

How To Blow Dry African American Hair To Avoid Breakage

African American hair needs a bit of extra care and attention when blow drying and styling it.  I recommend following these guidelines to keep your hair healthy.

  • Washing & Conditioning

Before using a blow dryer it’s important that your hair is clean and well-conditioned.  This will help protect it from breakage and moisture loss.  Be gentle when washing your hair and focus on the scalp.  A deep conditioner should be used after washing.  This will get the hair ready for styling and helps protect from heat damage.  A good tip is to leave a deep conditioner in for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

  • Combing Out

You need to be gentle when detangling wet hair because it’s more susceptible to breakage than dry hair.  Start with detangling using your fingers.  Next, use a comb and start from the ends of the hair, working your way up to the roots.  This will keep the hair from pulling and breaking.

  • Drying

For drying I recommend using a microfiber towel because they absorb more water. This means less friction on the hair and less frizz.  A good option here is to wrap the hair up in the towel and leave it until your hair is about 50% dry.

  • Heat Protection

Always use some form of heat protection spray or oil.  This will seal in the natural moisture of your hair.  If you prefer using natural remedies for hair, coconut oil is a good choice.  It not only moisturizes your hair, but it also stimulates hair growth as well.  Grape seed oil is another good option because it is highly heat resistant and locks moisture in.  A good tip is to let the oils sit in your hair a bit before drying.  This gives the oil a chance to penetrate the hair shaft.

  • Prep Your Hair

Blow drying and styling is easier when you section your hair.  Make 6 to 8 sections and separate them by pinning each up.  This will keep sections out of the way as you work on each area.

  • Blow Drying

I advise using low to medium heat when drying.  This will guard against heat damage.  Direct the blowdryer nozzle down the section of hair you are working with.  The trick is to allow the airflow to follow the same direction as the hair cuticle, which runs from the root to the tips.  This makes your hair look smoother in texture.

  • Blow Hot & Cold

Something to keep in mind is that, hot air is what opens up the hair cuticle. In order to counteract the effects, you should give your hair a cool blast towards the end of drying. This will close the cuticle and help set your style.  It also increases shine and lowers the chance of frizz.

  • Diffuser

If you want your hair texture to remain untouched, a diffuser is a good tool to use. Diffusers are used on low to medium heat and placed on the scalp.  It directs the air up and around without blowing your hair all over the place.

  • Concentrator and Comb Attachments

These two tools are good for those who want to straighten their hair.  Both tools help direct air down the hair shaft in a more focused way.  Start with using low to medium heat and then switch to a cool blast of air to set the style.

Final Words

We all know how hard it can be to keep our natural hair healthy.  Having the right hair appliances, such as blow dryers that won’t damage the hair, can make a huge difference to the health of your hair.

Finding the best blow dryer for African American hair doesn’t have to be a stressful experience once you know what you are looking for.  Knowing how to care for your hair during and after blow drying is important too.

Read More: 

  • Best Hair Straightener for Curly Hair: For Sleek, Straight and Shiny Hair
  • Best Blow Dryer For Curly Hair: Dry And Style Your Hair With Confidence

Which hair dryer is best for black hair?

12 Best Blow Dryers For Black Hair.
Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer..
Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer..
Conair Full Size Pro Hair Dryer..
Infinitipro By Conair Hair Dryer..
Revlon Volumizing Turbo Hair Dryer..
Andis Tourmaline Styling Hair Dryer..
SupSilk Professional Compact Hair Dryer..
Nition Ceramic Hair Dryer..

What are the best hair dryers of 2022?

The best hair dryers of 2022.
Revlon One Step. Best affordable hair dryer. REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush. Amazon. ... .
Drybar Buttercup. Best mid-range hair dryer. Amazon. ... .
Dyson Supersonic. Best high-end hair dryer. Dyson Supersonic..

What is the best way to dry African American hair?

It's better to use a microfibre towel and dry your hair following the direction of your hair's cuticle. This means going down from root to tip, squeezing the hair, releasing and then starting back up at the root. Do this in 4-6 sections to absorb excess moisture and then wrap your head if you wish.

Is there a hair dryer that won't damage hair?

Ceramic or tourmaline heating elements are thought to be less damaging to your hair than metal ones, as they emit infrared heat and lock in moisture. Ceramic hair dryers distribute heat more evenly, preventing “hot spots” and minimising heat damage. Tourmaline hair dryers release negative ions for a smoother finish.