How to Choose the Right Hair Dryer for Your Hair Type (Ceramic vs Ionic vs Infrared)

Whether you rely on it regularly or bust it out only on special occasions, odds are high that you own a hair dryer—it’s a bathroom staple for most of us. And while there’s lots of talk and info out there about how to use said blow dryers, how do you know if the one you’re using is right for your hair?

Because here’s the thing: Not all blow-dryers are created equal. Yes, the price points can vary greatly, but so too can the technology and features, making certain ones better than others for particular hair types and textures.

“Just like when it comes to products, choosing the appropriate hair dryer for your hair length, density, and texture is imperative for overall hair health,” explains Chicago-based hairstylist Rob Reyes. And along the condition of your tresses, picking the right one is also key to ending up with the best possible result, notes Haven Whiteman, a hairstylist and extension expert at Luxy Hair. “Different textures and porosities are going to react to heat in unique ways, so if you choose the wrong dryer, you may be going down a path toward excess damage, frizz, flat, or lifeless hair,” she says.

The only issue—there are so many options on the market it’s enough to make your head spin. So, to streamline the shopping process (and make sure you get the best bang for your blow-dryer buck), we tapped experts to explain their differences, and which one is best for your particular for your strands. Bring on the good hair days.

Types of Hair Dryers

1. Ceramic

What It Is: These have a ceramic-coated heating element or internal components that regulate and ensure even heat distribution, says Whiteman.

Who It’s Best For: When in doubt, go ceramic, because these work for pretty much anyone and everyone. Because the heat is distributed so evenly, hair retains its moisture, minimizing the likelihood of damage. As such, they’re an especially good choice even for those with fine or fragile hair, says Whiteman, who also recommends them for those with extensions. Reyes adds that they also tend to dry quickly and efficiently, but because they usually don’t boast ionic technology (more on that in a moment) won’t be as expensive as some other dryers.

2. Ionic

What It Is: Ionic hair dryers produce millions of negatively charged ions that break down the positively-charged water molecules in wet hair, explains Carissa Porter, owner of Salon Hype. “This prevents water from penetrating the hair shaft and creating frizz, and also dries hair faster at a lower temperature than ceramic dryers,” she adds.

Who It’s Best For: Anyone with super thick hair and/or those fighting frizz should consider an ionic option, says Whiteman. (On the flip side, take a pass if you have fine hair, as they can leave it looking too flat, she notes.)

3. Infrared

What It Is: “Infrared dryers dry the hair shaft from the inside out, sealing moisture into the hair in the process,” says Reyes. That means that they’re both gentler and tend to dry your hair faster, he adds.

Who It’s Best For: According to Porter, this combo of gentle yet effective makes infrared dryers ideal for color-treated hair, as well as dry and damaged hair. But keep in mind that they do tend to cost more than other types, and also might not be quite powerful enough for very thick or dense textures, Reyes points out.

4. Tourmaline

What It Is: “Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone coating that’s present on the internal components of the dryer, such as the heating coils or inside of the dryer nozzle,” Reyes explains. “They’re also a marriage of ionic and infrared, emitting both negative ions and using infrared heat,” adds Whiteman.

Who It’s Best For: “These are a go-to for anyone struggling with frizz or dryness, as well as textured hair that needs extra smoothing and moisture retention,” she says.

Other Things to Keep In Mind

While yes, the dryer you choose definitely matters, adjusting the settings plays a pivotal role, too. Something as simple as lowering the heat can help achieve beautiful results like glossy shine or less frizz, notes Reyes.

And no matter what dryer you buy or how you use it, always, always (we repeat always) prep your tresses with a heat protectant first. “They act as a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing moisture loss and minimizing direct damage to the hair cuticle,” says Whiteman.