Blow-drying is a great way to dry your hair quickly, especially when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere. It is faster than allowing your hair to dry naturally, and it can be used as a styling tool when done properly. If you have hair that is very thin or fine, you can blow-dry it to achieve more volume or bounce.
If you are planning to use a curling iron or a straightening iron on your hair, then you will have to make sure your hair is completely dry. However, these devices do come with their own set of problems.
What Can Be the Problem?
The biggest problem is damage caused by the heat from the blow dryer. Blow drying the hair does not only remove excess moisture, it also removes water that is bound to the hair, which is needed to maintain its health. This causes the cuticles to become dry, rigid and brittle. Combing the hair in this state can cause it to break. In this article, we will talk about the best blow dryers for those who are on a low budget.
After reviewing all the top affordable hair dyer available, we’ve selected our top 6 picks in the comparison table below. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect model for your needs.
Available in the Market
Products | CHECK IT OUT HERE | BEST FEATURE |
|---|---|---|
REMINGTON   | DAMAGE PROTECTION | |
CONAIR MINI   | ON-THE-GO | |
REVLON   | QUICK DRY | |
INFINITY PRO  | SALON PERFORMANCE | |
ANDIS   | FOLD-N-GO | |
BABYLISS PRO   | DUAL VOLTAGE | |
MHU   | LOW NOISE |
7 Top Rated Affordable Blow Dryers Reviewed
1. Remington - Damage Protection
This state-of-the-art blower comes with a grill that releases micro-conditioners into the stream that get absorbed by your hair and help prevent damage and maximize shine. It is also packed with other useful technologies. It’s has negative ions that reduce frizz, and a ceramic-coated grill that generates infrared heat for rapid drying. Also, it’s tourmaline technology prevents the hair cuticle from over-heating.
Its motor runs on 1875 watts, making it ideal for even the thickest of hair. It comes with three heat settings and two power settings, as well as a bunch of attachments to help you achieve your favorite style.
People who bought this product are very pleased because it is one of the cheapest that comes with a new technology and a best value for money. All of the technology mentioned above are all combined to leave the hair not only dry but also smooth, healthy and shiny.
As an added bonus, the dryer has a round end. This means that the attachment can be turned instead of having to hold the dryer at awkward angles to get to every nook and cranny.
Some people had a problem with their dryers not working, but this seems to be a problem with those particular devices. It is definitely not a problem with the entire line of blow dryers.
2. Conair Mini - On-The-Go
This stylish product runs on Tourmaline Ceramic technology, which as we already know, reduces frizz and prevents damage.
It runs on a 1200-watt motor, making it suitable for thick hair, and it has two heat and speed settings, making it suitable for thick hair. It has a dual voltage feature and a deluxe travel pouch, making it ideal for the traveling woman. Perfect for your budget and would not break the bank.
Buyers of this drugstore hair dryer were pleased with the body and texture that it manages to create in the hair once fully dry. It is small and compact. This special feature is just another advantage. Most women can agree to this because let’s admit it, it can get tiring to hold the dryer up.
It is also perfect for women who want to teach their daughters how to blow-dry their own hair. One mother says that she bought it precisely for her six-year-old.
Some complained that this dryer stopped working after a couple of uses. This could be an issue with the individual pieces but is definitely not a problem with the entire line.
3. Revlon - Quick Dry
This high-tech hair dryer comes with an on/off switch for the ion generator. Switch it on and it releases negative ions for ultimate runway volume. Switch it off and it provides a smooth blowout.
It comes with a ceramic disc built into it that speeds up the drying process while maintaining a healthy, natural shine. It comes with two heat and speed settings, as well as attachments like a smoothing concentrator and a volumizing diffuser for better control over styling.
Customers who bought this product like the fact that it is the best cheap hair dryer available online with great reviews from owners. They also like that it has separate controls for heat and air, providing more hands-on control and versatility.
The placement of the switches is also very convenient. They are not placed where most people place their fingers while holding it, so it doesn’t accidentally switch off or switch between settings while in use.
A few detractors found that their dryers stopped working after a few uses. This is likely due to individual product defects and not a problem that occurs across the entire range of hair dryers.
4. Infiniti Pro by Conair - Salon Performance
This snazzy hair dryer runs on ionic technology that reduces frizz and boosts shine. It has a cold-shot feature that blasts a shot of cold air at the end of your drying session to lock in your curls and/or waves.
Also, it comes with three heat settings and two-speed settings for better control over heat and airflow. It also comes with a diffuser attachment for greater volume and fewer frizzes, as well as a limited four-year warranty.
Reviewers of this product love the lightweight and compact nature of this hair dryer. The power of the motor is also well appreciated by most customers, especially those with thick, heavy hair. It is also very popular among those who like to dry their hair as quickly as possible.
The variable speed and heat settings are a popular feature, and the absence of the ion switch (being an automatic feature) is a welcome addition to this product.
Some critics of this product complained that they got a burning smell upon turning their dryers on. This could be a case of individual product defects, as most people have not had this problem.
5. Andis - Fold-N-Go
Another great drugstore blow dryer in the market today is this Andis brand. It is incorporated with ceramic technology that distributes heat evenly. This thus help in preserving natural oils and secure moisture in the hair giving you a smooth, silky and frizz-free locks.
It also has ionic technology that dries up the hair quicker by breaking up the water molecules. There is also a cold shot feature for locking in your style when you’re done drying your hair. The high-velocity airflow with three air and heat settings.
People who bought this says that it’s simply affordable, practical and its quality brand value is no question. It helps in straightening thick curly hair.
The brush attachment is made of boar bristles. This helps to naturally distribute oil through the hair, leaving feeling less frizzy and looking smoother. It dries hair very quickly, which is a blessing for those whose hands get tired very easily.
Some detractors of this product say that the comb attachments pop out of place at the slightest resistance from the hair. This does not seem to be a common problem. It’s likely caused by hair that is unusually thick and not sufficiently dried before turning on the hair dryer. It is always good practice to towel dry your hair thoroughly before blow-drying it.
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6. BaByliss Pro - Dual Voltage
This titanium hair dryer is equipped with a foldable handle and has a dual voltage feature making it an excellent travel companion for globetrotters. It has ionic technology that provides shine and gets rid of unwanted frizz. This brand claims to get you salon-level results at home or on the road.
Buyers of this budget saver hair dryer are very pleased about the lightness of this product. It is one of the smallest hair dryers on the market, and it is a real blessing for those who get tired easily while drying their hair. This dryer is highly recommended for people who have thin hair up to medium thickness.
It has a switch to change the voltage, which is a boon for people who travel the world, and it performs much better than the average travel dryer. For the minuscule dimensions of this hair dryer, it is quite a powerhouse and leaves the hair smooth, shiny and bouncy.
Some people had a problem with the dual voltage feature, saying that it did not work in places like Europe and China. This is probably an issue with those pieces in particular and not with the entire range because this hair dryer was designed for use on the road.
7. MHU - Low Noise
This lightweight hair dryer comes with a dual action function. It has a foldable handle and is very compact. Thus, an excellent choice for those who travel.
It is made with Tourmaline Ceramic Technology, which provides an ionic output that reduces frizz and enhances shine. It has three heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot function for setting your style. Also, it comes with a 1.8-metre power cord for an increased range of movement.
Reviewers of this handy dryer appreciate the durability of this product. Some say that it works fine after a couple of drops, and the heat is perfect for those who have long, thick hair.
It is pretty quiet compared to other hair dryers of this caliber, and it leaves the hair much softer and much more manageable. Customers are also happy with the low price they paid for this inexpensive hair dryer.
Some detractors claimed that it stops working after a few months of light to moderate use. The small number of complaints suggests that it has to do with individual pieces, and is definitely not a design flaw. Buying it from a store that has a fair return policy might help in this matter.
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How to Choose a Budget-friendly Blow Dryer
Know Your Hair Type
If you decide that you want to start blow-drying on a regular basis, then you will need to think about some things.
First off, what kind of hair do you have? If you have thin hair that gets damaged very easily, then you will probably want a blow dryer that is designed to be gentle. Also, you might want to consider to buy some hair products that can protect it while you are drying.
Blow dryers also tend to strip the hair of its natural oils. Again, you may be able to find a blow dryer that is designed to prevent this from happening. However, if you’re pretty locks are super delicate, then apply hair protectant that can prevent damage while blow-drying.
Choosing the Right Temperature for Your Hair Type
Ceramic and ionic blow-dryers are both quite popular among people who have sensitive hair. But there is also no shortage of protective products that you can use to make sure that you are not damaging your hair while blow-drying it. These products come in the form of creams, mousse, sprays, and gels, and go miles in maintaining your favorite hairdo without ruining your cuticles.
- Heat Setting
You should look for a blow dryer that has the appropriate heat setting for your hair type. For example, if you have thin hair, then you should get a dryer that has a relatively low setting. If you have thick hair, then you can probably afford to look for a dryer that has a relatively high heat setting.
Whatever the case may be, if you turn out to be hypersensitive to heat, there are blow dryers that have the capability to blow cool air instead of hot air. Damage caused by hot air can be quite debilitating, and it could be anything like splits, fraying, breaking and even partial or total hair loss.
- Towel Dry Hair
It is also a good idea to towel dry your hair before using a blow dryer on it. The science suggests that it is safest to use a blow dryer when your hair is about 65% wet or damp. You can achieve this level of dryness by gently towel drying it first.
Even then, it is usually a good idea to keep the heat setting to moderate at most, since the highest settings are often higher than the boiling point of water. If you use these settings, you run the risk of causing the moisture to steam up, creating burns and rashes on your scalp.
Benefits of Using a Cheap Hair Dryer
Ease of Drying
As we have already said, blow dryers offer a much quicker way to dry than simply letting them dry naturally. Also, if you find the right hair dryer for your hair type, it might be a safer option than towel drying, as towel drying also leads to breakage, split ends, etc.
Provides Shine and Smoothness
There are some dryers, mostly newer models like the ionic dryers, that leave the hair smooth and shiny, as well as with a healthy glow that one does not really expect from a blow dryer.
Freebies
Many blow dryers come with attachments that enhance the beneficial effects of blow-drying. They are generally things like combs that offer a greater degree of control over your hair, rather than blowing it all over the place in the hope that it will fall into your favorite style once you are done.
Light and Easy to Carry
Blow dryers are usually quite light and compact, making excellent travel companions for those who often find themselves on the move. You can even take it a step further and find a dryer that has a dual voltage feature, which makes it compatible with power outlets all over the world.
New Technology
Ionic dryers are a new technology that is extremely beneficial. They release negatively charged ions that break down the water in the hair thus making it easier for the hair to absorb it. This is an excellent solution to the age-old problem of blow dryers causing dry out.
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Conclusion
Hair dryers are an excellent addition to your grooming routine, especially if you have a busy lifestyle that does not give you enough time to allow your hair to dry naturally. A good dryer also helps reinforce your hairstyle and lock in moisture and shine by reducing frizz and flyaway hairs.
Ionic dryers are designed specifically for this purpose – the negative ions help break down the water molecules, greatly speeding up the process of drying. This technology also helps to maintain smoothness and shine.
However, it is important to remember to look for a cheap blow dryer that is designed for your hair type. If you have thin hair, you will want a dryer that has lower temperature settings, and if you have thick hair, you will want one that has higher temperature settings. There are also compact dryers that are designed for those who travel a lot.
If you need a recommendation on which dryer to start with, we suggest you try the Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt hair dryer. It’s affordable and runs on ionic technology that reduces frizz and enhances shine.
