For me, it wasn't the hairdryer that was the issue but rather the brush. I bought the brush that my stylist uses and it made a huge difference. It was more expensive than my cheap $5 one but worth it.

What brush is it, Blfenton?

I too would be willing to spend more on a dryer that really makes a big improvement over mine.

I was just pondering this myself this morning while blow drying my hair. I have a Babybliss and my only complaint is that there isn't a medium fan speed setting (choices are high and low). This got me to thinking about the $400 Dyson dryer and wondering how much better it can be than the average blow dryer.

I bought a Chi blower (I think it was over $100... but I can’t recall exactly) and the difference is remarkable. It dries faster and my hair is smoother. It is a bit quieter too. Prior to my Chi I always bought a $20 blower from Target. I won’t be going back to those!

I recently switched to a boar round brush, and this switch is another improvement.

BLFenton, would you mind sharing the brand and style of the brush, please. I am having some trouble with my hair recently and maybe the right kind of brush for my changing hair would help.

Look at TJ Maxx or similar store for these. They often have T3 products. I have one and do believe that my hair is smoother using it. My DD's both wanted and got one and feel the same way. Our hair is wavy, thick hair hair so we may notice more of an improvement over something with straighter less frizzy hair/

I’ve never heard of this, but I was just at Costco and they had a hair dryer that was 80.00 and claimed that it was better for your hair, it also claimed to be much lighter than the typical dryer too. If that’s the kind of dryer you’re referring to, buy it from Costco, then you can try it out and return it if it doesn’t hold up to it’s claims.

The hair brush my hair dressers have used for years are the Ceramic ones that can be found at Ulta. The do work well but the bristles are really short and tight so if you have thick hair you can only do little sections at a time. I have a lot of hair so not only does it take forever to dry it, it also requires patience that I just don’t have.

Ceramic Ion Thermal Hairbrush

Sephora makes a really nice round brush, my all-time favorite. https://www.sephora.com/product/polish-medium-round-vented-dual-hair-brush-P385598?skuId=1583822&icid2=products%20grid:p385598

There isn't a name on the brush so I can't tell you the manufacturer. It's a round medium with synthetic, rather than metal bristles. My hair has a very wiry, curly under coat (sounds like a dog) to it and this brush helps prevent tearing but also the bristles don't get caught (as someone else mentioned) which allows me to stretch the hair and lessen the curliness.

I also use Kerastase strong hold drying gel on the under layer and a Conair Boutique dryer which has a lower temperature setting and blower setting.

Funkyart - For 25 years, I'd spend more in a heartbeat. I have my doubts that anything built today would last 25 years though.

I switched to a boar round brush a year or two ago, but I don't think I notice much of a difference.

RNmom of 2 - Great idea! I never think to check Marshalls and TJ Maxx for things like that.

I hear you, MsRose.. and it wasn't especially fancy or expensive. My SIL got it for me the first year she joined the family-- she got it at a beauty supply shop. I am stunned how long it lasted... and that was with me using a spray spritz product as I dried that was very sticky. I bet it would have lasted forever had I not been using the spray!

I'm skeptical of how much of a difference a dryer itself makes, aside from quieter, lighter weight, more temp settings. I think it's more the technique of the person wielding the dryer than the dryer itself. As with any other product, if it can be demonstrated to me that spending more yields a better result, I'll fork over the money. Otherwise, I'm skeptical.

My hair is straight with a bend and relatively thick and healthy. So I don't have to spend an inordinate amount of time straightening or smoothing my hair. I prefer to let my hair do what it will. But I do like to get some lift at the roots and IMHO nothing beats a vent brush for accomplishing that. I have some good round brushes and only use them here and there when I want to turn the ends of my hair.

I used a conair for years and then switched to a Babybliss a couple of years ago. No comparison. I have lots of fine hair that is almost curly, but not quite - tends towards frizz. The Babybliss dries it way faster and keeps it less frizzy. I would not go back.

BLFenton, do you recall where you purchased it? I googled "medium round synthetic bristle hairbrush" and came up with several brushes fitting the description and several stores. I have hair like yours and sure would like to tame it down a bit - it is getting worse with age. I do use a Kerastase shampoo and hair masque occasionally; however, I don't use any other Kerastase product. I also currently use a boars bristle brush and have for many years. (Sometimes I think my hair is a bit like my little toy poodles, except it is not quite that curly.)

Mrose: the only way to really know is to try one. Just pick one up where you can return it if you aren't 100% happy with it.

I think this is the round brush my stylist uses and recommends. Comes in difference sizes.

http://www.ulta.com/nanothermic-brush?productId=xlsImpprod2780271#

I bought the T3 at Costco a few months ago. Loved it so much, I bought a backup the next time I was there. It meets several of my requirements - not loud or heavy. Previously I had the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium dryer and there is a difference in frizz with the T3, and the T3 dries faster. My hair is fairly thick and natural waves, so I like to straighten it with a dryer.

One negative - when first purchased, when I roll the end of dryer underneath the hair I have on the brush to roll the brush down the hair again (hope that makes sense) the silver ring near the motor end of dryer sometimes snagged a few hairs. Not the motor itself, but the metal ring around the dryer. Slight design flaw, imo.

My stylist told me the difference between a pro and regular model is that hers is meant for heavy duty use, i.e., to be used multiple times per day in a salon vs a home model.

She uses this Kadori model. I do think the difference is HER, not the dryer, because my hair looked good even before she had this one.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_31?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kadori+professional+ceramic+l.i.a+2500x+salon+blow+dryer&sprefix=professional+blow+dryers+kadori%2Caps%2C181&crid=1RUCIKU66NU4X&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akadori+professional+ceramic+l.i.a+2500x+salon+blow+dryer

My stylist got me a Babyliss on approval. I haven’t used it yet. I have a Chi and was better than whatever else I used b4. I would like to know if T3 is better than babyliss. Fine hair but lots of it, wavy and like straightening w/Dryer. I do think a pro operator is an important factor but having a top of line Dryer for a non-professional is important too. How I wished there were classes in how to properly dry hair.

Allison - Thank your for the comparison. I ran up to Marshalls and they didn't have the T3, but they did have a Chi for $59 and the Babyliss Tiatnium for $29. I didn't get either one, because I wanted to read some reviews and try to figure out if there are any differences in the three brands. Forgot to mention earlier, I'm one of those with frizzy, wavy hair, so I'm looking for something that will help me straighten and defizz, not just something that dries fast.

the difference is the technology.. no, it's not just having a pro using the equipment. I can't tell you if it's worth the difference since I haven't used one but it does work differently in that it doesn't dry with only hot air.

whomever said I could use a lower setting on my current dryer-- sure, I can and do-- however, then it just blows my very fine air and it doesn't dry. I have a lot of hair but it's very very fine.

Thanks for the reviews so far. I will be watching to see what others who have one think. I haven't heard of anyone who has bought one who has been disappointed.

the babyliss on approval is $150, at my stylists' price. I have no idea the diff between this one and one at $29 from Marshalls.

It never pays to be lazy. I was not feeling like doing my homework. Checking apples to apples, comparing prices, reading reviews. I just found out the one stylist bought at $150 can be bought online for $55. I can’t wait for her reply. I’ve never thought her the type to price gauge but look forward to seeing her expression and reaction.

After I burned my hair for the umpteenth time using a drugstore cheapy, I asked my stylist for a recommendation and he told me he uses Solano dryers exclusively. I bit the bullet and bought one (a basic model) for around $80. I don't remember the price exactly because I have now had the dryer for nearly 10 years, and it is showing no signs of giving out. WELL worth it, as I would have had to replace any drugstore dryer several times over in the last 10 years. It blows very strongly and has three temperature settings (none of which get hot enough to burn my hair), plus an extra long cord and comfortable handle. It looks like their basic model is now around $125 on Amazon, but I'm sure there are sales if you comparison shop.

Has anyone ever heard of a Harry Josh blow dryer? This one keeps coming up in my searches as one of the best.

You're welcome, msrose.

fwiw, I never dry my hair on the hottest setting, and I rarely use the cold set at the end.

I don't blow dry my hair, I'm a hair idiot, and am hopeless with devices, I don't even own a blow dryer. But I do recommend Jean Pierre brushes, they are made in France, work well on any kind of hair and last for a very long time, I'm on my third once since the 1970's.

https://jeanpierrebrush.com/

It sounds like most of you have wavy, curly, or frizzy hair that you like to straighten. Would you send me some of your curl please? So I know that you need more time with the dryer. I let my hair air dry for up to 2 hours and then finish the damp part for maybe 5 minutes with the dryer. I can’t imagine drying all my wet hair.

Kudos to those of you who can hold a blow dryer in one hand, and a brush in another. lol. I need to find a heating brush, not the kind that attaches to a dryer. I've been using Conair my whole adult life and have't had any problems. Youtube is the best tutorial around.

Here's a video explaining the difference between a boar brush and the ceramic ion. I ff'd through a lot of it, but a boar brush definitely isn't for me.

This is my brush

I have thick fine hair. It is gray. I purchased a better blow dryer from my stylist several years ago. I do think it made a difference. I dont know what kind it is and the writing is worn off.

Another thing that made a big difference is something that my hairdresser said to me. She explained that you dont want the heat on your hair, you want it on the brush. She gave me a round brush with a shaft that holds heat. You want to cool your hair by blowing cold air on it as it is wrapped around the hot brush.

What Funky said. It's not the stylist - it REALLY is the dryer. Yes, those dryers are better for your hair. I can't attest to how it works for a blow-out because I never straighten my hair. I don't use a brush when drying my hair either - only on my long bangs which I do want a bit straighter. I use the dryer and my hand is my brush! LOL I'm another who lets my hair do what it wants. I have wavy, thick hair and it I let it do it's thing, pulling and fluffing with my hand - mainly through the crown and top. The rest I kind of fluff around with the dryer. I then rub a bit more product through my hair. If I'm getting more "dressed up" I use a curling iron through the crown, bangs and top for a bit more height and direction.

My hair is very short these days so I don’t think the type of dryer I use has much impact. However, FWIW, that fancy $$$ Dyson dryer was in my London hotel room last spring. I discovered it after calling the front desk and insisting there was no blow dryer in the room, LOL...I thought it was some kind of clothing steamer! Anyway, at the time my hair was the length of a bob, and I found that the dryer dried my hair TOO fast! Hard to explain but it didn’t give my round brush a chance to work. It drove me crazy for the 5 days I had to use it! Maybe I would have eventually gotten used to it...

Thanks for the video, Oakley! I will have to play around with my boar brush and my non-boar brush to see if I can tell the difference now. I have noticed the boar brush is harder to pull through my hair just like he mentioned in the video.

I've been using a brush like this for years. My current and former hairdressers use(d) this style brush. They are available in a variety of sizes. I recently replaced by $30 dryer from Target with another $30 dryer from Target, but after reading the testimonials from those using the higher priced dryers, I will seriously consider upgrading the next time (or perhaps sooner).

@walnut - I bought my brush from the salon that I go to on the recommendation of my stylist.

ETA - After watching the video which I have to thank Oakley for posting, I used to use the thermal brush and technique. My stylist changed me to a boar brush and technique with a cooler setting and it makes a huge difference in taming my hair especially as it changes texture with aging.

I finally took the time to watch video, very useful. I end up with a fluffier look b/c I use a thermal brush. I’m happy w/that, but good to know that if I want a sleeker finish, boar brush is better. I may go to Ulta and look for a brush.

Ive decided I’m keeping my Chi Dryer. I think I need to commit to alloting more time to hair styling so I can use cooler settings. I tend to use super hot everything b/c I’m always in a hurry. No bueno.

I don’t know if this is “the one” as far as models go, but this is what the one at Costco looks like

The video was interesting, but my God, it took him over 5 minutes to dry two small sections of hair--albeit long-- and he's a pro. It would take the better part of an hour for him to do the whole head of hair, which seemed to be abundant, but not particularly curly/frizzy.

Do those of you who like to straighten your un-straight locks invest that much time in styling? I timed myself the other day and I spent 4 minutes with the dryer and felt like a long time.

The first ones I bought at Costco (one for me and one for DD1) were turquoise. The second tw0 (spare for me and one for DD2) same dryer but white, like yours, lukkiirish.

I've never timed drying my hair, but I can completely shower, do make up and dry hair in 30 minutes.

I have slightly longer than shoulder length and it takes me 30 min from wet hair to out the door. Strictly drying? 5-10 min, depending on how wet when I start. That’s using hottest settings which not only dries hair but dries my scalp. If I took longer and used warm or cold settings, it’d take longer and no dry scalp. Of course, heavy conditioning helps but taking longer would be best.

Besides a regular hair dryer I also have this type. I've had this brand and Conair.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/gold-n-hot-styler-hair-dryer/SBS-255129,default,pd.html?list=Home%7cHair%7cHair%20Styling%20Tools%7cHair%20Dryers#start=1

I picked up a Nanothermic round brush today at Ulta, I'm going to give it whirl tonight. My only issue with most round brushes is that the bristles are short and don't grab enough hair. I have thick hair, wavy hair. The good thing is that I can return the brush if I don't like it, I asked when I checked out. She said everything is returnable. Good to know.

Linelle - I definitely don't spend as much time on each section as he did in the video. He acted like he was doing it until he got a shine? I may have to try it just to see if I notice a difference, but I definitely don't have time to do that every time.

Even though I'd never heard of a Harry Josh blow dryer before yesterday, I just bit the bullet and ordered one. It was on sale for $10 more than the T3 I was looking at. It said if you use it 20 minutes every day, it should last 15 years. I'm skeptical, but it would be be nice if it did.

I have a Neo Ionic and I love it. I happened on it when I thought my ancient Chi was probably dying (it hasn’t). Today show or Good Morning America has this brand often in their Steals and Deals. Normal price is around $130 according to current Amazon pricing. I have bought two and they almost always come with an extra appliance in the deal for less than $75-80 iirc. I have given the extras to my DGDs as they use straighteners, curling irons, etc and I don’t. The second hair dryer I bought was a tiny mini which is perfect for travel.

I don't blow dry my hair so not sure why I opened this post. But this from msrose struck me: "It said if you use it 20 minutes every day," Do any of you really use a blow dryer for 20 minutes per day?

I need to ask an obvious question: How do high-end dryers dry faster? Other than heat and velocity of air, what else makes hair dry faster? You gotta be careful with heat and when I use a dryer with high air velocity I lose focus and control.

It's my understanding that the ionic technology breaks down the water molecules and so they evaporate faster.

I can't use the tiny hair dryers-- because my hair is so fine, it blows around more than normal or thick hair and it gets stuck in the little ones unless I hold it out 3 feet! I lied above, my hair dryer is a John Frieda not a Conair (but it could very well be made by Conair). I need to clean it out regularly because hair and dust get stuck on the inside and outside mesh intake vents.

It takes me an hour (45 min if I don't dawdle) to get from shower to out the door. Hair drying is a very short part of that. Even with styling, less than 15 min.

My hair is very fine and thin and chin length so it doesn’t take but 5-10 minutes to do my hair. And it’s mostly styled when I finish drying. I use the cool down button a lot through the drying process. I give it a blast of heat and then use the cool button to finish/style. To me it’s easier than continually changing the heat setting.

I hate to rush and I hate to be late. I always build in a fudge factor in case of wardrobe or makeup malfunction. So I prefer 2 hours from shower and shampoo to out the door. Hair styling comes at the very end--after dressing and makeup--so that my hair has a chance to partially air dry in the meantime. I can dry/style it in about 5 minutes with a basic Conair (low heat for upside down hair, high heat for lift and control).