The Best Drugstore Blow Dryers Are Under $60 and Dry Your Hair In Record Time
Power doesn't have to mean a luxury price tag.
No matter where we find ourselves in the world, when I'm traveling with my mom, we tend to run into a blow dryer crisis. You'd think any decent hotel room would come fully stocked with the classic hot tool, but we've found the amenity lacking more often than you'd think.
That is to say, I have plenty of experience zipping to a drugstore and grabbing an affordable blow dryer to tackle a last-minute styling issue. Sometimes I even bring an extra from home, just in case! Not my Dyson, of course; I'd be devastated if she were left behind under a rogue sink and never seen again. But there are plenty of great blow dryers out there—with price tags that fall well below some of the more luxurious hair tools on the market—that will absolutely get the job done.
Ahead, I'm sharing my favorite affordable blow dryers for all hair types. Because, as celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons, previously told MC, "Having a hair dryer that works for your hair is really important." Whether you find yourself in a similar crisis or just want a new tool to practice your round brush tension hold with, there's an option for you—for $60 or less.
My family's long-time favorite affordable blow dryer. I took this picture of my mom's, which she brought to our family farm just in case.
My Go-Tos
As mentioned, I've needed a last-minute blow dryer more than a few times. If one of these options is in stock (and they usually are!), I know there will be no worries in the styling department. They're lightweight, quick to heat up, and straightforward to use.
Conair's InfinitiPro has been the blow dryer of my household since I was a child. I've seen its exterior design change more than once over the years, and I can always count on it for a quick dry and big power. The cord is long enough that you don't have to worry about outlet placement, and that shiny burnt orange color will always be a favorite. Why are so many tools so bland-looking these days? Take cues!
Another brand winning the affordable hair dryer game: Revlon. Alongside Conair, they really rule the market—and this is my favorite of their (non-brush) offerings, because the One-Step will always be a star. Choose hot, warm, or cool heat at a high or low setting, and enjoy the cool shot button when you need to lock that style in.
Beloved Minis
Literature reflects life, and "though she be but little, she is fierce" could've easily been a line written about these affordable hair dryers. They're tiny versions of some iconic (and more expensive) full-size favorites, so it's no surprise that they're just as impressive.
FHI bills their mini dryer as having "the power of a pro" and "the size of a passport." If you're a fan of the brand's full-size offerings, I highly suggest picking up this mini icon. It's foldable, fits right in your hand, and runs on 1200 watts despite its compact size.
BaBylissPRO is another brand that the actual pros are always turning to. This super lightweight offering features a removable rear filter for easy cleaning, two heat settings, and a cute, compact, and foldable body.
Collapsible Options
Packing light? We can make that work. These affordable blow dryers fold right up, so you can fit more in your bag while avoiding the worry of running to dinner with dripping strands. They're also TSA- and hairstylist-approved.
I love this little cutie. It's super compact but boasts major drying prowess, and is powered with tourmaline to naturally emit negative ions and infrared heat for a smooth blowout that doesn't dry out your hair. It also features dual voltage for worldwide use—bring it anywhere and everywhere!
Or how about a pink foldable option? "When you look at it, you would think 'this can't dry even a doll's hair.' But guess what, surprise, it does the trick," shared a reviewer—a truly iconic sign of approval for a truly sweet and tiny dryer.
For the Curls
If you're someone who needs a diffuser attachment or some extra frizz-fighting skills as part of your drying routine, there are great, affordable hair dryer options for you as well. Keep an eye out for ionic technology—these negatively charged ions work to neutralize frizz and break down water molecules so they can better penetrate, and thus hydrate, your strands.
Arriving with an attachable diffuser and built-in ionic and ceramic technology to reduce frizz and support hydration, this WavyTalk dryer is lightweight, comfy to hold, and even comes in a bunch of cute colors. I'm partial to the lime green, but there are great choices all around.
Though this stylist-favorite Hot Tools option doesn't have a diffuser attachment, I'm sure you'll be able to find one. And really, it's impressive ionic technology that's making the list. It features six custom heat and speed options, plus 1875 watts of power, so you can dry your hair and fight frizz however you see fit.
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