For those of us blessed with kinky and coily hair, finding the right blow dryer to add to your toolkit—no matter your texture—can often feel overwhelming. Although some Afro-haired people prefer heatless styling, for certain styles, the added help of a great blow dryer is key. And when scoping out a new Afro hair–friendly blow dryer, prioritising its versatility and ability to work with Afro hair in all its iterations is a good place to start. For coiled and curled looks, this means a low and steady heat tool—perfect for providing an even dry—and one lightweight enough to stave off the dreaded washday dead arm. We’ve all been there, right?
Not all tools are created equal, however, with some dryers sporting easily accessible cool buttons (ideal for providing a chilled blast across lace lines in order to help wigs lie just a little flatter), or for the heat-averse, diffuser attachments allowing for smooth and accentuated coils with a satisfying spring.