When searching for the perfect hair dryer, it’s easy to get caught up in the features and forget about one crucial aspect: noise level. Whether you’re a light sleeper or prefer to avoid disturbing others, finding a quiet hair dryer can be a game-changer. But what if your apartment complex has thin walls or you need to get ready while your baby is still sleeping? Fortunately, there are many excellent models that produce barely more than a gentle hum.
To help you find the perfect one, we’ve compiled our top picks below.
Finding the Right Low-Noise Hair Dryer
While your hair dryer might be the noisiest tool in your daily beauty routine, advancements in technology have led to quieter options that spare your hearing. Whether you use a blow dryer daily or only occasionally, selecting a low-noise model is crucial for preserving your auditory health. To find the ideal product, begin by thinking about these key factors:
Hair Type
Whether you’re dealing with dry and frizzy locks or thin and straight strands, a thick and curly mane, or something in between, achieving silky soft hair requires the right tools. A hair dryer that’s tailored to your unique hair type is essential for bringing out its natural best. If you’re unsure about your hair type, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, which offers expert advice on identifying and catering to different hair textures.
Wattage
When it comes to blow dryers, wattage is a crucial factor that determines how efficiently the motor works. A higher wattage generally translates to faster drying times and more intense heat, which can be beneficial for thicker or curlier hair types. However, for those with fine or damaged hair, a lower wattage appliance may be more suitable to prevent overheating and minimize potential damage.
For instance, the Paubea Folding Ionic Infrared Ceramic Blow Dryer is an excellent option for individuals with fragile locks, while those with thicker manes may prefer a model like the Xpoliman Negative Ionic Hair Dryer that can handle higher wattage without compromising their hair’s integrity.
Speed Settings
When it comes to choosing a hair dryer, one important feature to consider is the speed settings. Most models offer multiple speed options that control the rate of airflow. Increasing the speed can significantly reduce drying time, but this might also lead to more flyaways if your hair is prone to frizz. To balance out these benefits and drawbacks, look for a product with both high and low speed options.
Additionally, some of the top-rated hair dryers on our list feature not only dual speeds but also heat settings, providing even greater control over your styling process.
Ease of Use
When evaluating the best low-noise hair dryers, it’s crucial to consider practical factors that affect usability. A short cord or excessive weight can render even the most advanced dryer useless. For those with limited mobility or strength, a hooded option is an excellent solution, allowing for hands-free drying and relaxation. With these considerations in mind, we’re excited to share our list of the top 10 best low-noise hair dryers on the market.
Top 10 Best Quiet Hair Dryers 2024
Best Overall Quiet Hair Dryer: TREZORO Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer
Trezoro’s Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer is a powerhouse that caters to all hair types, thanks to its innovative design and cutting-edge technology. The blow dryer’s unique blend of ceramic tourmaline and a turbo motor enables it to transfer an impressive 10 times more ions than its competitors, effectively removing static and reducing frizz as it dries hair at lightning-fast speed.
This appliance is designed to handle even the thickest locks with ease, using a high-speed setting that blows strong gusts of wind without compromising on power or disrupting hearing. For those with finer hair, the low-speed setting ensures a gentle touch that prevents tangling. As its name suggests, this hair dryer was engineered with professionals in mind, featuring a reinforced cord that stretches 8.
8 feet long and is designed to withstand the rigors of salon use without curling, twisting, or breaking. The attached Velcro band also allows for easy shortening of the cord when used on oneself. The Trezoro Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer boasts two speed settings and three heat settings, making it an all-in-one solution for salons or families with diverse hair needs.
Its compatibility with most diffuser attachments means users can effortlessly tame frizz without disrupting their natural texture. While this blow dryer shines in many ways, one notable drawback is its highest heat setting, which can become excessively hot after prolonged use, potentially causing damage to the hair and scalp. For those with dry or brittle locks, or sensitive scalps, alternative options like the Xpoliman Negative Ionic Hair Dryer might be a better fit.
Best for Combatting Frizz: Jinri Negative Ionic Blow Dryer
The Jinri Negative Ionic Blow Dryer is a game-changer for those with frizzy hair. This tourmaline blow dryer uses ionic technology to enhance shine, making it perfect for daily use. Its lower wattage means it may take longer to dry hair, but the payoff is soft and shiny locks. The device also comes with three attachments – a diffuser, concentrator nozzle, and comb – which can help define curls without frizz, precision style straight hair, and detangle textured hair with ease.
The ‘Cool Shot’ button delivers a burst of cool air to seal your style for all-day hold. While it may not be the fastest dryer on the market, its gentle nature makes it suitable for daily use without worrying about damaging your locks. For those who need to dry their hair quickly, however, this product might not be the best fit.
Best Premium Quiet Hair Dryer: MHU Infrared Heat Hair Dryer
The MHU Infrared Heat Hair Dryer stands out from the crowd due to its lightweight design, long 9-foot cord, and hanging loop for effortless storage. This low-noise blow dryer is perfect for professionals who require ease of use throughout the day. Its infrared heat technology allows for gentle heat application at the cuticle level, resulting in softer, shinier hair that’s suitable for all types. The inclusion of concentrator and diffuser attachments further adds to its versatility.
One notable feature is the red light indicator on the highest heat setting, which illuminates where you’re concentrating the airflow as you style your hair. However, be cautious not to shine it directly into your eyes when drying your bangs or front sections, as this could affect your vision while working. Additionally, the light can make it challenging to maintain a low profile if you’re trying to dry someone’s hair without waking them.
While this blow dryer is gentle enough for everyday use, its 1875W wattage means it may not be the quickest option for drying thicker or longer hair. In such cases, you might prefer a higher-wattage product like the CHLANT Ionic Blow Dryer. Overall, the MHU Infrared Heat Hair Dryer offers several advantages, including suitability for all hair types, a gentle touch, and precision styling capabilities.
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Xpoliman Negative Ionic Hair Dryer
This blow dryer stands out due to its perfect balance of power and heat. With a 2000W motor, it can quickly dry frizzy or curly hair without causing damage or discomfort. The gentle heat and strong airflow make it an ideal choice for those who want to style their hair safely. The device features advanced ionic technology that helps achieve smooth and tamed locks. Its two speed settings, three heat settings, and ‘Cool Shot’ button allow for greater control over the styling process.
Frizzy and curly hair types will particularly benefit from this product, which is designed to work well with these textures. However, it’s worth noting that the included attachments – a concentrator, diffuser, and comb – are somewhat flimsy. The comb’s teeth can bend or break when used on thicker hair, and the bulkiness of the blow dryer itself makes it challenging to maneuver around your own hair with the extra attachments.
Despite these limitations, this product excels in terms of safety features. Its 2000W motor is designed to apply gentle heat even at its highest setting, and the ALCI safety plug ensures immediate power cutoff in case of a current imbalance. For those seeking an alternative that offers higher quality attachments and a more lightweight design, the MHU Infrared Heat Hair Dryer might be a better option.
Best for Thinning Hair: Abody Negative Ion Blow Dryer
The Abody Negative Ion Blow Dryer is a versatile product that’s well-suited for all hair types. One of its standout features is the ‘Styling Pik’ attachment, which excels at lifting hair from the root and leaving users with thick, voluminous locks. This gentle heat-emitting dryer is perfect for those experiencing thinning hair as it won’t cause further damage. The comb attachment allows for volume addition from root to tip while drying, making it a great tool for achieving luscious locks.
With two speed settings and three heat settings, users can easily find the ideal combination for their hair type. While it may not be as powerful as some other products on the market, this dryer still delivers excellent results with time. For those in a hurry, however, a higher-wattage product like the TREZORO Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer might be more suitable. On the other hand, when users have the time, they can achieve salon-grade bouncy blowouts with this product.
The only drawback is its short power cord, making it best suited for personal use at home. This product’s pros far outweigh its cons, offering a gentle, volumizing blow dryer that’s perfect for daily use.
Best for Daily Use: CHIC REPUBLIC Professional Ionic Hair Dryer
While many users might not initially consider the CHIC REPUBLIC Professional Ionic Hair Dryer for drying their children’s or pets’ hair, this product is surprisingly versatile. Its gentle heat and quiet operation make it an ideal choice for delicate locks or furry coats that require a calming blow-drying experience. The dryer emits a steady stream of heat with minimal noise, which won’t startle kids or pets during use.
With its ceramic construction and ionic technology, the hair dryer leaves hair soft, smooth, and shiny, requiring only the two included diffuser nozzles for optimal results. Finishing with the cool setting ensures bouncy locks or fluffy fur all day long. The lengthy cord allows for easy maneuverability around squirming children and wriggling pets, making it a practical choice for pet owners.
However, users may find the bulky cord somewhat challenging to work with when using the dryer on themselves, as it tends to get tangled in smaller spaces. Nonetheless, this product offers several redeeming qualities: its gentle nature, quiet operation, and ability to leave hair soft and shiny. The only drawbacks are its slightly longer drying time and the potential for cord tangling.
Best Hooded Hair Dryer: Y-NOT Hooded Hair Dryer
This Y-NOT Hooded Hair Dryer has won us over with its impressive combination of gentle yet efficient performance. Despite its low wattage, it’s capable of drying even the most delicate hair quickly, thanks to its all-encompassing design. We particularly appreciate that it’s adjustable, allowing you to tailor the temperature and timing to your specific styling needs – whether you’re dealing with thin, thick, frizzy, or straight locks.
With an array of features including a 1000W motor, one speed setting that can be adjusted for time and temperature, and a sturdy base with five caster wheels, this salon-grade dryer is perfect for those who value versatility. Weighing in at 18 pounds, it’s substantial but still easy to maneuver, making it a great option for those with limited mobility due to medical conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
The ultra-quiet motor makes it ideal for use while watching TV, reading a book, or even sleeping – just be aware that the timer will beep loudly when it’s done. One thing to keep in mind is that the fan can blow air upwards towards the back of the head, which may cause tangling issues for those with curly hair. However, for those with straight or wavy locks, this dryer is a fantastic choice.
Best for Travel: Paubea Ionic Infrared Ceramic Blow Dryer
This clever hair dryer not only folds in half, making it easy to slip into your suitcase before a trip, but its small size and light weight also mean it won’t weigh you down. Weighing just 0.88 pounds, this compact device is designed with travel in mind, featuring a smaller motor that produces a gentle heat output of 1200W. While it may take a few extra minutes to dry your hair compared to other blow dryers on the market, the sleek shine it helps you achieve is well worth the wait.
The magnetic rotary smoothing nozzle, which seals in moisture instead of drawing it out, adds an extra layer of softness and frizz-free finish. Although not ideal for daily use on thick or long hair due to its small motor, this styling tool is perfect for packing into your carry-on bag without sacrificing precious space.
With its lightweight design and compact size, you can easily toss it in with the rest of your essentials and know that you won’t be sacrificing any room for your favorite boots or sweaters. The pros definitely outweigh the cons here – a foldable and portable device that leaves hair feeling soft and shiny, complete with a magnetic rotary smoothing nozzle, is hard to resist.
Most Versatile: KIPOZI Negative Ionic Blow Dryer
This professional-grade hair dryer from KIPOZI boasts Advanced Nano Ionic technology, allowing it to leave your locks silky smooth. The device also comes with a concentrator attachment for styling straight hair and a diffuser attachment for taming waves. With its low wattage and gentle heat, this blow dryer is suitable for everyday use, making it an excellent choice for those who like to switch up their hairstyle frequently.
While it may not be the fastest way to dry your hair – it takes longer than some of its competitors – it’s a great option when you’re not in a hurry. The included attachments are useful, but they can fall off during use, so you may want to consider investing in higher-quality styling tools for specific looks. Overall, this product is a great all-around choice that’s gentle on hair and leaves it feeling soft and shiny.
Best Budget Quiet Hair Dryer: CHLANT Ionic Blow Dryer
The CHLANT Ionic Blow Dryer is a powerhouse of styling tools, despite its affordable price tag. Its built-in temperature reading feature takes precision to the next level, allowing users to customize their styling experience. With three heat settings and two speed settings, this dryer caters to various hair types, including thin, thick, straight, curly, and frizzy locks.
The device is also surprisingly quiet, making it a great option for families or those who value a peaceful environment while getting ready. This blow dryer’s high wattage ensures rapid drying time, even for the thickest of hair. Plus, its removable filter makes cleaning up after use a breeze. One minor drawback is that the air intake port can become entangled with long hair if not monitored; however, this issue is easily mitigated with careful usage.
What sets this dryer apart from others on our list is its live temperature display, providing users with real-time feedback to monitor heat application and prevent damage. For added protection, users can employ specialized serums, sprays, and creams to safeguard their locks (for more information, refer to our guide). As a styling tool, the CHLANT Ionic Blow Dryer prioritizes functionality over flair; its included accessories are functional but not exceptional in quality.
If relying on these attachments for hair styling, users may wish to invest in separate products or opt for higher-quality alternatives like standalone universal diffusers. The pros of this dryer include suitability for all hair types, rapid drying times, built-in temperature display, and easy cleaning. Its cons are flimsy included accessories and potential tangling with long hair.
Your Full Guide to Quiet Hair Dryers
While it’s difficult to pinpoint just one standout product from the initial selection of 10 exceptional quiet hair dryers, we understand that finding the perfect match can be a challenge. To help you make an informed decision, we recommend exploring our comprehensive guide in addition to this summary, which provides further insights into each product’s unique features and benefits.
How Can I Determine My Hair Type?
To better understand your hair type, it’s essential to grasp its texture and structure. There are four primary textures: straight, wavy, curly, and combinations of these. Meanwhile, there are three possible structures: thin, medium, and thick. The key to determining your hair texture lies in observing how it dries naturally without any products or styling tools. If it remains flat and lifeless once dry, it’s likely straight.
Wavy hair will exhibit a gentle S-curve, while curly hair will display defined loops. On the other hand, if you’re trying to determine your hair’s structure, take a loose strand from your brush and lay it alongside a piece of sewing thread. If the strand is roughly the same thickness as the thread, your hair is medium. Thin hair will appear finer than the thread, whereas thick hair will be more robust.
When blow-drying your hair frequently, it’s crucial to use the lowest wattage necessary to prevent heat damage. For instance, if you have thinner hair, a lower-wattage dryer like the Abody Negative Ion Blow Dryer is suitable. In contrast, thicker hair may require more power, such as the TREZORO Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer, to dry efficiently.
Is Frizzy a Hair Type?
While many products on our list cater to all hair types, a few are specifically designed for frizzy locks – whether straight, wavy, or curly. Characterized by rough, stiff, or straw-like texture once dry, frizzy hair requires special attention. The culprit behind this unwanted texture? A lack of moisture. As such, products designed for frizzy hair need to lock in hydration rather than strip it away.
One exemplary product that achieves just that is the CHIC REPUBLIC Professional Ionic Hair Dryer, which uses ionic technology to gently dry and smooth hair while maintaining its natural moisture balance.
What Is Ionic Technology?
As you scan our list, you might have noticed that eight of our top picks incorporate ionic technology. This innovative approach works by injecting negative ions into individual hair strands. These ions then attract positive ions from water molecules, causing them to split and dissipate quickly. As a result, you can dry your locks in record time without relying on excessive heat applications.
Moreover, the ionic technology helps seal the cuticles of each strand, allowing your hair to retain some moisture while preventing frizz. If you’re new to using an ionic hair dryer, you’ll likely be delighted by the noticeable difference – a shinier finish that’s all thanks to the unique properties of these products.
What Is Infrared Heat Technology?
Two innovative hair dryers on our list—MHU Infrared Heat Hair Dryer and Paubea Folding Ionic Infrared Ceramic Blow Dryer—employ infrared heat technology to expedite the drying process. This approach involves emitting radiant heat energy, which permeates the hair shaft from the inside out, allowing for a more efficient and even drying experience.
Unlike traditional hair dryers that rely on convective heat, these infrared-powered devices are gentler on the hair, minimizing the risk of damage.
As such, if you have thin, color-treated, or fragile locks, an infrared heat-based product may be your best bet for achieving a healthy-looking finish.
Why Do Hair Dryers Need Attachments?
When it comes to achieving specific hairstyles, having the right attachments can make all the difference. Many of our featured blow dryers come with accessories like diffusers, concentrators, and combs that can help you achieve the look you want. For those with wavy or curly hair, using a diffuser attachment is a game-changer. By dispersing airflow around the hair while supporting individual strands as they dry, diffusers ensure more defined waves or curls and less frizz.
On the other hand, concentrators allow for targeted airflow to one area, perfect for adding volume at the roots or achieving pin-straight sections. Combs are also useful for adding volume and detangling textured hair without causing frizz. With these attachments, you can achieve a variety of styles without needing additional tools like flatirons.
For example, the Kaleep Negative Ionic Blow Dryer features all three attachments, making it a great option for those who like to mix up their hairstyles.
Should I Purchase Any Additional Products to Protect My Hair From Heat Damage?
While our list of products doesn’t pose a threat to your locks, repeated use of heat tools like blow dryers and flatirons can still cause damage. For instance, if you’re in the market for a new flat iron, we’ve got guides on the best options for fine hair and thick hair. To safeguard your tresses from heat-induced harm, invest in sprays, serums, or creams that seal the cuticle. These formulas will prevent irreversible damage by shielding the core of each strand.
In addition to heat protection, consider products that condition, add shine, reduce frizz, and enhance elasticity. Most of these formulations should be applied to damp hair before blow-drying, but some are designed for setting styles while nourishing dry locks, so be sure to follow instructions carefully.
A Flawless Finish
When it comes to using a hair dryer, it’s crucial to find a model that balances performance with noise reduction. Whether you’re a daily user or just occasional, you don’t want to disturb others in your household or risk damaging your hearing. Fortunately, there are high-quality options available for every hair type. While selecting the right one might seem like a daunting task, it’s actually quite straightforward once you consider the key factors that matter most.
