In looking to find the best hair dryer, we narrowed it down to four and chose the best one from there. The ones that made the cut to this level of the game were the Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer, the T3 AireLuxe Digital Ionic Professional Blow Hair Dryer, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, and the Shark HD113BRN Hair Blow Dryer.
Drybar vs T3 vs Dyson vs Shark Air Power
The ability to control the air power of the hair dryer is the single greatest determinant in the choice of a hair dryer, according to a number of people we surveyed, and researched via comments on social media.
It was evident that all four had powerful streams for what they were designed to do. The travel blow dryer, being the exception provided a good stream but was not as powerful as the one that came out on top. In this test, the Shark HD11 beat the competition by the volume and the speed it pushed air out of the nozzle.
- Ionic Technology: Negative ion generator blows billions of negative ions into hair
- Wave heater allows for uniform heat distribution for faster and more even drying
- Super-lightweight design (13 oz/.36 kg) and collapsible handle allow for easy storage
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Temperature
Testing in this category was not to find the hottest temperature but the one that gave the best consistent temperature for the setting. All had multiple temperature settings, however, the two that came close to being satisfying were the Dyson and the Shark. Both allowed you to choose three different heat settings.
What was important to people who used it daily was the ability for the temperature to be consistent. Dyson and Shark were the hottest of the four, Dyson registered 108 degrees while Shark registered 109. While this would qualify as a tie for the top spot, The low and medium temperature comparisons distinguished the two. Shark gave us more variability than Dyson.
However, the one thing that put Shark over the top was the fact that it had a cool shot function which is important in styling and follicle health.
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Looking at the four models only one stood out, and it happened to also be the one that was the most expensive. It was sleek and provided superior ergonomics. It looked good sitting on the counter and it felt well held in the hand. This one was easily decided. The Dyson beat all the others without contest.
- T3 RapidAire IQ: Monitored by a smart microchip, digitally controlled heat combines with a gentle airstream...
- Ion generator: Infuses hair with 10 million negative ions to reduce frizz and smooth the hair cuticle for a...
- 5 heats and 3 speeds: Digitally controlled heat and speed selections tailored for all hair types and textures
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aside from looking good, it is important for users that blow dryers are also below a certain noise threshold. Most people expect a little sound, but will not tolerate it beyond a certain level. In this case, the Dyson, with its unique empty barrel delivered the quietest experience of the four dryers.
As far as ergonomics goes, and the ability to hold it comfortably and use it easily, and able to access the controls effortlessly, all four dryers were comparable.
Frizzy Hair
We evaluated all four dryers with different hair types. Most results were identical in result, but for the test on frizzy hair. Frizzy hair works better when there is better moisture and better ionization. In this regard, the T3 fared significantly better allowing better control and better staying power.
Blow Dry Quality
At the end of the day, the fight between the four dryers would end at the quality of the product. The proof is indeed in the pudding, in this case, that would be the hair that it blew. Placing it in the hand of a seasoned hairdresser we found that the Dyson resulted in the best blow dry, leaving the hair stylish, bouncy, and in control.
- Helps prevent extreme heat damage to protect natural shine; Air temperature is measured 20 times every second,...
- Ultra fast drying; For fast drying you need controlled, high velocity airflow. Rated power 1600watts
- Includes: Magnetic attachments Dyson smoothing noozle, styling concentrator, and diffuser
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blow Dry Speed
The goal here is to see which the fastest of the four blow dryers will get the job done in the shortest amount of time. Blow dry speed is not a function of airflow or air temperature. It is a combination of factors and the best way to determine it is to test it in similar conditions.
In our tests, we found that Dyson was able to dry straight hair three times faster than the other three dryers we tested. By this account, they won without a doubt.
Travel Ease
Of the four, two were the best options to bring along on a trip. They are light and less cumbersome than the rest. The two were the Dyson and the Drybar. The Drybar was light and sturdy and was our choice when for the best dryer in this category.
Drybar vs T3 vs Dyson vs Shark Conclusion
Every dryer in this comparison had its own strengths. It was not an easy choice to pick one that was the overall best. That wouldn’t be the best way to go about it as everyone has different needs and requirements.
- ULTRA-FAST DRYING: HyperAIR IQ Technology intelligently combines high-velocity heated air and ionized air for...
- NO HEAT DAMAGE: Intelligent heat control measures outlet heat up to 1,000 times per second, ensuring...
- STYLES THAT LAST: Auto-optimized heat and airflow settings from HyperAIR ensure the best results. HyperAIR...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
