Shop Hair Dryers Under $20

The best hair dryers are an investment, but you don't need to spend hundreds to get great results. We gathered the most affordable options that received top marks from editors in our Beauty Lab for being lightweight, durable, and easy to use. Many come with attachments for different styling needs, including a concentrator nozzle for straightening and a diffuser for taming curly or kinky textures. Some even have negative ions that protect the hair cuticle from damage while helping it dry faster and reduce frizz and static.

Whether you have fine or thick hair, you can't go wrong with any of these picks. The most important factors are the heat and speed settings—you'll want to select lower temps for thinner strands, while choosing higher heat levels for thicker ones. Look for a model that also has a cool shot button to help lock in your style.

The most affordable models in this roundup have a high rating on Amazon from people who use them for all kinds of different purposes, but the one that gets the most mentions is this Parlux model, which is beloved by Parisian stylists and is perfect for replicating a salon blowout at home. It's super light (less than a pound), compact, and works internationally, so you won't need to bring an extra adapter on your next trip abroad.

Kristin Limoges is a New York-based beauty and wellness freelance editor who can usually be found surrounded by masks in her Chinatown apartment. She drew on her experience with all things skincare, makeup, and hair to create this article.shop hair dryers under $20