When I first went natural I thought finding a blow dryer for my natural hair would be easy. I opted for a blow dryer with the comb attachment like I used on my relaxed hair. After a few attempts using this type of blow dryer, I found that it simply was not a good fit for my natural hair.

While trying to blow dry my natural hair, the teeth of the comb attachment would break. Due to the texture of my natural hair it was also difficult to pass the comb through. I found myself needing to replace the comb attachment often. Despite only blow drying in my hair a few times per year.

So I spent time reading reviews on Amazon, watching YouTube videos, and trying out a few different blow dryers to figure out which type of blow dryers or best for natural hair.

Recommended Tools for Blow Drying Natural Hair

Revlon One Step available on amazon

Blow Dryer with adjustable heat

The best blow dryers for natural hair

My top two choices for Blow dryers for natural hair are the Revlon one step and blow dryers with independent heat and speed settings. I use both these blow dryers and they work well for my thick type 4 natural hair.

The Revlon one step for natural hair

My biggest issue with the traditional comb attachment for blow dryers is that it pops off as I am blow drying my hair. I have also broken the teeth on several  comb attachments for blow dryers.

The Revlon one step solves this problem because the brush is integrated into the blow dryer. It is impossible for the brush attachment to come off. for that reason I found the Revlon one step to be a great choice for natural hair.

Another benefit of the Revlon one step is that it is easy to blow dry your own hair. You don’t have to worry about trying to hold the blow dryer in one hand, and using a brush or comb any other hand.

Blow dryer with multiple speed and heat settings

An important feature in a blow dryer for me is to be able to adjust the temperature independently from the intensity of the air.

The blow dryer can be used on high heat, with with a minimal amount of air coming out. The blow dryer can be used with low or medium heat with a more intense speed.

I like being able to adjust the speed and temperature of the air independently for when I’m blow-drying my hair.

I avoid blow drying my hair when it is soaking wet. I allow it to air dry for a little bit, If I can I let it dry about 50% of the way.

I typically start out drying a section about 75% of the way using high heat with a medium speed. I then like to finish up on the medium heat setting  with a a high speed.

Hot air raises the cuticle of the hair and cold air helps to seal it. Ask my hair dries I tried to  seal the cuticle for a smoother results. Sealing the cuticle also helps to lock and moisture.

At first I didn’t understand the purpose of the cool air setting on blow dryers. But this is a helpful feature and they blow dryer because a cool shot of air after heat styling helps the cuticle to lay flat.

Blow dryer with concentrator nozzle

When I use a traditional blow dryer, I use it with a concentrator attachment and a straightening brush to blow out my natural hair.

The concentrator nozzle allows me to direct air where I need it. The straightening brush helps lay down the hair as I blow dry it. I find it less damaging than a comb attachment or paddle brush.

A straightening brush looks similar to a flat iron. However it is unpowered and does not generate any heat. It is intended to be used with a blow dryer. The straightener brush has vents at the top and the bottom to allow heat to penetrate through the brush to your hair.

Since the strengthening brush is flattening the hair as you are applying heat from the blow dryer, you can achieve a nice smooth result.