If you are a 4c hair type of gal, it means you are the queen of thick, bold afros. And behind every great-looking 4c hairstyle, is the best blow dryer for 4c hair. If your 4c hair type is yet to reach queen status, then you are in the right place.
Great-looking hair no matter the type needs great, high-quality tools. Today we’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know about the best blow dryer for 4c hair.
We are all aware that continuous high heat can cause damage and hair breakages, in the case of afro hair, meaning 4c curl types, you need to focus on professional products.
To avoid unwanted damage to your hair you need to pick quality materials and look for the best blow dryer for 4c hair, this often means a model with special technology and extra features.
Whether you’re after a blow-dry so bouncy it makes you feel right fresh from the salon, or you simply wish to dry your hair in minutes, the best blow dryer for 4c hair with a diffuser makes quick work of any style and leaves your locks looking and feeling healthy.
We get it, 4c hair needs a lot of care and attention, so if you find it too difficult to choose among the sea of options in the market, continue reading and check out our top recommendations on the best blow dryer for 4c hair, where to find them, how to use them, reviews from users, tips, and more.
Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair Reviewed In This Guide
Best Overall: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: T3 Micro T3 Fit Ionic Compact Hair Dryer For 4C Hair
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Conair INFINITIPRO 1875 Watt Ion Choice Hair Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Accessories: Ionic Salon Hair Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight: Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair For You?
When you are looking for the best blow dryer for 4c hair, consider the length and thickness of your hair. The right tool will be easier to maneuver, style your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.
High heat can easily damage fine tresses, so look for variable heat settings. Positive ion technology can help create volume and body.
When heat is involved, there’s always the risk of damaging strands. However, thanks to modern tech, there are hairdryers that can help keep breakage to a minimum. If heat damage is a concern, opt for hairdryers that are either ionic or ceramic.
Choosing the best blow dryer for 4c hair for you will not only be down to your hair type but also understanding all the features and extras each model comes with.
When working with 4c hair type you need to look for variable heat settings and ionic technology. Additionally, make sure to choose a blow dryer with a cool shot button so you can set your style.
Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair Types
Tourmaline Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Tourmaline technology is another technology used in hair dryers. Tourmaline is a multi-colored mineral basically, a gemstone. Tourmaline is a pyroelectric and piezoelectric mineral, such that when any force is applied to this mineral it generates an electric charge.
Tourmaline mineral emits both negatively charged ions and infrared heat, making them ionic and infrared dryer. Basically, tourmaline minerals can be used in the manufacturing of strong ionic hair dryers or infrared hairdryers.
Tourmaline hair dryers are 50 percent faster than ionic and ceramic hair dryers. Tourmaline hair dryers are best suitable for thick and frizzy hair, but not good enough for thin and short hair.
Ionic Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Ionic hair dryers use negatively charged ions, which break down positively charged water molecules quickly, cutting down on drying time. Since negatively charged ions don’t open up the hair cuticle, hair strands dry smoothly and sleekly.
You can use a lower heat temperature when drying your hair with an ionic hairdryer, and curls definition is preserved when using these hair dryers.
While a faster drying time is great, it becomes easy to over-dry your hair, leading to damage, while fine hair may be left looking limp. Ionic hair dryers are also more costly than ceramic hair dryers.
Ceramic Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Ceramic hair dryers are different from ionic hair dryers. Here, in ceramic hair dryers, the heating material is made of ceramic clay or porcelain material. Unlike metallic material, ceramic material provides an even heat such that ceramic hair dryers do not damage your hair.
Ceramic hair dryers emit infrared heat, which penetrates into your hair shaft and locks the moisture within the hair. Ceramic hair dryers also emit negatively charged ions along with the hot air.
Titanium Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Titanium hair dryers are another type of hair dryer, where the heating coil is made of titanium metal. Titanium hair dryers are much quicker than ionic, ceramic, or tourmaline hair dryers.
Titanium hair dryers are not safe for thin and small hairs as the heat temperature generated from these hair dryers may harm your hair. Titanium hair dryers are considered lightweight hairdryers.
Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair List
1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
This high-performing 2000-watt BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino hair dryer with Nano titanium technology generates gentle, even heat for exceptionally shiny locks! Comes with a removable filter.
This hair dryer helps eliminate static electricity, so your 4C hair will have a bouncy and shiny finish. It’s an excellent choice for coarse and thick hair, especially curly types.
I have been blow-drying my own hair for years and have always bought whatever was on sale. I didn’t know that there was a difference between the Conair brand and the salon hair dryers. I just thought the price was the only factor.
Before buying this dryer, I asked a hairstylist friend of mine what type of dryer should I get that would give me the same results as in the salon and she said any dryer with 2000 watts or more, so that is what I was looking for.
A few days before I bought this one, I went to the salon to get my hair done the young lady was using this exact Babyliss model and when she was done, my hair was looking FABULOUS.
text, and add a custom review from the amazon product page
Moreover, this best blow dryer for 4c hair has the Portofino 6600 motor, an Italian-designed motor that can put up with regular use. It also produces negative ions that will keep your hair frizz-free.
The best blow dryer for natural 4c hair uses Nano titanium ionic technology to fight static electricity & close the cuticle for shiny hair. Great for all hair types including thick & coarse hair, this blow dryer helps reveal shiny, healthy-looking hair.
It dries a thick, long head of hair in 5-7 minutes. Every other professional blow dryer always took 20-30. Very happy with the speed of drying, plus less frizzy hair. I wish I had it years ago. Just make sure you remove excess water after washing your hair.
2. T3 Micro T3 Fit Ionic Compact Hair Dryer For 4C Hair
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
Fight the frizz in less time with T3 Digital IonAir. A digitally controlled wide volume of air is enhanced with negative ions to dry hair quickly for soft, healthy-looking results. Winner of the 2018 BRIDES Beauty Award.
Fast drying and beautiful styling, the Cura gives you show-stopping shine and healthy-looking hair in record time. Perfect for daily use set the style with the Cool Shot function. Compatible with the SoftCurl diffuser.
Additionally, it dries up pretty quickly. Using medium heat, you’ll be able to 80% dry your 4C hair in just 18 minutes. The airflow is also soft but powerful when it comes to drying.
Here is what I have noticed, with full honesty:
1. The dryer does not smell. It was really strange that as I was drying my hair, no suspicious burnt hair smell came up.
2. It dries hair pretty quickly on the highest heat setting; it took me about 8 minutes to dry shoulder-length hair to about 90% dry.
3. It reduces frizz VERY impressively; I have very damaged hair, but it smoothed it out so gorgeously that I felt like I had new hair. I didn’t even use frizz-reducing products!
4. The cool shot button works great. It really leaves the strands silky smooth.
5. The dryer seems to be locking in moisture; for damaged hair, this is salvation. My hair didn’t get flat or course to the touch after several hours. 24 hours later, and everything still looks great.
6. The airflow seems to be soft. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s powerful, yet it feels so gentle for the hair that you don’t feel like you’re actually using a hairdryer.
How To Use T3 Micro Cura Digital Ionic Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
- Rough dry your hair until about 80% dry, then section away the top half using an alligator clip.
- Wrap a 1-2″ section of hair around a 2.5” round brush.
- Then slowly move the brush down to dry the strand to 100%. Repeat this step throughout the rest of your hair.
3. Conair INFINITIPRO 1875 Watt Ion Choice Hair Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
The Conair INFINITIPRO also lets you turn the ion feature on and off to achieve the texture you like. There’s also a cold shot button to lock in the style and look of your hair after drying.
Aside from the hairdryer, you’ll also receive a diffuser to dry your 4C hair efficiently. There’s also a concentrator for styling as well as a removable lint filter for easy maintenance.
This Styler features ionic technology with an On and Off switch, allowing you to control and customize your style; Turn ions on for smooth, shiny hair and off for more fullness and volume.
The best blow dryer for 4c hair is equipped with a powerful AC motor with 3 heat and 2-speed settings, this styler dries hair fast; It features ceramic technology for gentle heat to protect hair from damage.
This blow dryer includes a diffuser for textured styles and a concentrator for smooth styles; a removable lint filter allows for easy maintenance and longer motor life.
From traditional bonnets to hi-tech dryers equipped with cutting-edge technology, Conair has a great selection of hair dryers for every hair type and every hairstyle.
I have been trying to find a dryer that does not blow too hot on the medium setting. I have fine thick hair, and high heat causes frizz and breakage. I’ve used this dryer 4 times now and so far, I love it. I initially used the medium setting and it was very warm, but not hot.
I switched to the cool setting to set my style and discovered it was not really cool, but just slightly warm, and have been using the cool setting to dry my hair, and the cool shot button (which is actually cool) to set my style.
The ion setting also helps to smooth my hair and add shine. On top of all this, this hair dryer drys my hair faster, too. This is a great hair dryer.
Look for turn on the ions for a shiny, smooth, straight style. Or turn the ions off for fun voluminous, bouncy waves. tips provided by users of the product by going through the comment section on amazon
4. Ionic Salon Hair Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
The TREZORO Professional Ionic Hair Dryer. This runs in a powerhouse 2200-watt DC motor that delivers fast drying through powerful airflow. This is the best blow dryer with a comb attachment for 4c hair.
Aside from that, this has ceramic tourmaline grilles that keep your hair supple and glossy. This is paired with a high-grade ionic system that produces 16 million ions/cm3.
This means your 4C hair will retain its natural moisture so that it won’t be frizzy after styling.
Moreover, this hair dryer has three heat settings and two speeds for your choice of styling. This is also equipped with a cold shot button to lock in your look.
I am amazed! No frizz! I love the sound it makes, as it is very quiet and I love the heat and fan settings. Dries my hair FAST and effectively. I’m looking at my hair in the mirror over and over because I’m used to only hair irons being able to get these results.
My hair is normally ridiculous to work with and the only thing that’s ever given me results like this were CHI irons. To think I only need a dryer to achieve these results will save me a lot of time and a lot of heat damage! Recommend 100%
Features breakthrough technology leverages turbos to speed up, transferring 10x more ions which helps remove static and reduce frizz. The combined effect of ceramic tourmaline makes hair soft and smooth, and all you have to do is blow-dry it.
Let’s not forget about its premium soft-touch body; comfortable non-slip handle for flexible operation; detachable rear filter for easy cleaning.
To set your hairstyle press the cold air button and keep your favorite look all day.
5. Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
The ultimate blow-drying tool! Buttercup Blow-Dryer features an ultra-powerful 1875-watt motor and Ionic Technology to provide a shiny blowout with less frizz in 20% less time than most professional dryers.
The lightweight design and professional-length power cord allow for comfortable styling.
Ultra-powerful 1875-watt motor and Ionic Technology provide the shiniest, frizz-free blowouts in 20% less time than most professional dryers.
This blow dryer is absolutely amazing! I have never been able to blow dry my hair and have it look like I have already touched it up with a flat iron. I still like to straighten out the sides of my angled bob so I look a little more styled and not so round, but that is just a preference.
My hair looks perfectly smooth and finished after blow-drying. In fact, I find it easier to get that nice and uniform forward-swept look to my bob than with my flat iron.
I just blow the ends forward and then hit it with a cool shot of air to lock it in. For reference, I have a lot of fine hair and all my old blow dryers ever would make my hair frizzy and dry, needing more smoothing/moisturizing products and flat ironing.
A negative ion generator blows billions of negative ions into hair to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz while drying.
Wave heater allows for uniform heat distribution for faster and more even drying. Three heat and two power settings allow for the perfect customized blowout. Also includes two concentrator nozzles for customized airflow.
Utilize the wider nozzle to focus on a greater area to help hair dry faster. Great for longer or thicker hair. The narrow nozzle is great for bangs or fringe.
Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair Buying Guide
What Is A Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair?
The best blow dryer for 4c hair is an electronic device, convenient for blow-drying and styling your hair. Basically, hairdryers are classified into different types based on the technology used in them, and the material used for the heating element.
The functionality of the hairdryers is mostly common in all types of hairdryers and is also alike toaster and curling iron functionality.
How Does A Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair Work?
Basically, the working of the best blow dryer for 4c hair is a simple concept, the fan in the hairdryer pushes the cool air towards the heating element (coil) and the air gets heated because of the heating element and blows outside the concentrator nozzle of the hairdryer.
The centrifugal movement of the fan blades draws air in through the small round air inlets in the side casing of the blowdryer. These holes are covered by a safety screen that prevents other objects (such as strands of your hair) from being sucked in as well. The air is then blown down the barrel of the blowdryer.
The process of air blowing on the hair speeds up water evaporation. Applying power to the hairdryer allows the motor to start spinning the fan inside, and that is what draws the air in through small air holes on the side of the dryer.
Features To Look For In A Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Heat And Speed Settings
The best blow dryer for 4c hair offers multiple heat and speed settings that help you to adjust the airflow performance for your specific hair type. Make sure the heat levels are enough to dry your hair but not too hot to cause damage.
Wattage
A high-wattage motor packs more wind power and will cut down your styling time without exposing your hair to excessive heat. Shoot for the wattage of 1800 to 2000. High-wattage dryers don’t burn out as quickly as their small-motored cousins.
Ionic (or Not), Tourmaline
Ionic dryers shoot negative ions, and water ions are positively charged. That’s the science behind why an ionic dryer is much more effective at busting up and scattering water droplets on the hair shaft, preventing them from soaking in and causing frizz, plus speeding up dry time.
The ionic feature works best for closing the cuticle and removing moisture from the hair, making the finish sleeker and more polished looking.
Think of tourmaline dryers as ions on steroids; their insides are either made of or coated with this semi-precious mineral, which throws even more negative ions into the air—but can raise a dryer’s price accordingly.
Ceramic, Porcelain, Infrared
Dryers with these buzzwords are designed to distribute heat as evenly and gently as possible. Ceramic or porcelain can be used to coat a dryer’s metal or plastic heating elements and other internal parts, to make the heat less harsh and more consistent in temperature plus they, too, emit negative ions to speed drying and smooth frizz.
If a dryer’s billed as infrared, this means it uses longer energy wavelengths to penetrate the hair and dry it from the inside out.
Titanium
Like ceramic, titanium is used to distribute heat evenly and keep the temperature steady. It tends to make for a very hot dryer, so isn’t recommended for damage-prone hair but does speed up the drying process.
Titanium is also lighter-weight than ceramic another reason it’s a smart choice if heavy hair makes your blowout a workout.
Weight
Depending on the technology and features, some hairdryers can weigh a few pounds. If your hair is thick, you’re going to be holding the dryer for quite some time. You want to make sure that you’re able to hold the hairdryer without any arm strain.
Ergonomic Design
This has to do with how the blow dryer feels in your hand when you are using it. The buttons should also be positioned so that they do not interrupt when you are holding the dryer in your dominant hand.
Extra Features
- A cold button: Cool air seals the cuticle, locking in your style and boosting shine.
- Adjustable heat: For fine hair that dries easily, lower heat gets the job done in a less damaging way.
- Accessories: A diffuser is a must for keeping curls smooth and intact, while a concentrator nozzle is key for straightening and de-frizzing.
- Nozzle attachment: Often overlooked, the nozzle attachment may just be the most important accessory for your hairdryer. This attachment allows you to direct all the air and heat flow in one direction, to ensure that your hairdryers are smooth and in one direction.
- Diffuser: If you’re looking to embrace your natural hair’s texture, a diffuser is an essential attachment to your hairdryer. Curly hair has a pattern that must be protected at all times, and a diffuser will help smoothen and lock in curls while blow-drying. Be sure to look for a diffuser with thicker separators to preserve the shape of your curls.
Common Questions About Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
What is a 4c hair type?
From afar, 4c hair looks like a thick fro, but if you look closely, you’ll notice very tight, small springs or coils on each strand. Coils are pretty different from curls.
Can I make 4c hair straight with a blow dryer?
Yes, it’s possible to straighten your 4C hair with a blow dryer. However, you have to do it right to prevent heat damage. It is recommended to use lots of heat protectants and always take it easy with the heat setting you’re going to use.
Does blow-drying damage 4C hair?
You see, maintaining healthy hair requires avoiding activities that affect your hair in a negative way, especially when you have curls. Before you pick up a blow dryer, remember curly hair is fragile, and heat from blow drying can permanently damage your natural curls, and give you split ends and breakage.
How do I protect my 4C hair from blow-drying?
Apply a heat protectant. When that happens, your locks become dry and brittle and pretty susceptible to breakage. This is why it’s so important to apply a heat protectant (a spray is good for fine hair; a cream is best for thick hair) before blow-drying your hair. You also need to invest in the best blow dryer for 4c hair.
Is it better to blow dry 4C hair wet or dry?
Blot excess moisture and allow hair to air dry for 15 minutes prior to starting. Blow-drying wet hair can lead to loss of elasticity and in the long run, breakage.
Which blow dryer for 4c hair is least damaging?
Ceramic or tourmaline heating elements are thought to be less damaging to your hair than metal ones, as they emit infrared heat and lock in moisture. Ceramic hair dryers distribute heat more evenly, preventing “hot spots” and minimizing heat damage. Tourmaline hair dryers release negative ions for a smoother finish.
Tips when using the best blow dryer for 4c hair effectively
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture. Before you reach for the blow dryer, it’s important to remove as much moisture as you can from your hair. Use an absorbent towel to squeeze your curls. NEVER wring or rub it, or you’ll sustain damages and tangles.
- Apply A Heat Protectant. Once you’re done squeezing out excess moisture, you should next apply a heat protectant on your 4C hair. With 4C hair, you simply can’t take chances because it’s prone to damage.
- Section Your Hair. A 4C hair type is difficult to manage if you blow-dry without sectioning. It is recommended to section your hair into four to six parts. This way, you can apply the heat protectant evenly and blow dry each section gently.
- Use A Diffuser. A diffuser is your bosom friend when drying natural 4C hair. This will let you cover more hair at once, but make sure that you keep the diffuser close to the scalp. You can use this technique to add volume to your hair.
- Dry Your Hair Up To 80%. Another trick that works for 4C hair is blow-drying your locks until it’s 80% dry. After that, let your hair air-dry on its own. This will prevent your curly hair from getting frizzy, especially in a high-heat setting.
- Scrunch As You Go. While blow-drying your curls, make sure you scrunch and ‘shape’ it along the way. This will give you a nice finish instead of a dry but messy look.
How to dry 4c hair properly and safely?
- Make sure your hair is freshly washed and conditioned. Washing and conditioning your hair can make your hair lightweight and fluffy, then it’s easier to do the styling and drying.
- Detangle your hair by using a comb. 4C-type hair usually has detangling problems, try to comb your hair gently and you can apply some water if your strands are hard.
- Apply heat protectant. This ensures your hair will not be burnt and damaged by heat. Moreover, heat protectants like blow dryer cream will add moisture to your strands, keeping them strong and healthy.
- Section and part your hair with hair clips & rubber bands, then start the drying process. You can start with your edge first, and then dry your hair section by section. During the drying process, make sure your hair is damp and you can spray some water if it’s not moist enough.
- Use a comb or hair dryer comb attachment to style your hair if you find your hairstyle is out of shape by blow-drying. If your hair is not very long, a hairdryer brush is a worth-considering tool for detangling and drying hair at the same time.
Enjoy Your New Best Blow Dryer for 4C Hair
Clearly, there are several factors you need to assess when choosing a new blow dryer, including figuring out your hair’s texture. If you’ve ever owned a generic dryer, you probably know by now the tool may not be suitable for your hair type.
When it comes to 4c hair, you want your best blow dryer for 4c hair to help you diffuse hair in its natural state as well as help you stretch 4c natural hair to prepare it for a protective style.
We hope you found our top picks helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.
