Are you a proud natural-haired gal who often struggles with those tangled cords? We hear you. Dealing daily with the best way to style your locs and look presentable to the world isn’t exactly an easy job. However, there’s no need to suffer when you own the best hooded dryer for locs.

Hooded dryers may look straight out of a 50’s show; these are fantastic for natural-haired women who can only dream about soft, bouncy, and thick hair. Dream no more with a hooded dryer for locs, which are highly effective, convenient, and fun to use.
A correct blow-drying routine is key if you want to avoid your locs from smelling bad, but by now, you are probably aware that not every hair dryer is suitable to handle your hair type. This is the reason why if you want to get the job done quickly and obtain the best possible results, you need to invest in a dryer for natural hair.
So if you wish to add the best hooded dryer to your locs maintenance routine but feel overwhelmed with the many choices in the market; do not panic because, in this guide, we’ve put together several options of the best hooded dryer for locs so you can pick your favorite.
Best Overall: Conair 1875 Watt Pro Style Bonnet Ionic Hair Dryer
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Versatile: Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Stand Bonnet Hair Dryer
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Ionic Technology: Andis Ionic Professional Bonnet Hair Dryer
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Conair Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest on Amazon: Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
⇣ Jump to ReviewHooded Hair Dryer Explained
Also known as a bonnet dryer, these fantastic devices receive their name for obvious reasons, mainly because instead of holding the tool like a regular hair dryer in your hand for heat to get to your mane, it needs to be put on over your head like a hood.
Soft hooded hair dryer: Offering full head coverage, it can be adjusted based on your hair length. It has a hood that is connected to the central unit via the hose. Their flexibility and convenience are suitable for home use.
Hard hooded hair dryer: This one is more often seen in professional salons, primarily to set styled hair. It works much faster and can be found in different versions.
Choosing The Best Hooded Dryer For Locs
- Size: Size matters, and if you want your head to fit, ensure your dryer is big enough. Additionally, consider the amount of space you have in your home.
- Wattage: The wattage may vary based on your hair texture and the type of hair dryer you prefer.
- Technology: Go for the one with ionic technology. According to Glamour, these release negative ions that break up the water molecules drying your hair faster. It also helps lock in your hair’s natural moisture giving it a shiny appearance.
- Settings: Look for a hair dryer with variable heat and speed settings. Thick and coarse hair requires high or medium functions.
- Timer: This is highly convenient; you can just set the timer and allow the device to work its magic and give you the desired results.
Best Hooded Dryer For Locs
Conair 1875 Watt Pro Style Bonnet Ionic Hair Dryer
What We Like
- 1875 watts
- Portable
- Compact
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- White Color
With 1875 watts of even airflow distribution and two heat/speed settings, this bonnet dryer dries hair quickly, gently, and evenly with uniform heat
This Pro Style Bonnet Hair Dryer features an extra large hood with fully adjustable height for comfort and convenience; it’s perfect for roller sets and deep conditioning
This bonnet hair dryer packs up easily for easy storage and features a convenient carrying handle for easy portability; bring salon styling home at an affordable price.
What Our Testers Say
This dryer is perfect if you’re looking to skip the salon or don’t feel like holding a hand dryer. The low power is just right for drying if you have time. Only leave it on hot for a short while. It’s light for travel usage and a great product overall.
Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Stand Bonnet Hair Dryer
What We Like
- Portable
- All Hair Types
- 1875 watts
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
The powerful 1875-Watt motor with four settings gives stylists maximum versatility on all hair types and locks in moisture, creating smooth hair.
This large adjustable hood dryer delivers amazing drying and deep tourmaline-infused conditioning in salon or home settings.
Features tourmaline technology and an ionic generator (optional with an on/off switch) to provide a wider range of heat options for hair.
What Our Testers Say
This is a great dryer! I am really pleased with the quality of this dryer. The setup was very straightforward, and I could set it up by myself within about 15 minutes. The base is not too big either so I can store it relatively easily. This was an investment I don’t regret!
Andis Ionic Professional Bonnet Hair Dryer
What We Like
- 2-speed
- Flexible
What We Don’t Like
- Too Small
Ionic technology dries hair faster with less frizz and damage than non-ionic dryers. The frequency is 60 hertz, while the voltage is 125 volts.
Includes 2-speed/ 2 heat settings for styling flexibility. It fits on the average size of a 1″ roller.
It is suitable for all hair types. Heated hair and ionized air increase smoothness, and shine, decreasing frizz and flyaways without overheating your hair.
What Our Testers Say
I love the idea because it’s lightweight and gets the job done. It heats up very well, and it can easily be tucked away. If I work late and wash my hair, I don’t want to go to bed with wet hair, so this comes in handy.
Conair Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
What We Like
- Portable
- 400 watts
- Versatile Design
- Adjustable Controls
What We Don’t Like
- Soft Dryer, not as powerful
Gently dry your hair with even and constant airflow, featuring adjustable controls with four heat/speed settings, including a cool setting for maximum styling versatility
This bonnet dryer includes an extra long 4-foot flexible hose with an “Easy-Lock” feature, plus a vent brush attachment for style and volumizing; it’s also great for hot conditioning
The extra large soft bonnet can fit over jumbo rollers, and a drawstring secures it in place; the compact storage case with handle saves space and is great for travel.
Tips
Press the release button on the hose to loosen the locking mechanism. After use, pull the drawstring and lock.
Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
What We Like
- 800 watts
- Ionic Technology
- Compact
What We Don’t Like
- Power Outlet
Maintains a neutral charge on the hair’s surface, leaving hair looking conditioned and smooth while reducing frizz static for shiny hair. 800 watts of professional power and four heat settings (cool, low, medium, and high) for ultimate styling power.
Simply use the jumbo-sized drawstrings to adjust to the necessary width, and fasten the drawstrings when you feel the cap is securely in place.
It comfortably fits all roller sizes. It attaches perfectly to the hose, so you don’t have to worry about disconnections during use.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve only used this once since I purchased it, but it did exactly what I needed it to do. I read any reviews from users who had locs to get info on how it worked for them. And most of the reviews said it took a long time to dry but that it worked. Well, now I can confirm!
How To Use A Hooded Dryer For Locs
Step 1: Dry your hair
Dry your hair gently with a clean cotton towel. Avoid being overly vigorous while rubbing your wet hair, as this could lead to hair breakage.

Step 2: Section hair
It is a good idea to partition your hair into smaller sections for easier and faster drying.

Step 3: Place the dryer
Place the hooded hair dryer on your head. Ensure all your hair strands are tucked inside the hood. Start the drying process and increase the temperature as you go. Once your hair is completely dried, you can begin to reduce the temperature.

Step 4: Finishing touches
For best results, cool your hair before ending the process.

Common Questions About Hooded Dryers For Locs
What should I use to dry my locs?
A hand-held dryer is one of the most common options for drying locs. If this is your go-to, you want to put down the heat from medium to low.
It’s also best to use a diffuser because too much heat can suck out all that necessary moisture to keep your locs soft and healthy.
How long should you sit under the dryer for locs?
Instead of completely air drying your locs for hours, use a concentrated heat source for a minimal amount of time to remove excess moisture and then continue to air dry. This is especially important if you plan to let your locs dry overnight.
Can you use a hair dryer on dreadlocks?
You totally can. Using a hair dryer is a quick way to do it. Using low – medium heat is always best to avoid damaging the scalp or burning your hair.
What is the best way to dry dreadlocks?
The best way is to air dry your hair to about 80% dry and finish the rest with the best hooded dryer for locs; this way, you won’t damage the hair by using too much heat.
Why do you need the best hooded dryer for locs?
The best hooded dryer for locs performs heat styling, similar to how you’d use a blow dryer. Because the hair is confined, these dryers are great for reducing frizz and flyaways. They also can help to prevent heat damage.
As for conditioning, hooded dryers can warm up the hair and soften the cuticle, allowing nourishing ingredients to penetrate. Experts say these dryers can also be used to help the hair color process.
How long does it take for a hooded hair dryer to dry your hair?
In general terms, hooded dryers take 30 to 45 minutes to dry your hair, but this depends on length and thickness, as heavy hair can carry much more water (and therefore take longer to dry).
Are hooded hair dryers safe for all hair types?
Experts say, yes, hooded dryers are safe for all hair types and textures as long as they’re used correctly.
How To Use A Hooded Dryer For Locs Video Tutorial
If you wish to tame your natural hair, you are in luck. The video below will instruct you on everything you need and the steps you must take to use your best hooded dryer for locs and create beautiful and defined curls.
Products Mentioned In This Article
- Conair 1875 Watt Pro Style Bonnet Ionic Hair Dryer
- Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Stand Bonnet Hair Dryer
- Andis Ionic Professional Bonnet Hair Dryer
- Conair Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
- Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer
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.