10 Best Hair Dryers For Dreadlocks (Buying Guide)

Drying dreadlocks after a shower isn’t an easy task. You have to do it properly to prevent mold buildup, which can cause a bad smell on your locs. To save yourself from hours of drying your dreads in front of an electric fan, you can get the best hair dryer for dreadlocks. These are high-powered blow dryers that will remove moisture from your hair without causing damage.

In this post, I reviewed 10 of the best options for those who have dreadlocks. The key here is finding the right power, ample airflow, and the necessary attachments to achieve the best results. See which of these dryers you’ll find suitable for your needs:

Best Hair Dryer For Dreadlocks – My Top 10 Picks!

1. OUR TOP PICK:  NITION Ceramic Hair Dryer with Diffuser

When it comes to the best hair dryer for dreadlocks, I recommend the NITION Ceramic Hair Dryer. This has a ceramic-coated heating element that produces negative ions to prevent freeze. It’s also infused with tourmaline, nanosilver, and argan oil to keep your dreadlocks bouncy and soft.

Moreover, this hair dryer has three heat setting adjustments as well as two wind speeds. For most locs, this is more than enough for convenient drying.

Aside from that, the NITION Hair Dryer has a 1,875-watt motor that will produce strong airflow. Even if you use minimal heat, this hair dryer can dry your dreads fast and without damage.

I also like that this hair dryer has a double protection circuit design as well as low-noise operation compared to other models with similar wattage.

Another thing I like about this hair dryer is its cool shot button. You can use this to dry your locs without any heat, which is perfect for those with brittle or damaged hair.

This hair dryer comes with a 7.5 feet power cord with a hanging loop. You’ll also receive attachments, including a diffuser, comb, and concentrator. This is bundled with a reserve air filter aside from what’s already placed inside the dryer.

If there’s one thing I don’t like about this hair dryer, it’s the fact that it gets super hot when using the highest heat setting. But if you’re going to stick to low or medium heat, I don’t think this will be a problem.

Pros

- Ceramic-coated air outlet

- 1,875-watt motor

- Three heat adjustments with a cool shot button

Cons

- The handle gets hot when using the highest heat setting.

2. JINRI 1875W Ionic Hair Dryer

Another hair dryer I recommend for dreadlocks is the JINRI Ionic Hair Dryer. This professional-grade tool runs in a 1,875-watt motor that dries quickly. Aside from that, this has tourmaline ionic technology that prevents your locs from getting too frizzy and dull after drying.

This hair dryer has three heat settings and two speed options. It’s also equipped with a cool shot button if you want to dry your dreads without the heat.

Since this uses ionic technology, you can expect a faster drying time compared to other models. The ions help evaporate moisture faster. This is aside from the infrared heat technology that uses low temperatures to dry your hair to prevent damage.

Moreover, this hair dryer has overheat protection paired with an ALCI plug for added safety. And for your peace of mind, this JINRI hair dryer is covered by a 60-day refund as well as a 12-month replacement guarantee. For this price range, you simply can’t beat that.

I like the cleanable filter of this hair dryer, which you can easily remove from the other end of the air outlet. You’ll also receive a concentrator, diffuser, and hair pik, to suit your drying and styling needs.

Overall, I love how light this hair dryer is. This is quite surprising for its power, which comes in handy for drying wet dreadlocks.

Pros

- Infrared heat technology

- Overheat protection

- 60-day refund + 12-month replacement guarantee

Cons

- Beware because the medium setting can still be high for some users.

3. Xpoliman 2000W Professional Salon Hair Dryer

If you need a more powerful hair dryer, I highly recommend the Xpoliman 2000-Watt Professional Salon Hair Dryer. This has a powerful motor that provides steady airflow and adjustable heat. With that, you can expect 50% faster drying than low-powered models.

The Xpoliman Professional Salon Hair Dryer has negative ionic technology that helps eliminate frizz. It also has a removable air filter for easy cleaning.

I also like the ALCI safety plug that prevents shock when you plug it in. This dryer also has a 6.6-foot power cord with a hanging loop for added convenience.

Overall, you’ll enjoy three heat settings and two airflow speeds to dry your dreadlocks. There’s also a cool button in case you want to skip the heat and overheating protection for long hours of use.

Aside from that, you’ll receive a diffuser, concentrator, hair pik, long comb, and short comb. It’s an excellent starter set for those who are drying their dreadlocks for the first time.

Moreover, the Xpoliman hair dryer is covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee as well as an added 2-year warranty. It’s a low-risk purchase for an equally low price.

The only thing I noticed is that this hair dryer is slightly louder than other models. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, so I don’t consider it a major deal-breaker.

Pros

- Overheating protection

- 2000-watt motor

- 45-day money-back guarantee

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Cons

- A little louder than I expect, but not a biggie.

4. HOT TOOLS Signature Series Turbo Ceramic Hair Dryer

You should also consider the HOT TOOLS Signature Series Turbo Ceramic Hair Dryer. This has three heat and two speed options to achieve the right settings for your dreadlocks.

This hair dryer has direct ionic technology that minimizes frizz while protecting your hair from heat damage. It works on a 1,875-watt motor that delivers consistent and powerful airflow.

Moreover, this HOT TOOLS hair dryer uses far-infrared heat to seal the cuticle while evaporating moisture. It also has a cold shot button if you want to use cold air in drying your dreadlocks.

Aside from that, you’ll receive diffuser and concentrator attachments for customized drying. I also like that the dryer itself remains light for long hours of use.

Overall, I can say that this hair dryer offers fantastic value for the money. It’s also fairly quiet, which is a big deal for those who find noise level a paramount concern. There’s also a removable filter cap on the air intake portion for easy cleaning.

If you have thick and long dreadlocks, this might be the best hair dryer to get. The settings are on point, and the cold shot feature comes in handy during summer.

Pros

- Direct ionic technology

- On-point heat and speed settings

- Uses ceramic-coated far-infrared heating

Cons

- Some users complain about lower than usual heat settings, but not a big deal for dreadlocks purposes.

5. MHU Salon-Grade Ceramic Hair Dryer

The MHU Ceramic Hair Dryer is a salon-grade tool that runs on a 1,875-watt AC motor. It provides consistent airflow for faster drying time while reducing noise and vibration.

Aside from that, this hair dryer uses far-infrared heat technology through its ceramic-coated heating element. As with the other hair dryers on this list, this MHU model has a negative ion technology that reduces frizz on your dreadlocks as you dry them.

This hair dryer also has two speeds and three heat settings. It allows you to control the drying power based on your hair porosity and condition.

I also like the 6-foot power cord on this hair dryer, which saves users from the hassle. There’s also a cord hook that makes it easy to store the hair dryer

Moreover, this hair dryer has a removable lint filter, which is easy to clean. It’s quite a straightforward hair dryer if you don’t want the frills of other models.

Take note that this hair dryer is slightly heavier, which can be an issue for some users. Also, the buttons are located right where you put your fingers, which can be annoying at first. Other than that, I can say that this is worth the money.

Pros

- 1,875-watt AC motor

- Far-infrared heat technology

- Negative ion technology

Cons

- It’s slightly heavier than other hair dryers I’ve used.

6. Panasonic EH-NA65-K Nanoe Professional Hair Dryer

If you have the extra bucks, you should consider the Panasonic Nanoe Professional Hair Dryer. It boasts of nanoe technology with negative ions that dry your hair without damage.

Aside from that, this hair dryer runs on a 1,875-watt motor with three heat settings and two speed options. It also has one of the longest power cords I’ve seen in a hair dryer, which is 9 feet. You can dry you locs without having to limit yourself to a corner right by the power source.

This hair dryer is also bundled with three attachments: a concentrator, diffuser, and quick-dry nozzle. All these attachments allow you to customize your drying experience.

Moreover, this dryer has a removable filter and a cool shot button for added convenience. It has a heavy-duty design with a salon-grade feel.

If you want a quieter hair dryer, this one from Panasonic might nail it for you. It also helps reduce frizz, which is a big plus if you have long dreadlocks. It’s also considerably light, which is beneficial for those who have to do long periods of drying.

Pros

- 9-feet, 360-degree rotating power cord

- Nanoe technology with negative ions

- Helps reduce frizz

Cons

- Slightly bigger than other hair dryers I’ve purchased

7. Wazor Pro Infrared Tourmaline Hair Dryer

The Wazor Pro Infrared Tourmaline Hair Dryer has the same powerful 1,875-watt motor that can last four times longer than other models. It also boasts an airflow speed of 90 kilometers per hour, guaranteed to dry your locks fast and safely.

Aside from that, this hair dryer has infrared heat that will penetrate deep into your locs. You can also use this hair dryer in three heat settings and two speeds to suit your needs. There’s also a cool shot button if you want to skip the heat feature.

Moreover, this hair dryer has a double safety net. It will prevent your hair from getting sucked into the dryer while removing lint and dirt.

Meanwhile, the negative ions of this hair dryer reduce static and frizz, which is very important if you have dense locs.

You’ll also receive a diffuser, concentrator, and styling comb to make your dryer more versatile. I also like that the long power cord has an ALCI safety plug and a hanging loop.

When it comes to the downsides, I noticed that Wazor Pro is on the heavy side. You also need to apply force to attach and detach the included diffuser.

Pros

- 90 km per hour airflow

- Infrared heat technology with negative ions

- Double safety net

Cons

- Slightly heavy than most

8. Elchim 3900 Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

For those who are willing to splurge for the best hair dryer for dreadlocks, I suggest getting the Elchim 3900 Ionic Hair Dryer. This workhorse has a 2,400-watt Italian motor that gives top-notch drying power for all types of dreadlocks.

Moreover, this has three heat settings and two air speeds for you to achieve the right drying configuration. I also like its ceramic system with negative ions that help keep the locs hydrated without leaving excess moisture.

This salon-quality hair dryer has heat protection to prevent your hair from getting fried. It also leaves a nice shine after drying.

Aside from that, the Elchim 3900 Hair Dryer has a compact design with a maximum lifespan of 2,000 hours. It also dries hair 30% faster than other models.

For a non-tourmaline hair dryer, this model surprisingly dries fast. Just note that as a powerful hair dryer, the Elchim 3900 uses strong airflow. This isn’t an issue when drying dreadlocks, but make sure the airflow won’t get directly into your face.

Lastly, this thing is heavy. I think it all boils down to the fact that it has a more powerful motor. For me, that’s a decent bargain for a hair dryer with excellent power.

Pros

- 2,400-watt Italian motor

- Heat protection

- Ionic ceramic system

Cons

- Heavy due to large motor

9. SRI Salon Dry Pro Infrared Blow Dryer

The SRI Salon Dry Pro Hair Dryer works on a 1,875-watt motor with a dual voltage design. So whether you’re traveling or not, this hair dryer will save your dreadlocks from moisture problems.

Aside from that, this tool has negative ion technology to reduce frizz. It also utilizes infrared light with a ceramic vent to prevent hot spots and excessive heat. Your locs are safe even if you’re using higher heat settings.

Moreover, the SRI Salon Hair Dryer has three heat settings and two speeds. This is aside from the cool shot button that will let you dry you're locs without the heat.

The best part is that SRI will plant one tree for every Dry Pro they sell. Who would’ve thought drying your dreadlocks can also help stop deforestation?

Just like the Elchim 3900, I noticed that the SRI Dry Pro is on the heavier side. Attaching the nozzles is also a tricky job. Nevertheless, it dries quickly, and the features are designed well for comfort.

Overall, this is a salon-quality hair dryer. It’s not the cheapest find, but it will surely give the best bang for the buck. Aside from a hair dryer, you’ll also receive a diffuser, concentrator, and a comb attachment for styling.

Pros

- Dual voltage design

- Anti-frizz negative ions

- Fast-drying, salon-quality

Cons

- Heavy design and the attachments are tricky to snap on

10. GHD Professional 1600W Air Hair Dryer

My last pick for this roundup is the ghd Professional 1600W Air Hair Dryer. It uses a 1,600-watt motor, which is a tad smaller than the other models I reviewed. Still, this hair dryer packs a lot of airflow and heat to dry your dreadlocks fast and easy.

This hair dryer uses advanced ionic technology to help remove excess moisture without making your locs too parched. I also like the ergonomic design of the dryer, which suits both right and left-handed users.

Based on my experience, ghd hair dryers last for years. While the ghd Air is on the heavy side, it’s nothing compared to how well it can put up with regular use.

For short deadlocks, this hair dryer is a champ. It has three heat settings and two speed options for your convenience. However, you’d have to deal with more noise than other hair dryer models I reviewed here. Unless you have a baby sound asleep at home, I don’t think the sound will be a big problem.

Overall, this hair dryer does the job well. The cord is also very long and easy to work on around the head. You just have to figure out the buttons for seamless drying.

Pros

- Ionic technology to prevent frizz

- Salon finish

- Lasts for years

Cons

- Heavy hair dryer

How to choose the best hair dryer for dreadlocks

There are literally a ton of hair dryer options in the market. Choosing one for your dreadlocks won’t be easy, especially if this is your first time buying a hair dryer. But to help you out, here are some of the aspects you need to consider to get the best value for your money:

Wattage

The very first thing you should check is the wattage of the hair dryer you’re planning to buy. The wattage will pretty much dictate the drying power of the hair dryer.

For dreadlocks, I’d recommend shooting between 1,800 to 2,000 watts. The good thing about these high-wattage models is they don’t burn out as fast as smaller motors. Also, you’ll enjoy better heat and airflow adjustments to suit your dreadlocks.

Take note that low-powered hair dryers often use high heat to compensate for the poor airflow. This is something you should avoid when drying dreadlocks. What you need is a hair dryer that packs a lot of airflow and drying power, even with minimal heat use.

Dreadlocks are thick and take long to dry. With that, you need a hair dryer that can dry for long periods without overheating.

Heating element

The next thing to check is the heating element of the hair dryer. For this part, you’ll have to choose between tourmaline, ceramic, and titanium. Here’s a quick look at each one:

- Tourmaline. Tourmaline is a mineral used in a wide range of heating products. It shoots ionic charge into the hair, which prevents water droplets from soaking further into the hair shafts. This is the top choice for those who have frizzy hair and drying their thick dreadlocks. However, it comes at a higher price range.

- Ceramic. Like tourmaline, ceramic heating elements also produce negative ions. The good thing is that it keeps the temperature consistent to prevent harsh effects on the hair. It also penetrates deep into the hair, which is beneficial for those who are tired of drying dreadlocks for long hours.

- Titanium. Titanium is similar to ceramic in the sense that it keeps maintains even heat. However, titanium also makes the hair dryer extremely hot, which is something I won’t recommend to those who have dreadlocks.

Accessories and attachments

Accessories and attachments make hair dryers versatile. Here are some of the common hair dryer attachments to look for:

- Diffuser. Look for a diffuser to spread out the heat and airflow all over your dreads. This will prevent your locs from getting too frizzy while allowing the moisture to dry gently. A diffuser attachment is a bowl-shaped accessory that’s larger than other attachments.

- Concentrator. A concentrator nozzle is the opposite of a diffuser. It has a narrow opening that channels the airflow and heat in a small area of your hair. It’s used for blowouts but not much for drying dreadlocks.

- Brush. Some hair dryers are bundled with a hairbrush attachment. This allows you to dry while combing your hair. But for people with dreadlocks, this attachment may not be necessary.

For the most part, a diffuser would be enough for dreadlocks. Unless you’re planning to do some styling, you can always experiment with multiple attachments.

Heat adjustments

The hair dryer you’re going to buy must have heat adjustments. This will let you choose a setting that matches how thick and wet your dreads are.

Heat adjustments also protect your hair from excessive temperatures. While high heat can dry fast, it’s always at the expense of your hair health.

I also suggest looking for a hair dryer with a cold button. This will come in handy for mild drying while preventing the damages heat can bring to your locs.

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