Beauty

Are Expensive Hair Dryers Actually Worth the Money and Hype?

I tried to understand why anyone would splurge on a $100 USD+ blow dryer, by using one myself.

95.6K

Are Expensive Hair Dryers Actually Worth the Money and Hype?

I tried to understand why anyone would splurge on a $100 USD+ blow dryer, by using one myself.

If you’re wondering if you should be spending some $200 USD on a hair dryer, you’ve come to the right place. While beauty doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, many consumers (myself included) still occasionally find themselves fascinated by the allure of upscale products — that explains why we kind of freaked out a little bit when La Mer gave away free samples of its cult-favorite Crème de la Mer, which typically retails at $2,095 USD for a 16.5oz jar.

I was so excited when I found out that my go-to salon upgraded its blow dryers to the Dyson Supersonic. As soon as my hairstylist used it on me, I immediately understood why the futuristic-looking hair tool got everyone talking. It doesn’t overheat yet it drys your hair super quickly, thanks to its high-speed, powerful digital motor. The salon talker inside me also appreciates how quiet the hair dryer is, so I can actually make a conversation without screaming “pardon me” a million times during my hair appointment.

Moving to a new city gave me the perfect excuse to purchase a new hair dryer. Given my pleasant experience with the Dyson Supersonic, the first thing I did was to Google how much it costs. Wow, $399 USD, I guess it isn’t for me. I went ahead to do more research and ended up getting myself the Meet the Thunder Desert ($135 USD), the travel-sized version of the original design – I thought I’d save that extra $60 USD. Enough about its price, though. The question is, does the product actually live up to my expectations?

Drybar Baby Butter Cup Blow Dryer Hair Haircare Tools Yellow Expensive Luxury

Sephora

Featuring what the brand describes as “ionic technology,” which helps to seal cuticles and reduce frizz, the Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer is probably the best thing that has ever happened to my perpetually frizzy hair. Ever since I started using the product, not only have I noticed how my tresses have become significantly smoother, I’ve also been instruction compliments from friends saying that my hair looks healthily shiny (not greasy!) I love that this product has multiple heat settings including a cool shot button, which really helps with styling hair. And best of all, my hair-drying time has been cut down to just minutes because of the blow dryer’s wave heater, which encourages faster and more even drying. Its lightweight, foldable design also means that I can bring it with me to any travels.

It’s true that the price tag is pretty steep, but come to think of it, hair dryer is something that you use almost daily. I can’t recall the last time I had to replace a blow dryer — this kind of household appliance lasts for years. Head to Sephora to shop yours for $135 USD if you’re ready to make the investment.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer
Text By
Image Credit
Garrett Riffal/@wizardof32oz
I was so excited when I found out that my go-to salon upgraded its blow dryers to the

What to Read Next

Bellesa’s WhisperBullet Is Worth the Hype
Sex & Dating

Bellesa’s WhisperBullet Is Worth the Hype

“It will stay silent. Can you?”

Are Second Chances Worth the Hype?
Sex & Dating

Are Second Chances Worth the Hype?

Following Jama-Stormzy split, dating experts weigh in on “spinning the block.”

Ask a (S)expert: "Are CBD Sex Products Worth the Hype?"
Sex & Dating

Ask a (S)expert: "Are CBD Sex Products Worth the Hype?"

Welcome to our new series led by Gigi Fong, Cheap Novogas Jordan Outlet’s in-house sex and dating editor.


10+ Sexual Wellness Products that Are Worth the Hype
Sex & Dating

10+ Sexual Wellness Products that Are Worth the Hype

From massage sets to sex toys to limited mobility products, here’s your guide.

The Air Max 270 Arrives in Rose Gold & Pink
Footwear

The Air Max 270 Arrives in Rose Gold & Pink

*Heart eyes*

Troye Sivan and Ariana Grande Drop Sultry New Song, "Dance to This"
Music

Troye Sivan and Ariana Grande Drop Sultry New Song, "Dance to This"

Listen here.

Pat McGrath's "Skin Fetish" Collection Will Take Your Makeup To the Next Level
Beauty

Pat McGrath's "Skin Fetish" Collection Will Take Your Makeup To the Next Level

Over-the-top glow.

'Wonder Woman 1984' First Look Features Gal Gadot and Steve Trevor
Culture

'Wonder Woman 1984' First Look Features Gal Gadot and Steve Trevor

Get ready.

Bianca Chandôn Is Releasing a Rainbow Dad Hat This Week
Fashion

Bianca Chandôn Is Releasing a Rainbow Dad Hat This Week

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer.

Nicki Minaj Speaks About Being Single & Cardi B Beef in New 'ELLE' Interview
Music

Nicki Minaj Speaks About Being Single & Cardi B Beef in New 'ELLE' Interview

Peep the cover shot by Karl Lagerfeld.

Fendi x RIMOWA Unveil a Luxury, Co-Branded Suitcase Collaboration
Culture

Fendi x RIMOWA Unveil a Luxury, Co-Branded Suitcase Collaboration

School of Sustainability.

Peep the "Purple Smoke" Upper on Nike's New Air Max 97
Footwear

Peep the "Purple Smoke" Upper on Nike's New Air Max 97

Cop or drop?

These Mini Air Jordan 1 Portable Chargers Are Perfect for Sneakerheads
Culture Footwear

These Mini Air Jordan 1 Portable Chargers Are Perfect for Sneakerheads

We’ll take one of each.

Here's Your First Look at PUMA's Peach Pink Dad Sneaker
Footwear

Here's Your First Look at PUMA's Peach Pink Dad Sneaker

Are Expensive Hair Dryers Actually Worth the Money and Hype.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.