“a consumer reports for the cheap” — the new york times
In this review:
  1. Cheap Hair Dryers, Ionic Hair Dryers, Hair Blower Reviews
  2. Hair Dryer Reviews
  3. Discount Hair Dryers Features Comparison Table
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Hair Dryers Performance

Hair Dryers Frizz Control and Hair Health.

Just because you're not purchasing a professional and expensive hair dryer doesn't mean you should sacrifice your hair's health.
Several affordable, consumer-oriented hair dryers can help you achieve a frizz-free shine while maintaining healthy hair. For example, the Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic, with its tourmaline and ionic properties, produces results that stack up against what you'd get with a professional model. In fact, in a comparative hair dryers test by Good Housekeeping, the Revlon RV544 beat out a top-ranked, high-end hair dryer for the number one tourmaline hair dryer spot. Among users posting hair dryers reviews on Amazon, this inexpensive hair dryer is a big hit, garnering a 4.5 star rating; one hair dryers review on Amazon says other dryers leave her hair noticeably frizzier compared to the shiny, sleek look she gets with the Revlon RV544.

The Babyliss Pro Professional Ceramic Xtreme 2000 finds many fans in hair dryers reviews on Folica.com, where several users comment appreciatively on the shine and healthy look they achieve with this model. The Andis 1875 Ionic Ceramic Folding Dryer does a good job at reducing frizz and keeping hair healthy, too; as one user says in a hair dryers review on Buzzillions, this cheap hair dryer does a better job than her high-priced hair dryer and leaves her locks frizz-free with barely a need for smoothing products.

Some discount hair dryers just don't cut it with users. One cheap hair dryer that falls short is the Revlon RV 484 Ion 1875 Watt, which one hair dryer's review on Sears says fries hair and makes it unmanageable. More alarmingly, hair dryers reviews on Target report safety concerns about the Revlon RV484, noting it gets very hot and can burn your hands. Opinion is mixed about the Hot Tools Anti-Static Ionic Travel Hair Dryer, according to hair dryer reviews at Folica.com; some users say it doesn't work properly while others love the smooth results.

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Hair Dryers Ease of Use.

Professional hair stylists look for hair dryers that are easy to use, and so should frugal home users. One hair dryer that stands out in this regard is the Andis 1875 Ionic Ceramic Folding Dryer, which is billed as a travel dryer because it folds up, has a retractable cord, and is lightweight. Many users posting hair dryers reviews on Drugstore.com say they originally bought this model for travel, but its ease of use makes it perfect for daily use at home, as well.

The Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic hair dryer also ranks high with users for ease of use, in part because of the concentrated nozzle and a diffuser that come with it. In hair dryers reviews posted on the Walmart site, eight out of nine users give this hair dryer a perfect score and one notes she travels with it because it's lightweight and the diffuser is so handy. Over at ReviewsNewspaper.com, some users gripe in hair dryers reviews about the weight of the Babyliss Pro Professional, but most remark positively on the good, comfortable fit in the hand, multiple heat and speed settings, and the sheer air power that make it easy to use. On the other hand, the Revlon RV 484 does not fare well with consumers; several hair dryers reviews on Amazon note that the dryer is heavy and bulky.

Hair Dryers Quality.

Life span and durability are two qualities that users look for in discount hair dryers. The Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic, which gets high marks across the board, is also a quality star. It comes with a two-year limited warranty, and according to hair dryers reviews on Drugstore.com, users appreciate the affordable price for such a good product; one user says she didn't feel as though she sacrificed anything in the way of quality with this dryer. The Babyliss Professional Ceramic Xtreme also comes with a two-year warranty, and one hair dryers review on Amazon remarks that the high quality of the hair dryer is noticeable immediately. Although lacking a warranty, the Andis 1875 seems to have a decent life span; writing a hair dryers review on Amazon, one user comments that she bought this model three years ago, has dropped it several times, and it continues to work just fine. On the not-so-sturdy side is the Revlon RV 484, which seriously disappoints users, according to hair dryers reviews at Target and Amazon, which report that it overheated, caught fire, sparked, and melted the concentrator; consumers also say the Revlon RV484 literally burned their hair.

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To sum it up, some cheap hair dryers are giving professional hair dryers a run for their money these days. Without looking too hard, you can find a sturdy, powerful, and easy-to-use hair dryer that won't damage your locks and will leave them sleek and smooth -- almost as though you walked out of a salon.

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Best Cheap Hair Dryer

Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic
Gold Medal

Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic

With ionic and tourmaline technologies that help hair look smooth and sleek, the Revlon RV 544 Tourmaline Ionic Hair Dryer is one retail hair dryer that is able to compete with professional varieties. It has two heat and speed settings, a cool shot button, and a concentrator and diffuser that make hair drying easy while producing exceptional results. Users appreciate the speedy drying and frizz-free results. Read more »
Hair Dryers Deals

Good Cheap Hair Dryers

Andis 1875 Ionic Ceramic
Gold Medal

Andis 1875 Ionic Ceramic

A folding dryer with a retractable cord makes this low-cost hair dryer ideal for traveling, although it works just fine for everyday use. The Andis 1875 combines ionic and ceramic technologies with three heat and speed settings along with a cool shot option, making for big results from a compact hair dryer. Consumers report even and quick drying, with limited frizz, but a few say it's a bit bulky for travel. Read more »
Hair Dryers Deals
Babyliss Professional Ceramix Xtreme
Gold Medal

Babyliss Professional Ceramix Xtreme

Using ceramic technology, this hair dryer has upped the bar on power. With 2000 watts of power, three heat and speed options, along with a cool shot option and a hanging ring, this affordable hair dryer borders on professional quality. It wins praise from users for durability and good results. Read more »
Hair Dryers Deals
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap Hair Dryers

Revlon RV 484

Offering ionic technology, three heat settings, two speed settings, a cool shot option, a concentrator and a diffuser, this hair dryer seems to be as good as the rest, but don't be fooled. The hair dryer receives bad reviews across the board with users warning it poses a safety hazard; several report it burned their hands, gets way too hot, and sometimes gives off a bad smell. Read more »

 
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