Are ionic hair dryers good for the curly type hair?

Premium ionic hair dryers are trusted by professional and celebrity stylists as they are brilliant for enhancing curl patterns and protecting hair. 

These hair dryers produce negative ions, which play a fundamental role in breaking down the molecules in water.

When used correctly, ionic dryers enable you to dry your hair more efficiently while practically eliminating frizz. 

Here, we explain in detail why ionic hair dryers are a match made in heaven for your curly hair and introduce the simple steps you need to follow to use one of our ionic dryers. 

What is an ionic hair dryer?

An ionic hair dryer dries your curls with millions of negatively charged ions. These ions decompose the positively charged water molecules without opening the hair shafts.

As a result, ionic dryers are good dryers for fine hair, deliver much smoother hair than conventional blow dryers. 

The negative ions that these hair dryers create are capable of breaking the water molecules down into much smaller particles.

This means that you can dry your hair more efficiently than if you used a standard ceramic dryer.

Another reason that ionic dryers are so popular is that the negative charge of the ions neutralizes the static that builds up when you dry hair, which eliminates frizz.

Frizz is such a big problem for people with curly hair, and the frizz-free promise of ionic dryers is one of their main selling points. 

Are ionic hair dryers good for curly hair?

Ionic hair dryers are spot-on for curly hair, particularly when you attach a diffuser.

A diffuser ensures that air circulates evenly across your head, which further adds to the sleek and shiny finish that ionic dryers are capable of. 

Moreover, when you use an ionic dryer, you can blow dry your curls on a lower heat setting.

Dryers with adjustable heat mean you can toggle the settings and dry your hair via the low or medium setting.

The fact that you don’t need to use hot air every time to dry your hair protects your hair follicles from drying out and breaking.

Another significant benefit of ionic dryers is that because they protect your hair from drying out, they reduce or even eliminate frizz, which is music to the ears of anyone with curly hair. 

Benefits of ionic hair dryers for curls

All hair types can benefit from ionic technology, but curly hair responds particularly well.

Here are just some of the benefits of using an ionic dryer for your curls: 

Faster drying time

As negative ions split water molecules into smaller particles, they help to dry your hair much more quickly than standard dryers.

Even when you blow dry your hair on a lower heat setting, an ionic dryer will dry your hair more quickly. 

No frizz

People with curly hair are susceptible to frizz after drying their hair when their hair is dry or lacking in nourishment.

But ionic technology prevents your hair from drying out and neutralizes some of the static created when you dry your hair.

Healthier hair

Switching to a lower heat setting on an ionic hair dryer protects your hair from heat damage.

When you consistently dry your hair on the dryer’s hottest setting, you risk drying out the follicles, which can cause them to shrink and even break.

The fact that ionic dryers allow for lower heat drying results in much healthier hair. 

Are there any drawbacks to ionic hair dryers?

Ionic hair dryers are just for people with curly hair, and there aren’t any negatives to switching to an ionic dryer for your curls.

However, bear in mind that ionic dryers create an electromagnetic field. Though not dangerous, some people might not like this feature of these dryers. 

Also, some ionic hair dryers are more expensive than ceramic dryers, so the brand you choose is super important.

When you buy a Laifen dryer, you can be sure of high quality at an affordable price, as the Laifen Swift Special currently retails at $135.99 (will be lower if with discounts), which is cheaper than some other premium dryers currently available.

Introduce best ionic hair dryer for curly hair

The Laifen Swift Special and SE Lite are good ionic hair dryers for curly hair. It features negative ion technology and a super lightweight design, which makes drying your hair at home or when you’re away easy.

Moreover, the Swift Special features adjustable heat settings as standard, meaning you can effortlessly switch to low or medium heat to dry your hair without overheating it. 

Available in four colors – matte black, silver blue, pearl white, and petal pink – this premium, salon-grade blow dryer enables you to dry your curls to perfection.

When you order the Swift Special, you will receive a diffuser as part of the order price. You can attach and remove it as you please, which is ideal if you regularly change your hairstyle and want that versatility. 

How to use an ionic hair dryer for curly hair?

So, how do you use an ionic hair dryer to enhance your curls and make your hair shine? Here are the simple steps to follow to get the most out of this technology:

Step 1. Wash

Moisture is crucial to shiny hair and the products that you use will influence how your hair sits when you dry it.

As such, we recommend investing in a nourishing, hydrating shampoo and conditioner combination that features coconut or jojoba oil as its base.

For healthy hair, you should avoid chemical-based shampoo, as ingredients like sulfates and alcohol can cause your hair to dry out.

When you dry your hair with a natural, hydrating shampoo, it is less susceptible to frizz.

Step 2. Dab

Using a microfiber towel, dab your curls to remove the excess moisture after stepping out of the shower.

You should dab, not rub, your hair, as doing so protects your hair from friction and prevents it from breakage.

Removing the excess moisture also means that the ionic technology can get to work more quickly when it comes to breaking down the water molecules.

Step 3. Apply a curl enhancer

Curl enhancer mousse or foam is a great addition to your hair styling routine and you can apply it to your damp hair before blow-drying it.

Step 4. Attach the diffuser

Next, fix the diffuser attachment to your Laifen Swift Special hair dryer.

Remember, the diffuser will help to evenly and thoroughly dry out your curls without focusing the heat on a single area of your scalp.

We recommend drying your hair on a low or medium heat setting.

Though it takes slightly longer, it protects your hair from drying out and prevents it from breaking.

Step 5. Brush and dry in sections

Split your hair into two sections and, using a round brush, brush downwards as you rotate the hair dryer.

The way you brush your hair as you dry it will depend on how voluminous and bouncy you want your curls to be.

Step 6. Style

Last but certainly not least, you’re ready to style your curls.

We recommend applying a sea salt spray to your curls for an instant boost in volume and texture.

You can also style your fringe at the front and apply a holding wax if you wish. 

The verdict: Are ionic hair dryers good for curly hair?

The bottom line is that ionic hair dryers are perfect for curly hair. The negative ions quicken the drying process as they shrink the water molecules quickly.

Ultimately, if you invest in an ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, such as the Laifen Swift Special, you will see a significant improvement in the way you dry your hair.

If you follow the tips and steps listed in this article, your curls will shine, and you will no longer have to worry about fly-away strands!

Willow Fern

Willow is a beauty writer rooted in holistic, plant-based care. She brings an earth-first perspective to hair health, drawing on hands-on experience with herbal remedies and slow beauty practices. Her work blends thoughtful research with lived experience, inviting readers to slow down, reconnect with their routines, and care for their hair in more sustainable ways.