7 Best Low Wattage Hair/Blow Dryers To Buy In 2024
AT A GLANCE
When it comes to choosing the right hair dryer, it can be difficult. You need to take into consideration things like how suitable it will be for your hair type, how effective it will be in drying your hair, and how long it will take to achieve the desired results.
Depending on your lifestyle, there could be another factor to consider, like the power output, i.e. the number of watts the dryer runs on. Your needs might be such that a lower watt blow dryer is necessary, and finding one of those that also caters to the aforementioned needs could be a challenge.
As a heat producing appliance, hair dryers are naturally high wattage, as they need plenty of power to do their job effectively. The average wattage for most dryers is 1875W. This means that you’ll be using a lot of electricity to run these traditional models.
Why buy a low wattage hair dryer?
- A low power consumption hair dryer means less electricity used, and could result in you saving a lot of money on you electric bill, especially if you’re someone who uses a dryer often.
- You’ll be less restricted in where you can use one. For instance, if you regularly use an RV, camper van, or live off the grid using a generator, a low wattage blow dryer is usually the only type you can use, as your power supply is limited.
- A lower watt hair dryer won’t blow fuses in your house like traditional, higher watt models have been known to do, particularly in older buildings.
What is the lowest wattage for a hair dryer?
Currently, a 1000 watt hair dryer is the lowest available on the market. There are only a handful of 1000W models that perform well enough to act as a replacement for your more powerful dryer.
We’ve compiled a list of 7 hair dryers considered low wattage; all are under 1400W, and give their higher wattage counterparts a run for their money.
7 Energy-efficient Hair Dryers
WATTAGE: 1200W
MATERIAL: Tourmaline ceramic
HAIR TYPE: Frizzy
The Travel Smart by Conair hair dryer is the perfect little travel hairdryer. It's small, light (a little over 1lb), yet powerful.
With the dual voltage feature, you can take this with you on your global travels, as it will work in any country.
Using it is straightforward; there are 2 heat settings - high and low – which can be adjusted according to your needs.
The tourmaline technology fights frizz, and keeps your hair smooth and shiny for longer.
The 5-foot power cord gives you plenty of room to move around while drying your hair, and the folding handle makes it easy to pack away without taking up too much space.
Pro: Dual voltage makes this blow dryer ideal for travel.
Con: Might be a little too loud for some.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer, Blue
WATTAGE: 1000W
MATERIAL: Titanium
HAIR TYPE: All types
You’ll be able to do away with your bulky hair dryer at home because this BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer has you covered. It’s lightweight with a folding handle, so you can just throw it in your carryon bag when you travel.
It has all of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a larger BaBylissPRO, but at only 1000 watts uses much less energy, making it one of the lowest hair dryers on our list.
There are 2 heat/speed settings for different hair types, and it is powerfully built with Nano Titanium and ionic technology to smooth and shine strands while leaving your hair healthy, strong and free from frizz.
Thanks to the dual voltage design, you have the option to easily switch between voltages, meaning you can use your dryer anywhere in the world. Perfect for the frequent international traveler.
The device also comes with a removable filter and stand for your convenience.
Pro: Powerful for its size and wattage, and it's easy to change voltage with the switch on the front of the device.
Con: Long hair might get stuck in the back of the device, which could really hurt.
WATTAGE: 1200W
MATERIAL: Plastic
HAIR TYPE: All hair types
Gold N Hot Professional Full Hood Dryer is a professional quality hair dryer that’s lightweight and easy to use.
The full-size hood allows you to wear rollers while you dry; and the hands-free, salon-style design means you can multi-task when using it. You can adjust the hood angle for your comfort and height to get the ideal position.
The Gold N Hot Hair/Blow Dryer features 3 heat/speed settings for different hair types. It also has double vents under the hood for even air flow, which ensures that your hair dries evenly and leaves no damp patches.
The cord tucks away nicely into the base of the dryer.
Pro: As the dryer is hands-free, you can do other things, like read, while your hair dries.
Con: Doesn't get as hot as its predecessor, and some have complained about it being too loud.
Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer
$68.00
WATTAGE: 1400W
MATERIAL: Ceramic
HAIR TYPE: All hair types
At 1400W, this is the highest voltage hair dryer on our list, but it's worth the extra watts for the great features it's packed with.
The stylish black and pink Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer is a powerful, yet lightweight hair dryer that uses advanced nano technology that pulls moisture from the air, resulting in even drying and healthy, less damaged hair.
The Panasonic EH-NA27-K comes with 3 heat settings – high, medium and cool, which makes it perfect for different types of hair. Plus, the QuickDry Nozzle helps speed up drying time by alternating strong and soft airflow.
This compact blow dryer also features an easy to clean filter and folding handle for convenient storage. The 5.5-foot cord means your movement won't be restricted when using it.
Pro: Super fast drying, even on long hair.
Con: Only suitable for 110V, so makes using it abroad (outside of the US) difficult.
Berta Mini Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer
$16.98
WATTAGE: 1000W
MATERIAL: Ceramic Tourmaline
HAIR TYPE: All hair types
At just 1000W, the Berta Mini Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer has the lowest wattage of all the dryers on our list. It's a lightweight, compact blow dryer that fits perfectly in your purse or carry-on bag.
It has two heat/speed settings for all your hair drying needs, plus an extra COOL button that gives you the option of turning off the heat if you have fine, thin hair and don't need it.
Don't be fooled by the low wattage, because this miniature dryer is still a powerful contender despite its size and power output.
There's a removable lint filter that's easy to clean, and the long 1.8 meter cord lets you move about easily.
Pro: Great for those on a low budget.
Con: Due to the low watts, it will take longer to dry your hair than other models.
WATTAGE: 1100W
MATERIAL: Nylon, Titanium
HAIR TYPE: Frizzy, Wavy
The TYMO Ionic hair brush-dryer is the first in its class. It’s a blow dryer, curler, straightener and volumizer all in one.
The titanium coated barrel evenly distributes heat to protect hair from breakage and damage. The ionic action helps repair damaged hair and reduces frizz, leaving hair much healthier.
With its 360 degree vent, hair dries fast, roughly 50% faster than other models of hot air brushes.
There are 3 heat/speed settings for different hair types, and the unique bristle design gets to the roots, helping to detangle knots.
Finally, there's built-in protection against scalp burning.
Pro: It's multi-functional, unlike regular blow dryers. This means you won't need to buy extra hair styling tools like straighteners or curlers.
Con: The brush head is big and might not be as comfortable to hold as a regular dryer.
WATTAGE: 1200W
MATERIAL: Ceramic
HAIR TYPE: Fine
The Kristin Ess Compact Pro Hair Dryer is the perfect companion for your next trip. It’s lightweight, powerful and dries hair fast.
The dual voltage makes it ideal for international travel. And its folding handle makes it easy to store in a suitcase or carry on bag. With ionic technology, this hair dryer will make your hair smooth and shiny every time you use it.
There's a nice, long 6-foot cord so you can move about the room freely, and it comes with a convenient travel bag.
Pro: Dual voltage, which means it's perfect for international travel and home use.
Con: This is more suitable for fine/thin hair, and thus doesn't dry thicker hair well.
What wattage hair dryer is best?
That depends on your needs. As stated before, a hair dryer that’s under 1400W could be ideal in certain situations, but not in others.
A higher wattage model, 1600W and above, would result in faster drying times, for the most part, but can’t be used everywhere, and might blow the fuses in your house.
What are the downsides to using lower wattage hair dryers?
The obvious downside to using a low watt blow dryer is the longer time it takes to dry. If you’re in a hurry or your time is limited, this could be an issue.
Likewise, if you have thick hair, a more powerful, higher wattage hair dryer is going to be more suitable and give faster results.
