I’m going to cut straight to the chase: if you’ve got curly, wavy, or coily hair, the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer is calling your name.

After years of battling frizz and lackluster curls, I finally found a dryer that gets it. With its massive diffuser, gentle heat, and sleek design, it’s like a stylist in your hand. Is it worth the $159 price tag? Spoiler alert: absolutely.

Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through why this dryer is a must-have for your hair routine.

My Experience with the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

Let me set the scene. My bathroom counter is a graveyard of hair dryers that promised the world but delivered frizz and flat curls. I’m a type 3B curly girl with long, thick hair that takes forever to dry. I’d heard the buzz about the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer but balked at the price.

Eventually, I caved and ordered the travel-sized version to dip my toes in. From the moment I unboxed it, I knew I was in for something special.

The dryer felt light in my hand—barely over a pound, which is a godsend when you’re diffusing for 15 minutes. The foldable handle made it easy to stash in my tiny bathroom drawer, and I was obsessed with how compact yet powerful it was. But the real magic happened when I attached the XXL 8-inch diffuser. It’s huge, like a dinner plate, and it covered massive sections of my hair at once. No more drying in tiny chunks for an hour.

I started with my usual routine: wet hair, a dollop of Curlsmith Shine Cream, and a quick detangle. I set the dryer to low heat and speed, flipped my head upside down, and let the diffuser work its magic. The low setting was genuinely gentle—just warm enough to dry without scorching my scalp. In about 15 minutes, my curls were dry, defined, and bouncy, with zero frizz.

I couldn’t stop running my fingers through them—they felt soft, not crunchy. I even took a selfie and sent it to my sister, who immediately asked what sorcery I was using. That’s when I knew this dryer was a keeper.

The Pros of the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

Curl-Friendly Heat Settings: The Curlsmith’s heat settings are a love letter to curly hair. Its porcelain ceramic element ensures even heat distribution, so you don’t get those hot spots that fry your ends. I stick to the low setting, which is slightly warm and perfect for my delicate curls. Even the medium setting is gentle, and the high setting is great for when I’m in a rush but still want to avoid damage. The ionising De-Frizzion Technology seals the deal by smoothing the hair cuticle, leaving my curls shiny and frizz-free, even in humid weather.

XXL Diffuser That Delivers: If you’ve ever struggled with a puny diffuser, you’ll worship the Curlsmith’s 8-inch beast. It’s the largest diffuser I’ve ever used, and it’s a game-changer for long or thick hair. I can cup huge sections at once, which slashes my drying time. The long prongs reach my scalp, giving me root volume that lasts all day. Whether I’m scrunching for tight curls or hovering for softer waves, this diffuser gives me consistent, defined results every time.

Lightweight and Portable: At just under a pound, this dryer is a dream to hold. My old dryer left my arm aching, but the Curlsmith lets me style without feeling like I’m lifting weights. The foldable handle is a stroke of genius—I can tuck it into a suitcase or a narrow drawer without a struggle. It’s a lifesaver for travel, and it’s so quiet that I can dry my hair at dawn without waking my roommates. For a busy person like me, this is a huge win.

Customizable for Every Curl Type: With three heat settings, two speeds, and a cool shot, the Curlsmith is built for versatility. The low speed is truly low, not just a weaker version of high, which is perfect for fragile curls or waves. The cool shot locks in my style, giving my curls extra bounce. Whether you’ve got loose 2A waves or tight 4C coils, you can tweak the settings to match your hair’s needs. It’s like having a dryer that speaks your hair’s language.

Quiet Operation: Nobody talks about this enough, but the Curlsmith is surprisingly quiet. Unlike my old dryer, which sounded like a jet engine, this one lets me have a conversation while styling. It’s a small detail, but it makes the experience so much more pleasant, especially if you’re drying your hair in a shared space or early in the morning.

The Cons of the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

A Pricey Investment: Let’s not sugarcoat it: $159 is a lot for a hair dryer. I hesitated for months because I wasn’t sure it would live up to the hype. If you’re on a tight budget, the price can feel daunting, especially when you can grab a drugstore dryer for $30. But after using it, I can say it’s worth every cent if you’re serious about your curls. The quality, durability, and results make it a long-term investment, but it’s still a hurdle for some.

Limited Aesthetic Options: This is a small nitpick, but the Curlsmith only comes in black. It’s sleek and professional, but I’d love a pop of color to match my vibe. Other brands like Dyson offer vibrant reds or purples, which make styling feel more fun. It doesn’t affect performance, but a few more color options would add some personality to this already stellar dryer.

Attachment Swapping Needs Practice: The dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle and a pick attachment, but switching them isn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. The magnetic diffuser is easy to pop on and off, but the other attachments require some twisting and clicking. I fumbled a bit at first, and if you’re someone who switches between attachments often, it might slow you down. It’s a minor annoyance, but worth mentioning.

Maintenance Tips for Your Curlsmith Dryer

Keep the Filter Spotless: The filter is the unsung hero of your dryer, and keeping it clean is non-negotiable. I check mine every two weeks because I use styling products that can leave gunk behind. Just pop off the removable filter at the back and rinse it under warm water. Let it dry completely before reattaching to avoid any motor issues. The manual says monthly cleaning is fine, but if you’re a frequent user, do it more often to maintain airflow and prevent overheating.

Store with Care: I used to toss my dryer into a drawer like it was indestructible, but that’s a recipe for a frayed cord. Now, I wrap the cord loosely and store the dryer in a padded bag, especially when traveling. The foldable handle makes it compact, but be gentle with the hinge to avoid wear. If you’re using the diffuser, detach it before storing to protect the prongs. A little TLC keeps this dryer in top shape for years.

Don’t Push the Heat Too Hard: Even though the Curlsmith is gentle, running it on high heat for extended periods can stress the motor. I stick to low or medium for my curls and give the dryer a breather if I’m styling multiple sections. If it feels warm to the touch, let it cool down before continuing. This keeps the internal components happy and extends the dryer’s lifespan.

Inspect the Cord Regularly: The 8-foot cord is long and sturdy, but it’s not invincible. I check mine every couple of months for nicks or fraying, especially near the base. Avoid wrapping it tightly around the dryer, as this can weaken the insulation. If you spot any damage, reach out to Curlsmith’s customer service—they’re super responsive and can help with replacements.

Pair with the Right Products: For the best results, I use the Curlsmith with lightweight, hydrating products like their Shine Cream or Curl Soufflé. The dryer’s ionising technology loves products that enhance moisture without weighing down your curls. Apply evenly before diffusing, and steer clear of heavy gels that can clog the diffuser’s prongs over time. It’s like giving your dryer the perfect dance partner.

Wipe Down the Exterior: After a few uses, I noticed some product residue on the dryer’s body. Now, I wipe it down with a damp cloth every week to keep it looking sleek. Avoid getting water near the vents or buttons, and never submerge it. A quick wipe keeps it pristine and prevents buildup that could affect performance.

Comparing the Curlsmith to Other Brands

Dyson Supersonic: I’ve used the Dyson Supersonic, and it’s a powerhouse. It dries my hair in under 10 minutes, diffuser or not, thanks to its high-speed motor. The magnetic attachments are a breeze to swap, and it’s whisper-quiet. But at $400, it’s a wallet-buster. The diffuser is smaller than the Curlsmith’s, so I had to work in smaller sections, which was tedious for my thick curls. The Dyson’s high heat can also be too intense for delicate curls. If you want luxury and speed, Dyson’s fantastic, but for curl-specific performance, Curlsmith takes the crown.

BabylissPRO Rapido: The BabylissPRO Rapido is a salon staple, and I see why. It’s built like a tank, with a premium feel that screams durability. The heat and speed knobs are unique but finicky—I kept bumping them mid-style. At $100, it’s more affordable than the Curlsmith, but the diffuser is standard-sized, so it took longer to dry my hair. The Curlsmith’s XXL diffuser and gentler heat settings make it the better pick for curls, though the Babyliss is great for versatility.

Shark HyperAIR IQ: The Shark HyperAIR IQ caught my eye because it’s budget-friendly at under $100 and claims to tame frizz. The airflow is strong, and the diffuser is decent, but the heat felt harsher on my curls, even on low. The Curlsmith’s ionising tech and massive diffuser gave me shinier, more defined curls with less effort. Shark’s a solid choice if you’re pinching pennies, but it doesn’t match the Curlsmith’s curl-loving design.

Remington One Dry and Style: At $60, the Remington One Dry and Style is a steal with four attachments for flexibility. It’s great for wavy hair, but for my tight curls, the diffuser was too small, and the heat settings lacked nuance. The Curlsmith’s low setting is gentler, and its diffuser covers more ground. Remington’s perfect for budget-conscious folks with simpler hair needs, but if curls are your focus, Curlsmith’s specialized features shine brighter.

Also read: My Thoughts on L’Brise Air Styler Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Which is the best hair dryer for curly hair?

Hands down, the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer is the best for curly hair. Its XXL diffuser and gentle heat settings are designed for waves, curls, and coils. The ionising technology minimizes frizz, and the large diffuser ensures even drying without disrupting curl patterns. Compared to the Dyson or Babyliss, it’s purpose-built for curls, delivering unmatched definition and shine.

Which is the No 1 brand hair dryer?

Picking the top brand is tricky, but Dyson often steals the spotlight for its innovative tech and sleek design. The Supersonic is a crowd-pleaser for its speed and versatility. That said, for curly hair, Curlsmith gives Dyson a serious challenge with its curl-specific features and more accessible price. It boils down to whether you prioritize luxury or curl-focused performance.

How do you use a Curlsmith dryer?

Start with wet, detangled hair and apply a lightweight curl cream or gel. Attach the XXL diffuser, set the dryer to low heat and speed, and flip your head upside down. Cup sections of hair in the diffuser, holding it near your scalp for a few seconds before moving on. For coily hair, gently stretch sections while diffusing. Finish with a cool shot to lock in your curls.

What hair dryer is least damaging to hair?

The Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer is one of the least damaging I’ve used. Its low heat settings and porcelain ceramic element prevent scorching, while the ionising technology keeps hair hydrated. The Dyson Supersonic is also gentle thanks to its precise heat control, but the Curlsmith’s curl-specific design makes it ideal for fragile curls that need extra TLC.

Final Thoughts

I’ll wrap this up with a heartfelt plea: if you’re on the fence, just buy the Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer. It’s revolutionized my curly hair routine, giving me defined, frizz-free curls that turn heads. The XXL diffuser, gentle heat, and lightweight design make it a dream for anyone with curls, waves, or coils. Don’t wait like I did—your hair will thank you for this investment.

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer Reviews: Is It Worth It?