Inglam Hair Dryer Reviews: Is It Worth It?

We have all been there—staring enviously at the sleek, futuristic hair tools in the hands of our favorite influencers, wondering if spending $400 on a hairdryer is actually a sane financial decision. You want that glossy, frizz-free blowout that looks like you just stepped out of a salon, but your current drugstore dryer smells like burning plastic and leaves your arm cramping halfway through. In your search for a happy medium—something that performs like luxury but costs less than a car payment—you have likely stumbled upon the Inglam Hair Dryer (specifically the IG INGLAM High-Speed series). It pops up in ads and “dupe” lists, promising the same 110,000 RPM motor and negative ion technology as the big names for a fraction of the price. But with so many knockoffs flooding the market, you are right to be skeptical.

In this comprehensive review, I am going to walk you through the reality of the Inglam Hair Dryer, separating the viral marketing from the actual performance. I will break down the drying speed, the noise levels, and whether those magnetic attachments actually stay on. We will look at how it handles different hair textures and if it truly rivals the giants like Dyson and Shark. Whether you are a professional stylist on a budget or just someone tired of frizzy mornings, this guide is designed to help you decide if Inglam is the hidden gem your routine needs or just another “too good to be true” gadget.

My Experience With Inglam Hair Dryer

I decided to try the Inglam Hair Dryer after my trusty (but heavy) convection dryer finally gave up the ghost. I had been eyeing the Dyson Supersonic for years, but I just couldn’t justify the price tag. The Inglam kept appearing in my recommendations with specs that looked suspiciously similar—brushless motor, intelligent heat control, and that distinct hammer-shaped design—so I pulled the trigger.

When the box arrived, the packaging was surprisingly premium.

It didn’t feel like a cheap knockoff; the box was sturdy, and everything had its place.

Taking the dryer out, the first thing I noticed was the weight—or rather, the lack of it.

It is incredibly light, feeling more like a travel dryer than a full-sized tool.

The finish was a matte texture that felt nice in the hand, though I worried it might attract fingerprints (which it does, slightly).

I have thick, wavy hair that holds water like a sponge, so drying time is my biggest pain point. I snapped on the smoothing nozzle—which attaches magnetically with a satisfying click—and turned it on. The sound was different from what I was used to. Instead of the low, roaring rumble of a traditional DC motor dryer, the Inglam emits a high-pitched, jet-engine whine. It is quieter in terms of decibels, but the frequency is higher. It took a few minutes to get used to, but it certainly wasn’t deafening.

I started on the medium heat and high speed settings. The airflow is forceful. It doesn’t just bake your hair with heat; it literally pushes the water off the strand. I was genuinely impressed by the sheer power coming out of such a small nozzle. It felt like a concentrated wind tunnel. Usually, a rough dry takes me about 15 to 20 minutes. With the Inglam, I was 80% dry in about 7 minutes. That is a massive time saver for my morning routine.

However, the experience wasn’t entirely perfect. While the magnetic attachments are convenient, I found that if I knocked the nozzle against my brush while styling, it could pop off. It happened twice during my first blowout, which was annoying. You have to be a bit more precise with your movements than with a twist-lock nozzle. The heat regulation was generally good, but on the highest setting, it got very hot—almost too hot for my scalp. I found myself sticking to the medium setting to avoid that “burning smell” panic, although the dryer itself never smelled.

The finish was noticeably smoother than my old dryer. The negative ion generator isn’t just marketing fluff; my hair had less static and lay flatter than usual. It didn’t give me the “glass hair” perfection of a professional blowout, but for a DIY job in under 10 minutes, the results were stellar. One quirky feature I discovered later was the “auto-clean” function. You hold a button sequence, and the motor reverses to blow dust out of the filter. It is a cool party trick, and seeing a little puff of dust fly out made me feel better about the longevity of the motor.

Overall, using the Inglam felt like a significant upgrade from a standard dryer. It is fast, efficient, and saves my arm from fatigue. It lacks some of the extreme refinement of the $400 models—the buttons feel a bit clickier, and the sound is sharper—but for the price, the performance gap is much smaller than I expected.

Read More: My Thoughts On Tyche Chic Hair Dryer

Pros Of Inglam Hair Dryer

When you analyze the Inglam against the competition, several standout features make it a compelling choice for the budget-conscious beauty enthusiast. Here are the specific benefits that justify the purchase.

• High-Speed Brushless Motor Technology: The core advantage of this dryer is the engine under the hood. Traditional dryers use brushed motors that rely on high heat to dry hair, which causes damage. Inglam uses a 110,000 RPM brushless motor that generates high-velocity airflow. This means the dryer relies on the physical force of the wind to strip water from the hair shaft rather than boiling it off with excessive heat. This results in dramatically faster drying times—often cutting the process in half—and significantly less heat damage over time, preserving your hair’s natural moisture and shine.
• Ultra-Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: If you have thick hair or mobility issues, the weight of a dryer matters. The Inglam is engineered to be exceptionally light, weighing usually under 1 pound. The motor is placed in the handle rather than the head (similar to the Dyson design), which shifts the center of gravity closer to your hand. This balance reduces the leverage and strain on your wrist and shoulder during long styling sessions. You can hold it up to your roots or maneuver it around the back of your head without feeling like you are lifting weights, making the styling process much more comfortable.
• Magnetic Attachments for Versatility: Convenience is key in a daily tool, and the attachment system is a major “pro.” The dryer typically comes with a smoothing nozzle, a styling concentrator, and a diffuser, all of which attach magnetically. This allows for 360-degree rotation, so you can adjust the angle of the airflow instantly without pausing to unscrew a hot plastic nozzle. The magnets are generally strong enough to hold during normal use (despite my minor mishap) and make switching from rough drying to precision styling seamless. The diffuser is particularly deep, which is excellent for cupping curls and drying them without disturbing the pattern.
• Negative Ion Technology for Frizz Reduction: Frizz is the enemy of a good blowout, and Inglam tackles this with active ion generation. The dryer emits millions of negative ions that neutralize the static charge (positive ions) typically found in wet hair. This process smooths down the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and creating a shinier, silkier finish. For users in humid climates or those with naturally coarse textures, this feature helps keep the hair manageable and smooths flyaways without needing gallons of serum. It provides a polished look that mimics a salon finish, reducing the need for flat ironing afterwards.

Cons Of Inglam Hair Dryer

Despite the impressive specs, the Inglam is not a perfect machine. There are compromises made to reach this price point that you should be aware of before buying.

• High-Pitched Motor Frequency: While the decibel level is lower than a traditional roar, the type of sound can be irritating. Brushless motors spin at such high speeds that they produce a sound often described as a “supersonic whine” or a dog whistle. Some users find this frequency more piercing and annoying than the lower-pitched rumble of a standard dryer. If you are sensitive to high frequencies or have pets that react to vacuum cleaners, this sound might be bothersome. It is not necessarily “loud,” but it is distinct and can be sharp to the ears, especially in a small, tiled bathroom.
• Heat Consistency on High Settings: While the airflow is fantastic, the temperature regulation is not always as precise as the luxury brands. On the highest heat setting, the dryer can get intensely hot, potentially reaching temperatures that could damage fine or bleached hair if held in one spot too long. Unlike the Dyson, which measures air temperature 40 times a second to prevent extreme heat damage, the Inglam’s sensor technology feels slightly less responsive. You need to be vigilant and keep the dryer moving; you cannot just park it on a section of hair, or you risk a hot spot.
• Button Placement and Sensitivity: The controls for speed and heat are often located on the back of the handle or the head, depending on the specific model. A common complaint is that the buttons are easy to accidentally hit while gripping the dryer. You might be in the middle of a blowout and accidentally switch the heat off or the speed down because your palm brushed the toggle. This design flaw can be frustrating until you learn to hold the handle in a specific way to avoid the control panel. It lacks the “lock” feature found on some high-end tools that prevents accidental switching.
• Longevity and Warranty Concerns: The biggest gamble with “dupe” brands is always long-term durability. While many units last for years, there is a higher rate of failure reported after the 12 to 18-month mark compared to professional salon tools. Some users report the motor suddenly stopping or the heating element dying just after the one-year warranty expires. Customer service can be hit-or-miss depending on whether you bought it from Amazon or the official site. You are paying less upfront, but you accept a higher risk that you might be buying a replacement sooner than you would with a heritage brand like Conair or BaByliss.

Maintenance Tips For Inglam Hair Dryer

To prevent that “sudden death” of the motor and keep the airflow powerful, you have to treat this high-tech machine differently than your old dryer. It needs regular care.

• Utilize the Auto-Clean Function: This is a hidden gem feature that many owners forget to use. Most high-speed Inglam models have a reverse-cleaning mode. To activate it (usually by holding the wind speed button while the unit is off—check your manual), the motor spins in reverse for about 10 seconds. This blows dust and lint out of the back of the filter rather than sucking it in. You should do this once a week. It prevents the internal components from getting clogged with fine dust, which is the number one cause of motor overheating and failure in these devices.
• Manual Filter Deep Cleaning: The auto-clean is great, but it doesn’t get everything. The magnetic or twist-off filter cage at the bottom of the handle acts as the first line of defense. Once a month, remove this cage and use a soft toothbrush or a lint-free cloth to wipe the metal mesh underneath. Hairspray, dry shampoo dust, and lint can form a sticky paste on this mesh that blocks airflow. If the dryer can’t breathe, the motor works harder and hotter, eventually burning out. Ensure the mesh is completely see-through before snapping the cover back on.
• Cord Management is Crucial: The power cord on the Inglam is heavy-duty, but the internal wires are delicate. Never wrap the cord tightly around the body of the dryer when storing it. This creates tension at the base of the handle, which can cause the wires to fray or disconnect internally over time. Instead, loop the cord loosely in a circle and secure it with the provided velcro strap. Store the dryer in a drawer or on a hook where the cord isn’t bent at a sharp angle. This simple habit can double the lifespan of your appliance.
• Attachment Hygiene: The magnetic attachments can collect product buildup over time. If you use heat protectants or styling creams, the residue transfers to the nozzles. Wipe down the concentrators and diffuser with a damp cloth and a little soapy water periodically. This prevents that “burnt plastic” smell that can occur when old product cooks on the hot nozzle. Also, check the magnets for metal debris or bobby pins that might have stuck to them, ensuring a secure connection every time.

Comparison with Other Brands

The Inglam doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it is fighting for market share against some very heavy hitters. Here is how it stacks up against the competition.

• Dyson Supersonic: The original innovator and the target of the Inglam’s imitation. Comparison: The Dyson is objectively the better machine in terms of build quality, heat regulation, and acoustic engineering. It feels more solid, the magnetic click is more reassuring, and the heat control is practically foolproof. However, the Dyson costs $400+. The Inglam offers about 85-90% of the Dyson’s performance (drying speed and weight) for about 20-30% of the price. If money is no object, buy the Dyson. But if you want the “Dyson experience” without the financial guilt, the Inglam is the closest you will get in the budget category. The gap in performance is noticeable side-by-side, but barely noticeable in isolation.
• Shark HyperAIR / FlexStyle: Shark is the mid-range king, sitting between Inglam and Dyson. Comparison: Shark products are more widely available in retail stores and come with a more reliable warranty and customer support infrastructure than Inglam. The Shark HyperAIR is slightly heavier than the Inglam but feels more rugged. Shark’s “IQ Stylers” (attachments that automatically adjust the dryer settings) are smarter than Inglam’s passive magnets. However, Inglam is often quieter and smaller than the Shark HyperAIR. If you want a multi-styler (curling, brushing, drying), go for the Shark FlexStyle. If you just want a straightforward, lightweight dryer, the Inglam is cheaper and lighter than the Shark options.
• Laifen Swift: The other major “Dyson dupe” that rivals Inglam directly. Comparison: Laifen and Inglam are neck-and-neck in specs—both have 110,000 RPM motors and look similar. Laifen has put more money into marketing and slightly better packaging/branding “polish.” Laifen’s LED ring light temperature indicator is more intuitive than some Inglam models. However, Inglam often comes with more attachments included in the base price (like the diffuser), whereas Laifen sometimes sells them separately or in a more expensive bundle. Performance-wise, they are almost identical. The choice often comes down to which one is on sale or which colorway you prefer.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Gem Force Hair Dryer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The Inglam Hair Dryer is a triumph of modern manufacturing, proving that you do not need to spend a fortune to get salon-quality tools at home. It successfully democratizes the high-speed brushless motor technology that was once exclusive to the luxury tier. While it may lack the brand prestige and absolute refinement of a Dyson, it delivers on its core promise: fast drying, less heat damage, and a lightweight experience that your arms will thank you for.

If you are currently using a heavy, loud, drugstore dryer from 2015, the Inglam will feel like a spaceship in comparison. It is the perfect upgrade for anyone who values their time and hair health but also values their bank account balance. Just be mindful of the high-pitched sound and treat the cord with care, and this little dryer will likely become the MVP of your morning routine.