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Add The New York Post on Google I’ve tested more than 25 blow dryers as a beauty tester and commerce reporter, and Drybar’s Buttercup PRO Professional Blow-Dryer gave me one of the best end results I’ve seen.
I was one of the first to try Drybar’s latest take on its signature Buttercup dryer, and I went into the test expecting the usual combination of strong airflow and a polished finish. Instead, I was most impressed by how sleek my hair looked without seeming overly styled. My blowout had movement, softness, and a natural-looking smoothness that made it seem like I had spent much longer on it than I actually did.
The dryer was fast, which stood out immediately during my testing. Its ionic technology is designed to help reduce frizz, and I could see the difference in my own hair. I spent less time drying each section before moving on, and the finished look had noticeably fewer flyaways. My hair looked smooth and shiny without feeling flat or overly sleek.
I also liked that I could control how polished the final result looked. Using a round brush with the concentrator nozzle gave me enough tension and airflow to smooth my lengths while still keeping some natural body. The result was the kind of blowout I usually want: smooth and polished, but still like my natural hair.
My main complaint is that the head of the blow dryer is pretty long, to the point where it nearly knocked me in the face. I noticed it most when I was working around the back and sides of my head because I had to be more deliberate about positioning the dryer and brush together. It didn’t prevent me from getting a great blowout, but it did make the dryer feel a little less nimble than some of the others I’ve tested.
Compared with Drybar’s Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush, I’d choose the Buttercup PRO when I want more control over the shape and finish of my blowout. The Double Shot combines a dryer and oval brush into one tool, so it’s easier to use when I want to dry and style my hair at the same time. It also gives me more volume and bounce. The Buttercup requires a separate brush, but that extra step gives me more flexibility and helps me create the sleek, natural finish I like most.
After testing both, the Buttercup PRO is the one I’d pick when I want a fast, polished blowout that still looks like my hair — just smoother, shinier and more put together.
For a compact yet mighty hero, this Laifen dryer is now under $100 and one I reach for quite often. With a concentrated nozzle and diffuser, it suits all hair types.
I’ve been paying Hot Tools’ rent since middle school (seriously, this curling iron is part of a time capsule), and still holds up well to this day. Its clamp is one of the best for bouncy blowout curls.
If your budget is a bit higher than $100 for a quality hair tool, grab the Shark FlexStyle I reviewed and don’t look back. It’s simple to use and will cut those salon blowout bills and allowing you to fully customize your routine.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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