8 Expert-Approved Tools and Tricks for Faster Hair-Drying

Frizz Free

One trick to ensure a smooth result is to style without exposing strands to frizz-inducing heat. “The important thing is to remove as much moisture from the hair as possible without friction or heat,” says celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel. Another method of heatless styling is a cryogenic hair tool, which can also help increase hydration and shine.

One to try: Use the BabylissPro CryoCare ColdBrush ($190) on either wet or dry hair. When using on freshly washed hair, focus on sections of hair where you normally see the most frizz. The brush is able to reach zero degrees Celsius to flatten and seal hair cuticles for a sleek result.

Twist + Shout

For quick drying, celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher grabs a microfiber towel or turban. “They work almost too fast on fine hair. If you have thick, curly or really moisture-retentive hair, just a few minutes in a microfiber turban can really remove excess moisture before your air-dry or blow-dry.”

Two to try: The Aquis Rapid Dry Lisse D’air Hair Turban ($32) gently dries hair in half the time without tugging on strands. ($32, aquis.com) Celebrity hairstylist Kevin Murphy likes Kitsch Microfiber Towel Scrunchies ($18) for reducing breakage and taming frizz.

Prime Time

The products are just as important as the tools, notes Murphy. From heat-protectant sprays to blow-dry accelerators, look for hair primers that allow you to get the most out of every blowout. “Use something that protects, supports fast drying and extends the style between sessions,” he says. “Then, target problem areas first and let the rest air-dry. Set hair in place as it cools with a pin or scrunchie to create bends in all the right places.”

One to try: Kevin.Murphy BLOW.DRY heat-activated style extenders enhance every type of blow dry. EVER.LIFT ($34) adds volume from the roots down with a Zen complex that includes arctic root and lavender extract.

Shower Power

If you’re short on time, a few extra minutes in the shower can help bring hair to a healthier state. For the smoothest result, Streicher says: “If using a blowdryer, I recommend an in-shower styling product to cut down dry time and skip the flat iron.”

Two to try: Bumble and bumble Bb.BondBuilding Repair Treatment ($34) helps perfect the hair’s surface, making it easier to style. Streicher’s go-to is Garnier Fructis Sleek Shot In-Shower Styler ($5), which wraps strands in argan oil and plant proteins and speeds up drying.

High Tech

Abergel says you don’t need to blast your dryer at full power for the fastest blowout. “Always rough-dry hair 70 to 80 percent on medium heat, which cuts drying time in half,” he explains. Choose a dryer with a wattage that will thoroughly dry strands safely. “The thicker the hair, the longer the drying time, the higher the wattage,” he adds.

One to try: With 2000 watts of power, the compact Gama Professional iQ Perfetto Hair Dryer ($399) claims to dry 30 times faster than any other model.

Two for One

“Once you’ve gotten all of the moisture out of your hair, using a round brush will always give hair a smoother finish,” advises Abergel. One of today’s most popular trends mimics pro stylist’s techniques by combining a round brush with a powerful dryer in one tool, and delivers on the promise of salon-worthy blowouts in fewer strokes.

One to try: Offering the ultimate protection from heat damage, this Hot Tools White Gold Detachable One-Step Volumizer ($100) has activated charcoal– infused bristles and ion technology around the barrel for a fast-drying blowout.