The best blow dryers for every hair type and budget

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For an essential item you use every day, picking a hair dryer sure can get complicated.

From tourmaline technology to ceramic heating elements to titanium parts, the buzzwords can sounds more like rocket science than beauty appliance, but knowing how to decode the lingo can make all the difference in your morning routine.

At the most basic level, you'll need a hair dryer with at least 1800 watts of power, says Glamour. Anything less won't have the strength to get your hair dry in a reasonable amount of time, so you'll just end up "toasting your hair." Plus, higher-wattage models tend to not burn out as quickly, according to Glamour. You'll also want multiple heat settings for styling, as well as turning down the temperature once your hair is almost dry. And a cool-shot button will help set your style and seal the cuticle.

When it comes to the major blow dryer technologies, the most important classes are ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline. Consumer Search breaks down the differences: Ceramic elements are handy for even heating, to dry the hair gently and minimize damage; ionic models produce negatively charged ions, which theoretically should break up water droplets to speed drying and reduce frizz; and tourmaline dryers (made with crushed gemstone components) are the best of both words, producing even heat and infrared light for a "gentler heat."

The SweetHome cautions against getting too caught up in the beauty buzzwords though. The most important thing is getting a hair dryer that produces an even heat and dries quickly. Beyond that it's a matter of need and personal preference: a unit that's comfortable to hold, not too heavy, and with a long enough cord to reach your mirror.

Best for your budget

Styling novices and budget-minded users alike will appreciate the Conair Infiniti Pro 1875 Watt Salon Performance Dryer. This drugstore-favorite dryer can compete with professional models thanks to its AC motor and ionic technology, according to Allure. It also includes a whole host of attachments and a removable filter for easy cleaning. Plus it comes in a wide range of colors, from aqua to orange to pink ombre.

Pros: Comes in lots of colors, long warranty, includes lots of attachments

Cons: Relatively heavy

Conair Infiniti Pro 1875 Watt Salon Performance Dryer, $28.99, available at Amazon.

Best for travel

It's really hard to beat the price point on the tiny Revlon Perfect Heat Fast Dry Compact Dryer. This travel-sized model weighs in at less than a pound, but still manages to pack in a 1,875-watt motor, giving it all the oomph of full-sized appliances.

Good Housekeeping testers praised it for getting hair dry quickly and leaving their locks shiny and smooth. Plus the handle folds for so it won't take up too much space in a suitcase, and the unit boasts a dual-voltage switch for easy use overseas.

Pros: Affordable, compact and lightweight, quiet, universal dual voltage for travel

Cons: Limited settings

Revlon Perfect Heat Fast Dry Compact Dryer, $12.09, available at Amazon.

Best for quick drying and styling

You won't have to wait long to get out the door with the T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i.

Allure lauded about its ability to get hair dry in mere minutes — even going so far as to claim that it's strong, quick-drying heat avoids damaging hair whatsoever. Elle raved about its quiet yet powerful motor, and light, easy-on-the-arms weight.

Pros: Dries hair quickly, quiet, long cord, lightweight and compact

Cons: Limited accessories, expensive

T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i, $249.98, available at Amazon.