I’ve never been one for blow-drying my hair. My fine 3b curls often lose definition when a blast of heat is applied, leaving me with a halo of frizz that slowly gets more unruly throughout the day. Not ideal.
Then, one day, as I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, there it was. A post from @patternbeauty, announcing the launch of its hairdryer. I knew, right then and there that it was time to dip my toe back into the hairdryer pool and ship this baby in from the U.S. (where it’s currently available to purchase).
Pattern, launched in the U.S. in 2019 and summer 2022 here in the UK, was created by actor/entrepreneur/constant hair inspiration Tracee Ellis-Ross. First, she gave us the products: a line of washes, conditioners, hydrators, gels and accessories that is unique in that it caters to every single type of curl and coil. Now, she’s blessed us with a hair tool that does the same. What can I say? She’s done it again.
Pattern’s hairdryer: reviewed
Aside from being the world’s chicest-looking hairdryer (fitting nicely with my tonal interiors, thank you very much), the Pattern Blow Dryer, $189 (£159) comes with four tools as standard, all of which are designed to enhance and style a range of curl types and textures, from fine curls to coarse coils.
This is refreshing, in a world that so often makes you pay extra for the necessary diffuser to dry your curls, and competitively priced, when you consider how much you’re getting in one purchase. Without a doubt, this is a hair dryer designed by people with curly hair, for people with curly hair.
There are three heat settings (plus a cool shot), three levels of power and the option of turning on the ion generator switch for added smoothness. The result: a hair drying experience that’s truly tailored to you.
This might sound a bit ridiculous, especially if you’ve got very fuss-free straight hair that dries quickly with little need for styling. If you’ve got curly hair, however, it’s a whole different story. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to finally pick up a hair dryer that offers a range of options when it comes to attachments. I use the comb to dry while detangling, the brush to stretch out my curls (particularly useful when I’m planning to straighten my hair – and fantastic for stretching coils, too) and the concentrator nozzle to smooth my hair out into a sleek, straight style with ease.
But it’s the diffuser attachment that’s the hero here. It’s rare that a hairdryer as powerful as the Pattern can dry hair without whipping it around into a frizzy frenzy. However, this diffuser does its job perfectly, distributing the hot air evenly for a gentle yet speedy drying effect.
Tipping my head upside down, I put my product-soaked curl clumps into the diffuser, section by section, and achieved lift at the roots like I’ve never experienced before – and all in just a few minutes, so less opportunity for heat damage. My natural curl pattern was also enhanced, subtly transformed into ever-so-slightly tighter, shinier spirals.
If you’ve already tried Pattern, you’ll know how great the brand is (and if you haven’t, seriously, where have you been?). This hairdryer, however, takes things to the next level; it’s that impressive. While it’s not available to buy from the UK site just yet, you can ship it in from the U.S. – you’ll just need to buy an adaptor to use it in your usual plug sockets. IMO, it’s totally worth the extra leg-work.
Not up for hailing your hairdryer from across the globe? I understand, it’s a big ask. And while the Pattern hairdryer is worth every penny and every second of waiting time as it makes its way across the Atlantic, there are some really great options available to purchase here in the UK, too. And, fortunately for you, I’ve put them to the test…
The best hairdryers for curly hair available in the UK
Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer, £139, and Diffuser, £29
This hairdryer is nothing short of brilliant for all types of curly hair. Its ability to evenly and gently dry curly hair creates beautiful texture and glossy curls. This is, mainly, down to the diffuser.
It fits snugly onto the hairdryer (if you’ve ever had a diffuser pop off and land on your head before, you’ll know how important this is) and the deep design means it can fit a lot of hair in at once, for a quicker drying time. It’s so straightforward to use and creates thick, voluminous curls within minutes. Definitely one to add to basket.
mdlondon BLOW Hairdryer, £195, and Hair Diffuser Attachment, £25
For such a small, lightweight hairdryer, this really packs a punch. The power behind it is super-impressive (paired with one of the two concentrator nozzles, it’s great for straightening hair), and the diffuser expertly, well, diffuses the very strong shot of air for a lovely curly blow dry.
The diffuser is slightly smaller and shallower than others on the market, which makes it ideal for shorter hair, but it was still effective on my thick, long curls too.
ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer, £179, and Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser, £29
Ghd hair tools will forever have a place on my dressing table – and this, the newest version of my OG favourite hairdryer is no exception. It’s powerful, it’s reliable, it lasts forever and it’s developed to add shine to hair.
Plus, the diffuser is huge, meaning it’s great for styling thick, long curls with ease. What’s not to love?
Hershesons The Great Hairdryer, £295
Now, this isn’t exactly the cheapest option around, but if renowned hair salon Hershesons is going to put its name behind a hairdryer for the first time, you know it must be good.
Obviously, it’s powerful. It’s also super-light and quiet. For the (steep) price, it also comes with four attachments: two nozzles, a diffuser and a stand, plus a chic case to store it all in. Plus, the small diffuser is deceptively deep, allowing hair to form defined curls with ease. A true all-rounder.
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