• steve
• November 3, 2024
• 4 Comments

I’ll admit that sometimes I’m pleasantly shocked at certain product categories that I think are going to be dominated by China manufacturing, only to find a very healthy number of manufacturers outside China. In some cases it’s due to tariffs, while in other cases it’s because a certain industry is so cherished within the country that its citizens wouldn’t stand to buy from China.

As you might expect, there are multiple brands from Italy—a country with a rich cultural heritage of fashion and grooming. I was surprised to see South Korea as another country that had multiple brands; this is also due to their culture’s value on beauty and fashion, but also their high tech capabilities.

Here are some of the best of the best you can buy without rewarding brands who should know better who continue to throw all their manufacturing contracts to China, including once-great American brands like Revlon and Conair and emerging brands who will be the first to have their intellectual property stolen by their subcontractors.

The Best Hair Dryers Not Made in China

1. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Dyson is of course more well known for its vacuum cleaners, but a few years ago they got into the hair dryer business. I got one myself and it’s by far the best I’ve used. It’s light to hold but super powerful, drying hair in a fraction of the time of a traditional hair dryer. The fast drying is not only convenient, it protects your hair from heat damage and increases smoothness and shine.

Contrast that to brands like Conair or Revlon whose designs are more like holding a space heater to your head and blowing the hot air onto a concentrated spot on your scalp. And not surprisingly, you can see the same design copied by dozens and dozens of no-name China brands.

Dyson hair dryers are pricey, but they’re worth it, especially when you consider that your Made in Malaysia Dyson will likely outlast multiple cheap China models.

Their newer model, Nural, has even more advanced capabilities that adapts intelligently to your styling routine.

2. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino Hair Dryer

Be careful with BaBylissPRO. Some of their hair dryers are made in China, but this model, the Nano Titanium Portofino 2000-watt blow dryer, is made in Italy and even has the Italian flag to prove it.

This is another hair dryer where the reviewers rave at the power and its ability to minimize frizz. At 2000 watts, you’re going to want to make sure it’s connected to a power outlet that can support it. A lot of reviewers talk about how these will last a very long time and how much of a step up it is from Revlon. Let’s hope that BaBylissPRO can keep these made in Italy. This one costs about $140.

They also have a higher end model called the Rapido that’s even lighter. It goes for about $200 and is also made in Italy.

3. Elchim 3900 Healthy and Light Ionic Professional Dryers

The Elchim 3900 is another Made in Italy hair dryer. It also boast quick drying and uses ionic and ceramic technology. Elchim’s been in this industry since 1945 and its products continue to be designed and produced in Milan.

At around $200, these are on par price-wise with BaBylissPRO. There’s also an lower end model, also made in Italy, called the Elchim Milano Ceramic Hair Dryer that goes for around $160.

4. Panasonic nanoe Compact Hair Dryer

Long gone are the days when Panasonic products were made in Japan. On a more positive note, after seeing countless examples of Panasonic products being made in China, I was happy to see this hair dryer made in Thailand.

At only $75, they managed to create this affordable product that still gets great reviews. At 1400 watts it has less power than the brands above, but still packs a nice punch and uses “nanoe” technology to infuse moisture-rich ions into your hair.

If you can afford the next model up, their Panasonic Nanoe Salon Hair Dryer is also Made in Thailand and costs about $115.

5. Sam Villa Lightweight and Quiet Ionic Professional Hair Dryer

Back to Italy, this is another premium brand that uses up to 1750 watts of power at its highest setting and also has an ion generator that smooths frizz, polishes, and enhances shine.

A lot of professional stylists have weighed in with Amazon reviews, saying that this is a true salon-quality dryer that’s light, quiet, and has a direct stream of air that doesn’t create flyaways. It goes for about $215.

6. Bio Ionic 10X UltraLight Speed Hair Dryer

This is a premium brand made in South Korea. It goes for about $300. It weighs under 1 pound but has a motor that produces 50% more power than a standard motor at 1800 watts. It also has ionic technology that infuses moisture into the hair and delivers fast drying and healthy, hydrated hair.

7. JMW AIR SENS Professional Hair Dryer

Here’s a slightly more affordable brand that’s made in South Korea, costing about $180. It features 15 “wind types” to choose from and three levels of temperatures (with a memory setting so you can stick to the setting you find is best for yourself). It also has ion technology that reduces frizz and results in softer, shinier hair. People also love how light and quiet it is.

JMW also has a more affordable option, the JMW AIR STORM, that’s also made in Korea and costs closer to $120.

Do you know of any other hair dryers worthy of mention here? Let us know in the comments.