Top 7 Blow Dryers

According to InStyle Magazine's best beauty buy issue, Conair dryers are the next best thing to a professional dryer. So if you are standing in the aisle, head for Conair's Infiniti. InStyle calls it "fast, hot and durable." Sold! I've had my Conair hair dryer for several years now and it's working perfectly. You'll love the retractable cord. About $33.

One of the most popular hairdryers on Amazon.com, this dryer is ionic and inexpensive. A great basic buy if you are on a budget.

The Super Solano is the overwhelming pick of professionals who love it because it can straighten even the thickest, curliest hair. You'll love its washable filter, multiple heat settings and power. From $70 on up.

The granddaddy of hair-dryers, the T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight was named the Best Beauty Buy in the 2009 InStyle Magazine. According to InStyle, the T3 dries hair faster and with less heat than conventional dryers thanks to negative ions and its tourmaline-infused parts. You can get them for less than $200. It will last many, many years.

We won't go into the technical reasons ionic dryers work so well, but trust us that ionic dryers work about 40 percent faster than regular dryers, leaving hair silky and glossy. But the time saved does come at a price: from $100 on up.

Hot Tools is another great blow dryer brand on the market. This ionic dryer is small and fits perfectly in any suitcase. About $30.

Lightweight and efficient, this travel dryer is the choice of stylists who travel. The handle folds and it has dual voltage for traveling overseas. About $130.