Trib Tested: Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer
The claim: The Drybar Buttercup blow dryer with Bio Ionic technology is the ultimate blow dryer tool. Super powerful, yet ultra light, this baby gets the job done fast. This precision blow-drying tool was designed for use by stylists at Drybar shops across the United States to deliver perfect blowouts to thousands of clients every day. Buttercup features three temperatures and two speed settings. It has a self-locking cool-shot button, removable air filter, 9-foot long cord with a hang loop and 1,875-watt motor. All this, and it weighs only 1 pound, 1 ounce. It comes with two nozzle attachments.
Cost: $190
Where:thedrybar.com, Sephora.com and QVC.com
I learned my lesson a long time ago about professional-quality hair dryers. They might cost more, but they last practically forever and do a much better job. Drybar Buttercup is an excellent example. You have a long, heavy-duty plug and cord, plus an equally sturdy dryer unit.
The settings can be mixed with speed blast and heat. Drying my fine, shoulder-length hair with the wide nozzle and a round brush gave my hair a smooth lift and soft edges to the layers. And it offers a speedy delivery. I like a medium heat setting on a low speed to give me a chance to get the bends where I want them. And, when you have the heated hair around the brush, the cool shot locks them into submission.
With the light weight on this appliance, it would be tempting to bring it along on trips. I always hate using those mini, single-speed hotel dryers that blast your hair to kingdom come.
This machine is worth the purchase price.
The Buttercup Blow Dryer was a just a bit too powerful for my hair. I have very thin, fine hair. It doesn't need a whole lot to get it dry. While the Buttercup did do a pretty quick job of getting my hair dry, it really did blow it out, and, in my opinion, not in a good way. I ended up looking like one of the “before” pictures in hair-styling commercials. For thicker, fuller hair, this might be just the thing. But for those of us not blessed with beautiful tresses, it is more than our hair can handle.
The sleek design of Drybar Buttercup blow dryer with Bio Ionic technology proved as aesthetically pleasing as functional, and it sure warms you up fast.
My thick, long, wavy mane dried quickly on the medium setting. The higher heat was enough to scald.
I'm prone to frizz, and I didn't notice a significant difference in smoothness after a few uses. A more-practiced hand might get better results.
If you have the cash, Drybar Buttercup would make an enviable addition to your morning routine.
