Anyone who has rushed through a morning routine knows the importance of a good hair dryer. It is a crowded market. There are plenty of choices when it comes to size, price points, and features. With such a variety, it can be difficult to sift through all the hair dryer options.
It is said that love is in the details. Here, we take a closer look at the Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer to see if it worth any affection – or any dollar investments.
Spoiler alert: it is. We give it a reliable 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Can dry the hair quickly
- Leaves a smooth, non-frizzy finish
- Even distribution of heat
Cons
- Weighs on the heavier side
- Makes a loud sound, which can be annoying
Key Features
The distinguishing feature of the Drybar Buttercup Dryer is its use of Nanoionic Technology. The dryer contains nano beads, which are made from 32 different minerals. They are implanted in the heating coil, in the heat shield, and into the nozzle of the dryer.
Ionic technology is often used in hair dryers because it gives the hair a frizz-free finish. It is based on the process that allows the creation of negative ions. These ions help break down water molecules. As a result, hair gets drier faster. The manufacturer claims that it can dry hair 20% faster than its competitors.
Another advantage to the Buttercup’s nanoionics technology is that it locks in moisture in the hair. The immediate result is a smoother hairstyle. In the long run, the hair does not become brittle or break easily because of lack of moisture. The cuticles are not damaged, making it ideal for people who blow dry their hair regularly.
The Buttercup is also tried and tested when it comes to the professional setting. It is a powerful device and is powered by an industrial-grade motor. It features an 1875-watt motor.
Ease of Use – 3.5/5
This hair dryer is a product of Drybar, a chain business offering blow-drying services. It is the model their stylists use for clients. The premise of this product is that if it is convenient enough to be used commercially, then it should be a dream for household use.
It is a compact hair dryer, measuring 12.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches. Its small size makes it agile enough to handle a whole head of hair, including bangs. However, it surprisingly heavy. At 1.2 lbs, it can be quite tiring to hold for lengthy drying sessions.
Durability – 5/5
Warranties indicate the confidence of a company in their product. In this case, Drybar offers a two-year limited warranty over the Buttercup Dryer. The warranty length is typical of other commercially available hair dryers.
The exterior of the Drybar Buttercup is made from plastic. In total, it is a hardy product that is fit for commercial and household use.
Heat Output – 5/5
The Buttercup Hairdryer offers three temperatures. Another feature worth noting is the “cool shot” feature. It is a setting that allows the hair dryer to blast cool air to help set the hairstyle. This setting locks automatically. Unlike other dryers that stop blasting cool air as soon as you release the button, the Buttercup locks in the setting for continuous cooling of the hairstyle.
Price – 3/5
The Drybar Buttercup is on the pricier end of the spectrum. It is listed at $195 dollars at the Drybar website.
Options – 3.5/5
This product has two-speed settings to cover the basic needs of hairstyling. Having the option to put the setting on high is helpful for those with a thicker head of hair.
Power – 5/5
It has a motor powerful enough for commercial use. It also plugs in directly to a power source so it can work continuously.
Product Review
Let’s go into a little more detail to see how we came to those ratings.
Price
The main issue of the Drybar Buttercup is its price which is relatively steep. If there is a budget for it, there is no issue. However, there are other hair dryers that are available in the market that can also dry hair well at a much lower price range. It puts the Buttercup at a disadvantage.
Ease of Use
One of the selling points of the Buttercup Hair Dryer is that it is built for professional use. The stylists are supposedly able to hold these devices the whole day without developing a cramp in their arms.
However, its actual weight is not that light for a hair dryer. The weight needs getting used to. For those with strong arms, it can be an advantage because it allows for better control of the hair dryer. For the rest, holding it for prolonged periods can be quite tiring.
The buttons that control the settings are placed on the grip of the hair dryer. Initial use can result in accidentally changing the settings. But once you get used to it, the placement becomes quite convenient.
Settings
Different hair textures react to heat differently. For example, finer strands mean that a lower temperature is needed to dry them. Otherwise, they can get fried. On the other hand, thicker strands can take much longer to dry. Adjusting the heat setting can dry the hair at a more convenient pace.
The Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer has three temperature settings. The heat range makes it flexible enough to be used by people with various hair types.
The product comes with two concentrator nozzles so to direct the airflow for hair smoothening and setting. However, one issue with the Buttercup is that it does not come with a diffuser. It is an extra attachment that can be useful in getting even heat distribution.
Power Source
One of the biggest indicators that the Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer is used by the pros is its power cord. It has a 9-feet cord that can be plugged in a 120-volt power source.
The length of the cord means that it can be used easily. It takes into consideration the actual blow-drying experience. Oftentimes, people multi-task when they style their hair, especially at home. The cord length ensures that you can easily reach for things and go around short distances while blow-drying your hair. You can also switch from one hand to another without pulling the cord.
Presentation
The Drybar Buttercup is named for its cheerful, yellow color with grey accents. It as a sleek, modern design. The hard-plastic exterior makes it durable and easily cleaned. If hair products or dirt get on the dryer, it can simply be wiped off.
How Does it Compare?
What Makes a Good Curling Iron for Thick Hair?
Curling irons for thick hair must have a high-temperature setting (heat up to at least 400F) to hold thick hair into curls all-day if not for a few days!
The best curling irons for thick hair use an advanced ionic or infrared technology to reduce frizz and keep your hair moisturized.
What size barrel is best for thick hair?
For thick hair, a curling iron with a barrel sized 1.5 inches is the most suitable option for everyday use.
Depending on your desired hairstyle, you can section your hair into smaller or thicker sections to create both tight and loose curls.
How do you make curls last all day with thick hair?
Use a mousse and heat protectant before you blow-dry in order to give the hair more hold. Prepping with a setting spray is also great for locking in your curls. Many of them offer heat protection, too!
Drybar Buttercup vs. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
The Dyson Supersonic is a top of the line product when it comes to the beauty industry. The Supersonic is much more expensive than the Drybar clocking in at almost double the price.
But, it does offer more bells and whistles. It has a safety feature against heat damage. The temperature is gauged every 20 seconds, so it does not accidentally burn the hair. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer also offers more heat settings than the Drybar Buttercup. Users can select from four different temperatures and three air flow speeds.
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is a good option for those with the budget. Otherwise, you can get similar results with the Drybar Buttercup for a lower price.
Drybar Buttercup vs. 6th Sense Masterpiece Professional Hair Dryer
Like the Drybar Buttercup, the 6th Sense Masterpiece Professional was also designed for professional use. It also makes use of ionic technology for fast hair drying and a smoother finish. Another similarity is the price. Both products are in a similar price range.
However, the 6th Sense Masterpiece Professional Hair Dryer falters against the Drybar Buttercup in terms of flexibility. The 6th Sense Masterpiece only offers two heat settings – high or low – compared to the three heat settings of the Drybar Buttercup.
Drybar Buttercup vs. Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
The Conair Hair Dryer is less than half the price of the Drybar Buttercup, so it takes the advantage when it comes to affordability. It also has three settings for heat and two for speed.
This dryer also uses ionic technology for a smoother finish when drying. In addition, the ceramic feature of the Conair protects the hair further from heat damage.
The Conair hair dryer plugs into an outlet with a 5.5-feet power cord. The length is enough for home use. But, the longer length of the Drybar Buttercup hair dryer is a better choice for professionals who need more mobility.
Conclusion
The Drybar Buttercup hair dryer is a solid choice for those in the lookout for a hairdryer. The price can be high, especially if compared to other cheaper products, but it is worth the investment. Professionals can benefit from its sturdy and reliable make.
For personal use, the cute color and the name recall of its maker also makes it a trendy choice. But, it is more than just its modern design. It has a roster of features makes for a functional hair-drying experience.