Gets hair dry fast with strong airflow and a smooth, salon-style finish—ideal for medium to thick hair and round-brush styling.
We may earn a small referral fee
You want fast blowouts without paying for hype. The Drybar Buttercup delivers strong airflow and solid smoothing, but a few dated details matter before you spend full price.
Overview
Drybar’s Buttercup Blow-Dryer is a full-size 1875-watt ionic hair dryer built for faster at-home blowouts. The promise is straightforward: strong airflow, smoother results, and a salon-style finish without a steep learning curve. It has been around long enough to feel proven, but it now competes with newer dryers that are often lighter, quieter, and more feature-packed.
Key Specs
| Typical price | Around $199, often less during sales |
|---|---|
| Motor power | 1875 watts |
| Heat and speed settings | 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, cool shot |
| Technology | Ionic airflow for smoother drying |
| Attachments | 2 concentrator nozzles |
| Cord length | 9 feet |
| Voltage | Single voltage, not ideal for international travel |
| Best use | Blowouts, smoothing, and everyday drying on medium to thick hair |
Who It’s For
This dryer makes the most sense for shoppers with medium, thick, or longer hair who want fast airflow and simple manual controls. It is also a good fit for anyone who regularly uses a round brush and prefers a traditional dryer over newer multi-stylers. If you travel often, dislike loud tools, or want a diffuser in the box, it is probably not the best match.
Performance & Feel
The Buttercup’s biggest strength is speed. Airflow feels noticeably stronger than many basic drugstore dryers, so rough-drying takes less time and a round brush has enough air pressure behind it to help create a smoother finish. The two concentrator nozzles are actually useful. The narrower one gives better control around the hairline and crown, while the wider one helps move through larger sections faster.
Results are good, especially if your goal is a polished blowout rather than a perfectly pin-straight finish. Hair comes out smoother and less puffy than it often does with lower-end dryers, and shine is respectable when you pair it with a heat protectant. On frizz-prone or very coarse hair, though, this is not a miracle tool. You may still want a flat iron, straightening brush, or finishing cream afterward.
Ease of use is another plus. The settings are clear, the dryer does not require a learning curve, and the long cord is genuinely convenient if your outlet is not right next to the mirror. Where the Buttercup starts to feel dated is comfort. It is not the quietest dryer, and while it is marketed as lightweight, there are now easier-to-hold options in this price range. Heat output is strong, which helps cut dry time, but fine or fragile hair should be careful not to camp out on the hottest setting.
In short, it performs like a solid salon-style dryer: powerful, dependable, and simple. It just does not feel especially advanced anymore, and that matters when you are shopping at this price point.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong airflow helps shorten drying time.
- Two concentrator nozzles make smoothing and blowouts easier.
- Simple controls are easy to use right away.
- Long cord and sturdy build feel practical for regular use.
Cons
- Louder and less comfortable to hold than some newer dryers.
- No diffuser included, which limits value for curly or wavy styling.
- Full price feels steep for a dryer with older-school features.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
The Drybar Buttercup is still a good blow dryer if your main priorities are fast airflow and a smooth, classic blowout. I would recommend it most to shoppers with medium to thick hair, especially if they can catch it on sale. At full price, it is worth comparing against newer dryers that offer better comfort and more versatility.
See also
If you want a more modern alternative before you buy, read our Shark HyperAIR blow dryer review.
- Find a better size and airflow match in our guide to the best hair dryer for short hair.
- Protect your hair from heat with our picks for the best heat protectants for everyday blow drying.
- Need a sleeker finish after drying? See our ghd Platinum+ styler review.
- For a brush-style finishing tool, check out our review on the TYMO Ring straightener brush.
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is the Drybar Buttercup good for thick hair?
Yes. Thick hair is where the Buttercup makes the most sense because the stronger airflow helps reduce drying time. It also pairs well with a round brush when you want a smoother, stretched finish.
Is it too hot for fine or damaged hair?
It can run quite warm, so fine, color-treated, or fragile hair should stay on lower heat settings and use a heat protectant. The dryer works best when you let airflow do more of the work instead of relying on maximum heat.
Does the Drybar Buttercup come with a diffuser?
Usually no. It typically includes concentrator nozzles, not a diffuser. If diffusing is part of your routine, factor in the extra cost of a compatible attachment or consider a different dryer.
Is the Buttercup dual voltage?
No. This is not the dryer I would pack for international travel. It is better suited to everyday home use in the U.S.
Is it worth the price?
If you want strong airflow, simple controls, and a salon-style feel, yes, especially on sale. If you are paying full retail, compare it with newer dryers that are quieter, lighter, or more versatile before deciding.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.