We were at Costco yesterday picking up a couple of things when I wandered down a home goods aisle and spotted a bunch of hair dryers for sale.
I had to do a double take when I saw the prices. Are you kidding me? $600 for a hair dryer?
Seriously? People pay $600+ for hair dryers these days?
Did you know that?
I didn’t even know they made $489 hair dryers!!! But apparently they do.
This one was only $379.99. WHAT A DEAL!!!
I wouldn’t even pay $39.99 for a hair dryer. Am I cheap?
I have bought exactly 3 hair dryers in the last 30 years.
The first one at a thrift store for $2. It lasted about 10 years. When that one went kaput I bought one at Target for $9.99 and remember being irritated that it cost so much.
The last hairdryer I bought was online in 2024. I paid $10.97.
I have owned 2 curling irons in my adult life. I probably paid less than $10 for each of those. So that means over the course of 30 years I’ve spent less than $50 on hair “styling” tools.
Maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t get it. Or maybe it’s just that I’d rather spend $600 on airfare or pastries.
I’m curious. Would you pay $600+ for a hair dryer? If not, how much would you pay {or did pay for the one you have now}?
~Mavis
*****
P.S. I wrote this and then couldn’t stop thinking about it so I reached out to some of my peeps and asked them to send me a picture of their hairdryer. 😉 There was only 1 fancy hair dryer {over $40} in the whole bunch.
The person with the most expensive {$350!!} hair dryer was under 30 years old. Everyone else was older.
Rebecca says
Okay, so I am REALLY frugal, I promise! But, I have super thick hair that takes FOREVER to rough dry, and even longer to style and dry if I don’t want it to look like a rat’s nest. A few years ago I asked my husband to take advantage of a Black Friday deal to buy the Dyson hair dryer/diffuser for me for Christmas. $300 (the deal) is no small amount of money, but my hair dries SO fast and so silky, that I save time and money on styling products to “tame the mane”. Can we just call this my pastry habit (since I don’t have one) and chalk it up to everyone has that one thing that is just their splurge?
Mavis Butterfield says
I totally agree that we all have our “one thing”. 🙂 okay, maybe two. Or three. Ha.
Jo says
Same. It also works much better for curls.
Julie V says
I’ve seen a lot of hair dryers in thrift stores over the years. I think I still own one but, never usually use it.
Tracy says
I am in the cheap hair dryer camp. One new one for about $10 and one from a yard sale for $2 that is mainly used for defrosting the freezer.
Brianna says
I don’t personally own a hair dryer. I use to, but it died several years ago and I haven’t felt a need for one and my hair has been much healthier. I bought my teen daughter one last year because she wanted one. I did a lot of research for a low decibel hair dryer in my budget ($75), I was amazed at how big the industry is. I have a cousin who had hearing aids by mid-40 because of her work as a cosmetologist and the hair dryer noises. I ended up going to a beauty store to check hairdryers out and they had a low decible Aniekin one that would work for her. I ended up buying her the same Aniekin hairdryer off Amazon because it was on sale and half the price of the beauty store and was listed as the exact same hair dryer with specs, model, etc. The one I received was a complete dupe….came in a similar box, was loud, QR warranty/info codes didn’t work, the cord was thin, was heavier, etc. I sent it back to Amazon and they pretty much said they do their best to guarantee the authenticity of items but cannot guarantee all items. I ended up going back to the beauty store and spending the pretty penny for the hairdryer, but at least I know her hearing is actually protected, it is so quiet.
Nancy Settel says
While having a cap put on my tooth at the dentist office about 6 years ago ($2,200. for that darn cap) she was talking to her assistant when the assistant said to her oh your hair looks so nice today! No it didn’t . Anyway she said oh thanks I got this past year this new hair dryer it was $400.00 but oh so worth it. I really wanted to get up out of the chair and leave at that point but I don’t know how to put a cap on my tooth myself. I was furious. Now I know where my money went. I went home to my $39.99 hair dryer.
Sbk says
I think different people have different different priorities. You might spend what others think is a lot on other things. I can imagine someone justifying this cost against the cost of salon visits, or because their work (or own values) prioritize a particular look. It’s not my thing, but I’m sure things I spend money on would seem weird for others!
Kristina says
Exactly my thought. I have spent thousands on guitars over the years – not for everyone either, and a lot of people would think I’m bonkers. To each her own, and isn’t it way more interesting that we are all different?
Mavis Butterfield says
Way more interesting. What a boring world it would be if we were all liked the same stuff.
Audra says
Crazy! I have bought my last 3 or 4 hair dryers from thrift stores. Just bought one in Jan and was mad I paid $6 for it! I received at least one as a Christmas gift when I was in HS or college so when I went to buy a new one after that I thought it was ridiculously priced at probably $30 back then, so the thrift store hair dryers began.
Mr.s C. says
NO. I also wouldn’t buy a bridge in Brooklyn.
I don’t use a hair dryer. I have a $10 one in the guest bathroom.
JP says
I’ve heard the dyson hair dryers are amazing. It also depends on your hair-type: my hair, for example – if you just show it a dryer it poofs into the cowardly lion…then turn the dryer on and ooooof. If I were working a high-profile corporate job or was publicly seen professionally and regularly, 100% i’d pay $600 for a dryer that actually tamed the mess. but, i work from home with my hair in a bun 100% of the time, so nope, not for me. (like Mr.s C., my only $10 dryer is in the guest bathroom)
Mary G says
I have a basic hair dryer that I’ve had for close to 30 years. I rarely use it because I work from home and generally let my hair air dry. Maybe if I used one more often, I might get a nicer one. Maybe, but definitely not $400 or $600 nicer.
Jody says
Yikes! I too have a “cheap” one and when I have to pull it out, I am reminded that it is time for a trim.
I think that is really sad, but I am so not worried about my appearance anymore-as long as I feel good that is all that matters.
Jody says
Counterpoint: my hair dryer from the 70’s just died and I asked my younger sister in laws what they use. I ended up buying a $100 hair dryer from Ulta (less with coupons!) and I only blow dry my hair once a week, but hair dryer technology has changed! This is more gentle in my hair & makes it look like I came from a salon. Smooth & pretty! I wish I would have bought it 10 years ago!
Jennifer says
My mom still has the blowdryer I used in high school (1989!!) It cracks me up… the “high” speed is so low and puny, but it gets the job done! Ours we got at Target for $15 about 5 years ago. Never would I ever pay those crazy prices….
Ashley B says
The economy surely works it’s magic. I wouldn’t spend that much but someone would and that’s how I’d get it at half off or less later!! 😉
Ruth says
Don’t hate me but I own the Dyson. The first time the price was ever reduced, I happened to have Ulta credit card points so I got it for half price. I like it a lot. It is powerful and FAST. Leaves my hair silky and shiny. If it dies, I would consider replacing it – especially with credit points.
Just one semi-old lady’s opinion but it’s really important to keep up with all of the girly things. The clock is ticking away….nothing will reverse aging but pedicures, haircuts, (Korean!) skin care, tooth whitening, eyelash/eyebrow serums can give Mother Nature a run for her money!
Rosemary says
I have a hard time paying that much for a clothes dryer – LOL I do own a hair dryer but I don’t use it for hair . . . comes in handy for defrosting the ice maker that keeps freezing up. Hair dryers make my hair all frizzy.
Susan says
I definitely wouldn’t spend that on a hair dryer, but there is also the idea of spending one a thing that will in the long term save you money. My example is that I would go get bikini waxes every 6-8 weeks for about $60 after tip each time. I came across an at-home hair laser thingy that was about $300 with a 90 day 100% return. I asked my husband to get it for my birthday with the intention that it would get returned if it didn’t work. At that cost, it would pay for itself within a year.
Now about 5 months later, I haven’t gone for a waxing (I may still go once a year to get my eyebrows done to keep them shaped up nicely and tweeze in between visits) and have loved being able to allocate that money toward something more fun in my budget.
Same idea with having an espresso maker at home. We spent several hundred $$s on it, but we don’t go through coffee stands multiple times a day. I did the math once and our daily coffee would cost us over $5000/yr, but this machine at home paid for itself in in 3-4 weeks.
Bonnie in GA says
Lol!! I had to laugh!! I have the same dryer you have. I got it at Walmart for $9.99. It has a low and high button. No-can-pay-$600.
Sam says
Maybe the market since a warehouse store is professional salons? In the early days these men worship stores geared a lot towards businesses so this might be a throwback. I can see if they’re drying 4-10 people’s hair a day and styling, they need to ensure efficiency and quality.
debbie in alaska says
I haven’t used the dyson but from what I have heard it makes a big difference for people who like to style their hair or have very thick hair or want that professional blow out look. I never dry my hair so it wouldn’t be worth it for me but if I did and it made my hair look amazing and that mattered to me I might pay that much. More likely I’d wait until it went on sale, but to each their own. I think the high price tag is for the unique technology that Dyson has crafted
BW says
My hair stylist uses a Dyson hair dryer. Yes, it was expensive. But her living depends upon giving a quality style, and getting that style done quickly with various types and textures of hair. Stylists provide their own equipment – not the salon. I know there are many hair professionals who shop at Costco. Glad they can find a way to keep their multitudes of clients happy.
Peggy Lannon says
I only use a hair dryer in an emergency and I have the exact same Revlon one you do. It is great!!! I usually just let my hair air dry so it doesn’t get so dried out because I do use a curling iron every day. My curling iron only cost $9.99z.
Archie says
I have a cheap $20 hairdryer but it is so noisy that I often just air dry my hair. If I need to dry it fast I use a pet hair blower. It is fast ans quieter than the $20 one. Cost about $50. Also can use it to blow spider webs and corral dust bunnies. Occasionally use it to dry the dog’s hair too
Pamela Sheppard says
Personally I wouldn’t but If other people want to that’s great! There are lots of “expensive” items in the world I wont give a second glance to but other people buy all the time.
SueD says
I have a hairdryer that was gifted to me in the mid 70s, when secret Santa max was $5. Not sure where it is, though I do know it moved with us out here. My hair is thick and curly/wavy. If I use a dryer on it, it gets massive volume.
tc says
Yikes I cannot imagine paying that much for a hairdryer, we have had a cheap one for years. I rarely use it (only if going out somewhere special and then only for a few minutes). I have short, straight, fine hair and no patience to spend more than 3 minutes on my hair which consists of rubbing my hands through it after showering and a quick 15 second brush if I have not washed it that day. I guess I am a minimalist and I wear fancy hats and fascinators when going out dressed up so it covers my hair anyway. I have friends who spend 45 minutes fixing their hair and $300 every few months on special treatments!!!. Same with make up, I haven’t spent more than $10 a year on makeup because I don’t use foundation, only mascara and lipstick which I generally get given for free or I buy from the dollar store.
Sue S. says
LOL
thanks for that comment. We have the 2nd ever hair dryer
(I’m in my late 70″s) and a curling iron I rarely use, a brush dryer, again rarely used, and a set of electric curlers that I bought in 2005
The older I get, the less I use them all. Instead I have shorter hair and use a natural curls product from the hair salon. Great topic tonight.
Alecia Loveless says
We have a hairdryer that we spent about $25 on 9 or so years ago. My spouse occasionally uses it on days that the temperature is below 0 but it is primarily used by one of our occasional overnight guests.
When I owned my bed and breakfasts I went online and bought in bulk wall mount dryers for each of the bathrooms. Buying 10 at once significantly reduced the price per unit and even with frequent use they lasted 10+ years.
Cher says
I haven’t used a hair dryer since high school in the late 80’s (so I’m sure you can picture the hair styles )! I currently have a VERY low maintenance hair style. Cut maybe once a year, wash once a week, pull back in a braid or bun most days. It’s just not a priority in my life. But to each their own.
Linda Sand says
It depends a lot on your hair and what it needs. I have two hair dryers one of which is also a curling iron and the other has a comb attachment so I can comb through my hair as it dries. But, I don’t use either anymore; I just towel dry my hair then comb and go. My hair is so thin that the sides dry by the time I finish getting dressed.
JulieP says
Great topic, my hair dryer cost £20 over 30 years ago. Can’t remember when exactly but before we moved here. The one before that was a Christmas present it was a Braun and it’s still under my bed I think it was quite expensive but I can actually breath harder and it was probably about £20 but in the later 70s or early 80s so it was a lot of money then. Before that I had a white one from Boots own brand probably under £10 my mum had it until she died and my daughter has it now it’s slow and quite quiet and perfect for my daughter to rough dry her curls a bit on a winter day! I wouldn’t pay that for a hair dryer but my best friend bought the top Dyson and she wouldn’t be without it, she has very thick hair which can take a day or so to dry if left and she loves it! As your other readers say each to their own.
Heather T says
I own the Dyson and can dry my hair in 7 minutes flat. It’s soft and silky and salon quality! Spent almost $400 on it. My daughter tried it years ago and loved it so much I ended up gifting her one for Christmas. We both have long thick hair and it makes the price totally worth it for us in the amount of time we save. If you regularly style your hair I’d highly recommend!
Jam says
I have the Dyson hair dryer. I bought it in 2018, refurbished, but it was still almost $300 then. It’s really nice, definitely a splurge but now when I use or even hear a “normal” hair dryer, I notice a difference. My 7 year old daughter loves it when I dry her hair with it too. It’s a splurge, but like others have said, we all have our own interests and things that make our lives better. I’m not a traveler and I know people who find a lot of joy in spending all their $ on travel. I like having fancy hair 🙂
Tracie H says
I’ve bought two hair dryers in the past 30 years, the last one I gave $2 for at a thrift store. I rarely use it. But I did pay $700 for a Litter Robot 4 last year (we have 3 cats) and I would absolutely buy it again. I LOVE that thing.
Stephanie in Utah says
I never even thought of buying a used hair dryer from a thrift store. My current hairdryer I probably paid $30-40. I have thick hair (not as thick as it used to be), but if I want my hair to look nice, I have to blow dry it. If I air dry, it’s wavy and frizzy and hard to control. I could see spending hundreds on a hair dryer, but at my current stage in life, I don’t care enough to style my hair every day. I usually put my hair in a bun or braid when I don’t have time or feel like blow drying. I have thought about buying a hair straightener. I lost mine a few years ago and haven’t replaced it yet, but there’s been several times where I would have used one.