Let’s be real for a second. Most blow dryers were not made for us. For years, if you had 3C or 4C hair, the "diffuser" that came with your standard drug store dryer was basically a plastic bowl that did nothing but create a halo of frizz and a lot of frustration. Then Tracee Ellis Ross dropped the Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer, and the internet kind of lost its mind. But now that the initial hype has settled, we have to look at whether this sleek, terracotta-colored tool is a revolution for textured hair or just a really pretty piece of hardware. Honestly, it’s a bit of both, but the nuances matter way more than the marketing.
The thing is, professional stylists have always had high-end tools, but the consumer market for curly hair was historically an afterthought. When Pattern launched this, they weren't just selling a motor and a heating element. They were selling the idea that curly, coily, and tight-textured hair deserves a professional-grade airflow system that doesn't treat the hair like a problem to be solved. It’s heavy. It’s loud. It’s powerful. And if you’ve spent your life fighting with a comb attachment that snaps off mid-stroke, you know that power is a necessity, not a luxury.
What makes the Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer different?
If you strip away the branding, most dryers rely on high heat to get the job done quickly. That is a recipe for disaster when it comes to curl integrity. The Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer uses an AC motor. Why does that matter? Well, AC motors are what you find in salons; they provide more air pressure and usually last much longer than the DC motors found in cheap, lightweight dryers. It’s the difference between a gentle breeze and a focused gust.
The real magic, though, isn't just in the motor—it's in the attachments. Most brands give you a concentrator and call it a day. Pattern included four specific tools: a diffuser, a wide-tooth comb, a concentrator, and a brush. These aren't flimsy. The wide-tooth comb, in particular, is modeled after Pattern’s actual manual comb, meaning it has the strength to get through thick sections without bending or flying across the room. It mimics the "shingling" or "raking" method many of us do by hand, but with the added benefit of consistent heat.
The Diffuser Design
Let’s talk about that diffuser. It’s massive. Like, surprisingly huge. It’s designed to simulate natural drying but at an accelerated pace. Instead of just blowing air at the surface of your curls, the fingers on the diffuser are vented to allow air to reach the roots. This is a game-changer for anyone with high-density hair who usually ends up with dry ends and a damp, soggy scalp three hours later.
Handling the Weight and Ergonomics
I’m going to be blunt: this dryer is a workout. If you have a lot of hair and you’re doing a full blowout, your shoulder is going to feel it. It weighs more than your average T3 or Dyson. This is the trade-off for that heavy-duty AC motor.
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But there’s a logic to the weight. Because it’s balanced differently than a long-nozzle dryer, you can grip it by the barrel (it’s double-walled to stay cool) or the handle. This flexibility is key when you’re trying to reach the back of your head or work at awkward angles. You’ve probably noticed that most "pro" dryers have a really long nose that makes it hard to see what you’re doing in the mirror. Pattern kept the barrel short, which brings the center of gravity closer to your hand. It’s a small detail, but it makes a massive difference in control.
Settings That Actually Make Sense
It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cold shot button. The "Ion" switch is something people often overlook. Basically, when the ion function is on, it helps smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz—great for blowouts. When it’s off, you get more volume and texture, which is often what you want when using the diffuser. It’s nice to have the choice. Most dryers just blast ions at you whether you want them or not.
Why the Wide-Tooth Comb Attachment is a Big Deal
For the longest time, "the comb attachment" was a joke in the natural hair community. They were made of thin, brittle plastic that would snag on a single knot and snap. Tracee Ellis Ross clearly spent time on this specific piece. The teeth are sturdy. They are spaced widely enough to detangle while drying, which is how you get that voluminous, fluffy "fro-out" look without the pain.
When you’re using the Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer with the comb, you aren't just drying; you're stretching. For those who prefer to wear their hair in braids, twists, or Bantu knots, getting a good stretch on the hair while it dries is the foundation of the entire style. If the hair isn't stretched properly, the style shrinks and tangles. This tool handles that foundational step better than almost anything else on the market right now.
Comparing It to the Competition (Dyson and Shark)
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the price point. At around $189, it’s not cheap. It sits in that middle ground between a $50 Conair and a $430 Dyson Supersonic.
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- Dyson Supersonic: It’s lighter and quieter. No question. But for some 4C textures, the Dyson airflow can be too turbulent, causing the hair to tangle on itself even with the diffuser.
- Shark HyperAIR: A great tool with similar "intelligent" heat, but its attachments aren't specifically curated for the nuances of tight coils.
- Pattern Beauty: It feels like it was built for durability and tension. It doesn't feel fragile. It feels like a piece of equipment.
The Pattern dryer wins on the "tension" front. If you need to pull your hair taut to get a smooth finish, the attachments on the Pattern stay locked in. They don’t pop off when you hit a snag. That reliability is worth the extra weight for a lot of people.
Real-World Performance: What Most People Get Wrong
One big misconception is that a "curls-first" dryer will magically make your wash-and-go take five minutes. It won't. Drying thick, high-porosity hair takes time regardless of the tool. What this dryer does is make that time less damaging.
The heat consistency is impressive. Using a thermal camera, testers have found that the Pattern dryer maintains a very steady temperature compared to cheaper models that tend to "spike" and get hotter the longer they are on. Those heat spikes are what cause "bubble hair" or permanent heat damage. If you’re trying to grow your hair out, preventing those microscopic cracks in the hair shaft is everything.
Longevity and Build Quality
The terracotta finish is beautiful, but it does scuff if you're rough with it. It’s a "soft-touch" matte finish. If you’re someone who tosses your tools into a drawer, it might start looking used pretty quickly. However, the internal components are solid. The cord is professional length (8 feet), and it has a heavy-duty strain relief where the cord meets the handle. This is usually where dryers fail first, so it’s good to see Pattern over-engineered that specific spot.
Is It Right For You?
Honestly, if you have straight or wavy hair, this is probably overkill. You’re paying for engineering you don’t need. But if you have curls, coils, or tight textures, this tool addresses the specific pain points we've dealt with for decades.
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It’s about the attachments. It’s about the motor. It’s about the fact that you don’t have to buy a "universal" diffuser that falls off every thirty seconds.
The Limitations
It’s not perfect. It’s loud. If you’re used to the whisper-quiet hum of a digital motor, the roar of the Pattern’s AC motor might be a bit of a shock. Also, the buttons are located right on the handle where your palm sits. Some people find they accidentally switch the heat settings mid-style. It takes a little bit of a "learning curve" to adjust your grip.
And again, the weight. If you have mobility issues or chronic pain in your wrists or shoulders, you might want to look at something lighter like the Dyson or the Shark. But if you want power and the best comb attachment in the game, this is it.
Actionable Steps for Using Your Pattern Dryer
To get the most out of the Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer, don't just plug it in and blast your hair. There is a strategy to it.
- Prep is Non-Negotiable: Use a high-quality heat protectant. Pattern has their own, but anything with a high smoke point works. Apply it while the hair is soaking wet.
- Sectioning is Your Friend: Because this dryer is heavy, work in small sections. It’s more efficient and saves your arm in the long run.
- The "Cool Shot" Secret: When you’re diffusing, use the heat to dry, but once a section is about 90% done, hit it with the cold shot. This "locks" the curl shape and adds a noticeable shine by closing the cuticle.
- Clean the Filter: There is a removable filter at the back. If you notice the dryer getting extra hot or the motor sounding strained, it’s probably clogged with dust or hair product. Clean it once a month.
- Tension Control: When using the brush or comb attachment, hold the hair at the ends and pull slightly taut. Let the airflow do the work. You don't need to "scrub" the scalp with the attachment.
The transition to using professional-grade tools at home can be a bit intimidating, but the results usually speak for themselves. You end up with less breakage, better style retention, and hair that actually feels healthy instead of fried. It’s an investment in the long-term health of your texture. If you’re tired of tools that don't "get" your hair, this might be the last dryer you need to buy for a long, long time.