Not all dryers are made equal and they're far from a one-device-fits-all, meaning finding the right tool for your hair type is key. For those with delicate strands, the best hair dryers for fine hair will dry and style gently and effectively, without frying them in the process.
Knowing which of the best hair dryers is the right fit for your hair type is all in the specs: "Look for hair dryers that have adjustable heat settings and cool air buttons," says hair restoration surgeon Dr Munir Somji. "That way, you can lower the heat to cause less damage and use cool air to seal the cuticle once finished." The materials used count, too: "If you have fine or dry hair, ceramic or metal nozzles give a consistent temperature and make the heat less harsh."
So, with all of that in mind, our beauty team has tested some of the best blow-dryers on the market – from the ghd Helios , our overall best pick, to the Dyson Airwrap – to find the gentlest but most effective devices for thinner, finer strands. Here is our guide to the best-performing buys on the market...
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The best hair dryers for fine hair at a glance
Having tested many hair dryers – both in the broader sense during our beauty journalism careers and specifically for consideration for this guide – our beauty team has tried and taken notes on many of the top-performing hair dryers. The result is this detailed, results-driven guide to the top models, including dryers from big names like ghd, Shark and BaByliss. But before we dive into our in-depth reviews on each tool, we've given you a quick look at our six overall favourite models for fine hair.
This fantastic model from ghd tops our list of the best hair dryers on the market. But we can also assure you that it's just as phenomenal for fine hair, specifically. It has a huge wattage, which helps create volume, and it helps to boost shine, too. We think it's genius, which is why it's our overall top-rated pick.
RRP: £324
A true industry innovation when it hit the market, the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer incorporates light technology as well as gentle heat to dry hair in the way that the sun would. With a super low wattage of 680w, it's also very energy efficient, making the high-end price tag more beneficial long-term.
If you need a dryer to help you cut down on split ends and damage, rather than add to them, then the tech in this Panasonic model is bound to help on that front. Easy to use and featuring a foldable handle, we quite like popping this one into our suitcase, too.
To add hydration and shine to your hair-drying routine, look no further than this Revamp tool. It boasts a brilliant selection of attachments for your money – our only complaint is that attaching them can be a little fiddlier than it needs to be.
Hot brushes can work well for those with fine hair and this one from BaByliss is a perfect example. It's gentle while still being effective and has a range of heads that are easy to switch between. Admittedly it is a little bulky, but we think the results are worth it.
Lightweight, super sleek in design and designed to be packed away thanks to the folding hinge, we don't think there's a better travel hair dryer for fine hair out there. Though the drying time is (as expected) a little longer than non-travel dryers, it's perfect for on-the-go use and really looks the part for holidays.
The best hair dryer for fine hair overall
The ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Eight years after the brand first entered the hair dryer arena with the Air, ghd dropped the Helios dryer. The cult brand seemingly stepped up its design game; as with the ghd Platinum+ hair straightener, the Helios takes any dresser from bleak to chic. It tops our list of the best hair dryers for fine hair because, not only do all of the stylish colourways look fabulous, but this tool also packs a serious punch in terms of power. A mega-high wattage means a forceful 120kmph shot of air is delivered from the concentrator nozzle, which goes a long way in adding volume to fine hair and left us with a shiny, bouncy look in minutes.
In terms of downsides, it is at the higher end of the price spectrum and we found it noticeably heavier than most of the other models we tested. However, this isn't too much of a problem for fine hair that dries quickly compared to a head of very thick and/or curly hair types – though, on that note, our curly-haired Senior Beauty Editor Rhiannon Derbyshire says it's firmly her favourite dryer. Either way, this design is so streamlined that we didn't notice this while using it; the ergonomic shape, which makes creating a bouncy blow dry very easy, makes it worth carrying.
Our complete ghd Helios hair dryer review provides a more in-depth analysis of the tool
Best luxury hair dryer for fine hair
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Yes, she's undeniably expensive. But this is our pick for the best luxury hair dryer for fine hair – so if you want something economical, the Zuvi Halo won't be it (though its wattage does make it more energy efficient and, therefore, better for your electricity bill longer-term). However, if you want innovative technology and have the budget, step this way.
Aside from looking exceptionally slick, the USP of this unique dryer is that it uses infrared light – alongside gentle air and heat – to mimic air drying your hair in the sun. We loved how gentle and quiet it is; you can tell it's really caring for your hair and our tester's fine, bleached strands weren't left feeling frazzled. The brand notes this tech leaves hair up to 109% more hydrated, while the dryer is five times more energy-efficient than standard models – something that's considered increasingly important thanks to rising energy bills.
We also love this dryer's intuitiveness. Instead of having to figure out heat and speed combos, you choose from Care, Fast and Style modes, which are programmed to be used with the accompanying concentrator, diffuser, or gentle air attachment. Reading the instructions is therefore essential, but after that any hard work is done for you. A potential downside is that the dryer is on the slow side – part of the kind-to-hair-package – which may bother you if you're time poor or impatient. The same goes if you have very long, coarse and/or thick hair (but the latter is unlikely, given that you're reading a guide to the best hair dryers for fine hair!).
Our Zuvi Halo hair dryer review has the full details on this energy efficient tool
Best hair dryer for fine hair for less damage
The Panasonic EH-NA9J Hair Dryer
Designed to tackle the visible signs of damaged hair, such as lack of shine, frizz, dryness, dullness and split ends, this dryer's unique Nanoe and double mineral technologies work to add moisture back into strands, resulting in healthier-looking and feeling hair. All of this is a big win if you have fine hair that's either damaged or prone to damage.
While testing, we were seriously impressed by the range of speed settings on offer here. The lowest yielded very soft airflow, which is beneficial to fine hair, but the highest setting packs a real punch if you want to dry quickly. Built-in sensors also ensure the dryer maintains the optimum temperature, so you're not at risk of using too much heat. There is also an alternating hot and cold air mode (to lock in moisture), a scalp mode (gentler to help support healthy hair growth) and even a skin mode (which uses mini steam particles to moisturise your face). What can't this hair dryer do?
In short, we loved using this model on our dry and bleach-damaged hair; it created an impressively smooth blow dry and diffused our curls well. Another big plus is its foldable handle and shorter barrel, which tucks away easily and makes for one of the best travel hair dryers, too.
Read our Panasonic EH-NA9J Hair Dryer review for an in-depth guide to this tool
Best shine boosting hair dryer for fine hair
The Revamp Progloss Hydro Shield X Shine Hair Dryer
It can be a struggle to keep fine hair glossy, as heavy products like oils and conditioners can easily weigh it down. So when we came across a hair dryer that promised to boost shine, we were all ears. Revamp is known for making some of the best curling irons for thick hair, but the good news is that its tools cater to fine hair types just as well.
While using the Progloss Hydro Shield X Shine Hair Dryer, we loved how quick and easy it was to use. With three attachments, we easily created a sleek blow-dry finish, but it caters to curly hair types with its accompanying diffuser. We did find it slightly fiddly to attach each one at first, but after a little practice this wasn't an issue. The combination of iconic technology and essential oil infusion gave our hair a lovely, shiny finish and a healthy look – without weighing it down or leaving it looking greasy. Tick, tick.
If you have fine, frizzy hair and your priority is hair health, we think you will love this hair dryer. The number of speed settings allows for a customisable experience to whatever your hair needs, as well as a cold setting which will help set your finished style. Another dryer with intelligent temperature sensors, there's no real danger of overheating your fine hair here.
Best brush hair dryer for fine hair
The BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
If you are looking for a one-and-done hair tool that will cater to absolutely all of your needs, the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush is one of our favourites on the market. From mastering the flicks of the C-shape haircut to the ultimate salon-worthy, sleek blow dry, this offers plenty of options for creating on-trend looks.
When we tried the blow dryer attachment on wet hair, we found the pressure to be fairly gentle, which is ideal for those with fine hair who find they don't need lots of power or who don't like to use too much heat when drying. If your hair tends to take quite a while to dry or you find you prefer higher heat, the blow dryer attachment also works as a pre-styling step; we used it to get excess water out of the hair before using one of the three styling attachments to create a sleek finish. There is only one speed setting, so you can expect the same soft drying when using each of the brush heads.
The only downsides to this dryer are that it is slightly bulky and multiple attachments aren't ideal for travel. However, we love its versatility and that it worked especially well on our tester's fine hair. If yours is prone to frizz, you'll probably be pleased to hear that the largest brush head also works well at smoothing out flyaways – its results rival that of the best hair straightener brushes.
Best travel hair dryer for fine hair
The T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer
Going on holiday can be all fun and games until you have to brave the hair dryer provided in your hotel room or worse, the pitiful one that's hooked up to the bathroom wall. But T3’s Featherweight folding model is here to save you from the horrors of sub-par holiday hair styling with its light and portable design, effective performance and enviable results. It also looks straight out of a five-star salon, so there's that, too.
With a hinged handle that makes it a breeze to fold and pack into your carry-on, the dryer has an unusually small barrel that looks slightly strange, but we found that this makes for painless styling. Despite being slower than our other favourites (as you can reasonably expect from a smaller, travel-friendly dryer), we found that it had more than enough power for our fine hair and is easily superior to the tools you’ll find in most hotel rooms. It also comes with a cool shot and a concentrator nozzle for sleek styling, plus it's great if you have a bangs hairstyle and need to keep your fringe in check on the go.
If you want an entirely separate dryer just for travel, this would be a great choice both for convenience and performance. (If not, a relatively light, high-tech dryer such as the luxe Zuvi Halo further down, might suit you.)
Best budget hair dryer for fine hair
The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer
There's serious bang for your buck with this bargain hair dryer. It features customisable styling, thanks to the smoothing nozzle and diffuser attachments, so it's a versatile tool whether you want to style bouncy blow dries or curly hair.
Fine hair often needs some extra TLC when it comes to heated tools, which can cause the hair to become brittle or damaged. Despite the power of this Remington dryer (and trust us, it is very powerful), damage control has very much been factored in. When we tested it, our dry, bleached hair was left feeling hydrated and smooth with no frizz – likely down to the tourmaline, ionic and ceramic technologies that both protect and transfer micro-conditioners to the hair for a healthy finish.
This is one of the heavier dryers we tested but, thanks to its power and quick drying time, this really wasn't an issue for us. From stepping out of the shower, a rough all-over dry only took us 10 minutes or so – about half the usual time our tester's hair takes to dry and style. So, for extremely quick heat styling that you can trust will look good, this is our go-to.
Best multi-styling dryer for fine hair
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Professionals make achieving a bouncy blow-dry look effortless, but most DIY blow dryers understand the perils of wrangling all those barrels and brushes. Enter the Dyson Airwrap and its comprehensive attachments, which are designed to do all the hard work for you. The multi-functional tool does take some getting used to (although our step-by-step guide to how to use the Dyson Airwrap will help with that) But if you normally rely on a plethora of different hair tools to add volume and boost fine hair day-to-day, then this one is definitely up your alley.
Though its price probably equates to a large percentage of your monthly rent or mortgage payment, the Airwrap's attachments offer bang for your buck. We found the drying attachment to be similar to the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, but it also comes with two different-sized barrel attachments (to create big and bouncy curls), two brush attachments (for straightening and smooth drying) and a round brush (to create voluminous blow dries).
Our thick and curly-haired tested found it's not quite powerful enough to create a smooth, frizz-free finish on her strands – if you have similar hiar you might need to pair it with one of the best straighteners for curly hair. But for finer hair, it does the job in seconds (though you may find a priming product like the Dyson Chitosan helps with lasting hold). All in all, it's definitely worthy of being called one of the best hair dryers for fine hair.
Our Dyson Airwrap review has the full details on this multi-styler
Best hydrating hair dryer for fine hair
The Babyliss Hydra Fusion Hair Dryer
Spending ages doing your hair only for it to go frizzy and static is a disheartening problem that fine-haired types regularly face. If your hair's on the drier side, it's important to pick products specially designed to counter that – and this affordable option from BaByliss is perfect for fine and frizz-prone hair.
Though not as light as some other dryers we've tested in our time, the benefits soon balance this out. 2100 watts make for a powerful blast of air, while three heat settings mean you can stick to a lower temperature and avoid frying your hair without compromising on drying time. It comes with two attachments: a smoothing nozzle and a diffuser, so it works well for a variety of hair types. When we tested it on fine and curly hair, it left it looking shiny and soft without a hint of frizz.
The price point is brilliantly affordable, too, and we were really impressed by how smooth this tool left our hair – especially compared to some other options several times its price. If you're looking for the best hair dryer for frizzy, fine hair that's a relative bargain, this is a solid bet.
Our BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer review has the full details
How we tested the best hair dryers for fine hair
A small selection of the hair dryers we tested for this guide
In order to share a truly thorough guide to the very best hair dryers for fine hair currently on the market, our beauty contributor Emma Stoddart tested an array of tools first-hand (from the likes of ghd to Remington), to see how each model dried and styled their own strands. The woman&home beauty team also contributed their insights from using the tools so as to draw on more than one fine-haired tester's experience.
Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist with more than six years of industry experience, who has worked for leading titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. With a career spanning both online and print, Emma is knowledgeable in everything from skincare to hair tool buys – testing and reviewing all of the best hair dryers for fine hair featured in this guide on her own strands.
In order to make sure we had tested a range of different options from the market – and that you can trust that the tools featured here were performed effectively on fine hair – we put tools to the test that had a range of different price points and from both big-name and lesser-known brands. Each one was used to dry our tester's hair at least once and was closely examined in the following areas to assess its overall design and performance.
- How the dryer feels to hold
- Ease and usefulness of controls
- Number of heat and speed settings
- Technical specs including weight, power and warranty
- Whether attachments are included or have to be bought separately
- Design
- Price
We've also included both traditional models and as well as some hair dryer brushes to help you select the best type of device for your styling needs – all while taking care of fragile, fine hair and boosting volume.
How to choose the best hair dryer for fine hair
Both ionic and ceramic hair dryers can work wonders on fine and thin hair, but there are a few other factors to consider when looking for the best hair dryers for fine hair.
- Wattage and power: Check the settings and power level to ensure your tool of choice won't be unneccessarily powerful and potentially damage your strands. Fine hair often only requires gentle airflow to dry, or a powerful setting at a lower temperature for styling. Opt for a dryer with variable settings so that you can tailor these accordingly.
- Speed settings: Low speeds can give you more styling flexibility, especially if you have a short hairstyle or bob hairstyle. “With finer hair, you need to control the direction of the blow-dry so that you can stop it blowing out of the brush," explains Craig Taylor, creative director at Hari’s. "A low-speed button can help, so make sure your hair dryer has this."
- Heat settings: Lower temperatures will reduce damage, a big plus for finer and more delicate strands. A lot of the best hair dryers for fine hair will have a good selection of one or two lower-temperature settings.
- Cold shot: “I like a cold button when I'm trying to set movement into the hair or root; blowing cold air helps set the bend and body that you're trying to [create],” says Taylor. Cold air will also seal the hair cuticle, making it look smoother and shinier, too.
FAQs
Is an ionic or ceramic hair dryer better for fine hair?
Both ceramic and ionic hair dryers function similarly but, depending on your specific hair type, you may find one suits you slightly better than the other. Ionic hair dryers produce negative ions that neutralise the positive charge of wet hair, targeting frizz and flyaways to give a smooth finish. This is especially beneficial for curly hair as it can help to define curls and waves.
Ceramic hair dryers feature clay in the dryer shaft, which works to retain the hair's natural moisture and shine. Ceramic dryers also ensure that heat is distributed evenly, meaning the hair usually dries more quickly and with less damage. For frizzy hair, an ionic hair dryer should be your pick, but for dry, damaged hair that needs a little more TLC, ceramic is your best bet.
Which hair dryer is least damaging?
With any type of heat tool, there is always a risk of damage to hair, which is why applying a heat protectant is a vital step in any hair type. However, certain tools have measures in place to limit the level of damage inflicted. Ceramic hair dryers are brilliant for preventing hair from becoming too frazzled, while ionic dryers can operate at a lower temperature with the same drying time as regular hair dryers.
For the best of both worlds, tourmaline hair dryers combine the elements of both ionic and ceramic hair dryers in one tool. Search for any of these three key hair dryer types when looking for the least damaging options.
How to blow dry fine hair gently
Thinner hair requires care when it comes to heat styling, according to Dr. Somji, which is why using the best hair dryer for fine hair is important. We recommend washing with the best shampoo for fine hair, then, "Use a microfibre towel to retrieve as much moisture from the hair as possible, then use a hair dryer," he advises. "Doing this means that you will be using it for a much shorter amount of time, therefore reducing the risk of extensive heat damage."
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