We feel pretty confident in saying that millions of homes around world contain at least one hair dryer. But the best hair dryers go beyond just functional blow drying; they're well-designed, sleek to use and their performance compliments both your styling habits and hair's needs.
Said dryers probably beat even the best hair straighteners as the most widely-used hair tool. But with such a broad range of options on the market, from simple, "gets the job done" tools to powerful, high-spec gadgets like the Dyson Supersonic, finding the right one for you can seem an overwhelming prospect.
Technology that preserves your hair's health is very beneficial, while multiple speed and heat settings, including a cool shot, are key, according to hairdresser and ghd global ambassador Adam Reed. "Dry on a low heat and only use the hotter setting for the finishing touches," he says. "Once you're done styling, seal the hair using the cool setting for a super smooth look." Attachments like narrow nozzles, the best diffusers and comb attachments also win points.
In our tried and tested, results-driven guide ahead, we'll help narrow down your search with detailed reviews from our team. During our beauty journalism careers, we've tested dozens of models to guide you through the best hair dryer options. Spoiler: it's the ghd Helios that gets our vote as the overall best, but we've also narrowed down the top tools for specific categories including frizz-prone hair, smaller budgets, fine hair and curly hair, too. But first, a quick look at our six favourites...
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Our six top picks
RRP: £179
Ghd's lightest and fastest dryer features ionic technology for smooth and shiny hair and, though minimal, the controls gave us everything we needed for that perfect blow dry. It's noisier than the Dyson, but its design is well-balanced and ergonomic.
RRP: £329.99
We've reviewed dozens of hair dryers and the Dyson Supersonic is the best in the business if money is no object. It's sleek, lightweight, quiet, and works a treat on all hair types, but this premium dryer is a serious investment. With a very well-designed diffuser, it's also one of the best choices for curly hair.
RRP: £59.99
Though it's pretty heavy, this chic-looking dryer packs in care technology and gave us one of the speediest blow dries during the testing process. It also boasts a three-metre cable and chilly cold shot.
RRP: £165
Loved by professionals, the Parlux hair dryer is lightweight yet immensely powerful. It comes in 10 colourways and, while testing, we particularly liked how easy it was to use one-handed. There are no frills or smart features, but it's a tried and true option.
RRP: £129.99
Celebrity hairstylist Nicky Clarke knows a thing or two about how to look after your hair – something that most definitely shows in his haircare line. With this dryer, we got great results without using much heat, keeping damage levels down.
RRP: £329
The Zuvi Halo was a true revolution when it hit the market because it uses light, rather than relying solely on high temperatures, to dry hair, mimicking the way strands dry in the sun. The result is an ultra gentle and energy efficient drying experience.
The best hair dryers, reviewed by our beauty team
The best hair dryer overall
The ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
The successor to the much-loved Air, the ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer is the brand's lightest and fastest professional dryer that claims to impart 30% more shine than other dryers. Our first impressions were good; it's a bit sleeker and sexier than other ghd models with five colourways to choose from – black, ink blue, white, mystic blue and (our personal favourite) plum with gold accents. The casing is matte with a nice velvety texture and, while it isn't the lightest at 780g, we found it pretty nimble. Thanks to its ergonomic design, the weight is balanced fairly equally between the handle and head.
The settings are also very user-friendly: two speed, two heat and one cool shot. This may seem simple but, honestly, how many more do you really use? Beyond good looks, the Helios offers solid performance with its light, brushless motor and 120kph airflow. You can feel that power when you flick it on to full heat and speed. The dryer roars into action and then releases negative ions to smooth as you dry (more on ions at the end of this guide). Our Beauty Director Sarah Cooper-White says it gives her "the sleekest, fastest blow-dry I've ever managed at home."
In short, it's a brilliant all-rounder with incremental improvements on previous models but nothing that will alienate or annoy long-time ghd fans. This powerful tool has a satisfying and ultra-speedy – albeit not especially quiet – drying experience. It tops our list of the best hair dryers for fine hair, but we rate it for all hair types.
Read our full ghd Helios hair dryer review for more details
The best premium hair dryer
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Let's get one thing clear from the get go: we know many people don't have this kind of budget for a hair dryer and it's certainly not necessary to buy a good one. There are plenty of great, lower-priced choices in this guide. But if you are planning to make a sizeable investment, it’s easy to see why the Dyson Supersonic has won so many consumers over.
As you’d expect from an engineering-backed brand, the specs are impressive. The main draw is the power, generated from a 13-blade digital motor that sits not in the head of the dryer, but the handle. Said motor sends 13 litres of air per second to the head, which is multiplied to 41 litres and checked 20 times per second to maintain a precise temperature. The result is fast, controlled drying and styling without the damage of extreme heat (for those wondering do hair dryers damage hair, it depends on how hot yours is).
Though it's considered a top tool for all hair types, many hairdressers consider the Supersonic and its diffuser particularly great for curly hair types. It's contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen's favourite pairing for drying her curls. "The airflow is super gentle – you notice Dyson's engineering expertise in the diffuser's design – and I always get great, well-defined results," she says.
Beauty contributor Lucy showcases the results of the Dyson Supersonic's diffuser on her curly hair
The dryer runs at a relatively low 1600w, proving that more isn’t always more with power. The user experience is impressive, too; considering how much technology the Supersonic packs in, the experience is pleasingly pared back, with three speed and four heat controls, including a cold shot. It whooshes to full speed with not a second wasted warming up – plus it’s one of the quietest hair dryers around and a dream to control, thanks to that handle-based motor. Nozzles attach magnetically – handy when you click them on, less so when they occasionally snap off of their own accord. We also managed to loosen the vent at the base of the handle after a couple of months of continuous use, but we're nitpicking – it's not easy finding negatives here. If you want additional benefits, like an idle mode and scalp care sensor, check out our detailed review of the newer Dyson Supersonic Nural, too.
Read our full Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer review for more insights
The best hair dryer for quick results
Remington Hydraluxe Pro Hair Dryer
Initially, we thought the design team had clearly broken away from the modern dryer mould – which tends to be either sleek, slim and black, or as close to Dyson as they can without getting in trouble. This is a chunky and curvy number in gloss and matte greige, and we love it. If your idea of the best hair dryer is one that's cute and vaguely retro-looking, this will tick your visual boxes like no other.
Picking it up, you'll notice what we deem the only real downside: it's fairly heavy. Not the heaviest in our guide, but certainly weighty. That aside, this dryer blends convenience and care with ease of use. The main USP is Hydracare technology, which monitors your hair while drying and automatically adjusts the heat to prevent damage. This removes any guesswork for those concerned about the effects of daily heat styling. Of course, you don't have to use this function if you'd prefer to choose your own or simply want to go full-throttle every time (though with this power you're unlikely to need it).
This was one of the fastest dryers on our list and though a bit of noise came with it, it was worth it for our tester's four-minute blow dry. Other notable are the three-metre cable and very chilly cold shot that doesn't need to be held consistenly, plus three attachments (one diffuser and two concentrators). These secure not with the usual annoying click-around-the-edges mechanism but smoothly, like the final jigsaw piece, via a little nub in the centre of the attachment. Our verdict? These little touches elevate this kind and fast dryer to one of the best on the market.
The best lightweight hair dryer
The Parlux Alyon Hair Dryer
If you ask a room full of hairdressers to name the best hair dryer, Parlux would probably win. The Italian brand has amassed a fierce cohort of professional fans over the years and, after testing it, we can certainly see why. Aesthetically, this is among a few dryers that could reasonably be described as sexy. It comes in 10 colours, from inky matte black to bright corals and yellows.
Design-wise, it's small, sleek and incredibly light, yet boasts a muscular 2250W of power that you notice right away. This is especially beneficial when drying thick hair – no achy arms here. In fact, that's also why this iconic hair dryer made it to our list of the best hairdryers for curly hair. Looks and feel aside, the Parlux Alyon also has plenty of useful features. The heat and speed options are uncomplicated – flick the switch at the side of the handle and off you go. "I found this particular detail so handy for mid-dry temperature adjustments, as I could intuitively use my thumb instead of having to pull the dryer away to see which button I was pressing," says Maylor. "It's the little things like this that make a big difference to everyday use."
Beauty Editor Stephanie Maylor's hair after blow drying with the Parlux Alyon (L), plus the tool and its attachments (R)
The Alyon also works to prevent frizz and damage with ionic technology, while its K-Advance Plus motor packs powerful airflow and a lifespan of at least 3,000 hours. Additional touches include two smoothing nozzles in the box, plus a tactile cool button with a satisfying click. The dryer also has a patent-pending HFS – “Hair Free System" – a tiny corkscrew within the back vent that catches and prevents hair from getting trapped in the dryer. Though it appears tricky initially with its 10-step instruction booklet, it's actually quite simple to master – though we aren't quite convinced it deserves such fanfare compared to the traditional twist-off vent.
Read our full Parlux Alyon review for our detailed guide
The best hair dryer for fine hair
The Nicky Clarke Infra-red Pro Hair Dryer
The saying may be don't judge a book by its cover, but we say don't judge a hair dryer by its casing. Case in point: what appears to be a generic yet sleek and pleasant-looking device from Nicky Clarke actually houses pretty interesting technology and features. The first and most unique aspect is infrared technology. This, and its unique honeycomb-shaped element, helps to disperse heat evenly. Clarke says this makes for a kind and gentle hair-drying experience without sacrificing performance.
We're largely sold. We tested it on fine hair and had a non-scorching experience, even on the highest heat setting, and enjoyed its low weight and nimbleness. Our hair was left smooth and dried without static or flyaways, even after rough drying, which we put down to the ion technology. Did we notice the infrared, particularly? No, but we trust it did its job in terms of hair and scalp care. We'd rate the drying time average for a tool of this price; not noticeably quick or slow, but certainly impressive considering the energy efficiency.
To us the design isn't exactly a statement, but it is attractive and contemporary-looking with a velvety black finish. For us, the three-metre cord was a welcome touch, as was the smoothing nozzle, which did a great job of creating sleek sheets of hair with a round brush when we had time to really put it through its paces. Overall, it's a strong and thoughtful foray back into premium devices from Nicky Clarke – kind to our hair, kind to the planet and not too unkind on budgets.
The best hair dryer for minimising heat damage
Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
The first thing we noticed upon picking up the Zuvi Halo is that it’s so light, weighing around 500g. But don’t be fooled, because it's a tech-heavy tool. Along with the dryer itself, there are three different attachments included: a diffuser, a concentrator nozzle and a gentle air attachment, so it’s quite adaptable. That low wattage also makes it super energy efficient.
We found the Halo easy to use; its magnetic attachments are very secure once on the dryer. There’s only one button that cycles through the four styling modes – slow, fast, care and style – and which activates the cold shot when continually held. While some cool shot functions are lukewarm at best, the Halo’s is noticeably chilly and the dryer flits between temperatures impressively quickly.
If you usually load up on heat protection for hair and blasts your strands, you’ll need to lower your expectations, quite literally. The Halo styles at just 44°C and – this is where the impressive tech comes in – also uses infrared light to dry water on the surface of the hair. According to research from the brand’s labs, hair retains 109% more moisture at its core this way while, if you colour your hair, this also helps to reduce fade.
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Our hair felt super soft after multiple styling sessions with the Zuvi and it dried hair fairly fast – though perhaps not dramatically faster than a traditional dryer. When drying curls, the diffuser creates excellent volume and definition, making it good for curly hair, too (though as with any diffuser and dryer combo, using it adds on drying time). The Halo’s big drawback is, of course, its price tag. For many, spending this kind of money on a hair dryer isn't an option, no matter how groundbreaking the technology. But if it’s within your price range, or you’re able to save for it, there are clear benefits to the investment.
You can read our full Zuvi Halo hair dryer review for more details
The best hair dryer for frizzy hair
Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer
Luxury blow dry bar Drybar also sells a range of salon-quality tools for at-home styling, many of which we’ve tried and found excellent (see our guide to the best hair dryer brushes for another one of our faves). Among them is the Buttercup Blow-Dryer, which, despite being quite lightweight, feels like a well-made, ergonomic and professional tool.
There are three heat and two speed settings here, but the thing we'd most like to shout about is that it's noticeably good at keeping frizz to a minimum – most likely down to its ionic technology which, in short, adds smoothness and definition. There are also two concentrator nozzles of different widths in the box, which help to create ultra-smooth styles (especially once you've learnt how to make your blowout last longer).
Drybar also makes a great diffuser, The Bouncer, which is compatible with both this and the travel-sized Buttercup dryer, as well as some non-Drybar models, but does have to be purchased separately. Either way, our hair was noticeably smoother with this dryer whether we dried natural curls with the diffuser or created a sleeker style.
It may not feel quite as premium as the ghd Helios or techier options like the Dyson or Zuvi, but we think you'll agree it's seriously cheerful to look at (is there a happier colour than yellow?). More than that, it’s a great, quality overall tool and an ideal match for you if you seek a less-frizzy finish.
The best hair dryer for easy styling
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete, plus all available attachments
The Airwrap isn’t for everyone. There is the obvious expense, but it’s also a little bit trickier to get the hang of (though our step-by-step guide to how to use the Dyson Airwrap will help with that). So it's probably not for anyone who just wants to blast their hair in the most fuss-free manner possible. If you like to experiment with styling, blow drying smooth one day and curling the next, you'll likely try the Dyson Airwrap and wonder where it has been all of your life.
The Airwrap Complete comes with six attachments that cover almost everything: a dryer attachment that essentially turns it into the Supersonic Dryer (minus the styling nozzles); 30mm and 40mm barrels to create waves of varying tightness; a round volumizing brush; plus firm and soft smoothing brushes.
The technology hinges on a unique phenomenon called the Coanda effect, which creates pressurised airflow that draws hair towards the attachment, wrapping it around the barrel or holding it against the brush. Combined with heat, air is then pushed over the strands to dry and style without ever subjecting them to searing temperatures. You can set the hair using the cool-shot button, then release it, and out drops a shiny curl, bouncy wave or perfectly smoothed section of hair. We found it extremely satisfying and positively mouse-like compared to the volume of the average hair dryer.
Beauty contributor Lucy after using the Dyson Airwrap's curling barrels
"It can take time to master Airwrap curling barrels technique, if you've not used anything similar before; it takes a little getting used to," says Abbersteen, who has tested this and the newer Airwrap i.d. models. "But once you've taken a minute to get the hang of it it creates smooth, bouncy curls." As a multi-styler, the Airwrap is ideal for travel as it doubles as the best hair dryer in one ultra-slim and lightweight package. Again, it isn’t for everyone, but if you regularly use a variety of drying and styling tools, this could replace them in spectacular style. The only thing we'd note is missing is a diffuser attachment to dry natural curls.
You can see our full Dyson Airwrap review for an in-depth analysis
The best hair dryer for family use
The Panasonic EH-NA67 Enrich Family Care Hair Dryer
Ask any parent and they'll agree that drying a child's hair can be a tear-soaked and frustration-filled challenge. But the Panasonic EH-NA67 Enrich + Family Care Hair Dryer aims to nip this in the bud with a clever and ultra-gentle drying experience that prevents painful, hair-damaging hotspots.
This is mainly down to a clever oscillating nozzle that distributes heat rather than directing it in one specific area. This allowed us to blast away with no worry of misjudging the distance or spending too long on one area and receiving a pained squeal in response. This hair dryer also incorporates Panasonic's Nanoe technology, which sends tiny moisture particles into the hair to hydrate while drying. This hair and scalp-loving tech not only makes it the best hair dryer for families but anyone with over-processed, frazzled hair or a sensitive scalp. In terms of noise and blast, we deem it a solid middle-of-the-pack option – neither noticeably loud nor one of the quietest hair dryers on the market.
Beauty contributor Emma using the Panasonic Enrich + Family Care Hair Dryer
As well as a generous four temperature settings and three speed options, a cool shot and both a concentrator and diffuser nozzles, there's a mighty 2000w of power, too. It's a little heavier than the Panasonic Nanoe + Double Mineral and also lacks the handy folding handle of its predecessor; for us, this omission makes it trickier to transport and slightly less nimble to manoeuvre when drying. It may not be the sexiest, most show-it-off dryer on our list, but it's definitely the kindest, and nice beats flash any day.
Read our full Panasonic EH-NA67 Enrich Family Care Hair Dryer review for more details
How we tested the best hair dryers
A selection of the hair dryers the woman&home beauty team tested for this piece
With decades of experience testing hair tools between them, woman&home's beauty team put these best hair dryer picks through an extensive test, analysing every aspect of these tools. They took all of the following factors into account for their reviews.
- Design
- How the dryer feels to hold
- Ease and usefulness of controls
- No. of heat and speed settings
- Ease of cleaning
- Tech specs including weight, power, and warranty
- If attachments are included or have to be bought separately
- Price
Several options we tested didn't make the final cut, including some cordless and bonnet hair dryers, because we found they did not live up to their claims, meaning we couldn't feature them.
How to choose a hair dryer
- Heat & speed settings: "A bad habit most of us have is to turn the dryer up to the fastest and hottest setting – that can cause damage, overheating the cuticle, and frazzled, dry ends," says Syd Hayes, session stylist and BaByliss ambassador. If you have long or thick hair, try to accelerate the styling process with power over heat. Cooler temperatures work best for colour-treated or brittle hair to minimise damage and frizz.
- Attachments: "If you’re after a salon-worthy blow dry full of volume, the narrow styling nozzle is the attachment for you," notes Dafydd Thomas, ghd's global head of education. "The wide styling nozzle is great if you want to blow dry your hair smooth, quickly as it covers a larger surface area. A comb nozzle is perfect for adding additional volume and shape without disturbing natural movement. If you’re looking to enhance and define natural curls, a diffuser will allow [for this]."
- Practical features: Specs like cord length or weight aren't that fancy, but they are important. Consider your routine here – if you regularly dry thick hair into salon-style flicks, ensure your dryer is lightweight with a swivel cord so you won't get tangled or experience arm ache. If it'll sit in a drawer most of the time, heavier is OK, but a robust dust filter is probably a good shout. Need a dryer for the whole family? Look for gentle temperatures and a vent that comes off easily for cleaning.
What are the types of hair dryers?
Generally speaking, there are three main types of hair dryers. The right one for you will depend on your hair's condition and type, including how long it usually takes you to dry it.
- Ionic: One of the most popular features, with good reason. Our hair has a natural positive charge, which causes frizz and static. Ionic dryers release a stream of negative ions that grab onto the positive ones to neutralise and smooth them. This can also reduce drying time; the positive ions in water in your hair are broken down and dispersed so you can dry for less time on a lower heat, thus reducing damage.
- Ceramic: Hair dryers work by pushing concentrated air over something hot to dry wet hair. The material of said “something hot” affects the efficiency of this process; to many, ceramic is the gold standard because it heats up extremely quickly and evenly, so every iota of air emitted from your dryer maintains a consistent temperature. I.e., no one section of your hair is frazzled while another is out in the cold.
- Tourmaline: Another material used for “the hot bit,” tourmaline is a gemstone that’s crushed into powder then reformed to be used dryers and other hot tools. When heated, it generates infrared heat and an ionic charge, both of which help dry hair quickly with less damage and more smoothness.
How powerful does a hair dryer need to be?
Generally, the more powerful a dryer is, the hotter the element gets and the faster it can dry your hair. However, this doesn't account for technology like airflow concentrators and brushless motors – and extreme heat causes damage, so bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to power. The best hair dryers usually have more than 1,500W of power, though some high-tech options cut this right down.
If you only use a dryer every so often, you'll probably get on fine with a basic, low-power model, whereas if you have thicker and/or denser hair and frequently take a considerable amount of time creating a professional blow-dry, it’s worth investing more in a techier, more powerful tool.
Do I need a diffuser or a cold shot button?
If you have curly hair then yes, a diffuser is a good idea. Though some argue that curly hair types should avoid using a dryer altogether, many people find that the air-drying process is neither practical nor enjoyable. Knowing how to use a diffuser allows you to dry far more gently, rather than forcing the cuticle this way and that and disrupting the natural curl pattern.
Then there's the cold shot. For anyone who likes to style their hair with their dryer, such as using tension to straighten it or a round brush to add flicks or lift the roots, this function is essential because the cooler air sets a style in place, boosting its longevity. "When blow drying your hair, always finish with the cold shot, this seals the cuticle to reduce atmospheric damage to the hair and allows longevity with hair styling," confirms Reed. "This will also add shine to ensure your hair looks healthy and at its best.”
What hair dryers do hairdressers use?
This really depends and varies from hairdresser to hairdresser. Big salons often work with specific brands preferred by their top stylists, or those that said stylists have relationships with – ghd and Dyson are both popular in professional settings. Then, there are those that are widely used in-salon and by session stylists on location and shoots, but that aren't as widely available to consumers; these include brands like Elchim and Parlux, whose Alyon model features in this guide.
Ask a stylist what they look for in a hair dryer and three key themes will emerge: power, reliability and ergonomics – even if your hair is seriously thick and takes what feels like an age to dry, a hairdresser spends longer with a dryer in their hand than you do any day, so comfort and ease of movement are crucial. That's why you'll often see compact models, such as the Dyson and Parlux, in the hands of the pros.
Our expert panel
Beauty Editor Fiona might have the kind of naturally wavy hair that you could leave to air-dry but, with more than a decade of experience in the industry, she's flexed her at-home blow-dry muscles enough times to know what makes a brilliant hair dryer. She’s a big fan of Dyson, has been wooed by Shark and is partial to a Parlux.
Lucy has curly hair, so knows what to look for in a dryer to get great definition in curls and be able to create a smooth, sleek style – without generating excess frizz either way. She has tested hair dryers with diffusers (like the Dyson Supersonic and Zuvi Halo) to see how well they can dry and define her spirals, plus plenty of others that can dry efficiently with a smooth finish.
Stephanie has great hair: it's long and thick with a natural wave. As an experienced beauty editor, she has tried and tested an impressive number of hairstyling tools over the years to maintain and style her lengths, including the hairdresser favourite, Parlux.
Adam Reed is a leading hairdresser and the founder of the ARKIVE Headcare brand and salon. At the time of writing, he was also global ambassador for ghd.
Syd Hayes is a renowned hair stylist and the owner of the Q Cut salon in Kew Gardens, London. He is also an ambassador for BaByliss and has worked on countless photo shoots and fashion week shows during his career.
With a background in hairdressing and hair education, Dafydd Thomas is ghd's Global Head of Education, and has shared some insights on the role of various attachments for the best hair dryers.
