So long frizzy, flat and frazzled hair – these are the 9 best hair dryers for a pro blow-dry at home
From Dyson to mdlondon, these techy blow-dryers promise efficiency, reliability and frizz-free styling – we should know as we've tested them all
A must-have hair tool for many, the best hair dryers go beyond simply blasting your strands dry as a matter of convenience; they should also be easy to use, efficient and boast health-preserving qualities so as to dry, style and smooth your hair as you like it, without damage.
Thankfully, this list of criteria isn't actually as tall an order as it sounds thanks to the plethora of impressive tools available today. You can find dryers that are designed with specific hair types in mind – like the best hair dryers for curly hair – or innovative gadgets, like the popular Dyson Supersonic, to suit all your needs and styling preferences. Even the best travel hair dryers are incredibly high-tech these days. That said, with such an array of great tools on the market, it can make finding your perfect match feel like an overwhelming task that requires an abundance of research.
What's more, our beauty team knows a lot about hair dryers, and has curated a list of all the best options for you to choose from – spanning brands like ghd and Dyson, as well as more budget-friendly, under-£30 tools. Each one was thoroughly tried and tested by us – with some even featuring in our day-to-day styling routines.
Best hair dryer deals
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Our top 3 picks
RRP: £189
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: £199
Compact, lightweight, and so easy to use, the mdlondon BLOW hair dryer won over our team with its sleek T-shape design, lightweight feel and quiet but mighty blow-drying capabilities. It's ideal for travel and just for those who want a straightforward tool that won't take up too much space in your cupboard (or suitcase).
The 9 best hair dryers, reviewed by our beauty team
The best hair dryer overall
The ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Fiona McKim
The follow-on from the much-loved Air, the ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer is the brand's lightest and fastest professional dryer, claiming to impart 30% more shine than other dryers. My 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, I 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 a cool shot. Sure, this is fewer than other brands, but, how many more do you really use? Beyond good looks, the Helios gives a solid performance thanks to its light, brushless motor and 120kph airflow – and you can really feel this power on the highest settings. It roars into action and then releases negative ions to smooth as you dry (you can learn more about ions towards the end of this guide). W&H Beauty Director Sarah Cooper-White says it gives her "the sleekest, fastest blow-dry I've ever managed at home."
Basically, 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
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen, Fiona McKim
Lucy: Let's get one thing clear from the get-go: I 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 in 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. Personally, it's my 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.
Beauty contributor Lucy showcases the results of the Dyson Supersonic's diffuser on her curly hair
The Supersonic runs at a relatively low 1600w, proving that more isn’t always more with power. The user experience is impressive, particularly considering how much technology the Supersonic packs in; things feel 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.
The attachments snap on magnetically – handy when you click them on, less so when they occasionally snap off of their own accord. I also managed to loosen the vent at the base of the handle after a couple of months of continuous use, but I'm 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 guide to the newer Dyson Supersonic Nural, too.
Read our full Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer review for more insights
The best affordable hair dryer
Revlon Smoothstay Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
Ranked as one of the best hair dryers for curly hair – and by far the most affordable model in our guide – Revlon's Smoothstay hair dryer is definitely one to consider, especially if you want a straightforward, gets-the-job-done kind of tool.
It costs a fraction of the price of a Dyson and yet still boasts impressive smoothing gadgetry, thanks to its blend of ionic and ceramic technology and coconut oil-infused nozzle. While I didn't notice any obvious shine-boosting effects from said coconut infusion, I still appreciated the idea of a hair dryer putting hair health first at its core.
As for the overall usability and results of this tool, it's perfectly straightforward and fuss-free. The diffuser helped to boost volume in my curls and add lift to my roots, all in all delivering exactly what you'd want from your everyday hair dryer. That said, it is quite heavy, which can make drying your hair feel like a bit of a workout, but for the budget price, we easily forgave it.
The best compact hair dryer
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Naomi Jamieson
Naomi: Small but mighty, this sleek hair dryer, from renowned hairdresser Michael Douglas, is more than meets the eye – though even upon first glance, its sleek, compact design and aesthetic colourways are already impressive enough.
I was constantly in awe of just how much power this fairly small dryer had, not to mention how quiet it was, compared to some of the other hair dryers on this list. Its T-shape design makes it so easy to pack away (I'd dub it a great travel hair dryer option because of this), while its lightweight feel makes for a comfortable styling experience. Attachment-wise, it comes with two: a short nozzle, for short hair and fringes, as well as a longer one, which is great for smoothing longer strands and larger sections of hair.
Jess: I think the thing I love most about the mdlondon Blow Hair Dryer is that it doesn’t over-promise with big claims about a huge reduction in drying time or eliminating damage. It just quietly makes the styling process more efficient. There's also a personal feel to the brand, with QR codes included in the instruction leaflet leading you to explainer videos from Douglas himself, on how to make the most of the tool.
My one gripe is that the attachments can be a little hard to remove, but that also means they're locked in tight when styling, so they won't just fall off or come loose mid blow-dry. Silver lining!
Read our full mdlondon BLOW hair dryer review for a full breakdown
The best lightweight hair dryer
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
Originally made for professional hairstylists, this uniquely-designed version of the Dyson Supersonic packs in power, a lightweight feel and a sleek, curved design. You get five styling attachments, including a diffuser, making it quite the all-rounder. But it's the weight that's pretty much unrivalled; at less than 700g it's extremely lightweight. This makes the dryer all the more impreeive when you consider the tech, from airflow to power, that's packed into this compact tool.
I found the ergonomic, easy-to-hold design very comfortable to use, and appreciated the 2.8m cord (which is longer than other Dyson hair dryer models). This obviously lends itself well to professional settings, like salons and sets, which was the original intention for the r, but it's great for restriction-free drying at home, too.
As someone with curly hair I was most keen to see the diffuser in action. The r’s has a larger surface area than previous Supersonic models; my main critique of the first diffuser was that, despite the excellent airflow, it was pretty small. While it’s still on the smaller side, it did a great job of drying my natural curls and waves. Another great touch is that all of these attachments are equipped with Dyson’s RFID chips, which remember your last programmed speed and hear settings, making styling all the easier.
Read Lucy's full Dyson Supersonic R hair dryer review for more details
The best professional hair dryer
The Parlux Alyon Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Fiona McKim, Stephanie Maylor
Fiona: If you asked a room full of hairdressers to name the best hair dryer, Parlux would probably win. The Italian brand has amassed a strong cohort of professional fans over the years, and after testing it, I can certainly see why. Aesthetically, it's 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.
Stephanie: 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. It's 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 is also designed to reduce frizz and damage with ionic technology, while its K-Advance Plus motor packs powerful airflow and a lifespan of at least 3,000 hours. Other nice extras include two smoothing nozzles, plus a tactile cool button that has 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 this deserves such fanfare compared to a traditional twist-off vent.
Read our full Parlux Alyon review for our detailed guide
The best hair dryer for frizzy hair
Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
Luxury blow-dry bar Drybar also has its own range of salon-quality tools to style your hair from home4, many of which I've tried and found excellent (see our guide to the best hair dryer brushes for another favourite). Among them is the Buttercup Blow-Dryer, which, despite being fairly lightweight, feels ergonomic and professional.
There are three heat and two speed settings here, but what I deem its biggest selling point is that it's noticeably good at keeping frizz to a minimum – most likely down to the ionic technology, which helps a dryer promote smoothness and definition.
There are also two different-sized concentrator nozzles in the box to help create ultra-smooth styles (especially once you've learnt how to make your blowout last longer). Drybar has a diffuser too, 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.
Nevertheless, my hair was noticeably smoother with this dryer whether I dried natural curls with the diffuser or created a sleeker style.
It may not feel as premium as a ghd or Dyson, but it is seriously cheerful to look at (is there a happier colour than yellow?). But 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 family use
The Panasonic EH-NA67 Enrich Family Care Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Emma North
Ask any parent and they'll agree that drying a child's hair can be a tear-filled, frustrating 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 largely down to a clever oscillating nozzle that distributes heat rather than directing it to one specific area, meaning we could blast away with no worry of misjudging the distance or spending too long on one area and receiving a pained squeal in response. This dryer also incorporates Panasonic's Nanoe technology, which sends tiny moisture particles into the hair to hydrate it while you dry. 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. Noise-wise, 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 an impressive 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 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 us, woman&home's beauty team put a range of best hair dryer contenders through an extensive test.
Many of these models were already in our home collections, meaning we have used them for years. We also tested a selection of others, which were put through their paces for at least a week of use so that we could analyse every aspect of their performance and user experience.
When writing these detailed reviews, we took all of the following factors into account.
- Design and weight
- How the dryer feels to hold
- Ease and usefulness of controls
- No. of heat and speed settings
- Ease of cleaning
- Tech specs, including power
- If attachments are included or have to be bought separately
- Price and value for money
- Warranty
Several tools that we tested didn't make the final cut, including some cordless and bonnet hair dryers, because we found they didn't live up to their claims – therefore we couldn't feature them.
How to choose a hair dryer
When it comes to investing in a new hair dryer, there are a few key things to look into while you consider your options.
Firstly, 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. Then there's also the case of practical features, like cord length and the size of the tool itself, plus a dust bag for storage to help keep your dryer clean and well-functioning (boosting its lifespan in the process).
- 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 speed up your drying with more power rather than a higher heat. Cooler temperatures are also better for colour-treated or brittle hair that's already weaker, to help 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: Cord length or weight aren't particularly exciting, but they are important. Consider your routine: 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 your whole family? Look for gentle temperature settings and a vent that comes off easily for cleaning.
What are the different types of hair dryers?
Generally speaking, there are three main types of hair dryers on today's market. The right one for you will depend on your hair's condition and type, including how long it usually takes you to dry it. Here's a bit more about them...
- Ionic: 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 affects the efficiency of this process; to many, ceramic is the gold standard because it heats up very quickly and evenly, so all of the air emitted from your dryer maintains a consistent temperature, so you won't unexpectedly frazzle some areas of your hair.
- Tourmaline: Another material used for said “something hot,” tourmaline is a gemstone that’s crushed into powder then reformed to be used in dryers and other hot tools. When heated, it generates infrared heat and an ionic charge, both of which can dry hair quickly, with less damage and a smoother finish.
How powerful does a hair dryer need to be?
Generally, the more powerful a dryer, the hotter the element gets and the faster it can therefore dry your hair. But this doesn't account for technological advancements like airflow concentrators and brushless motors. Plus, extreme heat causes damage, so more isn’t necessarily better with 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 occasionally, you may get on well enough with a basic, low-power model, whereas if you have thicker and/or denser hair and frequently spend time creating a professional-looking blow-dry, it’s worth investing more in a techier and 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. Some argue that curly hair types should avoid using a dryer altogether, but many people find the air-drying process is neither practical nor enjoyable. Knowing how to use a diffuser allows for far gentler drying, rather than roughing up the cuticle and disrupting your curl pattern.
The cold shot is also important. For anyone who likes to style their hair while drying, this function is essential as cool air sets the final style in place to make it last longer. "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," Reed stresses. "This will also add shine to ensure your hair looks healthy and at its best.”
What hair dryers do hairdressers use?
This varies between hairdressers. In other words, it depends. Big salons often work with specific brands preferred by their top stylists or that said stylists have relationships with. Dyson and ghd are both popular. Then, there are those that are widely used in-salon and by session stylists on location and shoots, but less well-known among consumers, 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 invariably come up: power, reliability and ergonomics. Even if your hair is seriously thick and takes time to dry, a hairdresser spends far longer with a dryer in their hand in a single 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.
Is it worth buying an expensive hair dryer?
In short: only if you can afford to. Premium models of course offer plenty of additional bells and whistles, such as included nozzles, faster drying times and – in the case of tools like the Dyson Supersonic and ghd Helios – damage-reduction features that make drying with them a healthier experience. This means that, if you do blow dry your hair very regularly or have a hair type with specific needs and can afford to, it could be worth spending a bit more for those benefits.
That said, you can salso pick up very serviceable and effective dryers for less than £100, like the Revlon one featured in this guide. It's more of a "point and shoot" kind of tool but no worse for it, as it'll still create a nice style and has some heat options to mitigate frazzle. As ever with tech, the higher up the price scale you go, the bigger the return on investment in terms of features – but it's up to you to decide whether or not you'll make the most of them.
Our expert panel
Beauty editor Fiona might have the kind of straight with a touch of wave hair that she can 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 particularly big fan of Dyson and partial to a Parlux.
With naturally curly hair, Lucy knows what to look for in a dryer to get great definition in curls and create a smooth, sleek style without excess frizz. She's tested most of the diffuser models on the market (like the Dyson Supersonic and ghd Helios) to see how well they dry and define her spirals, as well as plenty of others that achieve 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 dry 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.