When it comes to heated hair tools, it feels like a fairly safe assumption to make that a dryer is easily the most popular for at-home use. But they're far from a one-size-fits-all kind of device, and using one that suits your hair's thickness, pattern and condition is key to keeping it looking and feeling healthy. For those with thinner-textured strands, the best hair dryers for fine hair will dry and style gently and effectively, without frying them in the process – and our experienced beauty journalists have tested more than enough to know which ones suit these hair types well.
The key to finding the best hair dryer for you 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," Dr Somji adds.
With all that in mind, our beauty team has tested (and re-tested) many of the top tools on the market – from the ghd Helios , our overall best pick, to the Dyson Airwrap – to find the gentlest-yes-most-effective options for thinner and finer strands. The result is this detailed, results-driven guide to the best models on the market. 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...
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The best hair dryers for fine hair at a glance
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 equally 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.
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 higher investment 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
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
Eight years after entering the hair dryer arena with the Air, ghd dropped the Helios. The cult brand stepped up its design game; as with the ghd Platinum+ hair straightener, the Helios takes a dresser from bleak to chic. It tops our list of the best hair dryers for fine hair as, not only do all of the stylish colourways look fabulous, 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 – leaving ours shiny and bouncy in minutes.
In terms of downsides, it is quite high in price and we find it noticeably heavier than most other models we tested. However, this isn't too much of a problem for fine hair that dries quickly, as you won't need to hold it as long as someone with a head of very thick and/or curly hair types. Having said that, our curly-haired Senior Beauty Editor Rhiannon Derbyshire says it's firmly her favourite dryer. Either way, the design is so streamlined that we didn't notice heaviness while using it; the ergonomic shape, which makes creating a bouncy blow dry very easy, makes it worth it.
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
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
Yes, it's undeniably expensive, up there with the Dyson. But the Zuvi Halo's low, low wattage also makes it very efficient and, therefore, better for your electricity bill longer-term – so if you can invest initially, you'll reap rewards later on. But the technology here is very innovative, too. Aside from looking exceptionally slick, the Halo's USP is that infrared light – alongside gentle air and heat – mimics air drying your hair in the sun. We loved how gentle and quiet it is; you can tell it's caring for your hair and our fine, bleached strands weren't left feeling frazzled. The brand notes this tech leaves hair up to 109% more hydrated, while being five times more energy-efficient than standard models.
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. A slight downside here is that reading the instructions is therefore essential, but after that the hard work is done for you. Another is that the dryer is on the slow side – part of the kind-to-hair-package – which we didn't mind, but may bother you if you're time poor or impatient. The same goes for very long, coarse and/or thick hair (though the latter is unlikely, given that you came to a guide to the best hair dryers for fine hair!).
Our Zuvi Halo hair dryer review has more details on this energy efficient tool
Best hair dryer for fine hair for less damage
The Panasonic EH-NA9J Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
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 also damaged or prone to damage.
While testing, the range of speed settings on offer seriously impressed us. The lowest yielded very soft airflow, which is beneficial to fine hair, while the highest setting packs a real punch if you want to dry quickly. Inbuilt sensors also ensure optimum temperature is maintained, so there's little risk of using too much heat. Meanwhile an alternating hot and cold air mode (to lock in moisture), a gentle scalp mode and even a skin mode (which uses mini steam particles to moisturise your face). What can't this hair dryer do?
All in all, this worked incredibly well on our dry and bleach-damaged hair; it created an impressively smooth blow dry and diffused curls well. Another big plus is the foldable handle and shorter barrel, which tuck away easily and make it 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
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
Keeping fine hair glossy can be tricky, as heavy products like oils and conditioners can easily weigh it down. So when we came across this hair dryer that promised to boost shine, we were all ears. Revamp makes some of the best curling irons for thick hair, but its tools cater to fine hair types just as well.
While using the Progloss Hydro Shield X Shine Hair Dryer, we found it so quick and easy to use. Three attachment means we created a sleek blow-dry finish easily, with a diffuser for curls, too. We did find attaching each one a bit fiddly 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, healthy finish – without weighing it down or leaving it looking greasy.
If your fine hair is frizz-prone and your priority is its health, we think you will love this dryer. The variable speed allows for a customisable experience to whatever your hair needs, as well as a cold setting to set your finished style. Another model with intelligent temperature sensors, there's no real danger of frazzling your strands here.
Best brush hair dryer for fine hair
The BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
If you are looking for a customisable tool that makes creating a various of styles a breeze, the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush is one of our favourites. From mastering the flicks of the C-shape haircut to the ultimate salon-worthy, sleek blow dry, this offers plenty of options.
We found the pressure of the blow dryer attachment fairly gentle, ideal for those with fine hair who don't need a great deal of power or who don't like to use much heat when drying. If you find your hair takes a while to dry or you find you prefer higher heat, the blow dryer attachment also works as a pre-styler; 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, however, so you can expect the same gentle drying experience from each of the brush heads.
The only downsides to this dryer are that it's slightly bulky and multiple attachments aren't so ideal for travel. However, we love its versatility and that it works 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 smooths flyaways brilliantly – rivalling the best hair straightener brushes.
Best travel hair dryer for fine hair
The T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
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
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
We love that you get serious bang for your buck with this bargain hair dryer. There's customisable styling at play, 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.
Despite the power of this Remington dryer (and trust us, it is very powerful), damage control has very much been factored in, meaning it's still a good pick for finer strands. When we tested it, our dry, bleached hair was left feeling hydrated and smooth without frizz – likely down to the tourmaline, ionic and ceramic technologies, all of which protect and transfer micro-conditioners to the hair for a healthy finish.
This is one of the heavier models we tested but, thanks to the power and quick drying time, that 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 time our tester's hair usually takes to dry and style. For extremely quick heat styling that you can trust will look good, this is our go-to.
Best multi-styler dryer for fine hair
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
A pro-blow dry is difficult to recreate at home, but the Dyson Airwrap and its comprehensive attachments are designed to do the hard work for you. This multi-functional tool can take some getting used to (though our step-by-step guide to how to use the Dyson Airwrap will help there) But if you normally rely on a multiple hair tools to add volume and boost your fine hair, then this tool will be up your street.
Though the price probably equates to a large percentage of your monthly rent or mortgage payment, the Airwrap does at least offer you many different styling options in one. We find the drying attachment is similar to the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, but there are also two different-sized barrel attachments for bouncy curls, two brush attachments for smoothing, plus a round brush for a voluminous blow dry look.
Our thick and curly-haired tested found it's not quite powerful enough to create a smooth, frizz-free finish on her strands and needed to use one of the best straighteners for curly hair, too – but for finer hair, it does the job in seconds (though a priming product like the Dyson Chitosan helps with lasting hold). In other words, 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
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
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.
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 & power: Check the settings and power level to ensure your tool of choice won't be unneccessarily forceful and potentially damaging to your strands. Fine hair often only requires gentle airflow to dry, or a powerful setting at a lower temperature for styling. Opt for one 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 reduce damage, a big plus for finer, more delicate strands. The best hair dryers for fine hair will have a good selection of at least one 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 also seals the hair cuticle, making it look smoother and shinier.
FAQs
Is an ionic or ceramic hair dryer better for fine hair?
Both ceramic and ionic dryers function similarly but, depending on your hair's characteristics, you may find one suits you slightly better than the other. Ionic dryers emit negative ions that neutralise the positive charge of wet hair, targeting frizz and flyaways for a smooth finish. This is especially beneficial for curly hair as it can help to improve definition.
Ceramic dryers incorporate clay to the dryer shaft, which helps hair to retain natural moisture and shine. Ceramic also ensures that heat is distributed evenly, meaning hair usually dries more quickly and with less damage. If you have frizzy hair, an ionic hair dryer should be your pick, while dry, damaged hair that needs a little more TLC will get on well with a ceramic tool.
Which hair dryer is least damaging?
With any hot hair tool, there is always a risk of a level of damage, which is why applying a heat protectant is a vital step no matter your hair type. However, some 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 ones can operate at a lower temperature with the same drying time as other 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, Dr. Somji notes, which is why having the best hair dryer for fine hair to hand 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. "This means you will be using it for a much shorter amount of time, therefore reducing the risk of extensive heat damage."
Our expert panel
Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist who has worked for some of the UK’s top titles including NET-A-PORTER, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience covers both online and print, including producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists. As well as her years of experience, having fairly fine hair herself means she knows firsthand what makes a good hair dryer for fine hair.
Dr Munir Somji is the Chief Medical Officer and Founder of Dr MediSpa, an award-winning group of three London-based clinics. He is a hair loss expert, offering restoration treatments at his clinics, therefore knows the importance of a blow dryer that cares for the unique needs of both fine and thinning hair.
Craig Taylor is a session hairstylist and the creative director at London hair salon HARI's – which means he knows a lot about the best hair dryers, including those that work well on fine hair.