In my years of reviewing beauty tech, it was upgrading my hair dryer that made the biggest difference to my routine. I used to dread hair-wash days: the chore of shampooing, conditioning and rinsing my hair, plus the time – and aching arms – spent getting it dry again.
My clunky, bargain-bucket hair dryer of seven years was weighty, deafeningly loud, and took a painstaking 20 minutes to dry my hair. So happier days really did arrive when I switched to a new model.
My current hair dryer uses a lightweight digital motor that’s not only far quieter, but is also powerful enough to dry my hair in just five minutes. It seems modern hair dryers have stepped up their game. Here, you’ll find the best hair dryers I’ve tested, from gentle options with diffusers for curly hair to ultra-fast models that shave significant time off your morning routine. You’ll also find expert hair-drying guidance from celebrity hairstylist Melissa Timperley.
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Why you should trust me
I’ve been reviewing beauty products for four years and have amassed a near-encyclopaedic knowledge of hair care. I’ve attended countless styling masterclasses, interviewed hair stylists, and completed a cosmetic science course where I learned exactly how hair growth, styling and care work at a cellular level.
I’ve tested and reviewed about 70 hair-styling tools – including hair dryers, curlers, hot brushes, wavers and straighteners – from big-name brands and newcomers alike. And perhaps most impressively, I’ve walked away with my hair healthy and intact.
How I tested
Having researched the most popular brands and models, I put 22 hair dryers through their paces for this test. I also spoke to a hair stylist to find out what she looks for in a hair dryer, before cherrypicking the best 12 from my tests to include here.
I used an anemometer to test each model’s maximum wind speed, which ranged from a measly 16 metres a second (m/s) to a mind-boggling 43.8m/s, and also a sound meter to measure noise levels from 15cm away.
Claims of “enhanced shine or smoothness” aren’t quantifiable, but I did use every hair dryer to complete the same task, noting how long it took to rough-dry hair and then to finish. I also tried my hand at using a round brush to achieve a smooth, bouncy blowout. While I’m no professional at this, it allowed me to make a judgment about how easy a hair dryer’s controls are to use, how precise and versatile its settings are, and comfort levels over the course of styling.
When testing was complete, I returned the samples to the manufacturers who sent them. If samples could not be returned, they were sent to the Redbridge Reach Out domestic abuse service, which provides support and refuge for survivors.
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The best hair dryers
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<em>Best hair dryer overall:</em>Hershesons The Great
- What we love:Fast; lightweight; good results on all hair types
- What we don’t love:Archaic push-on attachments
Testing the Hershesons the Great hair dryer confirmed my belief that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. This hair dryer perfects the basics and irons out any common niggles. It’s the lightest option I’ve ever tested, almost the quickest – and an easy recommendation.
Why we love it
The Great hair dryer has four speeds, three heat settings and a cool shot. It reached a super-fast 38.4m/s in my tests, rough-drying my hair in less than five minutes, and leaving it soft and healthy-looking.
You change the settings using buttons on the hair dryer’s handle, which can then be locked into place. This is unlike button controls on other models, which can be accidentally pressed mid-use.
One distinctive feature of the Hershesons hair dryer, and something that goes a long way to justify its premium price, is its heat-proof mat. This will automatically switch off the dryer when it’s placed on to it, resuming again once it’s lifted. I found this invaluable when blow-drying my hair with a round brush, since I could plonk the hair dryer down to section my hair without having to faff around with the controls.
Add on two concentrator nozzles, a diffuser, a fabric bag and a sturdier storage case, and the Great is a hair dryer that truly feels designed with the user in mind.
It’s a shame that … it’s so expensive. Next to hair dryers with magnetic attachments, the push-on system here also felt archaic and made it more difficult to switch out tools.
Weight (without wire): 294g
Cord length: 2.75m
Heat settings (including cool shot): four
Speed settings: four
Attachments: concentrator nozzles and a diffuser
Maximum wind speed: 38.4m/s
Volume range: 82-86dB
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<em>Best budget hair dryer:</em>BaByliss Hydro-Fusion
- What we love::Smooth results, sensible price, quiet operation
- What we don’t love:No high-tech features
If you ever struggle with frizzy hair after blow-drying, chances are you need an ionic dryer. This budget-friendly BaByliss option has a good range of speed and heat settings, a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser, making it suitable for numerous hair types. Furthermore, thanks to its 2,100W motor, its 26.4m/s maximum wind speed rivals some of the pricier options on this page.
Why we love it
It was immediately clear that the Hydro-Fusion was well built and powerful. It rough-dried my hair in about 10 minutes, leaving it feeling healthy and totally free from frizz and flyaways. Despite this power, it’s quieter than many of the models here, too.
Attachments securely clicked into place and stayed on without issue while I completed my round-brush blow-dry test. I found the hair dryer’s two speed settings offered plenty of control for more precise styling, and the cool shot came through quickly compared with other cheaper hair dryers I’ve tested. Once styled, my hair was bouncy and shiny, with a frizz-free finish that lasted multiple days.
It’s a shame that … its design is pretty basic; there are no frills here. A few more colour options would have been welcome, too, but you’re unlikely to find a better hair dryer for the price.
Weight (without wire): 430g
Cord length: 2.5m
Heat settings (including cool shot): four
Speed settings: two
Attachments: concentrator nozzle and a diffuser
Maximum wind speed: 26.4m/s
Volume range: 78-85dB
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<em>Best hair dryer for curly hair:</em>Panasonic Nanoe Moisture+ EH NA0J
- What we love:Moisturising tech, with smooth healthy results
- What we don’t love:Confusing settings
As counterintuitive as it sounds, this hair dryer adds moisture to your hair. Panasonic’s Nanoe technology creates microscopic water droplets that penetrate the hair’s cuticle to add extra moisture to the hair’s deepest layers. It claims this helps to reduce colour fading, flyaways, split ends and breakage.
Why we love it
I tested the Panasonic EH NA0J hair dryer after several hair washes and found its distinctive shape intuitive to use. For rough-drying, I used heat and the fastest speed setting (23.4m/s), and was impressed at how quickly the hair dryer worked its magic (in about 10 minutes).
Compared with the other models here, the Nanoe appeared to separate wet clumps of hair into smaller sections, drying strands faster. Despite using the one and only heat setting, my hair felt smooth and healthy after a rough dry. And when attempting the round-brush blow-dry, the Nanoe set the style quickly using its cool shot.
This hair dryer is particularly good at gently diffusing curly and coily hair types. The diffuser attachment locks securely on to the front of the body, and its long prongs are well designed to spread air gently from the root to the tip of a curl. Add in its moisturising capabilities, and you’ll be left with soft, shiny, healthier curls with each use.
It’s a shame that … it has only one heat setting. Instead, the Nanoe offers multiple modes: alternating hot and cold for preserving shine; a Scalp Care mode and a Skin Care mode. These won’t be right for everyone, particularly if you like adjusting the heat levels manually. But if your hair needs extra nourishment, this hair dryer is worth a shot.
Weight (without wire): 460g
Cord length: 2.7m
Heat settings (including cool shot): one (plus scalp care and alternating modes)
Speed settings: three
Attachments: concentrator nozzle and a diffuser
Maximum wind speed: 23.4m/s
Volume range: 73-84dB
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<em>Best hair dryer for sensitive scalps:</em>Dyson Supersonic Nural
- What we love:Great scalp care; luxury design; healthy styling
- What we don’t love:High price, with marginally slower speeds
- Straight and wavy, £349.99 at John Lewis John Lewis £349.99
- Curly and coily, £399.99 at Dyson Dyson £399.99
Dyson was once best known for its vacuum cleaners, but in recent years has cultivated a reputation for luxury hair styling tools. The 2016 Dyson Supersonic was the brand’s first hair care product, with a distinctive design that ripped up the hair dryer rulebook. And in 2024, Dyson launched the Supersonic Nural, which mirrors the original design but adds some handy scalp care features.
Why we love it
The Supersonic Nural had to do some heavy lifting to justify its high price tag. It looks just like its predecessor aside from a small sensor in the middle, which controls the Nural’s new Scalp Protect mode. This tweaks the temperature of the air based on the hair dryer’s proximity to the scalp, ensuring you never burn your scalp or frazzle the delicate hairs at the hairline.
As someone with a fussy scalp, I often find the highest temperatures of hair dryers too harsh, but this ensured I was completely comfortable throughout drying. At the same time, it dried the lengths of my hair without frazzling them or causing unnecessary damage. You can also switch this mode on and off if you prefer to control the temperature yourself.
There are three speeds and four temperatures, and the button controls are intuitive. Its evenly weighted design was comfortable to hold, its motor was very quiet, and I found its magnetic attachments convenient and easy to use. I particularly liked the flyaway attachment, which quickly and comfortably smoothed down my frizz and flyaways after rough-drying my hair.
It’s a shame that … it’s very expensive and the hair dryer wasn’t quite as quick as others I’ve tested. It took about seven minutes to blow dry my hair, but I was grateful that it could take care of my scalp without me having to make adjustments. It’s easily the best option for those with sensitive scalps.
Weight (without wire): 485g
Cord length: 2.8m
Heat settings (including cool shot): four
Speed settings: three
Attachments: concentrator nozzle, diffuser, flyaway attachment, gentle air attachment and a wide-tooth comb
Maximum wind speed: 29.2m/s
Volume range: 75-81dB
Read our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review
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<em>Best lightweight hair dryer:</em>Electric Head Jog Futaria
- What we love:Fast drying; lightweight; sensible price
- What we don’t love:Could be too powerful for some
This is the fastest hair dryer I’ve ever tested, and weighing 304g, the Futaria is just 10g heavier than the lightest option – the Hershesons above. It was the dark horse here; I hadn’t encountered Head Jog before testing, but with its fast wind speeds of 43.8m/s and reasonable price, it’s an easy favourite.
Why we love it
The Futaria hair dryer packs a serious punch, rough-drying my hair in a blisteringly quick four minutes. Thanks to its three speeds and four heat settings, I could master a precise round-brush blow-dry without much effort at all. Personally, I found the wider concentrator nozzle best for styling larger sections of hair, which sped up the process even further.
The digital motor also makes the Futaria relatively quiet, and despite its light weight, the design feels sturdy and evenly weighted, plus its rear filter is easy to clean and maintain. As such, this model is perfect for use in busy salons to reduce wrist strain and maximise time efficiency. And those of us at home will also benefit from the dryer’s sleek design, which is available in blue, pink and black.
It’s a shame that … since it’s tailored to professional stylists, it’s not as widely stocked as other hair dryers. Also, those concerned about damage may find the knock-your-socks-off power a little much. That said, if you’re careful with the highest intensity settings and use a heat protection spray, you shouldn’t fry your hair.
Weight (without wire): 304g
Cord length: 3m
Heat settings (including cool shot): four
Speed settings: three
Attachments: two concentrator nozzles and a diffuser
Maximum wind speed: 43.8m/s
Volume range: 78-84dB
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<em>Best travel hair dryer:</em>Dyson Supersonic Travel
- What we love:Universal voltage and fast; smooth styling
- What we don’t love:Its high price
I’ve sat by draughty windows that could dry my hair quicker than a hotel hair dryer, so when Dyson announced it was launching a travel-size Supersonic, I was all ears. If you can afford it, it’s easily the best dual-voltage travel hair dryer on the market, with heat monitoring, fast speeds, versatile controls and a build that Dyson claims is 25% lighter and 32% smaller than the original. And, of course, it has the luxury design Dyson is known for.
Why we love it
Aside from its dinky size and weight, it has the same intuitive controls as Dyson’s other hair dryers. That includes two button-controlled heat and speed settings, and a power switch on the handle. That’s fewer options than the full-size model, but more versatility than other travel dryers.
It packs a punch, too. Its motor spat out air at an impressive 18.4m/s on its highest speed, which is enough to rival some of the full-size options here. Rough-drying my hair took 10 minutes and, using the nozzle provided, a round-brush blow dry left my hair feeling smooth, sleek and healthy. That’s partly because of the hair dryer’s built-in heat-monitoring system, which helps keep styling temperatures healthy and consistent.
And, if you’ve already splashed the cash on a Dyson Supersonic or Nural, the travel dryer is compatible with all existing full-size attachments. If you travel often and hair health is a priority, this is a well-engineered travel dryer that gives you almost all the benefits of the Supersonic on the go.
It’s a shame that … it’s so expensive – some full-size options here are far better value, so worth considering above the Dyson. Occasional travellers are likely to be just fine with a cheaper travel model, or a lightweight hair dryer they can easily pack.
Weight (without wire): 330g
Cord length: 2m
Heat settings (including cool shot): three
Speed settings: two
Attachments: concentrator nozzle
Maximum wind speed: 18.4m/s
Volume range: 85-89dB
Read our full Dyson Supersonic Travel review
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The best of the rest
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Parlux 3200 Plus
- What we love:Glossy finish, tactile controls
- What we don’t love:Heavier than others
Best for: fuss-free styling
Italian brand Parlux is well known for making high-quality, powerful, long-lasting hair dryers. According to the brand, the Parlux 3200 Plus (previously Compact) is the most widely used professional hair dryer on the market. I found it well balanced and comfortable in the hand and liked its tactile, retro-feeling switches.
During testing, it dried my hair incredibly quickly, leaving a glossy, frizz-free finish. That’s thanks to the inclusion of Parlux’s K-lamination motor, which provides the power of a 2,800W motor while using only 1,900W. The hair dryer is available in a wide range of colours, and is a stylish option – if you can look past the box, which looks freshly fished from the early 2000s.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s heavier than other options here, plus it lacks the design refinements of more expensive models.
Weight (without wire): 588g; cord length: 3m; heat settings (including cool shot): three; speed settings: two; attachments: two concentrator nozzles; maximum wind speed: 26m/s; volume range: 80-85dB
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Cloud Nine the Airshot Pro
- What we love:Quiet operation with shiny results
- What we don’t love:No dedicated cool-shot button
Best for: quiet operation
Taking the highest and lowest noise levels into account, the Airshot Pro is the quietest hair dryer I’ve tested. In addition, my hair was left with gorgeous shine thanks to the Sericite-infused heat tech that features in Cloud Nine’s heat-styling tools.
As well as offering a great range of temperature controls, with a continuous cool-shot option, the Airshot’s magnetic concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachments proved secure and suited to a range of hair types.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it lacks a dedicated cool-shot button, and it’s not as speedy as others in this price range. Still, some may be swayed by its quiet operation.
Weight (without wire): 448g; cord length: 3m; heat settings (including cool shot): four; speed settings: three; attachments: two concentrator nozzles, diffuser; maximum wind speed: 23.8m/s; volume range: 75-79dB
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GHD Speed
- What we love:Fast styling; versatile controls; stylish look
- What we don’t love:Heavy weight; top-heavy build; high price
Best for: quickly smoothing very thick hair
GHD hair dryers have historically been some of the best you can buy, and the GHD Speed is a huge step up for the brand in terms of features, design and price.
It has four heat settings, plus a cool-shot button and four speeds, and there’s a handy lock switch to prevent you from accidentally changing the settings by pressing buttons mid-styling. It also includes GHD’s “halo” technology, which produces a ring of cool air around the central heated airflow. The company claims this cools the hair’s temperature by 20C, which may help limit damage from drying.
This hair dryer comes with one magnetic concentrator nozzle, and other attachments are sold separately from £15. The included nozzle clipped on securely and swivelled around to help get the perfect angle for styling. It also features two channels to accommodate the “halo” of cool air. The dryer took just 10 minutes to get my long, thick hair from wet to styled, with a long-lasting smooth finish – not too shabby.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s heavy, with a slightly odd, top-heavy weighting. The contoured handle and controls also feel more suited to professional use, rather than for personal use; it’s not as comfortable to point towards your own head as it is to point it away from you. I also noticed the dryer creating more frizz around the root for me, where my new hair growth is. For such a high price, I expected better than that.
Weight (without wire): 620g; cord length: 3m; heat settings (including cool shot): five; speed settings: four; attachments: concentrator nozzle; maximum wind speed: 24.3m/s; volume range: 85-92dB
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Bellissima B-travel
- What we love:Fast, compact and light
- What we don’t love:Heat and speed settings are linked
Best for: occasional travellers
The dinky Bellissima B-travel hair dryer is a brilliant option for trips and holidays. It has dual-voltage controls, so you can use it wherever you are in the world. Its folding handle and carry case keep everything safe in transit, and it feels very sturdy considering its price.
Unlike most hotel hair dryers, which only let out a pathetic trickle of air, this hair dryer provides wind speeds of up to 18.9m/s – faster than some full-size options I’ve reviewed (and a tad faster than the Dyson Supersonic Travel above). That’s highly impressive given the hair dryer’s light weight. You also get a concentrator nozzle for precision styling and two speed options.
It didn’t make the final cut because … there’s one control switch, so you can’t adjust the heat setting independently from the speed settings, and the difference between the two heat settings is negligible. Its travel-based use case is limited; you’d be better off investing in an alternative with multiple temperature settings to use at home.
Weight (without wire): 305g; cord length: 1.8m; heat settings (including cool shot): two; speed settings: two; attachments: concentrator nozzle; maximum wind speed: 18.9m/s; volume range: 79-84dB
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Gtech DryOnic
- What we love:Clear heat settings with precise controls
- What we don’t love:Cord isn’t long; it really needs a settings lock
Best for: precise temperature controls
One of my biggest bugbears with hair dryers is that you never quite know how much heat you’re using on your hair. Thankfully, the Gtech DryOnic has a screen on the back that displays the airflow setting and its temperature. With temperatures that range from 40C to 100C, you can make precise adjustments for your hair type.
I found the various airflow settings useful and liked how securely the magnetic concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachments fitted on to the dryer. After styling, my hair felt soft and hydrated, with minimal frizz.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not quite as quick as others here at a similar price, and its 2m cord isn’t quite long enough for my liking. I also found it too easy to accidentally press the buttons and change the temperature midway through styling.
Weight (without wire): 426g; cord length: 2m; heat settings (including cool shot): five; speed settings: four; attachments: concentrator nozzle and diffuser; maximum wind speed: 18.8m/s; volume range: 78-85dB
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Remington Shine Therapy
- What we love:Budget price; good settings and attachments
- What we don’t love:Higher noise levels with a short cord
Best for: tight budgets
This lesser-known hair dryer is the sister product to the popular Remington Shine Therapy hair straighteners. It offers equally brilliant value and is designed to add shine to the hair using ionic technology.
While difficult to quantify in tests, I found the hair dryer did dry my hair relatively quickly and left it shiny and smooth after a round-brush blow-dry. Multiple heat and speed settings, plus a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment, make it a good option for all hair types.
It didn’t make the final cut because … of its short 1.8m cord and the fact that it’s pretty noisy compared with other models here. That said, it can’t be beaten on price and is a sensible choice if you’re hoping to upgrade an old hair dryer on a budget.
Weight (without wire): 449g; cord length: 1.8m; heat/cool settings: four; speed settings: two; attachments: concentrator nozzle and diffuser; maximum wind speed: 18.6m/s; volume range: 84-89dB
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What you need to know
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I interviewed Melissa Timperley, hair stylist and founder of Melissa Salons, to discover her tips for choosing a hair dryer. “When it comes to protecting your hair and achieving the style you want, the tool you use matters just as much as the products you pair it with,” she says.
What features should I look for?
According to Timperley, the key features are adjustable speed and heat settings, which “allow for better control and protection, depending on your hair type and styling needs”. Look for hair dryers with a cool-shot button, too, which “help to smooth the cuticle and set your style”.
Design-wise, consider weight, which is “especially important for longer hair or professional use” to prevent arm strain. Also look for a dryer that has a removable or self-cleaning filter, as “this makes cleaning and maintenance easy, which helps preserve motor life”.
What to avoid when choosing a dryer
Timperley warns that there are some features, or omissions, that could be detrimental to hair health. It’s best to avoid “single-setting dryers that don’t allow heat or speed control”, as well as low-wattage dryers under 1,800W, because “they often take longer to dry hair, exposing it to heat for too long”.
However, some of the dryers I’ve chosen here are below 1,800W. That’s because these use digital motors, which are smaller and lighter than brushed motors and produce faster airflow. That means, in those cases, the difference in drying speeds is negligible.
She also warns against buying “heavy, bulky dryers that are uncomfortable to use regularly” and “poor-quality nozzles or diffusers that don’t fit securely or distribute air properly”.
Put simply, she says: “If the dryer doesn’t clearly list its motor type, wattage or heat settings, that’s a red flag.”
What makes a hair dryer good for different hair types?
Picking out the right hair dryer for your hair type can be challenging. “The best hair dryers cater to your hair’s specific needs – whether that’s smoothing frizz, protecting fine strands or cutting through thick, coarse textures,” says Timperley.
For fine or damaged hair, Timperley advises looking for “lower heat settings and a ceramic or tourmaline dryer that distributes heat more gently”. For thick or coarse hair, “higher wattage and powerful airflow are essential – infrared, ionic and titanium dryers are great for cutting drying time without excessive heat”. And finally, for curly or textured hair, “a diffuser attachment is key, as is a dryer that offers heat control without sacrificing volume or natural texture”.
What’s the difference between ionic and ceramic hair dryers?
“Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that help break down water molecules faster, reducing frizz,” says Timperley. “They’re great for smoothing and shine, especially if you have thick, frizzy or unruly hair.”
Conversely, “ceramic hair dryers use ceramic heating elements to distribute heat evenly, which helps prevent hotspots and damage. They’re ideal for fine or delicate hair.”
“Some of the best hair dryers,” says Timperley, “combine both technologies, giving you faster drying without sacrificing hair health.”
What to do with your old hair dryer?
If it still works and is in good condition, you can donate your old hair dryer to a charity shop or shelter. The British Red Cross often accepts small electrical items, including hair dryers. Be sure to clean out any dust from the rear filter and remove any hair from brush attachments before you pass it on.
If your hair dryer is dead, don’t throw it in your normal bin. Take it to your local recycling centre, which you can find using Recycle Your Electricals. Alternatively, Currys offers a free recycling service in-store for electrical items, including those you didn’t buy from it.
How to stop your hair dryer from damaging your hair?
A common misconception is that heat protection is only necessary when using heat styling tools, such as hair straighteners or curlers, but the heat from your hair dryer can be just as damaging. Always prepare wet hair using a heat protection cream or spray before drying. According to Timperley, “this creates a protective barrier between the hair and heat, while helping to smooth and condition the strands.”
“Avoid automatically reaching for the highest heat setting,” continues Timperley. “Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can weaken the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, frizz, breakage and a loss of shine over time.” As a rule, opt for the lower heat settings as long as they still allow you to achieve the style you want, and keep the dryer moving constantly to avoid frazzling small sections of hair.
Unlike traditional heat stylers, styling with a hair dryer offers the best results when the hair is about 80% dry. Timperley warns, “once a section is fully dry, additional heat offers little styling benefit and significantly increases the risk of damage.” She recommends re-dampening any hair strands you’re unhappy with and restyling for the healthiest results.
For more:
• The best hair masks for every hair type
• Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer review
• Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer review
• The best hair oils, capsules and serums
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Sarah Matthews is a consumer journalist who specialises in health and beauty reviews. In her four years of product testing, she’s worked her way through countless hair styling, hair removal, light therapy and skincare tools. In her spare time, you’ll find her lightly scolding her friends for not wearing SPF or getting sucked into a Vinted wormhole
• This article was originally published on 26 August 2025. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor’s discretion. The date of an article’s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 4 September 2026; the Dyson Supersonic Travel and GHD Speed were added after testing, and prices were updated throughout.
