When it comes to finding the best hairdryer, there's more than meets the eye. Sure, you can find one that gets the job done well enough, but the real struggle lies in finding a hairdryer which a) dries your hair well, b) protects it from heat, c) is suitable for your hair type (we see you, curly-haired girls) and d) leaves you with salon-worthy results. That's where we come in.
Before embarking on a journey to find the best hairdryer, there are a few things to think about. While sticking to a budget is important, we're here to tell you that when it comes to your precious locks, spending a little more money is worth it. No, you don't need to completely push the boat out, but you won't be getting that Matilda Djerf blowout with any old hairdryer.
Another important factor to consider when hairdryer shopping is the wattage. Boring, we know, but the devil is in the details. We recommend a wattage of between 1,500 and 2,000 for the highest efficiency, and you should err towards the 2,000s if your hair is especially thick. Otherwise, you'll be sat drying your hair for 40 minutes, wondering where you went wrong. Take it from us.
Next, hairdryers with a cool setting get extra brownie points because they can help reduce frizz and prevent your hair from overheating because overheating = damage, and let's be honest - nobody wants damaged hair. And last but certainly not least, dryers with ceramic and ionic technology (found in all the latest hotshot hairdryer models) are great for retaining moisture, reducing damage and speeding up drying times.
SHOP: The best hairdryers
Best overall
www.boots.com
Our review: "If you want a powerful and effective hairdryer, then the Dyson Supersonic is the choice for you. I love how sleek and easy the hairdryer itself is, and my hair always feels super smooth and dries quicker than other brands I've used. A worthwhile investment if you love your hair."
Pros
- Quick dry time
- Lightweight
- Sleek designer
Cons
- Thicker hair takes longer to dry
Best Runner-up
www.lookfantastic.com
Our review: "The ghd Air Hair Dryer tops most 'best hairdryer' lists - and for good reason. Its powerful 2,100-watt motor means your hair will dry at the speed of light, while the advanced ionic hair technology reduces the risk of damage and helps retain moisture. The ergonomic design also means this hairdryer is comfortable to use whether you're a left or right-hand user - a big win for the lefties!"
Pros
- Advanced ionic technology
- Ergonomic design
- Great for thick hair
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Best design
www.lookfantastic.com
Our review: "The Helios hairdryer has been hailed 'Queen of the blowdry', and it's easy to see why. As the lightest and fastest of the ghd range, you won't have to worry about achy arms or long drying times, which is music to our ears. The Aeroprecis technology increases precision when styling, helping you achieve the desired effect, and the bespoke acoustic technology ensures low sound levels when drying."
Pros
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Sleek design
Cons
- A little noisy
Best for fine hair
www.boots.com
Our review: "The Shark IQ is the ultimate all-rounder. We're talking a sleek and chic design, powerful-yet-gentle heat action, and it dries your hair in half the time. The hairdryer also leaves your hair feeling undeniably glossy after use, and I don't know if I could ever be without her. Expensive but worth it."
Pros
- Halves drying time
- Leaves hair feeling smooth
- Great for fine hair
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Best budget hairdryer
Our review: "I bagged this hairdryer in the Black Friday sales a few years back, and it's the perfect budget-friendly option. It's lovely and lightweight compared to some other options, and I firmly believe the 'coconut infusion' really does make a difference when it comes to hair softness. It's sturdy, dries hair quickly, has a good range of heat settings, and the buttons aren't easy to catch while you're using it. A great all-rounder."
Pros
- Fast drying
- Powerful motor
- Leaves hair looking shiny
- Affordable
Cons
- A little noisy and heavy
Best for frizzy hair
Our review: "Robert Powls, the genius behind ghd, also went on to found Cloud Nine. Amongst the brand's offerings lies this sleek, lightweight and vitamin-infused ceramic hair dryer, which boasts anti-static technology and salon-fresh results."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick drying time
- Diminished frizz and flyaways
Cons
- On the heavy side
Best for styling
www.argos.co.uk
Our review: "Did I think, years ago, I'd be professing my love for a hair dryer? Nope. But is that exactly what I'm doing? Yes. This. Is. A. Game-changer. All singing, all dancing, I'm not sure I could live without this hair dryer and styling tool now it's entered my life. Super lightweight, great to travel with and brilliant for hair care (no, really, my locks have never been healthier), it's like the hair gods came down and blessed this device with magic powers. Plus, it's not as expensive as the Dyson. My only issue is that the curling attachments don't hold the curl in my hair the way my straighteners do (which, to be honest, could just be down to my hair type), but everything else gets top marks."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Great dupe for Dyson
Cons
- Button placement could be better, can turn off easily when holding it
Best for curly hair
www.boots.com
Our review: "If you're after visibly smooth and shiny hair, Panasonic's Nanoe technology has got you covered. Retaining approximately 1,000 times more moisture than a regular hairdryer, the Nanoe hairdryer strikes the perfect moisture balance while simultaneously drying your hair in no time. There's also a 'healthy mode' for extra heat protection, and the filter is removable, making maintenance a breeze."
Pros
- Maintains hair moisture
- Leaves hair feeling shiny
- Removable filter
- Reduces frizziness
Cons
- Quite bulky
Best lightweight
www.lookfantastic.com
Our review: "T3 has won awards for its hairdryers, and its products are always selling out - and the AireLuxe hairdryer is no exception. With more heat and speed settings than you can shake a stick at, the AireLuxe will make drying your hair a breeze and totally personalised to your hair."
Pros
- Quiet
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Long cord
Cons
- Quite long can be tricky to use
Best for thick hair
Our review: "Affordable? Check. Powerful? Check. Salon-worthy results? Triple check. This Remington ionic dryer uses heat technology to shape and lock your style in place and is powerful enough to dry your hair in under ten minutes. Big yes from us."
Pros
- Dries thick hair quickly
- Sturdy
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavier than anticipated
Know the lingo
Did you really think we were going to throw you in the deep end without teaching you the basics? Here are a few need-to-know terms to get familiar with before you begin the hairdryer hunt.
Ionic technology: This technology breaks down the water molecules, which will dry your hair faster. Other benefits include reducing frizz and helping to give your hair an ultra-smooth finish.
Infrared heat: If you see this functionality on a hairdryer, it means it will provide a consistent level of heat, which, in theory, should cut down how much heat exposure your hair gets.
Ceramic technology: Want even more protection from the heat? A ceramic hairdryer is basically a higher level of infrared heat, with less of a risk of causing damage to your hair.
Nanoe™ technology: Anyone who suffers from dry hair needs to look out for this feature in their hairdryer, as it helps to provide more moisture than any regular hairdryer. We also love that it reduces damage from brushing and keeps cuticles on the surface in good condition.
Now that you know what to look for, we've asked the shopping experts at Closer for the best hairdryers they've ever used, alongside real tried and tested reviews. Shop the team's top picks below.
FAQs
Which is the best hairdryer brand?
Brands such as Dyson, ghd and Shark are among the best of the best when it comes to luxury hairdryers. For more affordable options, our go-to's are Remington, Tresemme as well as Babyliss.
How to choose the best hairdryer for my hair type?
Thin hair: If your hair is naturally thin and fine, we suggest opting for a ceramic hair dryer which helps regulate the heat and prevents the chance of hot spots or frying.
Thick/coarse hair: An ionic hair dryer will speed up drying time for those with naturally thick hair while still retaining moisture. The result? Instantly smoother and shinier hair.
Curly hair: To help accentuate the natural bounce of your curls, we recommend choosing a hairdryer with a diffuser to help reduce damage, reduce frizziness and maintain the softness of your tresses.
How can I stop my hair from being damaged when using a hairdryer?
Diffusing your hair is one way to reduce damage and gently dry your hair, particularly if you have curls. Another way to reduce damage is by turning your hairdryer to a slow speed or gently drying your hair with a towel before you start hair-drying to reduce the amount of excess heat applied.