When looking for the best hair dryer to invest in, it's no surprise that we're usually searching for something that will give that fresh-out-the-hairdresser's feel. Nothing rivals that finish of a bouncy blow dry. With the right tools, though, it is possible to recreate that voluminous, glossy 'do at home. First things first though: you're going to need a good quality hair-drying tool.
Whether you want to go as big and bouncy as Adele in her prime 2012 blowout or you want to look as sleek as Kate Middleton's blow-dry (a signature choice), it's easy to make your hair look effortless with the right hairdryer. All you need to do is find the right product for your hair type - there are even hair dryers for curly hair - so you can nail the technique and then you're ready for every event - from day to night.
Black Friday Deals On The Best Hair Dryers
Black Friday is almost here and it's the perfect time to save on a hair dryer. The most exciting sales event of the year is taking place on the last weekend of November with almost every brand taking part. Looking to grab a bargain? We've spotted some Black Friday deals on the best hair dryers to shop right now, or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer's guide.
Shop Black Friday Hair Dryer Deals On: Shark Beauty | ghd | Dyson | Amazon | LookFantastic
51% off: Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Dryer, WAS £119.99, NOW £59
52% off: Panasonic EH-NE83 Ionic Hairdryer, WAS £74.99, NOW £29.69
27% off: Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer, WAS £199.99, WAS £142.47
20% off: ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer - White, WAS £179 NOW £139.60
Save £50: Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer with Storage Case, WAS £299.99, NOW £239.99
With viral options coming into play more than ever - you just need to look to the Revlon One Step Hairdryer to see that in motion - it can be hard to know what really works for your hair and won't leave it looking as splintered as a bird's nest.
The truth is, it's easy to get your hands on the best hair dryer when you take a quick online. From big players like ghd's and Dyson to high street options like Remington and BaByliss, this is our roundup of every hair dryer you could ever need on your vanity.
Grazia's Best Hair Dryers To Buy, At A Glance:
Best overall hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer
Best lightweight hair dryer: BaByliss 5665U 3Q Hair Dryer
Best ionic hair dryer: ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Best anti-static technology hair dryer: Cloud Nine Airshot Hair Dryer
SHOP: The Best Hair Dryers For 2023
Best overall hair dryer
bootswww.boots.com
Description
Yes, it may cost an arm and a leg, but it is totally worth the hype. With a completely revolutionary design, Dyson spent $71 million developing their first beauty product of the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer. This involved testing 1,000 miles of human hair with 600 prototype dryers and consulting celebrity hairdressers such as Jen Atkin. It paid off. It's six times smaller and three times lighter than your average hair dryer, has four temperature settings and three airflow settings, AND it cuts drying time in half.
Pros
- Powerful V9 motor for efficient drying
- Highly rated
- Prevents heat damage in the long term
Cons
- Not every attachment is necessary
Best lightweight hair dryer
on sale
Description
A great addition to any kit or hair-drying vanity, this BaByliss 5665U 3Q hairdryer is lightweight, fast, and uses ionic technology. Simple but effective.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight hold for easy drying
- Ionic technology
- Good for thick hair
Cons
- Only two speed settings
Best ionic hair dryer
on sale
Description
ghd's innovative hair dryer is a godsend for taming frizz and flyaways. Ionic technology and a contoured nozzle provide an even airflow that delivers a smooth, shiny finish. Super light, you also won't experience that dreaded arm ache with the ghd Helios – no matter how thick or long your hair is.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Ionic technology
- Lightweight hold
Cons
- Only one attachment
Best hair dryer for an easy blowdry
www.selfridges.com
Description
The mastermind behind GHD, Robert Powls, also founded Cloud Nine. Among the line-up features this chic Cloud Nine Airshot hair dryer which boasts anti-static technology, three heat settings and vitamin-infused ceramic heating elements to care for your hair whilst styling.
Pros
- Two nozzle attachments
- Anti-static technology
- Vitamin-infused ceramic heating
Cons
- Few heating and speed settings
Best Nanoe hair dryer
on sale
Description
Frizz-prone hair? This one is for you. With a unique quick-dry nozzle, this Panasonic EH-NA65-K will leave you with shiny, silky hair in a matter of minutes.
Pros
- Quick-dry nozzle
- Innovative Nanoe technology for extra shine
Cons
- Not foldable for compact organisation
Best classic hair dryer
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
ghd may have found fame thanks to its superior straighteners, but the brand also makes excellent hairdryers. 'The ghd Air is also a favourite of mine as it has ionic technology, great airflow and dual wattage, so perfect if you plan to travel,' hairdresser Burnett told us.
Pros
- Professional strength motor
- Advanced ionic technology
- Ergonomic design for both right and left-handed users
Cons
- Slightly heavier
Best hair dryer with conditioning ring
on sale
Description
With an advanced conditioning ring infused with coconut and UV filters, the Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy hair dryer is one to invest in - plus, you can blow dry your hair while protecting it. Double win.
Pros
- Conditioning ring with coconut and UV filters for protection
- Integrated heat sensor
- Slim styling concentrator
Cons
- Gets hot very quickly
Best affordable hair dryer
on sale
Description
If you're fed up with flat hair, then this may be the solution to all your hair woes. Lightweight and compact, this Remington Shine Therapy hairdryer will not let you down in the power stakes, and it's a more budget-friendly option, too. Use the diffuser if you wish to enhance your natural curls or waves.
Pros
- Power dry and cool shot for multiple uses
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Only two attachments included
Best diffuser hair dryer
www.boots.com
Description
As well as excelling at making hair products, TRESemme also makes a pretty decent (and affordable) 2200 5543u Diffuser hairdryer. Offering ionic technology, excellent heat distribution and multiple settings, this one is a winner.
Pros
- Good for curly and wavy hair
- Ionic technology
Cons
- Not as powerful
Best micro-conditioning hair dryer
www.sephora.co.uk
Description
This Revamp Progloss 5000 hair dryer features two-speed settings and four heat settings; personalise your blow-dry to suit your hair type. Ionic jet technology also creates negative ions, which will neutralise static on the hair, smoothing the cuticle and adding shine.
Pros
- Ionic jet technology
- Negative ions neutralise static on the hair
- Keratin, Argan and Coconut oils
Cons
- Only one attachment
Best low-noise hair dryer
Description
Powerful yet extremely light, your arms will not get tired trying to dry your hair with this Parlux PowerLight 385 dryer. Plus, the Parlux has eco-friendly technology, up its green credentials.
Pros
- Low-noise control
- Eco-friendly technology
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less power than ionic technology
What makes the best hair dryer?
The range of hairdryers on the market is slightly mind-boggling (from the Love Island Dyson hairdryer to the trusty Babyliss hairdryer), so to help us on our quest to find the best hair dryer, we quizzed Sam Burnett, Owner & Creative Director of London's Hare & Bone salon. Here, we asked him about what to look for when buying a hairdryer, how to find the best hair dryer for your hair type (whether it's curly, straight, fine or thick), as well as his top tips for achieving that salon-worthy blow dry...
What is the minimum wattage you should look for when buying a hair dryer?
'The minimum wattage I recommend is 1800 W as anything below this will struggle to give you the power you need for a successful blow dry,' advises Burnett, 'most professional hair stylists will use a hairdryer with watts ranging from 2100w to 3600w.'
Is it important to have a cool setting on your hair dryer?
The cool setting is a great tool that is often overlooked. 'It can be used to speed up setting a bouncy blow dry. It is also fantastic for breathing life into a straight finish – simply blast the cool air through the mid-lengths and ends. Bouncy or curly styles will benefit from cold air being blasted on the roots to loosen up the style and create movement and a more lived-in look, a great way to ensure your style has a modern laidback finish.'
The cold air setting can also be used to effectively spread anti-humidity, shine or hair sprays through the hair, offering different finishes, textures and results.
Do you need a hair dryer with ionic technology?
'Yes! Hairdryers with ionic technology are the ones used by hairdressers, so to stand a chance at achieving a salon standard blow dry, it is a must-have,' states Burnett. Why?' The negative ions dispensed by the hairdryer work with the H20 on your damp hair speeding up the drying process, and this, in turn, gives you healthier and shinier hair.'
Can you explain which nozzle we should be using for what?
No nozzle: 'This is best for hair that is naturally smooth and sleek and achieves a natural result with texture and body.'
Small nozzle: 'This is best for thick, frizzy or curly hair which you can blow smooth and/or straight.'
Large nozzle: 'This is best for medium-thick hair that needs controlling and for big bouncy blow outs.'
Diffuser: 'This is another option for wavy hair and curls. Best used on a slow spread setting, it will encourage curls to bunch together and give you more bounce and less frizz.'
Is it worth buying an expensive hair dryer?
'Yes. Low-budget dryers might not use up-to-date ionic technology, so this will slow down the blow-drying time and limit the control you have. They also often have too wide nozzles, making it impossible to control fly always.'
Do hair dryers damage your hair?
'Always angle your hair dryer down the hair shaft even when you want to create body. This action smoothes hair cuticles giving you healthier and shinier hair.'
'Be careful not to let the nozzle touch your hair. Hold it a few millimetres away to protect your hair from damage and breakage, plus you will get a smoother result that lasts longer.'
'Invest in a good quality dryer, heated styling tools and the right styling products and remember hair health should be your main priority. Healthy hair is easy hair!'
Main image credit: @helenachristensen