It can be tricky to replicate your hairdresser’s styling skills at home, but the right hair dryer can definitely make all the difference. Dryers have come a long way in the past few years – there are now a whole host of advanced options that dry and style your hair, without crisping your ends or causing excessive heat damage.
When shopping for a new hair dryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Most experts will recommend a motor wattage of around 2000W as well as powerful air flow to ensure that heat and air is shuttled directly onto your lengths to speed up dry time.
It's also wise to invest in a model that uses ionic technology. Essentially, these are negative ions that interact with the positive ions in your hair, encouraging the hair shaft to close and keep moisture locked in. As a result, you'll have healthier and shinier strands – just don't forget to use that all-important heat protection spray.
As for the price tags, well this is where things start to vary. Often the pricier options depend on the brand name, special features and attachments, but know that there is a wide selection of models that do a stellar job at a more reasonable price.
If you want to know which hair tool is really worth investing in, our beauty team have done all the hard work for you with a round up of the top hair dryers for salon-worthy results.
The best hair dryers to buy now
This unique, space-age style hair dryer is a brilliant choice if you’re fed up with heavy machines that give you arm ache. It feels well-balanced while drying and leaves hair feeling smoother after use.
Plus, it uses a fancy temperature monitor to stop hair from getting too hot or too dry and comes with five magnetic concentrators, a case and hanging loop for storage.
Compact and comfy to hold, ghd's Air hair dryer is more powerful than its size suggests. Thanks to iconic technology, the gadget quickly dries while taming frizz and if you snap on the clever concentrator nozzle it will direct the airflow onto your strands for a sleek finish.
Best multi-purpose hair dryer
Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer
Now 27% Off
For those looking for more than just a hair dryer, Shark's FlexStyle is a multi-tasking hot tool that is a hair dryer at the core but can be turned into a hot brush and curling wand.We know what you're thinking, how can something so sleek and lightweight pack such a powerful punch?
Despite its size, the hair dryer comes with three heat and power settings to ensure a speedy trying time. Then you can slot in the various attachments to style how you please. It's a great way to streamline your routine.
This petite hair dryer will tackle damp, unruly manes with just as much oomph as bigger models, without leaving your arm aching. We love how lightweight it is to hold – it makes reaching the back of the head and drying close-up to the roots a breeze.
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Best hair dryer for travel
BaByliss Air Power Pro
BaByliss' new Air Power Pro is the tool for you if time is never on your side. With a 1700W digital motor delivering 200km/hr air speed, the dryer is designed to streamline the air so it powerfully dries your hair while also reducing flyaways and frizz. And, at only 380g, it's the brand's lightest model yet so you can dry your hair quickly and without aching arms.
Best easy-to-use design
Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer EH-NA67
Now 39% Off
£79 at Amazon
Sometimes, less is more, as demonstrated by this pared back dryer. It comes with a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser should you want to up your styling game.
It’s easy to switch between heat and speed settings, and the cool shot mode keeps glossy styles in shape from morning till night.
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Zuvi's Halo Hair Dryer promises to keep damage to a minimum, with the help of infrared light and cool air, without compromising on results. We can confirm our hair has looked shinier and healthier, while the device itself is oh-so-quiet during use.
Snoozed your alarm one too many times or need a speedy post-workout hair wash? This dryer is guaranteed to get you ready in a flash. It’s comfortable to hold, making drying the tricky-to-reach back of the head section effortlessly.
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Cloud Nine's Airshot Hair Dryer is designed with Kinder Styling Technology, making this a great option for those with fine hair. Even with gentler styling, the 2000w motor still delivers powerful drying ensuring a speedier dry. Better yet, it includes a mineral-infused heating element that helps to reduce flyaways and static – an important feature for those with wispy strands.
Designed with wavy, curly and coily hair types in mind, Curlsmith’s Defrizzion hair dryer comes complete with an 8-inch diffuser to help define and contour your natural curl patterns and create an overall bouncier style. There’s also a stretch diffuser which is perfect if you want to give naturally coily hair a longer, smoother appearance.
