The best hair dryer is a must for beautiful hair. Whether you’re thinking, ‘salon finish’ or simply want to shave a few minutes off your morning routine, choose the best hair dryer for healthy, shiny hair.
Verum compares 100s of blow dryers. We scrutinise specifications, check user insight and listen to experts. Our real-world research evaluates all the details to help you choose the right model, quickly. Here’s a shortlist of the 8 best hair dryers you can buy, right now…
Best Hair Dryers
- TRESemme 5542DU Hair Dryer – Best cheap hair dryer
- BaByliss Curl Dry Hair Dryer – Affordable model for curley hair
- Beurer Style Pro HC25UK – Best travel hair dryer
- Wahl PowerPik 5000 – Best for afro & frizzy hair
- Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe – BEST BUY
- Parlux 3200 Plus – PRO CHOICE
- ghd Air – Best for Style
- Dyson Supersonic – Ultimate Hair Dryer
1. Best Cheap Hair Dryer
TRESemme 5542DU Hair Dryer
The TRESemme 5542DU is a no-fuss, lightweight hairdryer that’s also, good value for money. Surprising at this price, Ionic technology (info below) is built-in. Plus, this hairdryer only weighs around 500g – it’s one of the lightest full-size models available.
The controls are limited to a single sliding switch that adjusts power and heat together. Plus there’s no cool shot button. Critics of this model suggest that it lacks power and feels a little flimsy. That said, this model has a good history and 1000s of very happy owners.
If you want a cheap, light, no-fuss hairdryer the TRESemme 5542DU is the one for you.
POWER 2200w | AIRFLOW & TEMP SETTINGS 3 | COOL SHOT No | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER No | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.5kg | CORD LENGTH 2.4m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 1 Year
TRESemme 5542DU | Verdict price £19 | See Best Price on Amazon
2. Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
BaByliss Curl Dry Hair Dryer
This hair dryer is perfect for curly hair. Plus, it comes with a diffuser and nozzle attachment – making it a decent choice for straight hair too. It’s excellent value and has the all-important separate heat & power controls.
Separate Heat & Power Control
With three heat settings and two for power, the BaByliss Curl Dry gives you the all-important, separate controls. Plus, there’s a cool shot button, for locking in, shape and curl. Aside from a short power cord, there’s a lot to like about the Babyliss. If your mirror is a long way from the wall socket or if you dry your hair standing up, then this may be a stretch.
The BaByliss Curl Dry is an affordable great hair dryer, with separate heat and power controls.
POWER 2100w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 2 | TEMP RANGE 3 | COOL SHOT Yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER Yes | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.65kg | CORD LENGTH 1.8m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 3 Year
BaByliss Curl Dry | Verdict price £24 | See Best Price on Amazon
3. Best Travel Hair Dryer
Beurer Style Pro HC25UK Portable Hair Dryer
A travel hair dryer must be light, small and work anywhere in the world. Plus, it must be great at drying your hair! The Beurer Style weighs under 450grams. It’s super light & measures less than 22cm in length. The folding handle means it will easily fit in most handbags. Plus, with dual voltage, it will work anywhere in the world. A single slider switch on the handle changes airflow and temperature together which is a small compromise. But if you’re only using this device on your travels, rather than every day, it’s not a big problem. Happily, there’s a cool shot button.
It’s powerful for its size and weight. But don’t be surprised that the output is less than full size, more expensive models. If you’re looking for a low cost, light, travel hair dryer to take anywhere, then the Beurer Style Pro HC25UK is the right model for you.
POWER 1600w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 2 | TEMP RANGE 2 | COOL SHOT Yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER No | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.43kg | CORD LENGTH 1.8m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 3 Year
Beurer Style Pro | Verdict price £22 | See Best Price on Amazon
4. Best Hair Dryer for Afro and Frizzy Hair
Wahl PowerPik 5000
The Wahl PowerPik 5000 is designed for afro and frizzy hair. This ionic hair dryer is powerful and has good controls. However, it’s the Pik comb that makes it perfect for afro hair.
The Pik attachment fits firmly to this Wahl model allowing you to pull the curl out, as you dry. Importantly, the long tooth design directs airflow through to the hair root and doesn’t overheat.
This powerful hair dryer has two settings for airflow and three for heat, plus a cool shot button giving you the right controls to lock in your style. This model feels robust and well made, although it’s a little heavier than some.
The Wahl PowerPik 5000 is a good choice for anyone looking for a quality hair dryer and a clear best buy for afro hair.
POWER 2000w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 2 | TEMP RANGE 3 | COOL SHOT yes | CONCENTRATOR NOZZLE Yes | PIK Yes | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.85kg | CORD LENGTH 3m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 1 Year
Wahl PowerPik | Verdict price £33 | See Best Price on Amazon
5. Best Hair Dryer for Shiny, Healthy Hair
Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe [BEST BUY]
There’s everything to like about the Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe Ion Hair Dryer. With four temperature settings, three air-flow and a cool shot trigger, it’s featured packed. This hair dryer gives you the right control and technology for beautiful shiny glossy hair.
It comes with three nozzles – concentrator, quick-dry and diffuser. It’s a top choice for all hair types. However, it’s the technology that makes this blow dryer stand out.
Best Hair Dryer for Shiny Hair
According to Panasonic, the Nanoe technology gives your hair additional shine. And Proderm, a German testing lab specialising in beauty products, back this up. Plus, numerous owners confirm that using the Panasonic EH-NA65 Nanoe hairdryer,their hair is smoother and shinier.
Lightweight Hair Dryer + Long Cord
This hair dryer is reasonably lightweight, it has a removable filter & the cord is a good length at 2.7m. The Panasonic brand has a good heritage, giving confidence that this blow dryer is built to last. The user consensus is that this blow dryer keeps your hair looking healthier, with more shine – making every day a good hair day.
The Panasonic Nanoe is the overall Best Buy – It has the right accessories for every hair type and the right technology for shiny beautiful hair.
POWER 2000w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 3 | TEMP RANGE 4 | COOL SHOT Yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER Yes | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.6kg | CORD LENGTH 2.7m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 1 Year
Panasonic Nanoe | RRP £110 Verdict price £58 | See Best Price on Amazon
Professional Hair Dryer
Parlux 3200 Plus [PRO CHOICE]
Maximum performance and longevity make this hair dryer from Parlux the hair dryer of choice for Pro hairdressers across the UK.
Powerful and lightweight it’s easy to use and very effective. Weighing less than 500 grams this is one of the lightest hair dryers you can buy. Plus, the 3m cord brings convenience to dry your hair where you want, rather than a feeling of being tethered to the wall socket.
This pro-rated hair dryer has all the right controls, it’s powerful, doesn’t overheat and it’s easy to use. Plus, designed for salon use, it will keep going, year after year. Looking for negatives, the packaging could be better, but aside from this, the Parlux 3200 is near perfect.
Ask your hairdresser which is the best hair dryer brand and the chances are they’ll say Parlux – this hair dryer is a top choice for salon professionals and best buy for UK homes.
POWER 1900w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 2 | TEMP RANGE 4 | COOL SHOT yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER No | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.5kg | CORD LENGTH 3m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 1 Year
Parlux 3200 Plus | Verdict price £89 | See Best Price on Amazon
7. Salon Style at Home
ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer
ghd Air owners love this hairdryer. Many describe it as the best blow dryer they’ve ever owned. It has three settings for heat, two for power and a cool shot button to lock in style & shape. It’s super powerful and dries hair quickly. This ghd hairdryer feels robust and well made.
The 3m cord and a wide nozzle attachment, add to the great specification. Furthermore, if you’re buying this model as a gift, it comes in a stylish box. The ghd Air feels like a hairdryer you’d find in a top salon. Owners rate it as one of the top-rated blow dryers available.
Everyone wants healthy, shiny hair. Choose this pro-rated ghd Air and you’re one step closer.
POWER 2100w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 2 | TEMP RANGE 2 | COOL SHOT yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER No | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.71kg | CORD LENGTH 3m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 1 Year
ghd Air | Verdict price £110 | See Best Price on Amazon
8. Blow the Budget Hair Dryer
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
According to Dyson, no other hairdryer is faster. It avoids extreme heat and it’s engineered to suit different hair types. Plus, the powerful motor which is built into the handle rather than the body is super quiet. It’s the right choice for every hair type, with a smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator and diffuser all included. Plus the 2.8m power cord should be long enough.
There are three power settings, three for heat and a cool shot button for locking in your style. This blow dryer won’t frazzle your locks, as it has clever electronics to constantly monitor and control the temperature. Plus, most users confirm, its powerful output will dry your hair quickly. It does this at a lower temperature than most hairdryers, promising healthier glossy hair.
The Dyson investment in hair dryer technology has undoubtedly lifted the whole market. And while the Supersonic is unquestionably a great option, at around £300, it’s expensive. However, if you want the absolute best – blow the budget, you’re in for a treat!
POWER 1600w | AIR FLOW SETTINGS 3 | TEMP RANGE 4 | COOL SHOT Yes | CONCENTRATOR/NOZZLE Yes | DIFFUSER Yes | IONIC Yes | WEIGHT 0.66kg | CORD LENGTH 2.8m | REMOVABLE FILTER Yes | WARRANTY 2 Year
Dyson Supersonic | Verdict Price £300 | See Best Price at Currys
Choosing The Best Hair Dryer
We use eight principle criteria to separate the best models from the mediocre and duds. If you’re looking to do your own research, this list is a good starting point.
- Separate controls for temperature & airflow are super important. Too much heat will leave your hair looking dull & lifeless. Whatever your hair type, you need full control for a fast effective blow dry.
- Power rating gives an indication of maximum airflow & temperature. However, a high wattage doesn’t necessarily translate to a good hairdryer. Some are more efficient than others.
- A cool shot button is essential for locking in a style.
- A lightweight design is much easier to use. (Unless you’re looking for a morning workout!)
- Get the right attachments for your hair type. A concentrator nozzle is a must for straight hair, a diffuser is best for curly locks and a Pik is great for afro hair.
- Cord length is important – use your hairdryer where you want rather than feeling tethered to the wall socket.
- A powerful quiet hair dryer always wins over a noisy model.
- Longevity – the best hair dryer must work well for years, not months.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
What’s the best hair dryer for fine hair?
Heat damages your hair. To dry fine hair, use a narrow nozzle and good controls. This allows you to dry your hair with a low heat setting. Cranking up the temperature will suck out all the moisture leaving your hair dry and brittle. Plus, keep the hairdryer moving. Take care, not to over-dry your hair – especially the finest strands close to your face.
What’s the best hair dryer for curly hair?
The longer you leave your hair to dry naturally, the better. Then use a final blast on high settings, if you want to add volume. However, this isn’t always practical. For those days when you need to look great, quickly, it’s definitely worth using a hairdryer with a diffuser.
What’s the best hair dryer for thick hair?
If you’re reading this, it will come as no surprise that drying thick hair takes a long time. Choose a powerful blow dryer and crank up the airflow. However, look to keep the heat on a low or medium setting. Only use high heat for the final set.
What’s an ‘Ionic’ Hair Dryer?
The use of Ionic technology in hairdryers is claimed by manufacturers and stylists to reduce static and improves shine. The idea is that blasting your hair with negatively charged ions will do this. While there does seem to be some consensus that the immediate effects of an Ionic hairdryer are preferable to a standard model, there is a lack of scientific evidence to verify this – some debate over the technology continues. However, there is no downside to the technology and all our recommended models are Ionic.
Recommended Hair Dryers
BEST BUDGET BUY
TRESemme 5542DU | Verdict price £19
See price on Amazon
BEST BUY
Panasonic Nanoe Ion | Verdict Price £58
See price on Amazon
PRO CHOICE
Parlux 3200 | Verdict price £89
See price on Amazon
Verdict
The TRESemme at around £20 is a bargain, but spending more for separate heat & power controls makes good sense.
Separate, heat and power controls allow you to choose the right settings for your hair. Keep the heat high enough to work quickly, but it must be moderated so as not to damage your hair. The premium recommendations have more precise settings. This means fast-drying, heat control and less hair damage.
The Parlux 3200 is the choice of professional hairdressers. It’s a great choice for most hair types. However, the overall Best Buy is the Panasonic Nanoe – Designed for healthy hair and exceptional shine. Plus, it’s great value for money.
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