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When was the last time you bought yourself a new hairdryer? Many of us are likely still using the same creaky old model we had in our teenage years – but if it 'aint broke, right? Well, thanks to an influx of innovation in the category, it might be time to consider upgrading that vintage model, even if it's technically still getting the job done.
Now, there's hybrid wet-to-straight devices that'll cut your styling time in half, super-slim models that won't give you arm-ache, and one particularly interesting dryer that uses infrared light to dry delicate strands with none of the heat damage (and yes, it works).
So, if you haven't found 'the one' yet, it's time to invest. No matter the occasion, having the best hairdryer up your sleeve is going to save you time and stress. There’s one for every preference and, more importantly, hair texture on the shelves, so you can mimic salon-worthy results from your own home.
Is an ionic or ceramic hair dryer best?
Both ionic and ceramic hairdryers are known for being kinder to tresses, helping to reduce dreaded heat damage. But which one is best?
To answer this, here's a quick science lesson: ionic hairdryers work by producing negatively charged ions, which break down positively charged water molecules. It sounds complicated, but essentially it means you can use the hairdryer at a lower temperature, causing less frizz and damage.
Ceramic hairdryers, on the other hand, focus on flawless engineering, as they work to automatically even out airflow and adjust temperatures depending on your hair's needs.
Both options have become a go-to for helping to keep damage at bay. In general, though, ionic devices tend to be better suited to curly, thick or frizzy hair, as water is prevented from soaking into the hair shaft, which helps preserve the definition of your curls.
Ceramic models are great for those with finer hair. The even airflow means you can dry strands quicker, so there's less chance of frying those vulnerable ends.
What’s the best method for blow drying hair?
‘My top tip is to blow dry in small sections, ensuring each section is completely dry before moving onto the next,' says award-winning afro hairstylist Charlotte Mensah.
'To avoid frizz, keep a water spray bottle handy to re-wet damp sections before thoroughly blow-drying. Finish with a blast of cold air to close the cuticle for a smooth finish.'
Here, see the ELLE beauty team's expert verdict on the buzziest, most innovative hairdryers on the shelves right now – some of which are currently in the Amazon Spring Sale.
The Best Hairdryer For Every Hair Type
Best Hairdryer For Speed
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer & RapidGloss Finisher
Best Hairdryer For Speed
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer & RapidGloss Finisher
One of the most effective hairdryers on the market, Shark's SpeedStyle is as powerful as it is lightweight and compact. This handy kit comes with five attachments that you'll actually use, including the RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator, Express Touchup Brush and a DefrizzFast Diffuser.
Using clever airflow technology, it auto-adjusts depending on the attachment you're using for a smooth style every time. Plus, it measures and regulates temperatures 1000x every second, and it'll never exceed 110°C, or will it reach heat-damaging temperatures of 150°C.
Attachments | RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator, Express Touchup Brush and DefrizzFast Diffuser |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length | 2.44 |
Hanging loop | Yes |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Number of speed settings | 3 |
Number of heat settings | 4 |
Wattage (watts) | 1700 |
GHD claims its original model is twice as fast as your average hairdryer, and we do admit, it's a powerful proposition. The heat and speed buttons are intuitively placed, so you can style and set with little faff, while the concentrator works well to smooth frizzy strands and style fringes.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 3.00 |
Hanging loop | Yes |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Number of speed settings | 2 |
Number of heat settings | 2 |
Wattage (watts) | 2100 |
This high-tech tool is the Bugatti of hairdryers, largely responsible for the technology boom we've seen in recent years.
So innovative, other brands are still racing to catch up, the Supersonic uses a brushless motor, which allows for a slimmer, more easy-to-wield handle and less noise without compromise to power.
On top of the major airflow on the cards here, range of attachments is sure to please. The unusual-looking 'flyaway' attachment works especially well to smooth fluff-prone hair, while the volumising tool delivers the bounce of a professional blow-dry, no matter your skill level.
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle, diffuser, smoothing nozzle, gentle air attachment |
---|---|
Cool shot | yes |
Cord length | 2.56 |
Hanging loop | No |
Ionic technology | No |
Number of speed settings | 3 |
Number of heat settings | 3 |
Wattage (watts) | 1600 |
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If you're old enough, you may remember a fad phase in the '90s when the whole 'wet to dry' thing turned luscious locks into frazzled lengths — nobody had managed to perfect the tech. Now, nearly 30 years later and after nine years of rigorous research, ghd has developed a dual-use product that looks like it's here to stay.
The Duet uses a concentrated airflow, framed by four low-temperature ceramic straightening plates to dry hair into a smooth, straight style in one fell swoop. Impressively, the brand's testing revealed absolutely not thermal-related damage to the hair after 100 uses, with each use involving four passes through the device.
The clear benefit here is the frizz control: if you've got fine-to-medium thickness hair, you can expect a perfectly sleek and straight style that lasts all day. Thicker hair types may still want a little finishing with a pair of straighteners – but thoughtfully, a flick of a switch converts the Duet to do just that.
Key specifications
Attachments | Heat glove |
---|---|
Cool shot | No |
Cord length (m) | 2.7 |
Hanging loop | No |
Ionic technology | No |
Number of speed settings | 1 |
Number of heat settings | 1 |
Wattage (watts) | 460 |
Dubbed 'the Tesla of hairdryers', we were excited to see if this futuristic bit of tech was worth the hype. Remarkably, the Zuvi Halo uses infrared light to wick water away from the surface of your hair without using heat or harsh airflow. By stopping the inner cortex of each strand from becoming hot, the hair's integrity is left intact, and you'll soon see swishier, healthier, shinier tresses.
It's a big promise – so, does it work? While we were admittedly sceptical here, one particularly thick-haired ELLE team member is happy to report that it truly delivers. Now, don't expect a super-speed blow-dry, or a tonne of styling potential, but if you have delicate or bleached hair and you simply want to dry it without damage, this is a game-changer.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle, diffuser, gentle air attachment |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 1.8 |
Hanging loop | No |
Ionic technology | No |
Number of speed settings | 4 |
Number of heat settings | 1 |
Wattage (watts) | 680 |
If you happen to be a Hersheson's client, you'll already be well aware of just how brilliant this hairdryer is.
And if you're not? Well, it really needs to be experienced to be believed. Featuring a brushless motor, it weighs about the same as your iPhone and is around a third of the size of a traditional hairdryer. It's quiet too: so much so, you can feasibly use it on early Monday mornings without waking up your partner.
So far, so appealing – but surely this means less power? Actually, no: thanks to the next-gen motor, this is a shockingly powerful option, making light work of even the longest-thickest hair. With a wide nozzle, smaller nozzle and a large diffuser included, everyone is catered for, too.
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Best hairdryer for shine
Cloud Nine The Airshot Pro Hairdryer
Best hairdryer for shine
Cloud Nine The Airshot Pro Hairdryer
We all want our hair to look noticeably better after styling, but some heat tools can leave strands looking parched and bone dry. Instead of slathering on half a bottle of silicone-rich serum, consider switching your hairdryer instead.
Designed with styling addicts in mind, Cloud Nine's techy-looking Airshot is so powerful, you can feasibly use it on the coolest setting and still achieve that bouncy blow-dry that will have people thinking you've been to the salon.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle x2 |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 3.03 |
Hanging loop | Yes |
Ionic technology | No |
Number of speed settings | 3 |
Number of heat settings | 2 |
Wattage (watts) | 1600 |
Best value hairdryer
BaByliss 2100W Hydro-Fusion Dryer
Best value hairdryer
BaByliss 2100W Hydro-Fusion Dryer
Now 40% Off
A go-to for those days when you snooze your morning alarm, this small-but-mighty hairdryer makes light work of speedy styling.
Granted, it's not the most luxe bit of kit in our list, but if you're simply after a one-and-done device to take you from wet to dry, this one is a surprisingly effective, extremely affordable option.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle and diffuser |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 2.42 |
Hanging loop | No |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Number of speed settings | 2 |
Number of heat settings | 3 |
Wattage (watts) | 2100 |
Best travel hairdryer
T3 Fit Compact Hair Dryer
Best travel hairdryer
T3 Fit Compact Hair Dryer
Now 25% Off
As compact as your make-up bag, this mini powerhouse from the ever-reliable T3 is perfect for long weekends and trips abroad. It might be tiny, but it'll work so much better than that vintage model you'll inevitably find in your hotel.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 2.7 |
Hanging loop | No |
Ionic technology | No |
Number of speed settings | 2 |
Number of heat settings | 3 |
Wattage (watts) | Not disclosed |
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Best hairdryer for frizz and flyaways
ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
Best hairdryer for frizz and flyaways
ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
Now 19% Off
This is the second ghd dryer to make our list, proving that the brand really knows its styling tools. This recent launch is designed for those who struggle with split ends, with a high-powered concentrated nozzle that claims to smooth the hair cuticle to give you your sleekest blow dry in half the time.
Key specifications
Attachments | Concentrator nozzle |
---|---|
Cool shot | Yes |
Cord length (m) | 2.86 |
Hanging loop | Yes |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Number of speed settings | 2 |
Number of heat settings | 2 |
Wattage (watts) | 2000 |