The best hair dryers you won’t believe you lived without

Total game changer 👏

best-hair-dryers

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on

There's only one way to prevent a wet hair disaster on your nine AM work call, and it's all thanks to the best hair dryers. Have you been spending extra time in bed on TikTok and rushing to jump on that work Teams call instead? If you're currently feeling personally attacked, don't worry - we're right there with you.

To help narrow down your search, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourites. We've looked at everything, like loads of handy functions, that should help you make up your mind. Our bet? You're probably looking for something that dries your hair in record time.

Of course, everyone's hair is different, which is why we've also found a variety to suit all hair needs. Whether that's the best hair dryers for curly hair, or the best hair dryers for straight hair. Bonus point to any dryer that allows us to wake up with hair that's not a total mess.

heat's best hair dryers at a glance:

Best hair dryer overall: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, £329.99 on John Lewis

Best hair dryer for curly hair: Bellissima Italia Creativity 4 You Hair Dryer with Diffuser, £150 on Argos

Best hair dryer on a budget: Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair Dryer, £15.99 on Amazon

All that's left to do now is to go shopping and bag yourself the best dryer to give yourself the ultimate blow-dry look. So, if you're wanting to hop on your next work call with a salon-worthy do, here are the best hair dryers as chosen by us to suit all your drying needs.

SHOP: The best hair dryers

Best hair dryer overall

Dyson Supersonic Hair DryerJohn Lewis

It's the dryer that's broke the internet, and the quietest blower you'll ever come across. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer has amazing features such as state-of-the-art temperature control as well as having the motor in the handle, so it's lighter to hold. Suitable for all hair types, it comes with loads of different attachments and settings to suit you best. Given the hype around it, this has to be the best hair dryer overall.

Our review: "Before trying the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer for myself, I was totes wary of splashing out the cash... But, I ended up loving it. The only thing left to do is to try it out for yourself and make up your own mind. I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

Read our full Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer review

Pros

  • Highly rated and reviewed
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Has intelligent heat control

Cons

  • May not be as effective on shorter hair

Best hair dryer for curly hair

Using ionic technology to smooth and fight the frizz, Bellissima Italia's range of hairdryers might be new, but already some of the best about. The also Bellissima Italia Creativity 4 You Hair Dryer comes with four styling attachments, as well as a diffuser, if you want to switch up your look as well as a storage bag for taking with you on your hols. It's a winner for us.

Customer review: "My hair looks super shiny after drying with no frizz (which was always my biggest issue with other hairdryers). This hair dryer has a cool shot that stays on and it's not true cold but is excellent for curls. There is also a small diffuser style attachment that I use to dry my roots off before drying my curls wit the big diffuser. I have not found a single fault with the dryer and is my new favourite."

Pros

  • Comes with a diffuser attachment
  • Ionic technology reduces frizz
  • Has a handy storage bag

Cons

  • May need more power with the airflow

Best budget hair dryer

Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair DryerAmazon
Price: $32.79

Looking for a dryer on a budget? This Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair Dryer will get the job done. It'll do everything you need it to, so it'll tick all of the boxes. There's three different heat settings, including cooling shot and an air concentrator attachment. What more could you want in this low-maintenance hair dryer that comes highly rated on Amazon?

Customer review: "I adore this hair dryer! Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it's also user-friendly and energy-saving. I've been using it for a year now, and I'm happy to report that it has worked flawlessly all this time. Whether I'm in a hurry or taking my time, this hair dryer always dries my hair quickly and efficiently, leaving it looking shiny and smooth."

Pros

  • Highly rated and reviewed
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Affordable price point

Cons

  • Concentrator shouldn't be used on highest heat setting

Best viral hair dryer

Revlon One-Step Hair DryerAmazon
Price: $32.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=002d478c1432f3bdaef1230696c79c6d&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=WERGFEcNF0xGQ0QcElIQAwQRSFJdXh9GFkQGQVUMWB1fXAEZREwGQRlFXQpGDw0bABQcXUFZUVBYAlsUAVpfRx8ARk4VAUNBQFpLUQ4FAg5JHB1yHQMJDlYDD1YO&x=v1&prdId=5797760633&barcode=AAAFUgUECVsDAQEAVAI%3D
Alternative retailers
Walmart$33.58View offer
Overstock$43.23View offer
Kohl's$45.49View offer
JCPenney$59.99View offer

Having been everywhere on TikTok, we couldn't help but include the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer in our list. If you're wanting to perfect the curly blow, this hair dryer is your gal. Adding volume to your roots and curling your hair towards the ends, you'll have a 90s supermodel blow-out in minutes flat. Thank us later.

Our review: "So believe us when we say we were VERY INTRIGUED to see a hair tool going viral on the ol' TikTok for giving a salon-worthy blow dry. What's more, it doesn't include trying to master the awkward hairdryer and round brush action which we could never quite get the hang of. You simply wrap sections of damp hair around the brush and within minutes, your hair is looking hella bouncy."

Read our full Revlon Hair Dryer Volumiser review

Pros

  • Brushes and dries your hair at the same time
  • Ceramic technology distributes heat
  • Speedy drying time

Cons

  • Not as effective on shorter hair

Best trending hair dryer

Beauty Works Aeris Hair DryerLookFantastic

If you're looking for a worthy alternative to the big names in the hair industry like Dyson and Shark, the Beauty Works Aeris Hair Dryer has made a name for itself. With it's multiple attachments, settings and intelligent technology

Our review: "If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the cult hairdryer, Beauty Works’ brand new Aeris styler promises an ultra-fast, smooth blow-dry – and let us tell you, it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re casually browsing for a new hair dryer or you’ve been on the hunt for a good Dyson alternative, this is one that you won’t want to miss."

Read our full Beauty Works Aeris Hair Dryer review

Pros

  • Has loads of attachments
  • Has advanced ionic technology
  • Comes with an intelligent memory feature

Cons

  • Magnetic attachments can be knocked off easily

Best hair dryer for all hair types

Shark HD440UK FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler and Hair DryerJohn Lewis

The Shark HD440UK FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler and Hair Dryer offers styling that's suitable for all hair types thanks to its many attachments. Whether you blow it sleek, curly or bouncy, the FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler can do it all, drying and styling your hair with super fast drying time and minimal heat.

Customer review: "I love this! My hair has never felt so healthy or looked so shiny! It takes a bit of getting used to i.e using the curling barrels however it is definitely worth it. I have wanted one for so long and I am definitely not disappointed."

Pros

  • Has loads of attachments
  • No heat damage with consistent temperature
  • Comes with a handy styling guide

Cons

  • Curling may take some practice

Best popular hair dryer

The name says it all: light and airy. You're going to have a 'good hair day' every time you use this ghd Air Hair Drying Kit. This powerful set will ensure your hair always looks Insta-ready; cue big-blowing industrial fans. It comes with styling clips, diffuser and round barrel brush, making it the perfect gift for someone else or a treat for yourself.

Customer review: "I have always bought high-street hair dryers but I decided to treat myself and bought this GHD product after seeing it being used in my hairdressers. This product is expertly manufactured. The choices of speeds and heat settings are perfect. It makes my frizzy naturally curly hair shiny and manageable and looks much smarter. If you want a good product, buy this, I love mine."

Pros

  • A favourite brand
  • Advanced ionic technology reduces frizz
  • Comes with accessories

Cons

  • Heavy to hold

Best affordable hair dryer

We cannot fault the Lily England 1800w Hair Dryer for aesthetics. Who doesn't want a sleek, rose gold number on their vanity? For the price, it's an absolute bargain, even if the cord is on the shorter side. We love that this is lightweight and easy to handle, plus the fact it's quieter than most.

Customer review: "I am in love!! I wanted a hairdryer that is quiet first and foremost - the beautiful aesthetic was a bonus only. This hairdryer does both and I am over the moon! Its definitely quieter than any hairdryer I've had before. Please note it's QUIETER not absolutely soundless - that's not what I wanted."

Pros

  • An affordable price point
  • Diffuser attachment is available
  • Quiet-sound design

Cons

  • Cord is a bit shorter

Best travel hair dryer

Panasonic EH-NA9J Advanced Folding Hair DryerBoots

This clever Panasonic EH-NA9J Advanced Folding Hair Dryer improves hair shine and reduces frizz, by using trademarked Nanoe technology. The four temperature settings are designed to give you the maximum amount of control. Not only that, but it's folding design makes it perfect for throwing in your bag on a weekend away or for your next holiday.

Customer review: "This is the best hair dryer I’ve had. The relief to my scalp has been remarkable in just a few uses and the shine left on my hair is like a salon finish. Delighted with it. Comfortable to hold and good long cord. Doesn’t take too long to dry my long hair either."

Pros

  • Incredibly compact with folding mechanism
  • Ionic technology reduces frizz
  • Different heat modes

Cons

  • Temperature control may take some practice

Best professional hair dryer

Shark HD110UK STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer and StylerJohn Lewis

We won't gatekeep, the Shark HD110UK STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer and Styler is used in salons everywhere. Plus, it's a fab option if you're wanting a professional finish. Not only is it lightweight to hold, it comes with a few handy attachments for different hair types. Delivering rapid drying with no damage, it's all thanks to it's ionic technology that leaves hair frizz-free, sleek and smooth.

Customer review: "Lighter than my other hairdryer and quicker at drying. Used almost all the attachments and have no complaints. Definitely worth the money."

Pros

  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Ionised air for fast drying with no heat damage
  • Lightweight and fairly quiet

Cons

  • Filter is not removable

Best hair dryer for speed

The CLOUD NINE The Airshot Hair Dryer Black is your new bestie for delivering smooth locks in half the time. Infused with healing minerals to lock in moisture and seal the cuticle to protect your hair, you'll definitely see lasting results with this one.

Customer review: "My wife loves this hairdryer, she has been using a much cheaper branded hair dryer for years so this year I bought her the Cloud Nine hairdryer as she loves their hair straighteners so much, and I'm so glad I did. She has very thick hair and she says this Cloud Nine Hairdryer dries her hair in half the time. The attachments make her normally frizzy hair silky smooth as well. Well worth the money."

Pros

  • Different heat temperature settings
  • Infused with healing minerals
  • Speedy drying time

Cons

  • Heavy to hold

Best hair dryer for thick hair

This hairdryer is stunning... We're obsessed with its design, which is super lightweight to help give you that ultimate salon-ready hair. Any ghd hair tool is going to impress, but the ghd Helios Hair Dryer definitely delivers. Especailly if you have thick hair, this dryer makes short work of frizz, leaving you with silky smooth locks to die for.

Customer review: "After reading many reviews on many different types of hairdryers I finally choose this one. What an absolutely brilliant hairdryer. I have very thick long frizzy hair which I have only ever been able to get straight by using straighteners. Until now, my drying time has reduced and I haven’t even opened my straighteners even 5 days after drying. My hair is completely flat and remains flat with no frizz for days. This is a first for my hair."

Pros

  • Loads of designs to choose from
  • Ionic technology reduces frizz
  • Powerful airflow reduces drying time

Cons

  • Nozzle can get hot

FAQs

Can hair dryers damage hair?

Wherever you look, there are different theories about whether or not hair dyers are bad for your hair. What is clear - if you use this hair essential wrong, then it can damage your hair. Using heat protectant is a must, as this will help protect your hair from damage and split ends.
Top tip: Look for ones where you can control the temperature setting, as well as attachments like a concentrator to direct the air flow properly.

Are hair dryer attachments universal?

We wouldn't recommend using attachments across different models. Each is designed differently, so you'll probably find that these attachments don't fit. And, even if they did, they probably wouldn't give you the best results. If you're looking for a dryer with multiple attachments, there are loads on the market.

Should I use a diffuser?

Do you have curly or wavy hair? A diffuser can help you style your locks and curb the frizz. To use this device, you simply need to attach the diffuser to your dryer and then section your hair. After you've parted it, move the diffuser in circular motions to dry. Looking to nail a curly blow? Here's some TikTok hacks for the perfect curly blow dry.

Lily Anderson is a contributing writer to Closer. When she isn’t trying out the latest kitchen appliances, garden furniture and home essentials, Lily is pushing forward health products for women, educational toys and the latest fashion collaborations.

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