Wave goodbye to bad hair days and give your styling station an upgrade with our pick of the best hair dryers
When it comes to styling hair, few tools are as versatile as a blow dryer. No matter what sort of style you favour (from sleek, straight strands to big bouncy curls) a top-rated dryer can help make your hair dreams a reality.
There’s no denying the transformative power of investing in a great hair dryer. Even if you get the haircut of your dreams, if you can’t recreate that fresh-from-the-salon feel at home, your hair goals might fall flat in more ways than one.
However, with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know which hair dryer would work best with your hair. The best choice for you will depend on your hair type, your preferred style and your hair concerns, as there are a whole host of different features and functionalities that can help you achieve the best results possible.
Scroll on to discover the best blow dryers for every hair type, texture, budget and style. We’ll also cover an overview of hair dryer technology, key features to consider when buying a hair dryer, and how to effectively use, clean and maintain your hair dryer.
What should I look for when buying a hair dryer?
There are several key features to consider when choosing a model and make, and these really elevate a good hair dryer to a great one. But don’t feel overwhelmed by the buzzwords – let’s break down the types of hair dryer tech that can really make a difference to your hair dryer experience.
Ceramic or tourmaline heating elements. Turns out, the material that the heating element is made from can really make a difference when it comes to minimising heat damage and keeping moisture in your locks. Ceramic elements help to make sure that the hair is heated evenly, instead of creating ‘hot spots’ that can unintentionally fry and damage hair.
Ionic technology. If you spot this listed on the specs of a potential new purchase, it’s a sure-fire route to smooth, flyaway-free hair. Ionic technology generates negative ions that work to break up water molecules in the hair for a smoother, frizz-free finish. Meanwhile, positive ions can boost the volume at the roots of the hair.
Wattage. Want a superfast dry time? Choose a model with a higher wattage, as the stronger airstream will make quick work of wet locks. However, a higher wattage can mean a heavier and more cumbersome hair dryer, which leads us on to…
Weight. If you’re a frequent dryer, you’ll probably be very familiar with the aching arms and shoulders that can accompany a fresh blow-dry… It’s a real workout! If you struggle with lifting and controlling hair dryers, check the weight of the model before you buy it.
Versatile speed and heat settings. The best hair dryers offer a variety of different heat and speed settings, so you can stay in full control while you style your hair. You might like to use a higher speed and heat for quickly drying hair, or a lower setting to keep frizz and tangles at bay and gently diffuse curls.
Attachments and accessories. If you like to regularly switch up your style, choosing a model that comes with a range of attachments is a must. These can include concentrator nozzles, which help to direct airflow in a targeted, precise spot for silky-smooth locks, or diffusers, which allow heat to be evenly distributed to make the most of natural curls.
Cool Shot buttons. Yes, hair dryers are designed to heat hair in order to dry it quickly, but for sealing the cuticle and locking in shine you can’t beat a quick blast of cold air.
Hanging loops. This handy feature makes it easy to store your hair dryer in an accessible location, or keep it out of the way while it cools down.
Our hair-dryer top picks
Ready to find your hair’s new BFF? Let’s take a look at some of the top-rated hair dryers for 2024, from the cult-favourite Dyson Supersonic to the Shark SpeedStyle.
Best all-rounders
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Blow Dry Collection
• Wattage: 2,200W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heating elements: Tourmaline-ceramic
• Heat/speed settings: 3
• Attachments: Concentrator Nozzle, Curl Diffuser
• Extras: 2 Self-Grip Rollers, Paddle Brush, Sectioning Clips, Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray 200ml
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 1.8m
• Guarantee: 3 years
Looking for an excellent all-rounder at a reasonable price point? The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Blow Dry Collection is just the thing. This comprehensive styling kit features a speedy 2,200W hair dryer with frizz-busting ionic technology, plus tourmaline-ceramic heating elements to help minimise damage to hair.
If you like to experiment with your style, you’ll love putting the styling extras to good use. Create super-smooth strands with the concentrator nozzle, or embrace your inner curl power with the soft finger diffuser. Plus, with heat protectant, sectioning clips, volumising rollers and a large paddle brush, you’ll be rocking a salon-worthy style in no time. Once you’ve achieved the luscious locks you want, set your style in place with the Cool Shot and enjoy a great hair day.
Revamp Progloss™ 5,000 Ionic Hair Dryer
• Wattage: 2,400W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 4 heat settings & 2 speed settings
• Attachments: 2 Concentrators – 6mm Super Slim & Smoothing Nozzles
• Extras: Infused with Progloss™ super smooth oils
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 3m
• Guarantee: 2 years
Want to achieve show-stopping, salon-worthy shine every day? Meet your hair’s new best friend: the Revamp Progloss™ 5,000 Ionic Hair Dryer. Featuring the all-important ionic technology to smooth the cuticle and neutralise static, this super styler eliminates frizz from root to end.
The two concentrator nozzle attachments leave locks silky smooth, while keratin, argan and coconut oils work to condition strands. Plus, it’s lightweight and fast-drying, so you can style hair quickly without aching shoulders and arms.
Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Hair Dryer with Storage Bag HD352UK
• Weight: 750g
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 3
• Attachments: RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Guarantee: 5
Want a bouncy blow dry of epic proportions? We do too. Luckily, this little beauty gives hair a glossy finish to rival Rapunzel’s famed locks. The Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Hair Dryer is powerful, lightweight and seriously easy to use, as the intelligent tech automatically optimises the heat and speed settings each time you switch out the three styling accessories (though it’s worth noting that you can adjust them manually, too).
Not only does the hair dryer have super-smoothing ionic technology, you can give your hair a seriously glossy upgrade with the RapidGloss Finisher, which harnesses Coanda technology and uses two high-speed streams of air to add shine to hair. After a straight blow dry with plenty of volume? Try the QuickSmooth Brush, designed to dry and straighten. For a sleek, polished look, use the Turbo Concentrator for precision, then turn on the the Cool Shot to set your style. You don’t have to worry about damaging your locks, either, as this hair dryer continually regulates its temperature (1,000 times per second, to be exact), ensuring consistent heat that’s always well within the recommended limits.
Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer EH-NA67
• Wattage: 2,000W
• Weight: 547g
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 3 speed & 4 temperature settings
• Attachments: Concentrator Nozzle, Oscillating Quick-Dry Nozzle, Diffuser
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 2.7m
• Guarantee: 1 year
If minimising heat damage is high on your priority list, this pick from Panasonic is a great option to try. Specially designed to prevent hair damage and protect delicate scalps, the Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer features innovative Nanoe™ technology, which helps to eliminate static, smooth cuticles and boost shine by locking around 1,000 times more moisture into the hair than other hair dryers.* One particularly useful feature is the unique oscillating nozzle attachment, which uses varying airflows to separate strands and deliver gentle yet rapid drying, even at the roots.
For a smooth blow-dry effect, the concentrator nozzle helps to direct air just where you want it. The diffuser is a great option to reduce frizz and dryness in thick or curly hair, while keeping plenty of volume and definition. When you’re finished, a quick blast of cold air using the Cool Shot can help you enjoy your style for longer. The lightweight, compact design is easy to maintain, with a removable filter. The long 2.7m cord length allows for effortless movement, plus the hanging loop allows you to pop it out of reach while it cools down.
Best for curly hair
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser
• Wattage: 800W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heating elements: Ceramic
• Heat/speed settings: 2 heat settings
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 2m
Bring your dreams of big, bouncy curls into reality with the versatile Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser. It’s a one-stop shop for lifting the roots and curling the ends of your hair, providing the functionality of a hair dryer with the precision of a styling tool.
Combining shine-boosting ionic technology with a kind-to-hair ceramic coating, this styler creates an even distribution of heat as it glides through the hair, detangling, styling and drying all at the same time. The oval brush features nylon pin bristles with ball tips, for a comfortable styling experience, every time. Choose between the two heat settings, depending on your hair type (and how much time you have on your hands), then use the cool setting for a finishing touch. It’s the perfect hair styling answer for rushed mornings!
BaByliss 2,300 Styler Dryer Professional Hair Dryer
• Wattage: 2,300W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 3 heat & 2 speed settings
• Attachments: 2 Ultra-Slim Nozzles, Diffuser, Lock-On Straightening Pik
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 2.8m
• Guarantee: 3 years
Wave goodbye to bad hair days with a nifty new gadget: the BaByliss 2,300 Styler Dryer Professional Hair Dryer. Let’s be real – while we’d love to visit the salon regularly for a blow dry, it’s just not always possible to fit in. That’s why this Italian-made model provides a professional performance, so you can enjoy a salon-quality finish in the comfort of your home.
The powerful high-speed airflow for rapid drying, plus frizz-busting ionic technology, is a real saviour when it comes to squeezing hair care into a busy schedule. With three heat settings and two speed settings, it’s a great option for all hair types, but particularly well suited to curly hair thanks to the additional diffuser. The attachments are designed to meet all your styling needs, including two ultra-slim, smoothing nozzles to help direct airflow, a large, curl-enhancing diffuser, and a lock-on pik to help relax curly and coily hair. The results? Quickly dried, beautifully styled hair with a frizz-free finish.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Iron/Fuchsia
• Wattage: 1,600W
• Weight: 0.659kg
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 3 speed settings & 4 heat settings
• Attachments: Styling Concentrator, Diffuser, Smoothing Nozzle, Gentle Air Attachment
• Extras: Heatproof Mat
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 2.8m
• Guarantee: 2 years
Add a little bit of luxury to your hair styling station with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. Yes, it’s the most expensive option on our list, but trust us, this one is worth every penny. It has the credentials to back it up, too; not only is it the most awarded hair dryer,** it also boasts a powerful digital motor that’s on average six times faster than other hair dryer motors. That means super speedy drying and precise styling, no matter what style you’re going for.
You’ll get five styling attachments that connect magnetically to the dryer, including: a flyaway attachment to provide a smooth finish to straight styles; a styling concentrator to help focus the airstream for precise application; a diffuser that helps disperse air evenly around curls and waves; a gentle air attachment to create a cooler airflow that’s kinder on sensitive scalps; and a wide tooth comb that’s perfect for adding volume and shape to curly and coily hair. The unique design is balanced and lightweight, to make drying your hair less of a chore. It also comes with a handy heatproof mat to rest your hair dryer on while you section or brush hair, or to leave it to cool down once you’re finished. One thing’s for sure – this model will truly revolutionise your styling routine.
Best for straight hair
BaByliss Rose Lustre 2,400 Hairdryer
• Wattage: 2,400W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heating elements: Ceramic
• Heat/speed settings: 2 speed, 3 heat
• Attachments: Concentrator nozzle
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 2.2m
• Guarantee: 3 years
Want to style your straight hair on a budget? The BaByliss Rose Lustre Hairdryer is guaranteed to please. With an impressive 2,400 wattage, it makes quick work of any style, while the ionic frizz-controlling technology smooths and adds a healthy-looking sheen to all hair types. The two speed and three temperature settings mean you can vary your technique to suit your style, while an extra Cool Shot helps you to lock in your look for longer.
If additional attachments such as diffusers are important to you, this may not tick all the boxes – but for fans of silky, flyaway-free locks, the concentrator nozzle delivers in spades. Plus, the hair dryer’s classic, sleek design is lightweight in construction and designed to be balanced for comfortable handling, so you can style those tresses with ease.
Remington ONE Dry & Style Hair Dryer
• Wattage: 2,000W
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 8 combinations
• Attachments: Slim Styling Concentrator, Flyaway Tamer, Gentle Drying Diffuser, Curl Defining Diffuser
• Extras: Hang up loop & luxury storage bag
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Guarantee: 3+1 years
Upgrade your hair styling game (no matter what look you’re in the mood for) with the Remington ONE Dry & Style Hair Dryer. With an impressive 2,000-watt motor and ionic technology, salon-worthy styles are well within reach, without the need to spend hours in front of the mirror. The short, balanced barrel makes styling your hair much more comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about the dreaded arm ache that can ruin an otherwise great hair day.
Switch seamlessly between the eight heat and speed settings, while the smart Thermacare Sensor works to keep the temperature steady, reducing the risk of heat damage to your hair. Create a range of different finishes, from straight and sleek to defined curls, using the four styling attachments: a slim styling concentrator, flyaway tamer, gentle drying diffuser and curl defining diffuser. And once you’re finished, you can use the hang up loop to allow the dryer to cool down, before popping it (along with the attachments) into the handy storage bag. A top tip if you’re planning to purchase: if you register your hair dryer online within 28 days, you can extend the three-year warranty for an extra year, for extra peace of mind.
Revamp Enigma PRECISION Hair Dryer
• Weight: 460g
• Ionic technology: Yes
• Heat/speed settings: 4 heat settings, 3 speed settings
• Attachments: Flyaway 360° Attachment, Fast Dry & Lift Booster, Super-Slim Precision Concentrator & Curl Diffuser
• Extras: Front grille infused with Progloss™ super smooth keratin, argan & coconut oils
• Cool Shot: Yes
• Cord length: 3m
• Guarantee: 2 years
Speedy, stylish, smooth results? Yes please. Coming in at a more premium price point, the Revamp Enigma PRECISION Hair Dryer is a must-have tool when it comes to styling straight hair. Compact and lightweight, this hair dryer is packed with hair-loving technology to help you get the best results possible. The intelligent brushless motor promises superfast drying, generating an air speed of up to 175km per hour, while the quad ionic system releases millions of conditioning ions. As if that wasn’t enough, the front grille releases a blend of Progloss™ oils each time you use it, including softening and shine-boosting keratin, argan and coconut oils.
Experiment with a range of styles with the four magnetic styling attachments, including a flyaway 360° attachment to tame unruly strands, a fast dry and lift booster to raise each hair from the root and impart enviable volume, a super-slim precision concentrator for targeted airflow and a curl diffuser to enhance natural curls and waves. Tailor the temperature with the four heat settings, and kick it up a notch (or tone it down as needed) with the three speed settings. Once you’re done, lock in your silky-smooth finish with the Cool Shot.
The best hair dryers for different hair types
When it comes to hair dryers, one size certainly doesn’t fit all, so it’s best to tailor your search depending on your hair type. If you have thick hair, look for a more powerful motor with a higher wattage, which will speed up drying time. For thin hair, adding volume is key, so look for attachments that will work with your chosen styling method. An all-in-one styler, which works like a heated brush, can be a good option, or use a hair dryer with a concentrator nozzle so you can direct airflow directly at the roots for added lift. For naturally curly or coily hair, a diffuser can be invaluable. This means that hot air can be distributed evenly, helping to dry hair without disrupting the natural curl pattern.
How to use a hair dryer effectively
Cleaning and maintaining your hair dryer
Keeping your hair dryer clean will help it to work well for longer. Hair dryers work by sucking air in, which can mean that dust, dirt and lint can get trapped, too. Over time this can reduce the airflow of your appliance, resulting in a slower drying time, and could cause overheating.
The cleaning and maintenance instructions will vary depending on your particular appliance, so check the instructions provided to ensure that you’re maintaining it properly. Here are some top tips to get you started:
• Hair dryers should be cleaned once a month, or more often if it’s being used every day.
• Unplug your hair dryer and make sure it’s cool before cleaning.
• Clean it over a flat surface (such as a towel on a table), rather than over a sink. This means that if any small parts become detached, they won’t be lost.
• Remove any mesh filters, metal filters and filter guards and clean them. Refer to your dryer’s instructions if you struggle to take these off.
• Use a clean spoolie, toothbrush or cotton swab to brush away dirt and debris. Removable filters can be washed in water, but need to be fully dried before putting the dryer back together.
• During cleaning, inspect the hair dryer to make sure that wiring hasn’t been damaged.
Safety tips for using a hair dryer
• Unplug the hair dryer immediately after using it, and leave it to cool on a heat-resistant surface. Don’t leave the hair dryer switched on when it’s not in use.
• Don’t touch a hair dryer with wet hands, or use it in the bath or near water.
• Check the hair dryer regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
• Keep the hair dryer, cord and plug away from any heat sources.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including regularly cleaning and maintaining your hair dryer. Make sure the air openings are free from dust, dirt, hair or debris.
• Buy your hair dryer from a reputable retailer, such as boots.com.
• If possible, register your new hair dryer with the manufacturer. This will allow the manufacturer to contact you if they have safety updates, or if a product is recalled for any reason.
• If the product arrives with a with a plug from a different country, return it and choose a brand which has a UK plug.
Which hair dryer is the least damaging?
The truth is that when you use any heated hair styling tools, you run the risk of damaging delicate hair strands. So, is it true that a blow dryer is never good for your hair? Not exactly. Recent developments in technology have come a long way in helping to protect hair and reduce the risk of breaking hair.
Ionic or ceramic heating elements are a good choice if you want to minimise heat damage. Ionic hair dryers work by breaking down water molecules, which helps to accelerate the drying process, even when using a lower heat. Ceramic hair dryers create an evenly distributed, infrared heat that penetrates hair and helps prevent dryness and damage.
No matter which hair dryer you choose, make sure you use a good heat protection spray to look after your locks while you blow dry.
Now that you've gotten our low-down on the best hairdryers, why not take your haircare routine to the next level and learn about how often you should wash your hair, or our tips on how to prolong that 'just stepped out of the salon' feel? From sleek and straight to a bouncy blow-dry, our top hairdryer picks can help you tame your tresses, no matter your styling vibe.
