Are you looking for a hair dryer that will give you your dream blow dry without having to visit the salon? Whether you have frizzy, curly, long or thick locks, we’ll help you find the best hair dryer for your hair type.
We’ve put together a handy buyer’s guide to give you information on top hair dryers, how they work, and how to choose the right hair dryer based on your hair type. Read on to find out more!
How to buy the best hair dryer for your hair type
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are our tips for choosing the best hair dryer for your hair.
First, choose whether you want an AC (alternating current) or a DC (direct current) hair dryer. In an AC hair dryer, the heater and fan motor operate independently, whereas in a DC hair dryer they operate together. AC dryers are heavier and more powerful than DC dryers, but they have a longer life. Secondly, choose the power you want. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the hair dryer will be – for example, a 1200W hair dryer will be less powerful than a 2000W dryer.
For a salon-standard blow dry, you should be using a hair dryer with ceramic and/or ionic technology. Ceramic hair dryers use infrared heat to achieve frizz-free, shiny locks, while an ionic hair dryer uses negatively charged ions to tame hair, define curls, and banish frizz from your mane. You can even get tourmaline hair dryers, which emit both infrared heat and negative ions!
How to blow dry your hair
If you’re new to blow drying and want some tips for achieving salon-worthy tresses, look no further…
- As well as your hair dryer, you should also use heat protection spray to ensure your hair isn’t damaged
- Hold the concentrator nozzle of the hair dryer away from your head, and angle it down the hair shaft – this will smooth out hair cuticles and create gorgeous, glossy locks!
- If your hair dryer has a cool shot setting, use it to set your style in place – perfect for special occasions
Hair dryer attachments explained
There are also several types of hair dryer attachments you can use to style your hair. Without an attachment, the air flow will be less accurate, and your hair may overheat due to proximity to the dryer. Different attachments, or nozzles, work for different hair types.
- For naturally straight hair, you don’t necessarily need to use a nozzle. This will keep your hair smooth whilst also encouraging texture and body
- The best hair dryer for curly hair will use a small nozzle to define waves and curls and reduce frizz. This type of hair dryer also works well for thick or frizzy hair. You can also use a diffuser on a slow setting to ensure long-lasting curls
- Fine hair doesn’t take as long to blow dry as other hair types, so it is at extra risk of heat damage. The best hair dryer for fine hair should use a high-pressure but controlled airflow to dry hair quicker and reduce frizz
How does it work?
The Dyson Supersonic uses sophisticated acoustic silencers to reduce noise, whilst heat distribution technology ensures that your hair is protected from heat damage.
How will it benefit my hair?
The Dyson Supersonic’s styling concentrator nozzle makes it easier than ever to style your hair in sections, while the smoothing nozzle will shield your hair from frizz disasters. For curly manes, the diffuser adds definition to curls, and temperature control ensures high levels of natural shine.
What else should I know?
This fantastic hair dryer also comes with a non-slip heat proof mat and storage hanger.
A top hair dryer should allow you to personalise your blow dry depending on hair type and style, which is exactly what this high quality hair dryer from Panasonic is great for.
How does it work?
If you’re after different heat settings, the ‘healthy’ mode turns the temperature down to 50 degrees, while the cool shot setting will give your hair a blast of cold air to set your style and heighten shine.
How will it benefit my hair?
Your hair will feel healthier and look shinier, thanks to the innovative drying technology. Frizz and dryness will be reduced, and your scalp will be protected against heat damage.
What else should I know?
This lightweight hair dryer is as compact as it is efficient and comes with its own hanging loop, removable filter, and quick-dry nozzle. Plus, the rose gold finish means that your hair dryer looks as stylish as your hair!
Professional hair care doesn’t get much better than this Babyliss travel hair dryer, the perfect partner for holidays or travels abroad.
How does it work?
This lightweight hair dryer packs a punch – allowing you to quickly and efficiently blow dry your hair, whilst also taming tresses and smoothing away frizz.
How will it benefit my hair?
This compact hair dryer’s ionic technology releases conditioning ions to promote shiny, static-free locks, whilst dual voltage ensures fast drying with lasting results.
What else should I know?
Convenient portability is a fantastic feature, meaning you can achieve a salon-perfect finish at home and on the go. It also includes two speed and heat settings, plus a cold shot option for a cool blast to set your style.
Perfectly sized for travel, the Babyliss 5344BU 2000W Travel Hair Dryer offers all the power of a regular hair dryer in a more convenient, suitcase-friendly size.
How does it work?
This lightweight hair dryer has two speed and heat settings and dual voltage for ease of use when drying and styling.
How will it benefit my hair?
With this small but powerful hair dryer, you have much more control over styling your hair, and faster air flow means fast drying!
What else should I know?
You can store the Babyliss Travel Hair Dryer safely thanks to its useful folding handle – perfect for suitcases or travel bags. It also comes with a three-year guarantee!
A high-quality hair dryer like no other, the Revlon 360 Surround Hair Dryer is ideal for long, straight hair. So, if you’re looking for the best hair dryer for long hair, have a look at this powerful hair dryer.
How does it work?
The Revlon 360’s contoured air outlet directs airflow for precise root styling, while ionic and ceramic technology protects locks from over-styling.
How will it benefit my hair?
The precise angle of the airflow will leave hair shiny and smooth, for a salon-quality finish. Naturally curly hair will benefit from the slower speed of the 360° mode. For best results, style in sections.
What else should I know?
Two different speeds and three heat settings create the perfect styling experience for any hair type, while a cold shot setting sets styles, preserving your blow dry for longer.
If you’re after a good hair dryer that will protect both your hair’s condition and colour, the Remington Advanced Colour Protect Hair Dryer is a brilliant choice.
How does it work?
The Remington Advanced Colour Protect Hair Dryer adds volume and vibrancy to hair and works for every hair style; from volume and bounce to smooth and sleek – just like a salon hair dryer!
How will it benefit my hair?
With the Intelligent Colour Protect Heat Sensor, you can achieve an effortless salon finish, whilst also protecting your colour from fading and breakage.
What else should I know?
The Advanced Micro-conditioning ring nourishes hair with Shea oil and UV filters, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your hair while you style.
The handy size of the Boots Essential Compact Hair Dryer makes it a great choice for everyday styling on the go.
How does it work?
The Boots Essential Compact Hair Dryer is a lightweight but powerful hair dryer – ideal for quick hair styling that won’t break the bank.
How will it benefit my hair?
1600W power completely dries even thick hair in no time at all, so you can easily achieve your desired hair style every day.
What else should I know?
A two-year guarantee means that you can be confident purchasing this hair dryer as a gift, or for yourself!
The importance of a good hair dryer
If you choose the wrong hair dryer, you risk creating frizz and even damaging your hair. Buying a good hair dryer will save you time on hair styling when you’re in a rush, as well as protecting your hair from heat damage.
It may be tempting to buy the first cheap hair dryer you find, but it’s well worth taking the time to compare hair dryers and invest in a high-quality one which will save you time, money, and hair disasters in the long run!
So that’s our buyer’s guide for some of our top-rated hair dryers! We hope you’ll now have a good idea of which hair dryer will help you achieve the luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of!