Hair dryer technology has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade, with brands such as Dyson, Shark and ghd all trying to outdo one another with their latest releases. What constitutes the best hair dryer is subjective, however, with different hair types needing different features, when it comes to achieving salon-worthy results.
With that in mind, we asked a trio of beauty experts, with different hair types, to track down top-tier devices suitable for everything from poker-straight 1A strands to tight 4C textured coils.
The search went beyond traditional hair dryers, too, with diffusers and hot brushes also being taken into consideration during testing.
Whether you’re after a budget blow-dry or a luxury upgrade to keep your locks in tip-top condition, our testers have found the very best hair dryers to suit all strands and curls. Keep scrolling for our beauty buffs’ full, honest reviews and final verdict.
How we tested
Our trio of experts (with afro, curly and straight hair) tested a wide range of hair dryers over four months. During testing, our reviewers made use of the attachments included and considered each device in terms of weight, price, unique features, heat settings (plus any protective features), power and noise. They assessed how effective each model was for each of their hair types, scrutinising the finished results in terms of sleekness, frizz control and the condition of curls.
Why you can trust us
Lucy Smith is IndyBest’s beauty writer and has five years of experience in the industry. She’s an expert in the field – having interviewed beauty professionals, including Kate Somerville – and, hair-wise, has written about everything from Color Wow to TikTok hair hacks. Sheilla Mamona has been working as a beauty journalist for more than five years, having written for leading publications on all things afro hair, Black-owned beauty brands and the latest celebrity hair trends. Nicole Ocran has years of experience in fashion and beauty and, on top of her writing for well-known publications, works as an Instagram creator covering skincare, her 3C curly hair routine and more.
The best hair dryers for 2024 are:
Remington one dry and style hair dryer
One hair dryer that offers great value for money is the Remington one dry and style. It comes with four attachments for concentrated styling, flyaway taming, gentle drying diffusing and curl-defining diffusing. Even though I mostly use my hair dryer for my curls, I love that it has something for everyone, while everything from the branding to the accessories is gender inclusive.
The hair dryer has eight heat and speed combinations, which enables you to get really precise and personalised with your hair-drying experience. If you’ve got a household with multiple hair types, this device is ideal. Nicole Ocran
Buy now £66.65, Amazon.co.uk
Revlon airflow control dryer
By far the most accessible hair dryer I’ve tried, in terms of price point and availability across retailers, Revlon’s airflow control dryer is brilliant if you want professional quality styling that won’t break the bank.
It has a 90-degree rotating head, which increases airflow and enables you to switch up angles easily, to target wider sections of hair – at first, I didn’t think this would make that much of a difference but it really does.
I’m always concerned about how long my hair takes to dry but I was impressed by Revlon’s standard three heat and two speed setting options, while the curl diffuser attachment slides on easily. If you want something that’s no-frills and is going to get the job done reliably, look no further. NO
Buy now £34.99, Amazon.co.uk
Dyson supersonic nural hair dryer
After testing the Dyson supersonic nural on afro hair for a few weeks, I found it to be an absolute game changer. It has been created with an intelligent heat control that adapts to your scalp, to stop it from causing heat damage. It also dries hair ultra fast – even if you have full 4B/4C curls – due to its powerful airflow. With it, I could easily blow dry my medium-length afro hair in less than 10 minutes. The diffuser attachment is perfect for defining curls but the wide-tooth comb attachment is ideal for simultaneously blow drying and detangling even the coilest curls. Plus, its ergonomic design means it’s light and comfortable to hold – ideal for those with XXL curls.
Although the dryer carries impressive power at 1,600 wattage, it’s still relatively quiet. The cool shot feature locks in styles and is gentle on the scalp, while the ceramic finish gives it a sleek look. Post-drying, it leaves your hair full of movement, as well as giving a post-wash sheen and smoothness that actually lasts. Although it’s on the pricier side, the fast drying time and protection against heat damage make it a worthwhile investment if you dry your hair often. Sheilla Mamona
While I was initially confused by a few of the nural’s auto-react features, once I got the hang of it, it’s undoubtedly a nifty bit of gear. For context, a unique ‘time of flight’ feature recognises when you move the dryer in the region of your scalp, adjusting the heat output to maintain moisture where you need it. Likewise, intelligent heat control monitors the temperature of the air around the dryer, adapting as required to prevent breakage while boosting shine. In reality, these features can be a little odd – with the dryer switching to cooler or hotter temperatures when you don’t expect it – but it’s comforting to know the tech’s taking charge of your hair health without any effort on your part. Plus, should you find these features a hindrance in a particularly rushed scenario, it’s easy to switch off the auto-adapt function and use the device as you would a normal three-heat, three-power hair dryer.
As for the finish, thanks to the amazing flyaway attachment, my hair was left smoothed and healthy looking. Lucy Smith
Buy now £329.99, Dyson.co.uk
ghd helios professional hair dryer
I’ve been using the ghd helios for around two years now and, if you’ve got straight or wavy hair, it’s a top-notch device for speedy, sleek strands. I tend to use it without its concentrator nozzle initially, giving my hair a rough dry all over before using a paddle brush and pulling the hair dryer closely along sections of hair. For me, the combination of the brush and the concentrator makes for a sub-10 minute blow dry and the glossiest, silkiest strands.
In fact, ghd promises 30 per cent more shine when drying with the helios and, I’m pleased to say, that’s a statistic I can get behind – it really does leave my hair looking salon-fresh. The results are undoubtedly the product of (in part, at least) the device’s impressive 120km/h airspeed. When using this hair dryer, I can feel the oomph of the air physically flattening down my flyaways and, on days when I want a bit of volume and flick through my mid-lengths and ends, that same power helps to give my hair more staying power for the day ahead. One thing to note? This dryer does get very hot, so, I pair it with a good heat protection spray, to avoid damage. LS
Buy now £179.00, Ghdhair.com
Curlsmith defrizzion dryer and XXL diffuser
If you’re looking to significantly reduce your drying time, you need the Curlsmith defrizzion dryer and XXL diffuser. Boasting the largest diffuser size on the market, with an 8in porcelain ceramic attachment, you’ll get optimum hair coverage, while longer prongs penetrate to the roots. The weight of the hair dryer itself feels standard, but the diffuser is very light, which helps you to move it around with ease.
It also comes with a concentrator nozzle attachment to focus air onto specific sections, as well as a pick attachment to create volume – these aren’t attachments that I feel like I personally needed but I liked having the option for myself or even friends who might want to borrow this hair dryer. Another thing I love about this dryer is the fact it has a stand at the back, enabling you to set it down on a flat surface and go hands-free with your diffusing – genius. NO
Buy now £159.00, Boots.com
Revlon one step volumiser plus
This styler went viral in the wake of lockdown and, for its sub-£40 price, it’s no surprise. As someone who took years of practice to finally get the hang of a curling iron, I can confidently say the Revlon one-step is idiot-proof. I quite literally turned it outwards and into my hair, twisting and twisting while pulling downwards (as I’d seen Molly-Mae Hague’s sister do in a TikTok video), until I had pulled the device away from the bottom of my hair.
For context, curls really don’t hold in my hair, due to its weight, so, to see a lovely ringlet form after just seconds of twisting with this tool was a superb result. As for the tech behind these results, the one-step hot brush uses ionic technology for smooth results, as well as charcoal-infused bristles to prevent tangles. To give you a bit more background, I have really tangle-prone hair and didn’t experience so much as one knot during this styling session. My one caveat, however, was that my hair – while going from wet to dry in less than 20 minutes – didn’t maintain its bouncy finish entirely. Then again, at this price, the amount the curls/waves held (they ended the day more akin to a feathery ’do) was impressive. LS
Buy now £33.90, Justmylook.com
Drybar buttercup blow dryer
An undeniably eye-catching hair dryer, the Drybar buttercup blow dryer left my hair feeling fluffed and soft as silk. It’s not as powerful as some of the other dryers in this edit but it generated a good amount of heat and dried my hair in a typical 10-15 minutes. I also enjoyed the addition of two concentrator nozzles – one wide and the other smaller – to allow for more narrowly directed heat flow around the shorter strands that frame my face. As for the ionic technology, which supposedly helps to flatten down hair cuticles, for a smoother finish, I was left with velvet-smooth locks.
I would have liked this dryer to be a touch better at combatting flyaways, however – its less powerful airflow makes it harder to seal down shorter, broken strands around the crown of my head. Although, it’s nothing a little hair oil can’t fix. LS
Buy now £139.00, Lookfantastic.com
Shark speedstyle pro flex 4-in-1 hair dryer
The speedstyle pro flex is a pretty powerful hair dryer designed for fast, effective drying, especially for afro and textured hair. It features a 1,700W motor, providing extra-strong airflow that dries textured hair quickly, without exposing it to excessive heat. After playing around with the three heat settings and three speed settings, I found it easy to dry curls and lock them in shape with the hair tool’s cool-shot setting.
However, for women with textured 4B/4C curls looking for a blow dry, this might be a bit harder, as the brush attachment can cause coils to tangle. As for design, the flex’s lightweight and slim style does make handling less laborious, so, you can move the dryer around your head easily, for fast and even drying. SM
Buy now £199.99, Sharkclean.co.uk
T3 fit compact hair dryer
Considering I don’t always have the privilege of having a suitable hair dryer while on my travels, this compact hair dryer does exactly what it needs to do. Although I’m a sucker for attachments, I was keen to test this model without any, to save even more space while travelling.
The powerful long-life motor makes drying thick 4C hair a breeze, and the device’s auto dual voltage gives you worry-free styling when abroad. It’s kind to coils and the T3 ‘ionair’ technology smooths the hair’s cuticle, leaving it feeling soft and frizz-free (if that is something you want to tone down). Although it’s not an ultra-mini, feather-weight size, it’s still a fantastic tool for managing natural textured hair and helping you achieve a range of styles without excessive heat damage while away from home. SM
Buy now £129.95, Beautybay.com
Ghd flight+ travel hair dryer
Much like the brand’s straighteners, this ghd device is one that works hard on all hair textures and is perfect for those of us on the go. With 78 per cent of the power of a full-sized hair dryer, it’s fuelled by a lightweight DC (direct current) motor and improved heater for fast drying results. Although it only technically has one speed setting, it’s designed with advanced ionic technology, which gives powerful airflow to cut down drying time while leaving your curls and coils feeling smoother and shinier after each use. The nozzle allows for precise styling, and it switches off automatically when held too close to hair, to prevent overheating.
However, while the dryer is efficient, it won’t ever be as efficient as dryers with more customisable settings. Although bulky-looking, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. SM
With a handy hinge to fold the device in half, this ghd design is a great addition to your suitcase, be it for weekend breaks or week-long getaways. I was really impressed with the airflow it produced, covering a large area and thus making it ideal for quick styles – much better than your average hotel hair dryer.
When compared against a full-power hair dryer, however, it doesn’t have as strong a concentration of air (even with the included nozzle). It did still make a good job of flattening down my flyaways, though. What’s more, it felt less drying on the brittle ends of my strands and was lightweight – which is good news, given it takes about five minutes longer than the helios to take you from wet to dry. LS
Buy now £99.00, Selfridges.com
Bellissima Italia diffon supreme
Anyone with curly hair will know the struggle of travelling when either forgetting to pack a diffuser or showing up to a hotel with a standard hair dryer. This is where this device comes into play. It’s lightweight, compact, sleek and so easy to use. Because the diffuser isn’t an attachment, it makes it much easier to move across your scalp, to dry your hair fully at the roots. The hair tool also offers a cool shot option, for optimum curl definition and reduced frizz. NO
Buy now £69.99, Amazon.co.uk
BaByliss air power pro
If you’re looking to dry your hair as quickly and quietly as possible, the BaByliss air power pro is for you. It’s a dream for those of us who have to get up early (trying not to wake up the entire household) because it has a high-speed digital motor and a calibrated fan to make it one of the quietest in the game. The design is very sleek and lightweight, with a large diffuser that’s suited to all curl types. It comes with two concentrated stylers, which is not something I felt I needed but, should you want to use them on longer hair, to smooth flyaways, or style a fringe, you’ve got options here. NO
Buy now £112.50, Argos.co.uk
Hershesons the great hair dryer
I’ll confess I wasn’t particularly excited by the idea of this hair dryer. With its high price and tiny size, I assumed the device was more of a branding exercise than an actual hair necessity but, boy, how wrong I was.
I was surprised by its featherlight weight – upon lifting the device out of its cutesy carry case, my arm shot into the air, comically, after anticipating something weightier. According to the brand, this hair dryer is lighter than a can of Coke. As for its performance, it certainly packs a punch. It boasts the same high-power RPM (revolutions per minute) as the Dyson supersonic and uses something called the “venturi effect” to multiply the airflow provided by the power source, without using extra power. Magic.
In reality, this creates a speedy drying time – one of the fastest in this round-up and definitely less than 10 minutes – plus lower energy bills in the long run. As for the finish on my hair, it wasn’t as glossy, compared with using the ghd helios or Dyson supersonic, but it did remain soft around the roots and mid-lengths. As for the ends, they admittedly needed a touch of leave-in conditioner. For speed and weight, however, this hair dryer is a great pick. LS
Buy now £295.00, Hershesons.com
Silk'n silky air pro
This hair dryer is a pretty impressive machine, considering its size and price point. The brushless motor delivers powerful airflow that drastically cuts down drying time without excessive heat – which is honestly a relief for those of us with brittle curls and coils prone to heat damage. However, it still gives you maximum control and freedom, with its six heat settings – ideal for curly types that are denser in texture – while the cool shot function helps to set styles in place.
The premium water ion technology is a standout feature – it reduces afro frizz and left my hair feeling smooth with that post-wash glow, which can be a challenge with dry afro-textured hair. However, the diffuser attachment could be a bit larger, for thicker and fuller curls, and it’s a bit noisy at higher speeds. Overall, though, it’s a powerful and versatile tool for natural hair. SM
Buy now £199.00, Boots.com
Panasonic nanoe moisture+ and mineral hair dryer
This hair dryer made me feel like I was in the future, thanks to the device’s built-in sensors that control its air temperature. This is brilliant for seasonal changes, as it detects the air and room temperature to reduce excessive heat on the hair.
There are three modes: scalp care mode for a gentle drying option at 60C; hair care mode featuring hot and cold alternation, to avoid frizz during the final stages of styling; and skin care mode for the ultimate pamper, as it delivers nano-sized moisture ions to the face. Talk about bang for your buck. NO
Buy now £199.00, Amazon.co.uk
Hair dryer FAQs
What’s the best hair dryer for my hair type?
Not all hair dryers are made equal, and finding one that works best for you will depend on your hair type. Fine, straighter hair types will benefit from ion technology to increase volume, while variable heat settings will help you limit the amount of heat damage.
If frizziness is your bugbear, a cool-shot button – which delivers a burst or ongoing stream of cold air – will seal the hair cuticle and help reduce the effects of humidity on your locks, while wavy and curly hair will benefit from the use of a diffuser, which is an attachment tool that allows for heat to be distributed evenly. For thick hair, a higher wattage will ensure a faster drying time, though, you can be more susceptible to heat damage, so always use a heat protection spray beforehand.
When drying afro hair that has dense curls and texture, too much continuous high heat can cause breakage, so, look for varying heat settings that allow you to control this and minimise damage.
What should I consider when buying a hair dryer?
Size and weight
Hair dryers have slimmed down in recent years, making bulky devices a thing of the past. However, it’s still important to consider the size and weight of the product. Thicker, curlier hair will take longer to dry, which means heftier hair dryers will take their toll on your arms after extensive styling. More complex, cutting-edge technologies tend to lead to heavier hair dryers, with lightweight travel dryers offering a more basic hair-drying experience.
Power and temperature
If you’re looking to dry your hair as quickly as possible, look at the wattage, not the temperature. Nowadays, you can buy hair dryers operating at 3,600W, but a high-quality device only requires around 1,800W. For those with curlier hair that only needs setting or drying with a diffuser, high speeds aren’t as important.
While it’s normally advisable to keep to as low a temperature as possible, to minimise damage, thicker, curlier hair requires more heat. No matter your hair type, everyone should look for a variety of temperature settings – the more options, the more control over your styling.
Ceramic vs metal
The key difference between ceramic and metal hair dryers is that ceramic heats evenly and metal unevenly. As a result, ceramic dryers are less damaging to your hair, even if they take longer to heat up. Metal dryers are best suited to thicker hair, which requires stronger blasts of heat to dry quickly. Metal dryers also tend to be lighter than their ceramic counterparts.
What are ionic and ceramic technologies?
The word ‘ionic’ is often thrown around when it comes to hi-tech hair gadgets but it is very rarely explained. The term comes from its use of negatively charged ions. While your hair features both negative and positively charged ions, the water on wet hair is positive. Ionic hair dryers blast negative ions to help break down the particles which, in turn, helps hair dry faster compared with when it’s left to its own devices. Because the negative ions help close the hair cuticle, it also leaves strands smoother, sleeker and frizz-free. This is particularly helpful for protecting the definition and pattern of your curls, but as it removes moisture, fine hair can be left looking limp.
Meanwhile, ceramic technology is designed to evenly distribute heat. This works by coating the inside of the dryer with ceramic (or sometimes porcelain) and covering the metal or plastic components, which conduct more extreme, uneven temperatures. Hair dryers with this technology also take extra measures to protect your hair from heat damage, repeatedly checking the temperature and adjusting accordingly. Temperatures will be hotter at the start of your blow-dry, cooling gradually.
While some hair dryers combine both technologies, most ceramic hair dryers are already equipped with negative ions to help control frizz – just not to the extent of an ionic hair dryer.
The verdict: Hair dryers
While Remington’s one dryer took the title of best hair dryer overall, thanks to its reasonable price point, attachments and precise approach to styling, it was ghd’s helios and Dyson’s supersonic nural dryer that proved the most effective on straight and afro hair. Indeed, Remington won the prize for versatility, as well as being Nicole’s favourite for curly hair overall and, while it’s actually rather affordable, we felt it performed like a premium dryer. That said, Revlon’s airflow control dryer proved an even more affordable option and was both curly hair-friendly and suitable for on-the-go use.
After more haircare hacks and must-buy products? Read these expert-recommended tips for looking after your scalp
