‘It blew our socks off’: The best hair dryers for every hair type, tested by 315 panellists (2025)

We asked over 315 testers with different hair types to review 54 market-leading models. They rigorously judged each appliance on its drying speed, ease of use, weight, noise level and, most importantly, the end result.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we measured the temperature of the airflow, casing and nozzle, as well as assessing instructions, simplicity and design. To see how well each tool combatted frizz, we also used a Bossa Nova Shuffle machine, which calculated the amount of flyaways that occurred once hair was exposed to humidity post-drying.

Score: 95/100

Whenever there’s a new winner in our tests, we have to shout about it, especially when it dethrones hair tool titans Dyson and ghd. The Air Power PRO blew our testers’ socks off with its super streamlined airflow, which means super precise and speedy styling. It’s mighty, yet small and lightweight, making it a great compact dryer for keeping your hair bouncy while travelling.

It comes with three attachments to suit different hair types, two styling nozzles for thicker and finer hair, as well as a curl diffuser. You can switch between them easily, too, as it’s “very intuitive to use,” according to one tester. There are three airflow settings and four temperature options too, including a cold shot to seal in your style.

All testers agreed that it helped them achieve their desired look, as well as leaving a smooth and frizz-free finish (thank you, ionic technology). The high-speed motor is designed to be extremely quiet too, so you can dry your hair any time, any place without too much disruption.

Did we mention it’s super affordable and still outperformed the high-tech models below?

Key specifications

Score: 92/100

We know it doesn't look like a hair dryer, but the Dyson Airstrait is one of a new wave of innovative wet-to-dry stylers, (alongside the ghd Duet below), which means it's essentially a hair dryer and straightener in one. It uses high-pressure, precise airflow rather than traditional heated plates. Its smart heat control technology also regulates the airflow temperature every 30 seconds to ensure there’s no excessive heat damage and leave your locks looking healthy and shiny instead.

Can’t remember if you turned the Airstrait off? Not to worry – smart technology means it pauses after three seconds of inactivity, saving on energy and anxiety when you're out and about.

All our testers said it styled hair effectively and quickly, with one praising its multitasking benefits for a busy lifestyle. Another said it was great for maintaining volume. What more could you want from a hair styler?

Read our editor's Dyson Airstrait review

Key specifications

Score: 92/100

The ghd Duet is another wet-to-dry styler that outshone the competition in both our hair dryer and hair straightener tests. Although the chunky paddles made it a bit trickier for those with fringes and short hair – something we also found with the Airstrait – most of our testers said this was tech you could really trust.

It left hair looking fully styled without the need to straighten separately (in most cases), so lengths were less exposed to heat damage over time. Our panellists also praised the speed at which it dried their hair and the glossy after-effects.

Read our full ghd Duet review

Key specifications

Score: 88/100

Both foldable and lightweight, this is another travel-friendly hairdryer that will keep the bounce in your hair wherever you are. Whether you want smooth locks for the office or to refine those beachy curls from the hotel room, the three magnetic attachments (a diffuser, precision concentrator and smoothing concentrator) offer versatile styling and they’ll fit in your suitcase.

“This left my hair smoother, with zero damage,” said one tester, which is likely down to the strand-softening ionic technology. It works fast too, so you shouldn’t be a second late for your dinner reservations. Well, you can’t blame your tools at least.

With four heat settings and three speeds, which are all easy to monitor via a clear LED display screen, our panellists found it super easy to use.

Key specifications

Score: 85/100

Designed to enhance hair’s natural shine and protect our all-important scalp health, this tech-y new tool lives up to the hype, heralding another potentially life-changing launch from Dyson. Those who tried it described it as small but mighty, and more powerful than you might think at first glance.

The scalp sensor means the temperature automatically changes when the tool gets close to your hairline, which gave our panel peace of mind that they wouldn’t hurt themselves or burn their roots.

The magnetic attachments were easy to use and most of our panellists said it was light to hold, although a couple mentioned that the shape of the handle could have been more ergonomic. It left hair shiny and smooth with minimal flyaways, with one tester telling us: “I’ve got a lot of thick hair, and it made short work of getting it all dry,” with another declaring, “This is the best hair dryer I’ve ever used.”

Key specifications

Score: 84/100

BaByliss claims the 3Q hair dryer is its most effective yet, and it didn’t disappoint in our tests. With a high-speed motor for quick drying, paired with ionic technology to banish static and frizz, it gives hair a super sleek finish in minutes.

The hot mode will help you achieve a smooth, bouncy blow dry, while a final blast with the cold setting helps lock your style in place. Not only did it leave testers' hair looking “smooth, shiny, and frizz-free”, it was quiet and comfortable to hold – so your blow dry won’t feel like a workout.

Key specifications

Score: 83/100

Achieve dream curls or sleek strands depending on your mood with this hair dryer, which comes with both diffuser and straightener attachments. One tester noted that it didn’t get too hot on the scalp when diffusing compared to other tools they’d used. This will be thanks to the special drying settings: the scalp care mode has a gentler, cooler airflow, while the skincare mode is meant to boost hydration.

This dryer also has an alternating hot and cold setting, which is great for enhancing shine, plus a hair tip care mode, which creates more manageable ends with the help of a targeted airflow. All testers agreed that it was easy to change between the settings too, all while comfortably holding the hot tool.

Key specifications

Score: 82/100

Another entry from ghd, this hair dryer excelled when it came to smoothing and banishing frizz, and everyone agreed it left hair looking healthier.

Despite its speedy drying capabilities, it didn't leave anyone's strands feeling dehydrated, and all our panellists were happy with their desired styles. The diffuser attachment stood out for those with curly or wavy hair too.

Key specifications

Score: 82/100

The hair dryer that broke the internet back in 2016 scored highly with our panel. Every tester said they'd replace their current hair dryer with the Dyson Supersonic after it left their locks softer and free of static. They all said their style lasted until the end of the day and everybody was impressed by how much body and volume it gave them.

Reaching from the roots to the back of the head proved easy and it barely made any noise. It got the job done quickly too, with virtually all of our panel pleased with how quickly it dried their hair. It also scored highly in our lab test, heating up well without scorching strands. The control indicator lights could be clearer, but it delivered an outstanding performance overall.

Key specifications

Score: 81/100

Despite being compact, this space-saving device achieved impressive results in our tests. Our panel reported softer, healthy-looking hair, with added body; and our experts also gave it their seal of approval in the lab for minimising frizz.

The concentrator nozzle was particularly handy for targeting specific areas, and everyone was able to reach the back of their head without any awkward stretching.

Key specifications

Score: 81/100

Bellissima’s array of attachments were a hit with our testers, allowing everyone to easily achieve the look they were after.

Those with curly hair were particularly impressed with how much volume was created, with no static or frizz in sight. Everyone saw a boost in smoothness and shine, and most agreed their stands looked stronger and healthier.

Key specifications

Score: 81/100

Weighing in at just 294g, Hershesons takes top spot for the most suitcase-friendly hair dryer. Despite its size, it boasts impressive functionality, with two styling nozzles and a diffuser for sleeker curls. In fact, all participants said it left their hair feeling smoother, without drying or dulling their colour.

According to our testers, the design “feels premium” and “durable”, and they appreciated the option to automatically save your preferred heat and speed setting for future use. That said, some felt the hair dryer was a little too powerful, and warned that the nozzle can get hot during use.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

This sleek, professional-looking hair dryer from Nicky Clarke would look just as at home in a salon as it does on your dresser. The 2,000 watts of power quickly styled our testers’ hair, whether they were after a super straight finish with the concentrator nozzle, or beachy waves with the two Aircurl stylers. There’s also a diffuser for the curly girls out there. Weighing an ultra-light 350g, it offers speedy styling without the strain – it’s “easy to manoeuvre,” according to one tester.

There are three different heat settings, although some of our panellists found the highest one a little toasty on their scalps, so take care when using this one.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

This hair dryer has eight speed settings, which means you can opt for a leisurely blow out, or get the job done quickly if you’re in a rush. The highest setting reaches 120 km/h for some seriously speedy styling. There are also eight different heat settings, which is great for personalising to your hair type – on top of this, there’s a smart Thermacare sensor that continuously regulates the temperature to protect against extreme heat.

Testers loved how quickly this hair dryer styled their hair, as well as how “light and easy” it was to use. Some did think it was slightly bulky, which may not make it one of our best travel hair dryers, but still one for the dressing table.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

Innovative modes and a sleek design make this hair dryer one of our top contenders. Our panel was impressed by how well it handled frizz, with some testers noting that their style lasted all day. Hair was also left feeling softer and shinier.

Testers with afro hair loved the hot and cold mode (which auto-adjusts between hot and cold air) and the scalp mode — a lower temperature airflow designed for gently drying the scalp area.

Key specifications

• mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer, £169.99; Score: 80/100 – here’s a hair dryer that adds plenty of volume. The magnetic styling nozzle attachments also make it super easy to switch up your look.
• DryBar Buttercup Blow Dryer, £65; Score: 79/100 – this is a simple, lightweight and foldable hair dryer that works fast. Our panel found it easy to create silky-smooth results using the attachable nozzles.
• ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer, £179; Score: 79/100 – described by our testers as “luxurious”, this well-designed hair dryer from ghd looks good, and offers super-speedy results.
• BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Air Dryer, £37.99; Score: 75/100 – short on time? Reach for this remarkably efficient tool – all our testers said it dried and styled their hair in a flash.
• Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer EH-NA67, £79.99; Score: 75/100 - Fast-drying, yet gentle on fragile strands, both our panellists and lab were impressed with the shiny, frizz-free results.
• Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer, £83.40; Score: 75/100 - save your arm workout for the gym and invest in this super lightweight tool instead.
• Revamp Progloss 3950 Featherlite Ultra X Shine Hair Dryer, £79.99; Score: 73/100 - this game-changing dryer is infused with keratin, argan and coconut oil to help protect locks. It was particularly effective for those with drier, colour treated hair.
• T3 Fit Dryer, £66.47; Score: 71/100 – predictably, this compact model didn't dry hair as quickly as bigger models, but it’s an effective on-the-go choice that won’t weigh you down.
• BaByliss Air Wand Hair Dryer, Straightener and Styler All-in-One, £123.67; Score: 70/100 – the three easily interchangeable airflow settings on this BaByliss hairdryer will take your hair from wet to dry in minutes.
• Cloud Nine The Airshot Pro, £158; Score: 70/100 – this tool left our testers’ hair looking and feeling glossier – most reported healthier, smoother, softer and less frizzy tresses after using it and were happy with how long their style lasted.

How do I choose a good hair dryer?

Choosing the best hair dryer for you will not only be down to your hair type, but also understanding all the features and extras each model comes with, and what you need. To make things easier, we’ve broken down the buzzwords to look out for.

Ionic technology: This tech creates negative ions that break up water molecules in your hair, smoothing it and preventing flyaways. Positive ions can be directed at the roots to help boost volume.

Ceramic or tourmaline heating elements: These are thought to be less damaging to your hair than metal ones, as they emit infrared heat and lock in moisture. Ceramic hair dryers distribute heat more evenly, preventing “hot spots” and minimising heat damage. Tourmaline hair dryers release negative ions for a smoother finish.

Wattage and weight: Higher wattage means stronger airflow and therefore a faster dry time. However, higher wattage hair dryers tend to be heavier and harder to control.

Multiple speed and heat settings. High speed and heat is best for drying hair quickly, while a lower speed and reduced heat provides more styling control and limits tangling and frizziness.

Cool shot button: This provides a burst of cool air that seals the cuticle, making hair look smoother and shinier.

Hanging loop: This is useful for storing your hair dryer out the way while it cools down.

More tried and tested hair tools: Best hair straighteners for sleek, soft lengths | Best hot brushes for styling at home | Best heated rollers for big Hollywood volume

What's the best hair dryer for my hair type?

Fine hair: High heat can easily damage fine tresses, so look for variable heat settings. Positive ion technology can help create volume and body.

Frizzy hair: Ionic technology and a cool shot button are your friends, sealing hair cuticles to help stop water and humidity “fluffing up” your mane.

Thick hair: High wattage helps move air through the hair quickly, decreasing drying time (and potential heat damage).

Wavy to curly hair (2A-3C curl types): A diffuser is key for distributing heat evenly and enhancing your natural style. Unless you’re looking to blow dry straight, high wattage may not be necessary. Use lower speeds to stop the curls or waves from dropping.

Afro hair (4A-4C curl types): Continuous high heat can cause damage and hair breakages, so look for variable heat settings and ionic technology. Set your style with a cool shot button.

Which hair dryer is least damaging?

When heat’s involved, there’s always the risk of damaging strands. However, thanks to modern tech (and the best heat protectant spray), there are hair dryers that can help keep breakage to a minimum.

Opt for those that are either ionic or ceramic. Ionic hair dryers cleverly break down positively charged water molecules by producing negatively charged ions, which not only allows you to use your hair dryer on a lower temperature, but also doesn’t expose the hair shafts — which means less damage and fewer signs of frizz.

Ceramic hair dryers, on the other hand, focus on providing an even airflow to regulate heat and adjust temperatures automatically. This will not only speed up your drying time, but also help avoid damage while doing so.

We’ve got both types in our round-up, so you can have the same sleek results without as much damage.

Can you take hair dryers in hand luggage?

In short, yes. You can take hair dryers in your hand luggage, as well as hair straighteners and curling tongs.

We'd always advise you check your airline's hand luggage restrictions policy though, so as to avoid any unwanted added stress.

How to use a diffuser on a hair dryer

Using a diffuser on a hair dryer is easier than it looks, and works particularly well for people with curly hair to enhance ringlets and waves. Just section out your hair while you're drying it and scrunch each section into the diffuser, then hold it against your head to keep it in place. Make sure you keep the heat down low so you don't hurt your scalp.

Verdict: Which are the best hair dryers?

Our winner, the BaByliss Air Power Pro, really impressed on test, beating tools almost twice as pricey. It's also speedy, portable and affordable.

If you want a game-changing wet-to-dry styler that gives you sleek hair, either the Dyson Airstrait or the ghd Duet work well for straight styles. They're both pricey but the ghd is the cheaper of the two.

If you've got lovely curls, the Bellissima Italia Creativity hair dryer helped our panel add a little extra bounce to their blow dry. And for those who are always running late in the morning (guilty), the BaByliss 3Q dries hair fast, while the Babyliss Hydro-Fusion Dryer is efficient and costs less than £60, making it a great value buy.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years, from the best mops and best bedding to the game-changing Currentbody hair growth helmet.

Our testers are experts in their fields, whether that's home appliances or skincare science. They develop rigorous protocols to ensure we're putting every product through its paces in the lab. We also use our extensive at-home panel to try them in real life, to ensure they live up to their claims.

Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has also been writing about beauty products for several years, which includes trying them herself at home and deciphering which efficacy claims stand up, and which are just too good to be true.

8 May 2025: This article was updated to reflect the latest stock levels and prices. We also adjusted headlines and seasonal references and linked to other relevant Good Housekeeping content.

22 May 2025: We added three new tested hairdryers to this article, made sure prices were still accurate, and checked product stock levels.