Our hair deserves a bit of extra love. Especially since 70% of people reckon they have damaged hair. So your hair dryer needs to do much more than blast hot air. The best options dry hair faster, reduce frizz, protect against heat damage and make styling feel effortless.
Whether you have fine hair that needs gentle care, thick hair that takes ages to dry, or curls that need help keeping their bounce, there's a dryer for your hair type. We've rounded up the best hair dryers so you can find the perfect haircare accessory.
The best hair dryers at a glance
Here’s a quick look at our favourite hair dryers for 2026:
Best overall hair dryer - Dyson Supersonic Nural Straight+Wavy Hair Dryer
Best budget hair dryer - Remington Shine Therapy D5216 Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for afro hair - Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD752UK 5-in-1 Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for frizzy hair - Dyson Supersonic Straight & Wavy Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for thick hair - Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex HD542UK 4-in-1 Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for curly hair - Dyson Supersonic R Curly & Coily Hair Dryer
Best hair dryer for fine hair - Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731UK 3-in-1 Hair Dryer
Best ionic hair dryer - Remington Ionic Dry 2200 D3190S Hair Dryer
Best lightweight hair dryer - Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer
Best diffuser hair dryer - Remington D6960GP Salon Smooth Hairdryer Gift Set
What makes a good hair dryer?
A good hair dryer helps you style faster, reduce frizz and protect against heat damage. Not sure where to start? Here are some features to look out for:
Ionic technology – to help reduce frizz and make hair look smoother and shinier.
Multiple heat and speed settings – to tailor airflow and temperature to your hair type.
Intelligent heat control – to protect your hair from unnecessary heat damage.
Diffuser attachments – to enhance natural curls and texture without the frizz.
Concentrator nozzles – to direct airflow exactly where you're styling for better shaping.
Lightweight designs – to make drying and styling more comfortable.
Cool shot functions – to help set your style in place for longer.
Fast airflow technology – to speed up drying, particularly on thick or long hair.
The right combination of features can make drying quicker, styling easier and help keep your hair looking its best.
Best overall hair dryer
The best hair dryer combines powerful airflow with advanced haircare technology. That way you can get an effortless blow-dry, while making sure your hair stays healthy. For most people, this kind of versatile dryer covers the daily blow-dry and weekend salon-style in one tool.
Dyson Supersonic Nural Straight+Wavy Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.8
Features: Intelligent heat control, Scalp Protect mode, smart Nural sensors, ionic technology and multiple styling attachments.
Pro: It automatically adjusts heat and airflow to help protect your scalp.
Con: This model is more on the pricier side, but it’s a real investment!
Best budget hair dryer
You don't have to spend a fortune to get a quality hair dryer. The best budget hair dryers now include ionic technology, different styling settings and additional attachments which you’d usually get with more expensive options.
Remington Shine Therapy D5216 Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.7
Features: 2300 W motor, ionic technology, three heat settings, diffuser and concentrator attachments.
Pro: Includes ionic technology that keeps hair smooth and frizz-free.
Con: Only comes with two attachments - a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser.
Best hair dryer for afro hair
Afro and textured hair needs heat tools designed to lock moisture in, otherwise it can cause shrinkage, breakage and lost definition. The best dryers for afro hair have both controlled heat settings and attachments such as comb nozzles and diffusers. These can help support stretching, smoothing and defining textured styles.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD752UK 5-in-1 Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.7
Features: Digital motor, multiple styling attachments, customisable settings and high-speed airflow.
Pro: The diffuser prongs lengthen to easily penetrate thick afro textures, so you can stretch and define coils right at the root.
Con: It doesn’t come with a traditional pik/comb nozzle, which is a popular tool for blow-outs on afro hair.
Best hair dryer for frizzy hair
If you're constantly battling flyaways and frizz, you need a hair dryer that helps retain moisture. The best hair dryer for frizzy hair tackles this with ionic technology and a concentrator nozzle that directs airflow downward along the hair cuticle, which seals it smooth. This helps create a shinier finish without relying on lots of heat.
Dyson Supersonic Straight & Wavy Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.8
Features: Intelligent heat control, ionic technology, flyaway attachment and multiple styling attachments.
Pro: Helps reduce frizz by retaining moisture and smoothing the hair surface.
Con: The heavy power brick on the cord can make it a bit trickier to store away or travel with.
Best hair dryer for thick hair
When you have thick hair, drying can take a lot of work. The best hair dryer for thick hair uses a high-velocity motor to push air through dense layers, instead of just drying the surface. As their output is typically higher, many models also include advanced heat controls to protect hair from damage.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex HD542UK 4-in-1 Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.8
Features: Flexible styling modes, high-speed airflow, multiple attachments and lightweight design.
Pro: High-power air makes drying much quicker and the FrizzFighter tool smooths thick, unruly strands.
Con: The styling attachments on the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex are not cross-compatible with the Shark FlexStyle.
Best hair dryer for curly hair
Curly hair needs a gentle touch, as strong heat can loosen curl patterns and cause long-term damage. The best hair dryer for curly hair includes both a diffuser attachment and has variable heat settings, which prevents curls from drying out and losing their bounce.
Dyson Supersonic R Curly & Coily Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 5
Features: Wave+Curl diffuser, intelligent heat control, specialist attachments for curly and coily hair, ionic technology.
Pro: Designed to enhance curl definition and minimise heat damage.
Con: While it will still dry straight hair effectively, the specialised attachments may not suit your styling needs.
Best hair dryer for fine hair
Too much heat can leave fine hair strands looking flat. The best hair dryers for fine hair include lower heat settings, and gentler airflow control, rather than firing at full blast. That way you can create volume without over-stressing delicate strands.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731UK 3-in-1 Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.8
Features: High-speed airflow, intelligent temperature control, lightweight design and multiple styling attachments.
Pro: Dries hair quickly with high-velocity air instead of high temperatures to prevent heat damage.
Con: The 3 attachments are specifically tailored for straight hair. It doesn’t include a diffuser or any attachments for curly or coiled hair.
Best ionic hair dryer
Ionic technology works by releasing negatively charged ions that help break down water molecules faster. This can reduce drying time while leaving hair looking smoother and shinier. The best ionic hair dryers have strong ion output with multiple heat settings, so you can dial back to a lower temperature and still get a quick, smooth finish.
Remington Ionic Dry 2200 D3190S Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.7
Features: 2200 W motor, ionic technology, multiple heat and speed settings and diffuser attachment.
Pro: It’s effective against frizz, dries fast and is a more affordable option.
Con: Doesn’t have some of the more advanced smart features found on premium dryers.
Best lightweight hair dryer
A lightweight hair dryer is a great pick if you spend a lot of time styling or travelling. The best lightweight dryers are much easier to hold and move, which makes them ideal for longer drying sessions. Even though they’re smaller, many modern options still have a powerful airflow and advanced styling technology, so can get the job done quickly.
Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer
Customer rating: 4.6
Features: Compact and lightweight design, intelligent heat control, ionic technology and travel-friendly build.
Pro: You get the premium Dyson experience in a more portable package.
Con: There aren’t as many attachments included than you’d find in some of the full-sized models.
Best diffuser hair dryer
A diffuser attachment is an essential tool for those who want to enhance their natural waves or curls without frizz. The best diffuser hair dryer options work by cradling sections of hair and gently circulating warm air around each curl, letting it dry in its natural shape rather than being blown straight.
Remington D6960GP Salon Smooth Hairdryer Gift Set
Customer rating: 4.6
Features: Diffuser attachment, concentrator nozzle, multiple heat and speed settings, and salon-inspired styling accessories.
Pro: Helps define curls and waves while also maintaining moisture and minimising frizz.
Con: The cord isn’t very long so you’ll need a plug socket near your mirror.
Ready to refresh your haircare routine?
The best hair dryer is the one that suits your hair type and styling goals. Whether you need a lightweight everyday dryer, an ionic model for frizz control or a diffuser-equipped option for curls, there’s a dryer to help make styling quicker and easier.
Check out our hair technology range to find the latest hair and beauty tech.
FAQs
What is the best hair dryer?
The best hair dryer depends on your hair type, budget and styling routine. Look for a model with adjustable heat settings, powerful airflow and features such as ionic technology or a diffuser attachment to help you achieve the results you're after.
How long does a blow dryer last?
A good-quality hair dryer should last between five and eight years, depending on how often it's used. Regularly cleaning the filter, avoiding cable damage and storing it properly can help extend its lifespan and maintain drying performance.
What is the best diffuser hair dryer for curly hair?
The best diffuser hair dryer for curly hair combines a well-designed diffuser attachment with adjustable heat settings. This helps curls dry evenly, reduces frizz and enhances natural definition while protecting the curl pattern from excessive heat.
