Hair dryers

How to choose a hair dryer

A good hair dryer dries fast without scorching: the power, heat settings and attachments must suit your hair.

• Power. 1600–1800 W is enough for short or fine hair, 2000–2400 W dries long, thick hair twice as fast. A high-speed brushless dryer moves as much air at 1200–1600 W as a conventional 2200 W model, yet is half the weight and quieter.
• Speeds and heat settings. At least 2 speeds and 3 temperatures; a cool-shot button sets the style. Coloured and damaged hair needs the medium setting and even heat — a ceramic element or a temperature sensor protects against overheating.
• Ionic function. Negative ions neutralise static: hair comes out smoother and shinier, especially long or dry hair.
• Attachments. A concentrator aims the airflow precisely when blow-drying with a brush; a diffuser spreads the air and protects curls — for curly and wavy hair a diffuser is a must.
• Weight, motor and cord. A standard DC-motor dryer weighs 500–700 g and lasts 3–5 years; an AC motor lasts about twice as long. For travel choose a folding handle and 300–400 g. A 1.8–3 m cord gives freedom at the mirror.

Hair dryers in our range

Close to 50 dryers. Classic 2000–2400 W dryers are the largest group: Philips BHD501, BHD350 and BHD360 (6 settings, diffuser) and the AC-motor HPS920, Remington ProLuxe AC9140 and AC8820, ETA Fenité 2200 and 2400 W, Cecotec IoniCare 5300 Maxi Aura, Xiaomi Water Ionic H500, BaByliss D6555DE Air Power Pro. High-speed brushless dryers: Dreame Miracle Pro (130,000 rpm, LCD display), Hair Mini (58 dB), Glory Mix and GO, Xiaomi High-speed 1600 W, Jimmy F8, Cecotec DryGlam Waves, Nano Plasma and i-Sensor Pro. Compact and travel dryers: Dreame Pocket Pro (300 g, folding handle), Xiaomi H101, Philips EssentialCare BHC010, ETA Fenité Pastels 1600 W and the Adler AD 2252 for hotels. Budget 1100–1600 W dryers for a couple of dozen euros: Adler, ETA Fenite 1200 W, Philips BHD308 and BHD321.

Brands

Philips is the biggest brand in the range — the BHD series with 6 speed and heat combinations is the classic home dryer. Dreame makes quiet high-speed dryers. Cecotec covers everything from a budget ionic dryer to a high-speed one with IoniCare and DryGlam. ETA Fenité is a solid mid-range, with the Pastels series in coloured housings. Xiaomi offers the best-priced high-speed dryer, Remington durable AC-motor models, BaByliss a professional level, and Adler the cheapest end.

Use and delivery

Hold the dryer 15–20 cm from the hair and keep it moving, dry to about 80% on hot and finish on cool for shine. Clean the rear filter once a month or the dryer will overheat. A dryer fits a parcel locker: Omniva, DPD or Venipak deliver it in 1–2 working days.

Related products

To finish the style, see hair straighteners and hair stylers, for home haircuts hair clippers, and for men shavers. The full selection is in beauty and health.

Frequently asked questions

Which hair dryer is best for curly hair? One with a diffuser, on low speed and medium heat — curls dry in their shape without frizz.

Is a high-speed dryer better than a normal one? A brushless-motor dryer dries just as fast but is half the weight, quieter and lasts longer. It costs 2–4 times more — worth it for daily drying.

How many watts should a hair dryer have? 1600–1800 W for short hair, 2000–2400 W for long, thick hair. On a high-speed dryer the watts are not comparable — look at airflow and rpm.

Does a hair dryer damage hair? Excess heat in one spot does. Keep the dryer moving and use medium heat — a more powerful dryer finishes sooner, so hair spends less time in hot air.

Which dryer for travel? A folding handle and under 400 g — the Dreame Pocket Pro or Xiaomi H101. Check that the dryer works on the voltage of your destination.