Which salon hair dryer is best?

With all of the impressive, high-tech picks on the market, why settle for anything less than the best hair dryers? We all deserve sleek, smooth styling sans frizz, flyaways, excessive heat damage, and painstakingly long drying times — in the comfort of our own homes, no less.

Whether you blow-dry daily or once a week, it all starts with having the right tools to execute it. Before you purchase a brand new hair dryer, Los Angeles-based hairstylist and Virtue's creative director Adir Abergel recommends selecting a device that works with your hair type. "When blow-drying curly hair, use an ionic dryer," he previously told Allure. "If you have finer hair that needs more volume, use a traditional blow-dryer, not ionic." If you're unsure, or if you're sharing with a roommate or partner, here's some good news: There are options that feature both nonionic and ionic technology so you can swiftly toggle between them.

Abergel also noted that using a concentrator nozzle is the real key to achieving salon-level results for its ability to precisely hit hard-to-reach areas. "It concentrates the air and aids in directing the airflow exactly where you want it to go," he previously explained. This concentrated airflow also helps the cuticle of the hair lay flat so that it will be shinier and less frizzy, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kiki Heitkotter.

Another frizz-preventing tip: Don't start styling hair while it's still soaking wet. "I typically rough-dry the hair with my hands first before I start blow-drying with a round brush — when the hair is at least 80 percent dry," Heitkotter tells Allure. Hairstylists typically recommend using a boar bristle brush for the smoothest results.

If you happen to have color-treated hair, Madison Rae Garrett, a colorist at Spoke & Weal salon in New York City, previously told Allure that heat protectant products are a must. "Direct heat to hair with no heat protectants will cause the color to fade and turn brassy," she says.

Now, it's time to put these tips into action. Below, we've rounded up the best blow-dryers for all hair types — as recommended by professional hairstylists and Allure editors — that'll help you achieve frizz-free, salon-worthy blowouts with impressively fast drying times.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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The best hair dryers in Australia

  • Best overall hair dryer: ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer
  • Best Dyson hair dryer: Dyson HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer
  • Best travel hair dryer: Gamma Gama Professional IQ Perfetto Dryer
  • Best hair dryer for curly hair: Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer for fine hair: ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer for frizzy hair: Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer for thick hair: Panasonic Moisture Infusion Nanoe Technology Advanced Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer for short hair: BaByliss PRO Portofino 2200W Hair Dryer
  • Best affordable hair dryer: Remington Pro-Air Turbo Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer under $200: VS Sassoon VSP6500A Digital Sensor Hair Dryer
  • Best high-end hair dryer: Parlux Alyon Air Ionizer Ceramic & Ionic 2250W Hair Dryer
  • Best hair dryer brush: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser Hot Air Brush

Hair dryers help speed up the process of drying your crowning glory and pre-moulding it to your desired style. There are heaps of options available in the market, which can make picking the best one for your hair type and styling needs a little confusing.

When shopping for a hair dryer, always consider your hair type. Not all options are created equal – a hair dryer for frizzy hair may not work for fine hair (and vice versa). Also consider the dryer's wattage, which determines how quickly it can dry your hair. Heat settings and attachments are important as well.

Look for a hair dryer with at least 3 heat settings and a nozzle attachment. Other features you may want to consider are a cool-shot button, noise-reduction function, temperature control and an inbuilt safety switch.

For this list, we evaluated numerous hair dryers found in various online retailers, including Amazon, David Jones and The Good Guys. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the units for each category based on key product features.

Read more detail on our methodology below.


ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer

Best overall hair dryer

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Reduces frizz and flyaway
  • Suitable for curly hair

Cons

  • Some found it a little heavy
  • Noisy

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.7 on The Iconic, we picked the ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer as the best overall option for all your hair-drying needs.

Offering 2,100W of power and a patented removable air filter driver, this hair dryer can help achieve your desired hairstyle in no time. It uses advanced ionic technology to reduce frizz and flyaways, giving a smooth salon-like finish. Apart from variable power and temperature controls, it features a cool-shot button to help lock in your finished style using a blast of cold air.

Customers praised the product's durable build, ease of use and high-quality performance. It blasts hot air that takes away the frizz and leaves your locks silky smooth. The controls are easy to adjust, while the handle is quite ergonomic and comfy to hold. People with thick, curly hair also raved about the dryer's performance, saying it helps them better manage their crowning glory. The motor is a wee bit noisy, but this seems to be a minor issue for most buyers.


Dyson HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer

BBest Dyson hair dryer

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Unique nozzle design
  • Ideal for most styling needs

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not travel-friendly

If you're on the market for a Dyson hair dryer, the HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer is what we'd recommend. On Myer, this little number has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The HD07 is designed to protect your locks from extreme heat and damage. It comes with various magnetic styling attachments for easy fitting, rotating and styling. And because it has Air Multiplier technology, it produces a high-pressure, high-velocity jet of controlled air for faster hair drying and easier styling. It also has 3 speed and 4 heat settings for versatility.

Despite being pricey, this Dyson hair dryer has gained a cult following. Many people raved about its lightweight and sleek design, which makes the hair-drying process a lot easier. The motor is also relatively silent while offering tons of power for a quicker drying time. The magnetic attachments are sturdy, while the T-shaped body makes the unit more compact. However, several users still found the HD07 too bulky for travel.


With its sleek design and quiet operation, we picked the Gama Professional IQ Perfetto Dryer as the best travel hair dryer available online. It has also earned a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on David Jones.

The IQ Perfetto features a smart brushless motor that can deliver a speed up to 110,000rpm to cut down your hair drying time. Apart from a lightweight and ergonomic design, it has a memory function that allows the dryer to remember your favourite speed and temperature settings. There is also an auto-clean function that helps deep-clean the rear of the filter. It comes with a diffuser and 2 nozzle attachments, too.

With an inbuilt anti-bacterial and ionic generator, this hair dryer is perfect for on-the-go hair drying. It is ideal for both thick and fine hair, giving your locks volume and shine like no other. Users said it is easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its sleek design. Others added that it removes frizz and flyaways in no time. The LED memory configuration system also allows you to store your preferred settings, making the hair drying experience a whole lot easier when you're travelling.


Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer

Best hair dryer for curly hair

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Softens and volumizes the locks
  • Suitable for dry and damaged hair

Cons

  • Bulkier than other hair dryers
  • Not the most ideal travel companion

If you have curly hair, you might want to check out the Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer. This is our choice for the best option for curly hair, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.7 on Myer.

This moisture-protecting hair dryer has an infrared sensor and ThermoProtect technology that helps determine the ideal drying temperature for your hair, preserving its moisture and shine. It also has an ionic conditioning feature that smooths out frizz for a salon-like finish. Additionally, the dryer offers 2,300W of power and 6 speed and heat settings to fit any hair-drying requirements.

Apart from being affordable and easy to use, customers loved that this handy device helps protect their locks from being fried and damaged. The MoistureProtect feature adds shine and moisture to the hair, leaving it voluminous and healthy-looking. But because this tool is quite bulky, it's not the most ideal travel companion.


ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer

Best hair dryer for fine hair

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Adds volume while reducing frizz
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • There are cheaper alternatives in the market
  • Gets too hot at the highest setting

We recommend gdh's Helios Professional Hair Dryer as the best option for people with fine hair. It has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Featuring Aeroprecis technology, this hair dryer evenly distributes airflow for a faster drying time.

The Helios has a powerful brushless DC motor that produces an airflow of 120km per hour for a maximised drying performance. It also features advanced ionic technology that reduces frizz and flyaways while adding shine for healthy-looking locks. Apart from variable power and temperature controls, there are 5 heat and speed settings to suit most stylish needs.

Customers gave positive feedback on the dryer's durable build, ease of use and impressive results. It is quite lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, making it a great option for people with a busy lifestyle. It cuts down the drying time, thanks to its powerful motor and Aeroprecis technology. Not only does it soften and volumise the hair, but the tool also leaves it silky smooth for longer. But because it's quite powerful, several users reported that it tends to get too hot at the highest setting.


With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, we selected the Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Dryer as the best hair dryer for frizzy hair. Not only is it affordable, but it is also user-friendly and infused with coconut and UV filters to minimise frizz.

This Remington hair dryer has an integrated heat sensor that the brand claims to "work by continuously reading and regulating the air temperature to prevent overheating". It also has ionic conditioning that reduces frizz and flyaways for a salon-like result. Apart from 3 heat and 2 speed settings, it has a true cool-shot button to lock in your hairstyle using a blast of cold air.

An affordable yet solid option for protecting your locks from heat damage, this hair dryer features advanced coconut therapy to nourish your hair for smooth results. While it's a bit heavier than other hair dryers, users said it remains easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its extremely long cord. Moreover, it adds impressive volume and shine, making it suitable even for fine hair.


Our team chose the Panasonic Moisture Infusion Nanoe Technology Advanced Hair Dryer as the best option for thick hair. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Featuring 360° Moisturising Care modes, this hair dryer helps prevent your hair from drying out. It also has nano technology that locks in hydration for shinier and healthier locks.

This Panasonic hair dryer claims to reduce split ends and frizz while volumising and softening your crowning glory. It comes with a quick-dry nozzle that generates strong yet soft airflow pressures for a faster drying experience. The handle is also foldable, making it a travel-friendly option.

Thanks to its intelligent temperature control and quick-dry nozzle, this hair dryer can cut down your stylish time even if you have thick hair. It nourishes each lock to prevent them from getting fried and damaged. For added convenience, the tool has an easy-clean filter and a sliding switch that lets you change air volume with a light touch.


BaByliss PRO Portofino 2200W Hair Dryer

Best hair dryer for short hair

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Leaves hair shiny
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • May not suit people with thicker locks
  • Not as strong as other models according to some

When it comes to short hair, we recommend the BaByliss PRO Portofino 2200W Hair Dryer as the best option you can get right now in Australia. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon from more than 2,000 reviews.

Equipped with a 2,200W Italian motor, this hair dryer features nano titanium technology for an even heat distribution. It also generates negative ions to remove frizz for a smooth and shiny result. Additionally, it comes with 3 ultra-slim concentrators and a diffuser to fit all your styling needs.

With 6 heat and speed settings including a cold shot, the Portofino is ideal for quick, everyday hair drying. While it's not as strong as other hair dryers, it does its job wonderfully. It adds a wee bit of volume and tons of shine for healthy-looking hair. Customers said it is also lightweight and relatively silent, which makes it a joy to use.


Remington Pro-Air Turbo Hair Dryer

Best affordable hair dryer

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Suitable for most stylish need
  • Has a cool-shot function

Cons

  • A few customers reported durability issues
  • Drying time takes a bit longer than competitors

If you're looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality option, you might want to consider the Remington Pro-Air Turbo Hair Dryer. It's our pick for the best affordable hair dryer, earning a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.5 on The Good Guys.

The Pro-air Turbo has a 2,400W motor and ceramic plus technology to help reduce frizz, leaving your crowning glory shiny and smooth every time. The brand claims it releases 90% more ions for less frizz. It also has 3 heat and 2 speed settings to meet the needs of any hair type.

Customers praised the tool's ease of use, lightweight design and value for money. It's a solid option if you want an affordable hair dryer that has some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models. Apart from a cool-shot function, it has a removable hang loop, concentrator, diffuser and round brush. It also has a hang loop for easy storage.


VS Sassoon's VSP6500A Digital Sensor Hair Dryer is our pick for the best hair dryer under $200. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Myer.

With an EC digital motor, the VSP6500A offers a powerful and quick hair drying experience that leaves tresses shiny and voluminous. It has a lightweight and balanced design for easy handling as well as a digital sensor IQ that maintains a 70°C hair-safe temperature.

This hair dryer has high ionic conditioning that eliminates static while reducing frizz, suitable for frizzy and curly hair. It also has high and low settings with a true cold-shot function to lock in your hairstyle using a blast of air. Users said it's quite lightweight and more silent than other dryers they've tried. Others also loved that it reduces their styling time, making it a great choice for busy people.


When it comes to the best high-end option, we selected Parlux's Alyon Air Ionizer Ceramic & Ionic 2250W Hair Dryer. This has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 3,000 customers.

The Alyon features air ioniser technology, creating more negative ions to cut down your drying time. It also has a K-Advanced Plus DC motor, which the brand promises to have a lifespan of up to 3,000 hours. Additionally, it has a Hair-Free System to capture and collect hair before it enters the tool. There are also wide and narrow attachments to help you achieve your desired hairstyle.

Using both ceramic and ionic technologies, this powerful tool smoothens out frizz while providing extreme shine and volume. This means it is fantastic for styling most hair types, especially fine hair. The unit is quite bulky and not the most ideal travel companion, but it's a great everyday option if you're in the market for a high-end hair tool.


We recommend Revlon's One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser Hot Air Brush as the best hair dryer brush available online. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

This versatile hair styling tool combines the power of a dryer and a styler, providing frizz-free and voluminous locks in no time. Not only does it glide effortlessly to detangle each lock, but it also has ceramic technology to reduce hair breakage and damage. Additionally, it has ionic technology for salon-like results every time.

The general sentiment is that this is an affordable and versatile hair tool that would transform your tresses into a thing of beauty. It is extremely user-friendly and has a huge barrel that allows you to create any hairstyle you desire. It offers 2 heat settings and a cool function for any styling needs.


Amazon prices last updated on 5 November, 2022 at 11:05 am

eBay prices last updated on 5 November, 2022 at 12:01 am

The Iconic prices last updated on 4 November, 2022


How did we pick this list?

Which salon hair dryer is best?
25+
Brands considered

Which salon hair dryer is best?
120+
Products compared

Which salon hair dryer is best?
12
Best products chosen

Why you can trust our picks

Our team searched far and wide to find what we believe to be the 12 best hair dryers you can get right now in Australia. We looked at hundreds of options from various brands such as the following:

  • Babyliss
  • Cabello
  • Clatronic
  • Conair
  • DAFNI Australia
  • DevaCurl
  • Drybar

  • Dyson
  • Gamma
  • ghd
  • Mermade
  • Muk
  • Panasonic
  • Parlux

  • Philips
  • Remington
  • Revlon
  • Silver Bullet
  • Speedy
  • T3
  • Tescom

  • TRESemmé
  • VS Sassoon
  • W Elite
  • Wahl
  • Xiaomi
  • Zhibai

We then made a shortlist based on customer reviews and ratings (as of August 2022). We also considered each hair dryer's key features like value for money, heat settings, weight and wattage. For the best affordable category, we considered options below $100. We also evaluated hair dryers priced above $250 when choosing the best high-end model.

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Which salon hair dryer is best?

Best rated hair dryers brand: Philips

Philips beat other well-known brands such as Dyson, Remington and VS Sassoon to take out this year's best hair dryer award. It was the best rated for performance, features and functions and value for money.

What is the best hair dryer for me?

While most hair dryers look very similar, they differ in the type of technology that they use. Apart from budget models, which are made from cheaper materials and simply blow out hot air, most modern hair dryers are either ceramic, ionic or tourmaline.

Ceramic

Ceramic hair dryers contain ceramic either in the heating element, the body or as a coating on parts. This composite material preserves the natural moisture of hair by penetrating the shaft with infrared heat. Ceramic models heat up quickly, disperse heat evenly and offer mild heat.

Ionic

In hair dryers with ionic technology, negative ions reduce frizz and speed up the drying process by breaking up water molecules. As smaller droplets are able to enter the hair shaft's outer layer, the surface tension of your hair is reduced. Ionic models leave hair shiny and frizz-free and retain moisture in the hair.

Tourmaline

When used in the internal parts of a hair dryer, tourmaline speeds up the drying process and reduces static. As it is a semi-precious mineral, these hair dryers are usually more expensive than other types. Tourmaline models dry quickly and seal in important moisture.

Travel hair dryers

One type of hair dryer that does look different from others is a travel model. These are lightweight and smaller in size and are suitable for taking on holiday when you don't have much room in your suitcase. Usually these come with lower wattages of 1,000–1,200, although it's possible to find some 2,000-watt models. You can find travel hair dryers that have retractable cords and fold in half so that they save on space.

How to compare hair dryers

With many different brands and models on offer, it's important to understand the different factors to consider when looking for the right hair dryer to suit your needs.

Key factors to consider include the following:

Cost

Hair dryers can cost anywhere from $20 to $600, so it really depends on what your budget is and the level of performance you are expecting. However, just because a hair dryer costs hundreds of dollars doesn't mean that you are going to notice a huge amount of difference. There are many fantastic hair dryers for less than $100, including the Remington Salon Stylist AC Hair Dryer listed above.

Wattage

Wattage typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful heat it produces and the faster it dries your hair, but you don't necessarily need to shell out more money to get good performance. For most people, a hair dryer that is around 1,800–2,000 watts is more than sufficient for quick drying. You can look at higher wattages if you have very thick or curly hair and at lower wattages if you have thin or frail hair.

Weight

Holding your arm up for a while can be tiring, especially if you are drying long hair or hair extensions. If you've found that previous hair dryers that you've owned have caused your arm to ache, look for a lightweight model that will make things a lot easier.

Additional features to consider

Depending on the make and model, there are special features that may be useful to you depending on how and where you dry your hair as well as on your hairstyle.

  • Cool shot. Using cold air at the end of drying helps to set your hair in place.
  • Diffuser. A diffuser can be useful for people who have curly hair and want to boost their hair's natural style and texture while improving the definition of the curls.
  • Air nozzle. Drying with a nozzle on the end of your hair dryer helps to focus the airflow and allows you to style more easily.
  • Swivel cord. This saves you from getting a tangled-up cord and reduces damage.
  • Auto turn-off. If your hair dryer falls on the ground, it will automatically switch off. This feature is also helpful if you keep needing to put the dryer down to move your brush or hands while styling as it will turn on once you've lifted it up again.
  • Noise reduction. This feature offers quieter hair drying.
  • Temperature control. Regulates the temperature to protect hair from damage.
  • Cool touch. This technology keeps the outside of your hair dryer cool so you don't burn your hands while touching it.
  • Inbuilt safety switch. This feature automatically turns a hair dryer off if it starts to overheat.

How to use a hair dryer safely

Like with any electrical appliance, safety should come first when using your hair dryer. Follow these safety tips while using your hair dryer:

  • Don't use a hair dryer in wet, steamy bathrooms.
  • Don't get your hair dryer wet.
  • Don't use a hair dryer that has a damaged cord.
  • Don't use your hair dryer if it starts to make any strange sounds.
  • Don't let hair or other small particles get into the filter.

Most models should last you at least a few years or 500 working hours without any problems. However, there are a few signs that you should look out for that indicate it's time to buy a new one:

  • Burning smell. As hair dryers suck in dust and dirt from the air while they are in use, the filters end up becoming clogged over time. Once the filter is unable to bring in enough clean air, the hair dryer will start to overheat and create a burning smell.
  • Hotter than normal air. If you notice that your hair dryer is much hotter than normal, this is another sign that it's time to upgrade to a new model.

3 things to consider

  1. Using hot styling tools such as hair dryers, straighteners and curlers can damage your hair. Consider using heat-styling products that will protect your hair, take away the frizz and give it extra shine. You can find some ideas for what to use in this guide to anti-frizz hair products.
  2. Hair dryers should not be disposed of in your regular rubbish. Ask your local council how you should dispose of it or ask at your salon.
  3. If you have extremely damaged or frail hair, you don't want to be using a powerful dryer on a high heat setting. You may want to opt for towel drying your hair, or if you must use a hair dryer, opt for a low wattage with low or cool settings. It's worth investing in a good shampoo and conditioner to help make your hair strong again.

Frequently Asked Questions


Best rated hair dryer award breakdown

Which is the best hair dryer for salon use?

The best hair dryers you can buy in 2022.
BaByliss 2100 Salon Light: The best budget hair dryer. ... .
GHD Helios: The best hair dryer for superfast styling. ... .
Dyson Supersonic: The best luxury hair dryer. ... .
Remington Keratin Protect: The best hair dryer for shine. ... .
Panasonic EH-NA98 Nanoe: The best hair dryer for afro-textured hair..

Which hair dryer is least damaging?

Keep scrolling to see the seven best hair dryers for damaged hair..
DevaCurl. DevaDryer & DevaFuser. ... .
Parlux. 385 Powerlight Ionic and Ceramic Hair Dryer. ... .
T3. Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer With Auto Pause Sensor. ... .
Dyson. Supersonic Hair Dryer. ... .
Revlon. Infrared Heat Hair Dryer. ... .
Remington. ... .
Harry Josh Pro Tools. ... .
Pattern Beauty..

What is the difference between a professional hair dryer?

Pricier hair dryers often feature higher-quality attachments and more heat and speed settings. When it comes to hair dryers, bells and whistles like attachments and different heat and speed settings can help you achieve different types of looks.