What to look for
- Heat control protects hair; smart dryers adjust heat automatically.
- Airflow speed matters more than wattage for drying time.
- Weight matters if you dry thick or long hair.
- Attachments such as diffusers help curly and wavy hair.
How much to spend
Typical prices run from £39 to £389. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys fast, quiet and gentle on hair. Only pay for features you will use.
Who should skip what
- Skip the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer if you want value; good ionic dryers cost a fraction of the price
- Skip the Shark HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair if you want the lightest dryer
- Skip the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair if you have very thick or very short hair
- Skip the BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer if you want premium heat control or quiet operation
Buying tips
Hair dryers are popular holiday gifts and see deals on Black Friday. Buy Dyson and Shark from official stores to avoid counterfeits.
Our picks
See all our best hair dryers in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best overallShark · Hair Dryers
Shark HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer with IQ 2-in-1 Concentrator
Fast and smart for less.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Dyson alternative
- Typical price
- £179–£259
Pros
- Fast drying
- Auto heat control
Cons
- Heavier than Dyson
Best premiumDyson · Hair Dryers
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Fast and gentle.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Fast drying with less heat
- Typical price
- £369–£389
Pros
- Fast drying
- Intelligent heat control
Cons
- Very expensive
Best for volumeRevlon · Hair Dryers
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
Dry and style.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Volume on a budget
- Typical price
- £39–£59
Pros
- Very affordable
- Dries and styles at once
Cons
- Bulky
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dyson Supersonic worth it?
If you blow-dry daily and want fast drying with less heat damage, many users say yes. Shark offers similar results for less.
Do ionic hair dryers reduce frizz?
Ionic dryers can help smooth hair and reduce static for many people.
What hair dryer is best for curly hair?
One with a good diffuser and low-heat settings, such as Shark HyperAIR or Dyson Supersonic.