A good hairdryer dries quickly without frying your hair. What the motor, wattage and ions really do – and the hairdryers we recommend for each type of hair.
Salon-style
A powerful, robust professional hairdryer with an ionic function. It dries quickly and, with the narrow nozzle, delivers smooth, glossy lengths – exactly what you know from a blow-dry at the hairdresser’s.
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Light and well designed
The motor sits in the handle, so the dryer feels very well balanced in your hand. According to the manufacturer, it measures the air temperature more than 20 times a second so it doesn’t get too hot. The magnetic attachments switch with a single movement.
What we like
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For thick, long hair
2,400 watts and a durable AC motor of the kind you know from the salon. With thick, long hair, that saves noticeable time.
What we like
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Good value
2,200 watts, six heat and speed settings, a cool shot and a ThermoProtect setting that, according to the manufacturer, keeps the temperature gentler. Lots of features for a fair price.
What we like
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Solid mid-range
A dependable everyday hairdryer with an ionic function (IONTEC). A good choice if you’re looking for a simple, well-made dryer without professional ambitions.
What we like
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AC motor, affordable
An AC motor, ionic function and a ceramic-coated grille that, according to the manufacturer, is infused with keratin and almond oil. A decent hairdryer for little money.
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Saves energy
With an eco setting for lower power consumption and an airflow booster for faster drying.
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For travel
Small, light, with a folding handle and ionic function. Fits in any bag – but too weak for use at home.
What we like
Keep in mind
For home use, 2,000 to 2,400 watts is ideal. More important than the wattage is good temperature control, so you’re not always drying on maximum heat.
Drying too hot and too close can dry hair out and make it brittle. With some distance, medium heat, heat protection and a cool shot at the end, blow-drying is no problem.
It can reduce static, especially in dry hair. It’s no miracle, though – your blow-drying technique makes the bigger difference.
If you blow-dry every day, yes: professional dryers are more powerful, last longer and sit better in the hand. If you rarely blow-dry, a solid mid-range model will serve you well.
