Top Pick for
Overall hair dryer
Top Pick for
Overall hair dryer
Top Pick for
Travel hair dryer
Top Pick for
Hair dryer under $200
Top Pick for
Hair dryer diffuser
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 makes picking the best one for your hair type and styling needs 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 three 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.
For anyone seeking the best overall hair dryer, the ghd Air™ Professional Hair Dryer doesn't disappoint. Boasting a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 4,000 Amazon reviews, it's clear this product stands out in the crowded market. It has a powerful 2,100W motor and a patented removable air filter driver fast-tracks your hairstyling process.
Thanks to its advanced ionic technology, you can say goodbye to frizz and flyaways and say hello to a smooth, salon-like finish. It also offers variable power and temperature controls, punctuated by a cool-shot button that locks in your finished style with a cold air blast.
Customers have been vocal about its durable build, ease of use, and stellar performance. Even those with thick, curly hair have found it to be a game-changer. Despite the slight heft and noise levels, these drawbacks are often overlooked due to the impressive results this hair dryer delivers.
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In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, GHD was ranked 3rd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Myer, the Dyson HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer is undeniably a top-tier choice among Dyson's line of products. This salon-quality hairdryer boasts precision technology, a lightweight yet powerful motor, and a unique anti-flyaway attachment for silky, shiny hair. It provides customisable control with 3 speed settings and four heat settings, ranging from a gentle 28C to a potent 100C.
The HD07 goes the extra mile with its magnetic attachments, which provide an effortless user experience. Additionally, this gem measures the temperature 40 times per second to minimise heat damage, and it's inclusive with five attachments to suit all hair types.
However, despite all these stunning features, the HD07 has several drawbacks. It's priced on the higher end of the spectrum, which may not suit all budgets. Furthermore, it's not the most travel-friendly option due to size and weight. Nonetheless, for those seeking a high-performance, salon-quality tool for in-home use and who don't mind the investment, the Dyson HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer still stands as the best Dyson option.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, Dyson was ranked 7th for value for money, 3rd for performance, 4th for ease of use, 5th for cleaning and maintenance and 3rd for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Parlux Alyon Ionic Hair Dryer tops the list of the best Parlux hair dryers on the market. It garners an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, a testament to its superb performance and high-end features.
This hair dryer employs air ioniser technology to generate a surplus of negative ions, drastically reducing your drying time. Additionally, the K-Advanced Plus DC motor guarantees a lifespan of up to 3,000 hours, while the Hair-Free System ingeniously captures and collects hair before it enters the tool.
With ceramic and ionic technologies, the Parlux Alyon provides a smooth, frizz-free finish, adding volume and shine. This makes it a remarkable styling tool for most hair types, particularly fine hair.
However, this unit is bulky and may not be the best choice for travel. Also, considering its high-end features, it's positioned at a higher price point. However, if you're searching for a top-notch everyday hair dryer, the Parlux Alyon is a stellar choice worth every dollar.
23% off Parlux Alyon Air Ionizer Ceramic & Ionic 2250W Hair Dryer
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is a gem for travel lovers, boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Myer. Its lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 700 grams, makes it easily packable and highly portable.
The standout feature is undoubtedly its versatility - it quickly transforms between a powerful hair dryer and a multi-styler, ensuring your hair looks just as fabulous on your travels as it does at home. The heat regulation provides no damage to your hair, and the adjustable settings allow for personalised styling to suit all hair types.
However, it's important to consider a couple of potential downsides. Firstly, the multi-styler attachments, while versatile, may take up additional space in your luggage. Secondly, as the system uses different heat and airflow settings, there could be a learning curve to get the hang of which options work best for your hair type. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark FlexStyle System is a solid choice for travel-friendly hair styling.
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The VS Sassoon Frizz Defense Salon Hair Dryer is a remarkable blend of affordability and quality, earning it a well-deserved rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This tool is designed with Super Frizz Defense Technology, releasing 60% more ions to eliminate static and condition the hair cuticle, resulting in ultimate frizz-free smoothness and enhanced shine. A power-packed 2300 watts ensures super-fast drying, even for thicker hair types, and a salon-grade AC motor offers high-velocity airspeed for a quick dry, up to 50% faster.
This device is efficient and durable, promising a 3x longer motor life. The Ceramic Technology delivers even heat for smooth results, locking in shine as you dry—the fine and wide concentrators direct airflow along the length of the hair for precise, controlled styling.
But while it offers numerous benefits, it might not be the ideal choice for those with curly hair, as the diffuser may not provide enough volume to the roots. Some customers also mentioned that it's a bit noisy.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, VS Sassoon was ranked 4th for value for money, 3rd for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 3rd for cleaning and maintenance and 4th for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Bellissima Diffon Ceramic Hot Air Diffuser is our top pick for those blessed with curly locks. It boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 reviews on Amazon, a testament to its incredible performance.
This tool employs ceramic technology to maintain a glossy look and safeguard hair from the twin scourges of frizz and dryness. The Curl Booster system, with a specially perforated grille and 12 long fingers, beautifully holds and tames curls.
Moreover, its Dry Care system ensures a delicate drying process, preserving bouncy, frizz-free curls. The comfortable handle makes it a breeze to use all over the head, and the 2 air/temperature levels allow for personalised drying. Maintenance is effortless, with the removable filter ensuring easy cleaning.
Despite these fantastic features, it's important to note minor cons. Firstly, the handle, while comfortable, might be a bit bulky for those with smaller hands. Plus, beginners may find it challenging to get the hang of it, as usage instructions are pretty sparse.
Back to topWith a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon, the ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer shines as our top-notch choice for those with fine hair.
Its powerful brushless DC motor, producing an airflow of 120km per hour, maximises drying performance, slashing drying time. The advanced ionic technology reduces frizz and flyaways, ensuring your locks stay shiny and luscious.
Moreover, this dryer caters to a wide range of styling needs with variable power, temperature controls, and 5 heat and speed settings. Users have lauded its durable construction, user-friendly design, and the impressive outcomes it delivers. It's also lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it a go-to choice for people with a busy lifestyle.
Despite its high praise, the Helios has a couple of cons. Several users have reported that the dryer can become excessively hot due to its powerful motor when used at the highest setting. This issue can be a potential concern for those with fine hair seeking to prevent heat damage. Also, its robust performance comes with a heftier price tag than other models, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, GHD was ranked 3rd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
We recommend the Parlux Advance Light Ceramic & Ionic Hair Dryer for those with thick hair, achieving a 4.5 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and Myer.
Its powerful 2200W K-Advance motor offers longevity with a life of 2500 hours and an impressive airflow of 83m3/h. The lighter weight design, less noise due to the incorporated silencer, and the innovative anti-heating front body are noteworthy. The icing on the cake is the ionic and ceramic technology, which makes it perfect for thick hair, enhancing shine and reducing frizz.
But do note that this dryer offers only 2 speeds, which may limit styling versatility for some users. Also, despite its overall lighter weight, individuals who are used to feather-light dryers may still find it slightly heavy. Still, the Parlux Advance Light Ceramic & Ionic Hair Dryer is a top-tier option for handling thick hair.
Back to topThe Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Dryer is a standout solution for frizzy hair, scoring 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Its integrated heat sensor, which continuously reads and regulates air temperature, ensures protection against heat damage. Combined with ionic conditioning, this feature dramatically reduces frizz, leaving hair looking salon-quality after each use.
While the dryer is a bit weightier than some competitors, its lengthy cord ensures maneuverability isn't compromised. The added weight might take some getting used to. Furthermore, while it does an impressive job of adding volume and shine, particularly for fine hair, some users have commented that the cool-shot button, designed to lock in hairstyles, could be more robust.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Dryer is a top-notch choice for those battling frizzy hair.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, Remington was ranked 2nd for value for money, 2nd for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
When it comes to dealing with dry hair, the Philips Prestige Hair Dryer with SenseIQ technology takes the crown. It offers powerful drying that's 20% faster, ensuring up to 90% moisture lock-in, which is excellent for dry hair. The SenseIQ technology smartly adapts temperature and airflow to match the unique type of your hair, and the ionic conditioning reduces frizz and enhances your hair's overall shine.
Designed with user comfort in mind, the hairdryer boasts a lightweight and balanced structure. Customisable heat and speed settings and a cool shot button make it a versatile tool for every hair type and style. On top of all that, cleaning is made simple with a removable air inlet grill.
The Philips Prestige Hair Dryer with SenseIQ has received an impressive 4.65 out of 5 stars on Bing Lee and Myer, emphasising its quality and user satisfaction. However, a few users have noted that it's not the best option for those with thick, curly hair.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For hair dryers, Philips was ranked 4th for value for money, 5th for performance, 4th for ease of use, 5th for cleaning and maintenance and 4th for product features.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Panasonic Nanoe Moisture Infusing Advanced Hair Dryer is our best pick for those dealing with damaged hair. With a high rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Myer, this tool has earned its place in the hair care market.
This hair dryer offers 360° Moisturising Care modes, proven to combat dryness while locking in hydration for a shinier, healthier mane. The Nanoe technology should not be overlooked, as it volumises, softens, and reduces both split ends and frizz. The quick-dry nozzle and intelligent temperature control are lifesavers for those with thick hair, significantly reducing styling time.
However, users have noted a few setbacks. First, while foldable and travel-friendly, the hair dryer's handle might feel a bit flimsy to some. And despite the easy-clean filter, maintenance can be a hassle. Nevertheless, the numerous benefits outweigh these minor cons, making this hair dryer an outstanding option for damaged hair.
Back to topOur team has chosen the Remington AIR3D Plus Hair Dryer as the best hair dryer you can snag for under $200. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Myer, it's clear that this product doesn't just promise performance - it delivers.
The AIR3D Plus is engineered with the highest quality components and backed by years of research. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, while its unique 3D airflow path optimises styling performance and ensures a fast, smooth finish. The Smooth Conditioning Technology reduces frizz and flyaways, leaving your hair salon smooth.
While the AIR3D Plus has a lot to offer, it is worth noting a few potential drawbacks that some users have reported. First, some customers have expressed concern about the cost. Though it's less than $200, it is at the higher end of the price range for hair dryers. The AIR3D Plus comes with a diffuser and concentrator, but it lacks certain attachments that other dryers in its category provide, such as a straightening comb.
Save on Remington AIR3D Plus Hair Dryer
The Dyson HD07 Supersonic Hair Dryer is also our top pick for the best high-end option. With a powerful yet lightweight motor, it features a remarkable fast-drying mechanism without any risk of extreme heat.
This 4.8 out of 5 stars rated gadget on Myer has an anti-flyaway attachment that guarantees smooth, shiny hair with every use. It offers 3 speed settings and 4 heat options: 28C, 60C, 80C, and 100C. It can also measure the temperature 40 times per second, significantly reducing heat damage.
Moreover, it boasts 5 magnetic attachments to suit all hair types, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone's unique needs. However, it must be noted that despite its high-performance capabilities, it does have a somewhat bulky design. Some customers also noted that it could be better for curl management.
The BaByliss Air Style 1000 Hot Air Brush is our pick for the best hair dryer brush available online, earning an average of 4 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 Amazon reviews.
This powerful 1,000-watt styler is equipped with a variety of attachments for pre-drying, straightening, shaping, and curling. The 50mm volume-giving round brush also enhances grip and shape, while the tapered curl attachment makes creating gentle curls and waves more accessible than ever.
You can use the full-sized paddle brush attachment for a sleek, shiny finish. Plus, it incorporates ion technology to release nourishing ions during styling to prevent frizz and maximise hair shine.
However, some users have reported the dryer to be somewhat heavy and the high heat settings a bit too intense for finer hair types. Despite these minor issues, the BaByliss Air Style 1000 Hot Air Brush is a reliable investment for anyone seeking a versatile styling tool.
We recommend the Parlux 3200 Plus Ceramic Hair Dryer as the best men's hair dryer available on the market. With a commendable rating of 4.6/5 stars from satisfied customers on Amazon, it's clearly made its mark.
The innovative new suction concept ensures greater airflow and silence while promising faster drying times. It screams power with 1,900 watts and maintains a long life expectancy of up to 2,000 hours. Despite the incredible power, it's light as a feather, weighing just 510g.
Plus, the powerful 71 m3/h airflow is complemented with 2 speed settings, 4 temperature options, and an instant cold shot button. The 3200 Plus also has the innovative and advanced Ciaramella K-Lamination Motor and a 3m professional strength cable. It comes with 2 concentrator nozzles (small and large) for utmost convenience, too. And if you'd like it even quieter, there's a Melody Silencer available.
However, the dryer's external body tends to heat up after prolonged use, which might be inconvenient for some users. It's also a little bulky, making it unsuitable for those always on the go.
The Gama Professional iQ Perfetto Hair Dryer is our pick for the best quiet hair dryer, earning a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on David Jones.
This ultra-quiet hair dryer is not just about the noise; it's about the total package. Its smart brushless motor whirs at a speedy 110,000rpm, reducing hair drying time significantly. It's lightweight and easy to handle, and its memory function acts like a personal hairstylist, remembering your favourite speed and temperature settings. T
Plus, the iQ Perfetto is a travel-friendly companion with a design that is both sleek and ergonomic, making it perfect for on-the-go hair drying. The inbuilt anti-bacterial and ionic generator takes care of hair hygiene and adds volume and shine to both thick and fine hair. Users love how it swiftly takes care of frizz and flyaways, leaving hair with a salon-like finish.
A few users mentioned that the iQ Perfetto's memory function can initially be tricky to set up. Additionally, the auto-clean function, while innovative and handy, might require running multiple times to clean the filter thoroughly. Despite these issues, the iQ Perfetto still outshines many of its competitors.
The Bellissima Diffon Ceramic Hot Air Diffuser is our choice for the best hair dryer diffuser. With a whopping 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it has received rave reviews from over 5,000 users.
The ceramic technology in the diffuser ensures glossy, protected hair while fighting off frizz and dryness. With its 12 long fingers and perforated grille, the Curl Booster system does a phenomenal job of holding and taming those curls.
The Dry Care system offers delicate drying for bouncy, frizz-free curls. Its handle design adds comfort to the user experience, making it easy to use all over your head. It offers 2 air/temperature levels for personalised drying and a removable filter for easy cleaning.
However, some users have noted that it can be bulky for travel. In addition, the perforated grille, though excellent for curl definition, can occasionally snag hair if not used carefully. Nonetheless, the Bellissima Diffon Ceramic Hot Air Diffuser stands unrivalled for everyday home use.
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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:
We then made a shortlist based on customer reviews and ratings (as of September 2023). 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.
GHD beat other well-known brands such as Dyson, Remington and VS Sassoon to take out this year's best hair dryer award at the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards. It was the best rated for performance, features and functions and value for money.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
Like with any electrical appliance, safety should come first when using your hair dryer. Follow these safety tips while using your hair dryer:
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:
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards are determined by an annual national survey conducted in collaboration with research partner Dynata. Boasting the participation of over 30,000 real shoppers, this comprehensive survey assesses customer satisfaction, with recent retail purchases across a diverse range of product categories and brands.
Here is how the leading hair dryer brands performed in the survey.
Brand | Cleaning and maintenance | Ease of use | Overall | Performance | Product features | Value for money | Recommended | Total Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GHD | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 98% | 4.6 |
Remington | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 94% | 4.57 |
VS Sassoon | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 90% | 4.41 |
Kmart | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 91% | 4.3643 |
Panasonic | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 94% | 4.35714 |
Philips | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 94% | 4.35714 |
Dyson | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 88% | 4.27 |
GHD's deluxe 2-in-1 hair dryer brush provides a hassle-free gateway to voluminous hair without any heat damage.
Find out where you can get the all new version of the Dyson Airwrap online.
Read our Dyson Supersonic review, tested by both a man and woman with curly hair.