We all love a good blowout, but thanks to the cost of living crisis, it's just not feasible to get one very week.

A trusty ol' hair dryer is a hardworking hair tool that not only dries your hair, but can create a multitude of hair looks - think voluminous waves or sleek hair from the comfort of your own home.

To put it simply, hair dryers are a non-negotiable addition to your hair styling artillery, especially if you're looking for the one tool to do it all.

When it comes to buying a new one though, there's a number of factors you should consider, one being your hair type - is it thick, curly, wavy, frizzy, or do you have fine hair - and the other being how much are you willing to spend.  Prices can really vary when it comes to hair dryers, and on our list alone, you can find hair tools for as little as $25, all the way up to $650. But don't let the price tag fool you, you can still find a great (and affordable) hair dryer, the pricier ones will just come with more cool (and expensive) features.

Keep on scrolling to see our comprehensive round-up of the best hair dryers on the market right now - including the "fastest and most powerful hair dryer I've ever tried".

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TRIED AND TESTED: BEST HAIR DRYER WE LOVE 

ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer, $350 at ghd

Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer

When it comes to hair dryers, I've tried quite a few - Dyson, Parlux - but none of them really stood out to me like this one here. The ghd helios is by far the fastest and most powerful hair dryer I've ever tried. 

After speaking with ghd creative artist and QUE salon owner, Monique McMahon, we can confirm the helios has  "incredible speed and high heat for those times you really need it... As a professional stylist, I can’t live without it."

The ghd helios uses something called AeroPrecis technology - this is a brushless motor and advanced internal aerodynamics that works hard to create a powerful airflow.It's also incredibly lightweight - one thing I hate about blow drying my hair is how tired my arms get, but the feeling is thankfully reduced when using the ghd helios.

Another great feature is the three metre long power cable, making this ideal for all environments. And it's also got a number of different power and temperature controls, as well the all important cool shot for a shiny and frizz-free blow-dry.

All in all, the most impressive thing about this hair dryer is just how powerful it is. It truly is the fastest one I've ever used, cutting the time of drying your hair in half. Winning at life!

Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Manager 

After going from platinum blonde to bottle dyed black and then back to blonde again, it's safe to say I've been on quite a hair journey the last few years. Now that I'm actively trying to make it as healthy as possible, I have adopted a very low-maintenance, low-key approach to my hair - the less I have to do to it, the better. That's where the helios comes in.

Admittedly, the "30 per cent more shine" promise caught my attention, but now that I own the hairdryer there are a few other key features that I think justify the higher price tag

Coming in at just 0.78kg, the helios is super lightweight which is a big factor to consider if you, like me, travel a lot. It also means your arm won't be burning throughout the drying session.

The technology within the helios creates an airflow that travels at 120kmph - in short, it's fast. And with hair my length (long) and my density (thick) that is a massive plus.

The last time I was at my hairdresser she recommended I blast my hair with cool air at the end of my styling routine to really set my hair in place. So the fact that the helios has temperature control and the ability to deliver a cool shot was another big win for me.

SHOP HERE

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BEST HAIR DRYER FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer - HD352, $299.99 (down from $559.99) at Shark

I’ve had my old hair dryer for several years now and to be honest, I thought it was doing a fine job. I mean it’s just drying hair, how different can the tools be? But I was wrong. 

The Shark hair dryer has completely changed my hair care routine. Firstly, it dries my hair so much faster than my old dryer – a huge timesaver as I have long hair that reaches well past my shoulders. But what I absolutely love about the Shark SpeedStyle is all the different attachments it comes with that allows me – a person that is not very good at doing their hair – the ability to create a salon-like blow dry at home. I am obsessed with the Finisher attachment that literally smooths away frizz and flyaways leaving you with ultra sleek hair. The QuickSmooth Brush and Express Touchup Brush attachments are perfect for giving you volume and that classic freshly blow dried look I am forever seeking. 

While the Shark SpeedStyle is an investment, just know it’s much more than just a hair dryer. You essentially get five tools in one that helps you easily and quickly style your hair at home.

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BEST PREMIUM HAIR DRYERS

Dyson Supersonic HD07 Hair Dryer In Fuschia, $649 at The Good Guys

Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Barraclough, news.com.au checkout Senior Manager Ecommerce Content and Strategy

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer has been in my bathroom cupboard for almost eight years now (I know, eight!) and it still works as wonderfully as the day we met. I’ve got quite a mix of fine and coarse hair that’s frizzy due to years of bleach, mistreatment and genes, so the Supersonic is a godsend and leaves my hair smooth.

Not just a pretty face, the Supersonic measures the air temperature over 40 times a second, regulating the heat to ensure it doesn’t damage my hair. Knowing I’m drying my hair without causing it further damage is worth its steep price tag alone.

Perfect for someone who leaves drying their hair until the last minute, the Supersonic dries hair fast so I can have my whole mane dried and done in five minutes. The cherries on top have to be the myriad of handy attachments and the 28°C cool shot that smooths and sets my hair once I’ve finished drying it. 

SHOP HERE

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BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIR DRYER

Parlux Power Light 385 Hair Dryer - Fuchsia, $315 at Adore Beauty

What You Need To Know

When one reviewer says they're “actually happy my old hairdryer died!”, you know you’ve found a good hair tool. The Parlux Power Light is a blend of power and ease-of-use.

It’s super light, so you won’t get the dreaded blow-dry dead arm, while also boasting 2150W of power. Ceramic and ionic tech mean smoother, shinier strands when you’re finished, too. 

Another reviewer commented, "This dryer has exceeded my expectations. It has literally changed the texture of my hair. I now actually have body and bounce and my friend even commented how nice my hair looked without me mentioning the new dryer."

SHOP HERE

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BEST BUDGET HAIR DRYER

Remington Aero 2000 Hair Dryer, $24.95 at Amazon Australia

What You Need To Know

With a concentrated nozzle that helps to smooth hair and reduce frizz and a powerful 2000 watt motor, this Remington hair dryer delivers bang for your buck. Who would've thought you could pick up a hard working hair dryer for just $25?

Multiple heat settings mean you can protect your strands, and the easy to clean filter will see your dryer working effectively. But it’s the price that really gets us here. It's racked up almost 1000 five-star Amazon ratings, and as one reviewer on Amazon writes, “my Kmart t-shirt is more expensive than this!”

We also love the super convenient hang loop, so you can easily organise all your hair tools in your bathroom cabinet.

SHOP HERE

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BEST COMPACT HAIR DRYER FOR TRAVEL

Mermade Hair Hair Dryer, $109 at Adore Beauty

What You Need To Know

Don't let this bright baby pink hair dryer fool you - it's one of the more affordable hair dryers on our list, but by no means the weakest.

The Mermade Hair Hair Dryer features two speeds, two concentrating attachments and three heat settings, plus ionic technology for sleek, protective results. One five-star rating customer on the Adore Beauty website named it a "cheaper alternative to the Dyson".

SHOP HERE

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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HAIR DRYER

VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic Dryer in Purple VSD1887A, $269.95 at Myer

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor

I've lusted after the Dyson Supersonic for years but haven't been able to justify the spend, but I reckon this hairdryer from VS Sassoon comes pretty close. Like Dyson, it has a seriously aesthetically pleasing design and promises to dry hair faster all while using less heat. At 580 grams it is incredibly light (my arm doesn't ever get sore!) and despite its small size it really packs a punch - I can dry my hair in eight minutes flat using this hairdryer. It also has an intelligent sensor that checks and adapts the temperature 50 times per second to make sure it's at the right heat for your hair. It's also much quieter than any other hairdryer I've owned. 

SHOP HERE

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BEST HAIR DRYER FOR CURLY HAIR

VS Sassoon Super Power 2400 Hair Dryer in Black, $69.95 at Myer

What You Need To Know

One of the most highly-rated hair dryers on the Myer website is this one here from VS Sassoon, and it also happens to be our top pick for those with curly, unruly or textured hair.

It comes equipped with loads of power to dry your hair faster, especially those with thicker hair types, and the even heat ceramic technology with keep your hair smooth and looking shiny. Use the diffuser it comes with on the lowest speed setting and the lowest heat setting - there's three heat and two speed settings to choose from - and this will help to diffuse and soften the airflow, enhancing your gorgeous curls.

Five-star rating Myer customers have said it "works like magic" and is "perfect for curls".

SHOP HERE

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BEST IONIC HAIR DRYERS

ghd Air Hair Dryer, $202.50 (down from $270) at ghd

What You Need To Know

With a 2100 watt motor, ionic technology to nix frizz and flyaways and several temperature settings, the ghd Air Hair Dryer is a do-it-all hair tool. High pressure air flow ensures it can tackle and dry the thickest of hair types, and the concentrator nozzle allows you to get a silky smooth style.

It's racked up an average rating of 4.6 out of five on the ghd website from close to 3000 reviews.

"Full on power", said one happy customer, with another noting it feels like "I'm walking straight out of a hair salon every day".

"It dries my thick curly hair in a fraction of the time of a normal hairdryer and leaves it incredibly smooth", said another five-star reviewer.

SHOP HERE

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BEST CERAMIC HAIR DRYER

Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer in Black, $309 at Myer

What You Need To Know

If you want your hair to turn out silky smooth, a ceramic hair dryer like this one from Parlux is a great pick. It uses a combination of ionic and ceramic technology to protect your hair from heat damage and give it a frizz-free style that's set to last you days.

The hair dryer is also super lightweight and comfortable, and features a built-in silencer to keep it nice and quiet.

Five-star rating Myer customers have called it "amazing" and "worth the price", with another noting: "It makes my hair looks glossy and sleek and lasts like that for a week."

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BEST HAIR DRYER FOR FINE AND THIN HAIR

H2D Xtreme Four In One Hair Dryer + Styler - Black, $350 at Oz Hair & Beauty

What You Need To Know

Fine, thin hair is more prone to damage, so finding the right hair dryer for your hair type is essential. This one isn't as powerful as others on our list, but still delivers outstanding results.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Oz Hair & Beauty website, happy reviewers have named it "lightweight, powerful and so much quieter" than other hair dryers.

Plus, it's not just a hair dryer. It comes with multiple attachments and three heat and three speed settings, so you can style your hair in a bunch of different ways.

SHOP HERE

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BEST HAIR DRYERS FOR THICK, FRIZZY HAIR

Cloud Nine The Airshot Hair Dryer, $239 at Adore Beauty

What You Need To Know

With antistatic tech and a super powerful 2000W motor, the Cloud Nine Airshot is a great, do-it-all tool for all hair types. The lengthy 2.7m swivel cord is a bonus - this hair dryer will turn whichever way you need it to for silky-smooth strands.

With an impressive 4.9 rating out of five on the Adore Beauty website, the Airshot hair dryer is a top pick, especially for those with thicker hair types.

"Incredible for my thick hair... keeps it looking quite smooth and soft," said one happy reviewer.

SHOP HERE

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BEST HAIR DRYER FOR STYLING

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $399.99 (down from $499.99) at Shark

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor

Probably my favourite feature of the Shark FlexStyle is how lightweight and easy it is to hold, while still being extremely powerful. It dries my hair in five minutes flat and there’s also a detachable styling concentrator head for better styling.

The FlexStyle worked incredibly well on my fine, straight hair. I was able to easily blow dry it and get it to a sleek straight style. Curling my hair took more work and I had to use hairspray, but it was still easier than using a curling tong.

This is a fabulous all-in-one hair styling tool that gives you a variety of hair styles with little to no effort. It’s a great alternative to the Dyson Airwrap.

SHOP HERE

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BEST QUIET HAIR DRYER

Bondi Boost Sonic Dryer, $279 at Oz Hair & Beauty

What You Need To Know

For $279, you can get the Bondi Boost Sonic Dryer that comes with all the bells and whistles. If you live in an apartment building or with roommates, I'm sure a quiet hair dryer is important to you.

Five-star rating customers have called this the "best hair dryer", noting it is "super quiet" and "fast drying".

Advanced ion technology also ensures overall frizz is reduced, and it comes with a unique self-cleaning function to prolong the life of your dryer with a touch and hold of a button. Genius!

SHOP HERE

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BEST EASY-TO-USE HAIR DRYER

Mermade Hair Blowdry Brush in Pink, $109 at Myer

Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, news.com.au checkout Parenting Shopping Writer

I have a lot of very thick hair with a natural wave but can never dry it as well as a hairdresser does. It takes me so long and leaves my hair either too straight or too frizzy - plus it practically gives me tendonitis in my shoulders!

Until I discovered the Mermade Blow Brush. This ingenious hair tool combines a hairdryer with a large brush, so you dry and style at the same time. I was so excited to try it and now I can't live without it. I simply wait until my hair is only slightly damp and then dry as I would normally in sections. Just like using a brush, you curl a piece of hair around it and the Mermade dries it into a nice wave. There are three levels of heat, I find the highest level works best. It dries my hair faster than a hairdryer and doesn't make my arms ache! I also like to use the Mermade Primer as it makes the styling process even more effective and efficient.

The Mermade Blow Brush is an affordable alternative that saves me so much time and effort. And more importantly, I always get compliments on my hair when I use it - so for that reason alone, I have no choice but to keep on using it!

SHOP HERE

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BEST BLOW DRY BRUSH

Hot Tools Black Gold Volumiser, $149 at Adore Beauty

What You Need To Know

If you're looking for an appropriately-priced blow dry brush, the highly-rated Hot Tools Black Gold Volumiser is one of our top picks.

It's got a large barrel to give you voluminous and bouncy waves and curls and ionic technology to reduce frizz. The bristles are also activated with charcoal, promising to give you no painful tangles.

Three heat settings will ensure you get the most optimum temperature for your hair type and a handy swivel cord also means you won't get tangled while getting your dream hair style.

SHOP HERE

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HAIR DRYER

When choosing what hair dryers to include in our list, we evaluated several factors: 

Your hair type: Different hair types require different levels of heat - so if you have thicky, frizzy hair, your locks could probably take more heat than someone with fine, thin hair.

Price: With prices of hair dryers varying by hundreds of dollars, it can be difficult to know what to spend your money on.

Special features: Anthony says that once you have your budget sorted, there are several features to consider. “Look out for one that has in-built ionic or tourmaline technology. This, in a nutshell, cuts down on the drying time so you’re not wasting precious time in the mornings and also works a treat for thick and frizzy hair textures for a smoother appearance,” Anthony says.

Heat and speed settings: A hairdryer with more versatility is going to be more customisable to your hair routine. Many hair dryers on the market offer multiple heat and speed settings.

Ceramic coating: If your hair dryer is made from ceramic, the coating will heat up quicker, in turn drying your hair faster and minimising damage in the long run.

Cool-shot button: A more recent addition to hair dryers, a cool-shot button can deliver a whirl of cool air to your locks to keep it healthy, reduce frizz and add shine. 

Attachments: Nowadays your average hair dryer comes with a number of different attachments to create different looks and suit all sorts of hair types.

Your hair dryer's wattage: Blowing hot air is all well and good, but the power of your hair dryer is what's really going to make a difference to your hair style. Look for one with more wattage if power is important to you.

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HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS

With hundreds of hair dryers available, it’s impossible to test every hair tool out there. To help you find the best one, we tested a few well-known brands at different price points - think ghd, Shark and Dyson. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best hair dryer for you. We also spoke to Monique McMahon, ghd creative artist and QUE salon owner, and Anthony Nader, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Sydney salon Raw, for his expert opinion on what makes a good hair dryer.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT'S THE BEST HAIR DRYER FOR MY HAIR TYPE?

Your hair type can drastically define what kind of hair dryer will work best for you and your routine.

Curly hair? An ionic hair dryer with lots of attachments is best, especially one with a diffuser.

People with thin hair should look for one with low heat settings, and thick hair types should opt for something higher voltage, more power and higher heat settings - that's the only way you're going to tackle the large amounts of hair and control overall frizz.

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT BLOWOUT AT HOME?

When it comes to blow drying your hair at home, Anthony Nader, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Sydney salon Raw, says there’s one error women should avoid.

“I would say the biggest mistake is not using the right brushes and running a brush through their hair that has plastic prongs that really have no purpose,” he tells news.com.au checkout.

“For ultra-luxe smooth results I always use larger round brushes that have short and long 100% boar bristles. These babies are key for my blow dry to give the ultimate salon worthy campaign finish.”

Monique McMahon also recommends: "When using your brushes to smooth, never let the nozzle touch the brush when the hair is wrapped around it, as this will burn your brush and your hair.

"I love to wrap each section while it cools to get last hold and a frizz free finish. Also, a hot tip is to use the cool shot on the dryer around the hairbrush once it is dry, to enhance the shine and set the style in place."

And of course, always use heat protectant.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE?

The best way to protect your hair from heat damage is reduce the amount and intensity of heat you use on your hair, and of course, use a heat protectant. There's so many on the market, think a liquid spray or even a cream, all at different price points and designed for all kinds of hair types.

HOW MANY WATTS SHOULD MY HAIR DRYER BE?

“You want your hair dryer to have some power so aim for a minimum of 1500 watts,” Anthony explains. “Hairdressers mainly use dryers from 2000 watts upwards, if that’s any indication of how we get the perfect blowout.”

WHAT DOES A COOL-SHOT BUTTON DO?

The cool-shot button is the key to setting your hair style in place. Use the normal heat to style your hair, then the shot of cool air acts to close the cuticle of the hair, reducing frizz and adding shine.

WHAT HAIR DRYER IS LEAST DAMAGING TO HAIR?

A particular hair dryer isn't going to damage your hair more than the next - it's all about how you use it and how you treat your hair at home.

WHAT HAIR DRYER DO HAIRDRESSERS RECOMMEND?

All hair stylists and professionals are different but after chatting with Monique McMahon, she said the ghd helios is her top pick.

"The helios is definitely my top recommendation for our clients at QUE who want to up their game at home with these trending blow-outs we are seeing everywhere. It has all you need and leaves the hair smoother and with way more shine."

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IONIC HAIRDRYER, A CERAMIC HAIR DRYER AND A TOURMALINE HAIRDRYER?

If you want a perfect blowout with minimal heat damage, then it's a good idea to be across all the different types of hair dryers on the market today.

Starting off with an ionic hair dryer - it works by producing millions of negatively charged ions, which break down the positively charged water molecules. This is great for thick, curly or frizzy hair types as you can use a lower temperature to dry your hair super fast

A ceramic hair dryer is the kind that's good for everyone. The ceramic regulates heat, so your hair is protected from damage. But if frizz is one of your main concerns, you may prefer an ionic hair dryer.

And finally, tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral known for its ability to emit negative ions. So as you can imagine, a tourmaline hair dryer isn't an affordable pick. They work great, reducing heat damage and keeping frizz at bay, but they aren't as easy to get your hands on.

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