ARTICLE
How to choose the best Hair Dryer for your hair type
Published Sep 18, 2024 • Updated Nov 5, 2026 - 4 min read
The best hair dryer for you depends on your hair type, how often you style and how much control you want over heat and airflow. In most cases, look for 1500W to 2000W of power, frizz-fighting technology like ionic or ceramic, and the right attachments for the look you want. Here’s how to find your match.
Key takeaways from this article
Choose 1500W to 2000W for most hair types, or 2000W plus for thick hair.
Ionic, ceramic and tourmaline technologies help reduce frizz and boost shine.
A diffuser suits curly hair, while a concentrator helps with straight styling.
Lightweight or foldable models are ideal if you travel or dry your hair often.
Everyone wants that “just stepped out of the salon” look, but few of us have the time (or budget) for a regular professional blow-dry. The good news is that today’s hair dryers are up to the task, helping you get smooth, shiny results at home. So which hair dryer is best for your thick, curly, fine or frizzy hair? We asked The Good Guys portable appliance expert, Tracey Ellis, to share what to look for.
But which hair dryer is best? And how do you know what is the best hair dryer for your thick, curly, fine or frizzy hair? Find out here…
What should you look for in a hair dryer?
The best hair dryers do more than blow hot air. They’re powerful, compact and packed with technology to help you create everything from sleek, shiny bobs to bouncy, full-bodied waves. Here are the four things to compare:
Power and wattage. Wattage determines how hard and fast the motor works. Higher wattage means more airflow and faster drying, and 1500W to 2000W is usually enough for most hair types.
Technology and materials. Ionic, tourmaline, ceramic and porcelain dryers each offer benefits for different hair types (more on those below).
Attachments. A diffuser is a must for curly hair, while a concentrator nozzle helps with straight, sleek styles.
Size and weight. Drying your hair shouldn’t feel like a workout, so look for a lightweight design. Compact and foldable models are great for travel.
How do you get salon-quality results at home?
For a salon-style blow-dry, choose a hair dryer with the same features your hairdresser relies on.
“Look for a high variety of speed and heat settings so you can personalise your blow-dry; a powerful, high wattage motor that will get the job done quickly; and innovative attachments that will help achieve the results you want without needing a hairdresser on hand,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer - Portable Appliances.
Premium models often include intelligent heat control, several precise heat settings and a cool shot button to set your style. Many also come with magnetic attachments that clip on and off easily, such as smoothing nozzles for a polished, flyaway-free finish.
What makes a good-value hair dryer?
The best value hair dryer for you depends on how often you blow-dry, your hair type and your budget.
“At a minimum, you should expect a good-value hair dryer to give you quick results without major damage to your hair, so look for models with ionic or infrared heating and precision heat control,” says Tracey Ellis. “Usability is important too - there’s no point bringing home a hair dryer that you struggle to lift.”
Look for multi-styler options that bundle several attachments, like a smoothing brush, concentrator and diffuser, for extra versatility from a single purchase.
What’s the best hair dryer for frizzy hair?
For frizzy or damaged hair, limiting high heat is key, so look for variable temperature settings.
“Ionic tech is by far the best at helping you protect damaged, frizzy hair since it allows you to dry your hair faster at a lower temperature,” says Tracey Ellis. “Ceramic or porcelain models will also help with even heat distribution for a gorgeously shiny finish.”
High-velocity airflow is another feature worth having, as it dries hair quickly with less time under heat.
What’s the best hair dryer for fine hair?
Fine hair needs a little extra care, and that starts with a hair dryer that puts you in control. Overdrying can leave fine hair brittle, so prioritise models with low heat settings and fast air speed. Infrared hair dryers are also a popular choice for fine hair, as they use gentle heat to help hair retain moisture as it dries.
What’s the best hair dryer for thick hair?
If drying your thick hair takes supreme patience and serious arm strength, your current dryer may simply lack power. Wattage matters most for thick or coarse hair, so look for at least 2000W to get the job done quickly. Models that combine high wattage with ionic conditioning and ceramic technology offer fast, even drying with a smoother, shinier finish.
What’s the best hair dryer for curly hair?
For curls, it’s all about the attachments, and a diffuser is the one you want. Diffusers spread airflow evenly to help keep the natural shape of your curls.
“Most of the best hair dryers will come with a diffuser attachment, but also look for models that offer additional attachments for helping with issues like flyaways and frizz that can be common with curly hair,” says Tracey Ellis.
Two speed settings and a turbo or boost function are handy extras for faster drying on wash days.
What’s the best lightweight hair dryer?
If you have long or thick hair, an easy-to-lift hair dryer makes every blow-dry more comfortable. The best lightweight models weigh under half a kilo while still delivering 2000W or more, so you get speed without the strain. A long cord (around 2.5m) adds extra freedom to move while you style.
What’s the best travel hair dryer?
Standard hotel hair dryers rarely deliver holiday-ready styling, but suitcase space is precious. A travel hair dryer gives you compact size and solid power in one. Look for:
Dual voltage so it works overseas (with a travel adapter).
A foldable handle that slips easily into a carry-on.
A removable concentrator for styling on the go.
Around 2000W for fast drying, wherever you are.
Shop The Best Hair Dryers At The Good Guys
At The Good Guys, we get good hair days! And, we have a huge range of hair dryers, straighteners and curlers at Pay Less Every day prices. Visit us in-store or online to shop from leading brands (yes, we have the latest Dyson hair dryer and Shark hair dryer) and find your perfect hair hero.
