Generally speaking, there are three main types of hair dryers. The best hair dryer type for you will depend on the condition of your hair and how long it usually takes you to dry. Standard Features: In terms of features, Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Veluer Creative, lists a cool-shot button, adjustable temperature, adjustable airflow, a large mouth nozzle, a slim mouth nozzle, and a diffuser as “must have” features. The inclusion of a variable geometric heating element with optimised heating areas ensures a stable temperature distribution. In addition to this, the incorporated Air Ionizer technology and ceramic grills guarantee healthy, static-free hair every time. The hairdryer has been coated with a certified anti-microbial treatment that has been enriched with silver powder. This unique coating creates an unfavourable surface for the growth of micro-organisms and helps to maintain hygiene during continued use. We asked 350 women with a range of hair types, from fine to afro, to try out 65 different hair dryers. Each machine was judged on speed, ease of use, noise levels and weight. Most importantly, we also wanted to know which ones created the best finished result for every hair type. There are three heat settings and two different speeds to play with here, but probably the most significant factor that we’d like to shout about is that The Buttercup is noticeably good at keeping frizz to a minimum, most likely down to its ionic technology which, in short, adds smoothness and definition. There are also two concentrated nozzles of different widths in the box, helping you create ultra-smooth styles and master how to make your blowout last longer.

The Parlux ALYON’s patented Hair Free system traps stray hairs before they enter the motor, increasing the dryer’s lifespan. It also features low profile soft-touch switches and includes two concentrator styling nozzles allowing you to style with freedom.The Airwrap Complete comes with six attachments that cover almost everything you can imagine doing with your 'do: a dryer attachment that essentially turns it into the Supersonic Dryer (minus the styling nozzles); 30mm and 40mm barrels to create waves of varying degrees of tightness; a round volumizing brush; plus firm and soft smoothing brushes. This is very subjective and really depends on the professional. Well-known salons will often work with specific brands preferred by their big-name stylists, as well as those that said stylists have relationships with. That said, Dyson and ghd are both brands we see a lot in professional settings. Yes, this dryer is expensive, but here’s why it’s worth it: First, if you’re not one to frequent blow-dry bars and prefer a DIY style at home, this tool will completely dry your hair three times as fast. If you are a regular salongoer, it will pay for itself after ten blowouts. With my usual dryer, it takes me 30 minutes to dry my hair from start to finish. With the Dyson, I’m done in ten — and it looks good!

A diffuser is key to distributing heat slowly and evenly through curly hair, while variable heat settings and ionic technology will help to protect afro hair from breakages. A cool shot setting will set curls in place, too. How we testIonic hair dryers: One of the most popular features in modern dryers and with good reason. Our hair has a natural positive charge, which causes frizz and static. Ionic hair dryers release a stream of negative ions, which grab onto the positive ones and neutralise them for a smoothing effect. Ions can also help reduce drying time as they break down positive ions in the water in your hair, dispersing it so you can dry for less time on a lower heat, thus reducing damage. Ionic: These dryers use negatively charged ions to break down positively charged water molecules in hair to cut down on drying time and minimize frizz. Ask any parent and they'll agree that drying a child's hair can be a tear-soaked, frustration-filled challenge. Cleverly, the Panasonic EH-NA67 Enrich + Family Care dryer aims to nix this with a light, ultra-gentle drying experience that prevents painful, hair-damaging hotspots. Then there are the hair dryer brands that are widely used in salons and by session stylists on location and shoots, but aren't as widely available in the usual places where we would look for beauty tools. These are brands like Elchim and Parlux, whose Alyon model we have named our best salon dryer above. Those with fine hair should avoid very high temperatures, so look for machines offering lower heat settings.

When blow drying your hair, always finish with the cold shot, this seals the cuticle to reduce atmospheric damage to the hair and allows longevity with hair styling," says Reed. "This will also add shine to ensure your hair is looking healthy and its best.” What hair dryers do professionals use? As a general rule, the more powerful a dryer is, the hotter the element will get and the faster it can blow-dry your hair. However, this doesn't take into account technology, such as airflow concentrators and brushless motors, plus extreme heat causes damage, so bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to power. As a general guide, the best hair dryers have more than 1500W of power, though some high-tech options cut this right down. In terms of popularity, hair dryers arguably beat the best hair straighteners as the ultimate hair tool we'd invest in. But with such a wide range of options, from simple, "gets the job done" tools to powerful, high-spec options like the Dyson Supersonic, where do you start? Create gorgeous waves and enhance your natural curls with a diffuser or style a straight, sleek and smooth look with a concentrated nozzle. Adjustable heat and speed settings allow you to choose the perfect setting for your hair type and specific needs. Drybar’s tools were specifically created to produce the ultimate blow dry, so we’re excited to see their instantly recognisable buttercup yellow hair dryer in a convenient travel size. This model uses negative ion technology to seal hair cuticles, which produces smoother, shinier-looking hair. Plus, it features an impressive wave heater, which helps to evenly distribute the heat all over the hair, making for an overall faster drying process. Our verdictIf you have curly hair, yes, a diffuser is a good idea (although some would argue that curly hair types should avoid using a dryer.) Nonetheless, many people find that the air-drying process is neither practical nor enjoyable a lot of the time. Knowing how to use a diffuser will allow you to cradle hair as it gently blow dries, rather than forcing the cuticle this way and that, and destroying your lovely natural movement. Give you — and your hair — the best experience possible whilst travelling, with a specially designed travel hair dryer, tailored to your hair type. Discover the latest hair dryer innovation for ultimate power and control – the new ghd helios professional hair dryer. Be empowered with faster drying and 30% more shine*, for the salon-quality blow dry you’ve always dreamed of. Featuring bespoke Aeroprecis™ technology, a combination of advanced internal aerodynamics, a longer-life brushless motor and a contoured precision nozzle, the ghd helios delivers a powerful, concentrated airflow for smoother results and precise control. A loop at the top of the power cable that's useful for hanging a dryer out of harm's way while it cools. Power cord

Overall it's a brilliant all-rounder, featuring incremental improvements on previous models but nothing that will alienate or annoy long-time fans of the brand. This powerful tool makes for a satisfying and ultra-speedy – albeit not 100% silent – drying experience. It tops our list of the best hair dryers for fine hair, but we rate this tool for all hair types.Call it the tech takeover of beauty, call it the pink tax; whatever’s happened, hair dryer price tags have been on a steep incline for a few years now. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t find something great at a price that doesn’t require a few deep breaths before you hit "add to basket". Allow us to present the Remington Thermacare Pro 2400. Luxury blow dry bar chain Drybar also sells a range of salon-quality tools for at-home styling, many of which we’ve tried and found to be excellent (see our guide to the best hair dryer brushes for another one of our faves). Among them is the Buttercup Dryer, a reasonably light model that, despite this, still feels like a well-made, ergonomic, professional tool. While several models blew us away (if you'll pardon the pun), several options that we tested didn't make the final cut. We also found that the cordless and bonnet hair dryers we tried did not live up to their claims, and therefore could not feature in our best hair dryer edit. Technology that cares for your hair's health is very beneficial, while multiple speed and heat settings, including a cool shot, are key for styling, says ghd's Global Ambassador Adam Reed. "Dry your hair on a low heat and only use the hotter setting for the finishing touches, Once you're done styling, seal the hair using the cool setting for a super smooth look." Extra attachments, like narrow nozzles or the best diffusers and comb attachments, are also pro points.