Professional Hair Dryer
A practical hair dryer (2400W, ionic) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
Are Expensive Hair Dryers Worth It? (Honest Answer)
Premium hair dryers like Dyson, ghd and Shark cost many times more than a basic dryer, so it's fair to ask whether they're worth it. Here's an honest look at what the extra money buys.
What you get for more money
Premium dryers genuinely dry faster, thanks to powerful, efficient motors and high airflow. They're usually lighter and better balanced (Dyson puts the motor in the handle), noticeably quieter, and have smarter heat control to reduce damage. If you dry your hair every day, have a lot of it, or care about a salon finish, those benefits are real and you'll feel them each time.
When to save your money
If you only dry your hair occasionally, or you're happy with a quick rough-dry, a good mid-range Remington or BaByliss under £50 does the basics very well - the core job of moving hot air is something cheap dryers do fine. You're paying premium prices mainly for speed, weight, noise and finish, not for whether your hair gets dry. Many people are perfectly happy never going premium.
The verdict
Expensive hair dryers are worth it for frequent users, thick or long hair, and anyone who values fast, quiet, lightweight drying and a polished finish. For light or occasional use, the law of diminishing returns kicks in fast - a solid mid-range dryer is the sensible buy. Match the spend to how often and how long you actually dry your hair.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
TRESemme Fast Dry
A practical hair dryer (2000W) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
#3 
BaByliss Rose Gold
A practical hair dryer (2100W, ionic/ceramic) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
#4 
Remington Ionic D3199
A practical hair dryer (2200W, ionic) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
#5 
TRESemme Smooth & Shine
A practical hair dryer (2200W) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
#6 
Remington D3010 Power Dry
A practical hair dryer (2000W) for quicker, kinder drying at home.
Frequently asked questions
Are expensive hair dryers worth the money?
For daily use, lots of hair, or a salon-style finish - yes, they dry faster, lighter and quieter with better heat protection. For occasional use, a good mid-range dryer does the basics just as well, so the premium isn't necessary.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Professional Hair Dryer (our score 9.6/10) - A practical hair dryer (2400W, ionic) for quicker, kinder drying at home..