Another day, another newfangled invention from the beauty realm to mull over. If there’s anything a member of the beauty cognoscenti will attest to, it is that there is never a dull moment. From make-up trends straight off the runway to buzzworthy olfactory innovations, we are constantly besieged with novel trappings to critique and emulate. And yet at the core of it, there remains the same unsung heroes that form the foundation of our regimes. For the skincare savant, this would comprise cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreens. Your typical hair buff, on the other hand, knows that a good ‘do boils down to having the right tools in your arsenal. Namely? The best hair dryers in the market.
It is a sign of the times that hair dryers have evolved beyond devices that assist in drying wet hair. Today’s iteration comprises styling capabilities, smoothening technology, and the like—with the incorporation of attachments allowing for users to customise their contraptions accordingly. Gone are the days where these hot tools were considered to be synonymous with fine, sleek-straight tresses—now, there proves to be a multitude of variations developed to optimise natural textures, permed hair, and even limp, lank strands.
The sheer assortment of products, however, can be bewildering to new consumers. Apart from the big names, there are plenty who are unsure of what else the market holds. Below, a compilation of the best underrated hair dryers to suit every whim, all of which are equipped with high-power motors; a spectrum of heat settings; and an line-up of available attachments to work with. Spy them all, below.
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Stryv Professional Hair Dryer
As the adage goes: good things come in small packages. Its light and compact build conceals a professional strength motor that allows for rapid drying with minimal noise. This—paired with its auto-clean function and advanced ion generator designed to reduce static and frizz—makes it the perfect travel companion for jetsetters looking to stow their beauty essentials into a hand-carry. What’s more, each dryer comes with three attachments that grant different velocities of air flow, all of which serves a distinctive purpose: the smoothing nozzle helps maintain shine; the precision styler nozzle allows for rapid sculpting; while the diffuser yields full, bouncy curls.
Stryv Professional Hair Dryer, $300, available at Stryv..
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GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer
Speed and precision are the cornerstones of the GHD Helios; a lightweight, aerodynamic gizmo that boasts three heat settings, three speed settings, and a long-life motor that delivers a concentrated temperature and airflow distribution. Furthermore, it is light enough that it can be easily held in one hand, freeing up the other to wield a hair tool—for instance, a round brush—so users are able to style their locks seamlessly. Choose between a matte black design and a sleek white option harbouring a rose gold trim.
GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer, $344, available at Sephora.
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Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer
Mastering the art of a perfect blowout is made easy thanks to this formidable dryer. Developed by hair maestro, Alli Web, the Buttercup Blow Dryer is conceived for professional use and is utilised across all Drybar salons in California. Its strengths lie in its ionic technology, which ensures hair cuticles are sealed down during the drying process, so strands feel silky-smooth and hydrated to touch despite the use of heat. This bad boy also comes with two concentrated nozzles: one which focuses on a larger surface area to detangle and smooth, as well as another that narrows in on smaller areas that makes styling bangs and wispy cuts a breeze.
Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer, $229.50, available at LookFantastic.
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Novita H1 Hair Dryer
Smart technology is best showcased with this dryer from Novita. The feather in its cap: PID Intelligent Thermal Control, which measures the air outlet temperature more than 50 times a second to evaluate if users are utilising the optimal temperature and airflow for their mane. It then adjusts the settings automatically—and accordingly—to help prevent the loss of moisture, protein, collagen, and other nutrients. This results in healthier, shinier hair with sustained use, bolstered by its incorporation of HydroNano technology, which helps maintain and enhance moisture levels. Available in four vibrant hues ranging from mauve to topaz.
Novita H1 Hair Dryer, $349, available at Courts.
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Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000
The celebrity hairstylist—with a lengthy clientele list comprising Karlie Kloss, Gisele Bündchen, and Cindy Crawford—has put his expertise forth to his very own line of hair tools. Naturally, this includes a versatile dryer decked out in his signature mint green hue. Expect satin-softness and shine with eight different heat, speed, and ion settings, where users are able to fluidly swap between settings depending on the style they are hoping to achieve for the day. The addition of a cold shot button is simply the cherry on top; a blast of cool air that helps set meticulously-crafted ‘dos and keep them in place.
Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000, $249, available at Shopbop.
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Laifen Swift High Speed Hair Dryer
For the risk-averse, look no further than the Laifen Swift High Speed Dryer. Not only does it come with a nylon and fibreglass shell to prevent overheating, it also comes with a fire-resistant frame to keep accidents at bay. Its intuitive design is another plus point—its heat settings are easily identifiable by a LED ring light that encompasses the circumference of the dryer, so users are able to tell at a glance if the right settings are in use. Its advanced motor system translates to superior air speed and high volume, which means users get to cut down drying time by a staggering 50%.
Laifen Swift High Speed Hair Dryer, $219.99, available at Laifen.
