Top Pick for
Hair dryer for curly hair
Best hair dryers in Australia: Your guide to ceramic, ionic and tourmaline dryers
Our team analysed customer reviews and ratings to find the nine best hair dryers you can get in Australia right now.
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Top Pick for
Hair dryer for thick hair
Top Pick for
Hair dryer over $200
Top Pick for
Travel hair dryer
How did we pick this list?
We selected hair dryers based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Myer and ProductReview for this list. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.
The best hair dryers in Australia
- Best overall hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
- Best travel hair dryer: VS Sassoon Go Travel VS5344A
- Best for fine hair: VS Sassoon Lush Style & Shine Hair Dryer
- Best for frizzy hair: Mermade Hair Dryer
- Best for curly hair: Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer
- Best for thick hair: Remington Pro Air Turbo Dryer
- Best under $100: Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Hair Dryer
- Best under $200: VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Hair Dryer
- Best over $200: Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer
Best overall hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Pros
- Unique nozzle design helps give your hair a smooth finish
- Comes with four attachments for different styling options
Cons
- More expensive than other hair dryers
- Not travel-friendly
Price (RRP): $549
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing
Buy at SephoraWhy we chose it
Our pick for the best overall hair dryer is the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. It has an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from 600 customer reviews on Myer and ProductReview.
The Dyson Supersonic Dryer is a lightweight tool engineered to protect hair from extreme heat. It helps increase the hair's smoothness and shine while decreasing frizz and flyaways. This hair dryer comes with four magnetic styling attachments for easy fitting, rotating and styling. It also has three speed settings – high for fast drying and styling, medium for regular drying and low for diffusing.
With a sophisticated design and a lightweight body, the Dyson Supersonic provides a quick hair drying experience. Customers loved that it's silent and easy to use. The magnetic attachments are easy to remove and attach as well. The hair dryer has a T-shape, which makes it more compact than other blow dryers. However, it is still not compact enough for travel. It is also more expensive than other hair dryers in the market at over $500.
Best travel hair dryer: VS Sassoon Go Travel VS5344A
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Too noisy according to reviews
- Only has two heat/speed settings
Price (RRP): $24.95
Buy at The Good GuysWhy we chose it
For travel, we recommend VS Sassoon's Go Travel VS5344A as the best hair dryer available online. It has an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars from over a hundred reviews on Myer and ProductReview.
At only 307g, this hair dryer is quite lightweight and compact. It also comes with a full-powered 2000 watts dual voltage and a folding handle. According to the company, this hair dryer is suitable for most hair types and smooth blow-dry styles.
Many customers praised this tool for being affordable but high-quality. Some reviews even added that it works just as well as pricier hair dryers they have used in the past. It features a concentrator nozzle, which is helpful when doing sleek straight styling. Several customers also said it helps control frizz while volumising their hair. However, it only comes with two heat/speed settings and doesn't include a cold option. It is also quite noisy, according to reviews.
Best for fine hair: VS Sassoon Lush Style & Shine Hair Dryer
Pros
- Features a quick-drying option
- Leaves hair shiny and smooth
Cons
- Not travel-friendly
- Only provides basic blow dry according to customers
Price (RRP): $49.95
Buy at Shaver ShopWhy we chose it
The VS Sassoon Lush Style & Shine Hair Dryer is our choice for the best hair dryer for fine hair. It has an average rating of 4.5 on Myer and ProductReview.
According to the manufacturer, this hair dryer features a Salon-Grade AC Motor, delivering powerful high-velocity airflow to dry hair faster for long-lasting styling. It also has even heat Ceramic Technology that leaves your tresses shiny and smooth. The device comes with a thermal styling brush, which can be used to add volume and texture while blow-drying.
This hair tool is great for your daily, basic blow-dry. Customers loved that it's easy to set up and provides quick blow-drying action, perfect if you're in a pinch. It is also reasonably priced at under $50. The included brush helps create volume and texture when blow-drying, according to reviews. But despite coming with a cosmetic bag, this hair dryer isn't travel friendly – it doesn't collapse for easier storage.
Best for frizzy hair: Mermade Hair Dryer
Pros
- Helps protect hair for heat damage
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- The heat/speed settings are lower than other hair dryers
- Not suitable for thick hair
Price (RRP): $89
Buy at Shaver ShopWhy we chose it
We recommend Mermade Hair's Dryer as the best for frizzy locks. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Myer.
With a striking pink, retro design, the Mermade Hair Dryer is a professional quality blow dryer that helps smooth the hair as it dries. It comes with two speed settings: Amplified or concentrated airflow and a cool shot function. This hair tool also includes two concentrator attachments for easier styling.
Many customers loved this hair tool's design, adding that it's reminiscent of hair dryers from the 60s and 70s. It is also easy to use, lightweight and travel-friendly. The Mermade Hair Dryer also uses ionic airflow technology, which helps protect hair from heat damage. Reviews mentioned that it adds volume and body as well. However, people with thick hair said it takes them longer than usual to blow dry when using this device. Its heat/speed settings are also lower than your typical salon-grade blow dryers.
Best for curly hair: Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer
Pros
- Suitable for dry and damaged hair
- Volumises and softens tresses
Cons
- Heavier than other hair dryers
- Not travel-friendly
Price (RRP): $139
Amazon pricing: From $99.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at The Good GuysWhy we chose it
Our pick for the best hair dryer for curls is the Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over a hundred reviews on Myer and ProductReview.
The Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer features an infrared sensor that measures the optimal temperature for drying, preserving the hair's natural moisture. It also includes Hair Ionic Care for smooth, frizz-free and shiny locks. At 2300 watts, this hair dryer boasts high performance with six speed and heat settings. Its ThermoProtect technology also prevents hair from overheating and damage.
According to customers, this dryer is easy to use and helps protect hair from being fried when blow-drying. Its Moisture Protect feature also leaves hair hydrated and shiny, while defining curls. Those with damaged hair also said this prevents further damage and breakage while adding volume and softness. However, customers said it's bigger and heavier than other hair dryers, making it unsuitable for travel.
Best for thick hair: Remington Pro Air Turbo Dryer
Pros
- Helps control frizz
- Protects hair for heat damage
Cons
- Some found the handle flimsy
- The attachment tends to fall off, according to some customers
Price (RRP): $49.95
Amazon pricing: From $38.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at TargetWhy we chose it
If you have thick hair, we recommend Remington's Pro Air Turbo Dryer as the best dryer available online. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Myer and ProductReview.
The Remington Pro Air Turbo dryer features 2400 watts for longer motor life. It provides salon-quality blow dry and even heat distribution. According to the company, it features Conditioning Ionic Technology that helps smooth hair while controlling frizz, leaving your locks shiny.
Apart from being affordable, customers loved that it's easy to use and dries hair quickly. People with unruly hair also said it controls frizz all day while making their tresses look full and healthy. There were complaints about the handle being flimsy, but customers added that it's not a deal-breaker. Some reviews said the attachment falls off as soon as the hair dryer heats up. However, these seem to be isolated issues.
Best under $100: Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Hair Dryer
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Leaves tresses smooth and moisturised
Cons
- Too noisy for some
- Not lightweight
Price (RRP): $79.95
Amazon pricing: From $60.00
Buy at AmazonWhy we chose it
The Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Hair Dryer is our choice for the best hair dryer under $100. On Myer and ProductReview, it has an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from over 50 reviews.
The Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Hair Dryer features a 2200-watt salon AC motor for quicker drying time. It also has an Innovative Conditioning Ring that releases keratin and argan oil to condition hair as you blow-dry. According to the company, its Ceramic Technology with Ionic Conditioning helps minimise frizz for a smooth finish as well. The hair dryer has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot setting.
At only $65.32, this Remington hair dryer is an excellent alternative to pricier ones in the market. Customers loved that it helps dry their locks quickly, which is helpful if you're pressed for time. Those with thick hair praised the tool for leaving it ultra-soft and completely dry in mere minutes. It also tames frizz and reduces static effects. However, customers said it's heavier and noisier than other hair dryers they have owned.
Best under $200: VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Hair Dryer
Pros
- Protects hair from damage and colour fade
- Suitable for damaged and colour-treated hair
Cons
- Only has one heat setting
- Not the best option for short hair
Price (RRP): $199.00
Buy at Bing LeeBuy at The Good GuysWhy we chose it
For the best hair dryer under $200, we chose VS Sassoon's Digital Sensor Hair Dryer. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Myer.
This VS Sassoon hair dryer promises superior airflow, fast drying and optimal hair protection. It is Italian engineered and crafted to protect hair from heat damage. It also helps fight frizz and prevent colour fading. The digital sensor maintains a hair-safe temperature of 70°C while leaving your locks shiny and smooth.
Thanks to its high ionic conditioning feature, this hair dryer helps eliminate static and tame frizz. Customers said it is easy to use and dries their tresses faster than other hair dryers they've used. It is ergonomic and lightweight as well. Apart from protecting strands from heat damage, it also keeps coloured hair's vibrancy. However, it only comes with a single heat setting that is quite difficult to use if you have short hair.
Best over $200: Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer
Pros
- Dries hair quickly, leaving it soft and smooth
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons
- Not suitable for fine hair
- Doesn't add volume
Price (RRP): $299.00
Amazon pricing: From $228.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at Adore BeautyWhy we chose it
The Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer is our pick for the best hair dryer over $200. On Myer and ProductReview, it has an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Featuring the K-Advance motor, this hair dryer provides high-speed drying while controlling frizz and static. It comes with soft-touch switches and an anti-heat casing, ensuring the tool is comfortable to hold. The Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer features ionic and ceramic technology to protect hair from heat damage, leaving it soft and smooth. It has two speed settings, four temperatures and an instant cold shot button as well.
This hair dryer is lightweight and balanced for easier handling. It also dries hair in an instant while being silent. The Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer comes with two concentrator nozzles that help tame frizz as well. However, people with fine hair have said this doesn't work for them, adding that it leaves their hair too soft and limp for their liking. Some reviews also mentioned that it doesn't add volume or body to tresses.
Amazon prices last updated on 23 September, 2021 at 08:02 pm
Methodology
17Brands considered
73Products compared
9Best products chosen
- We compared hair dryers from more than 15 brands and over 70 products.
- We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings from Myer and ProductReview.
- The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Best Rated Hair Dryers Brand: Philips
Philips beat other well-known brands such as Dyson, Remington and VS Sassoon to take out this year's best hair dryer award. It was the best rated for performance, features and functions and value for money.
Types of hair dryers
While most hair dryers look very similar, they differ in the type of technology that they use. Apart from budget models, which are made from cheaper materials and simply blow out hot air, most modern hair dryers are either ceramic, ionic or tourmaline.
Ceramic
Ceramic hair dryers contain ceramic either in the heating element, the body or as a coating on parts. This composite material preserves the natural moisture of hair by penetrating the shaft with infrared heat. Ceramic models heat up quickly, disperse heat evenly and offer mild heat.
Ionic
In hair dryers with ionic technology, negative ions reduce frizz and speed up the drying process by breaking up water molecules. As smaller droplets are able to enter the hair shaft's outer layer, surface tension of your hair is reduced. Ionic models leave hair shiny and frizz-free and retain moisture in the hair.
Tourmaline
When used in the internal parts of a hair dryer, tourmaline speeds up the drying process and reduces static. As it is a semi-precious mineral, these hair dryers are usually more expensive than other types. Tourmaline models dry quickly and seal in important moisture.
Travel hair dryers
One type of hair dryer that does look different from others is a travel model. These are lightweight and smaller in size and are suitable for taking on holiday when you don't have much room in your suitcase. Usually these come with lower wattages of 1,000-1,200, although it's possible to find some 2,000-watt models. You can find travel hair dryers that have retractable cords and fold in half so that they save on space.
How to compare hair dryers
With many different brands and models on offer, it's important to understand the different factors to consider when looking for the right hair dryer to suit your needs.
Key factors to consider include:
Cost
Hair dryers can cost anywhere from $20 through to $600, so it really depends on what your budget is and the level of performance you are expecting. However, just because a hair dryer costs hundreds of dollars doesn't mean that you are going to notice a huge amount of difference. There are many fantastic hair dryers for less than $100, including the Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Hair Dryer listed above.
Wattage
Wattage typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful heat it produces and the faster it dries your hair, but you don't necessarily need to shell out more money to get good performance. For most people, a hair dryer that is around 1,800-2,000 watts is more than sufficient for quick drying. You can look at higher wattages if you have very thick or curly hair, and lower wattages if you have thin or frail hair.
Weight
Holding your arm up for a period of time can be tiring, especially if you are drying long hair or hair extensions. If you've found that previous hair dryers that you've owned have caused your arm to ache, look for a lightweight model that will make things a lot easier.
Additional features to consider
Depending on the make and model, there are special features that may be useful to you depending on how and where you dry your hair as well as on your hairstyle.
- Cool shot. Using cold air at the end of drying helps to set your hair in place.
- Diffuser. A diffuser can be useful for people who have curly hair and want to boost their hair's natural style and texture while improving the definition of the curls.
- Air nozzle. Drying with a nozzle on the end of your hair dryer helps to focus the airflow and allows you to style more easily.
- Swivel cord. This saves you from getting a tangled up cord and reduces damage.
- Auto turn-off. If your hair dryer falls on the ground, it will automatically switch off. This feature is also helpful if you keep needing to put the dryer down to move your brush or hands while styling as it will turn on once you've lifted it up again.
- Noise reduction. This feature offers quieter hair drying.
- Temperature control. Regulates the temperature to protect hair from damage.
- Cool touch. This technology keeps the outside of your hair dryer cool so you don't burn your hands while touching it.
- Inbuilt safety switch. This feature automatically turns a hair dryer off if it starts to overheat.
Hair dryer safety tips
Like with any electrical appliance, safety should come first when using your hair dryer. Follow these safety tips while using your hair dryer:
- Don't use a hair dryer in wet, steamy bathrooms.
- Don't get your hair dryer wet.
- Do not use a hair dryer that has a damaged cord.
- If your hair dryer starts to make any strange sounds, shut it off immediately.
- Don't let hair or other small particles get into the filter.
Most models should last you at least a few years or 500 working hours without any problems. However, there are a few signs that you should look out for that indicate it's time to buy a new one:
- Burning smell. As hair dryers suck in dust and dirt from the air while they are in use, the filters end up becoming clogged over time. Once the filter is unable to bring in enough clean air, the hair dryer will start to overheat and create the burning smell.
- Hotter than normal air. If you notice that your hair dryer is much hotter than normal, this is another sign that it's time to upgrade to a new model.
Three things to consider
- Using hot styling tools such as hair dryers, straighteners and curlers can damage your hair. Consider using heat-styling products that will protect your hair, take away the frizz and give it extra shine. You can find some ideas for what to use in this guide to anti-frizz hair products.
- Hair dryers should not be disposed of in your regular rubbish. Ask your local council how you should dispose of it or ask at your salon.
- If you have extremely damaged or frail hair, you don't want to be using a powerful dryer on a high heat setting. You may want to opt for towel drying your hair, or if you must use a hair dryer, opt for a low wattage with low or cool settings. It's worth investing in a good shampoo and conditioner to help make your hair strong again.
Best rated hair dryer award breakdown
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