Buying guide · 6 picks compared

Best hair dryer UK 2026

The BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue) is the best hair dryer for most people, with a large diffuser for soft natural curls and a slim concentrator nozzle in the box.

See the top pick on Amazon Compare all 6Affiliate

Want a heat sensor instead? Pick the Philips 5000 Series Hair Dryer with ThermoShield, which uses an overheat-detect sensor to control air temperature and protect hair from damage.

By Bez, Editor✓ Updated 25 October 2026

★ Our top pickBaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue)Image: BaBylissSee it on Amazon

Which one is for you?

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Which pick suits which need
Ifyou want one good all-round dryer with a diffuser	BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want a temperature sensor without paying Dyson prices	Philips 5000 Series Hair Dryer BHD510/03 with ThermoShield	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want the cheapest sensible dryer	Revlon RVDR5823 Fast and Light Hair Dryer 2000W	See it on Amazon
Ifyou travel or have a small bag or drawer	Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 Hair Dryer System HD542UK (Mocha Silver)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want a Dyson for less	Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer (Nickel/Copper)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want Dyson's scalp sensors and a diffuser in the box	Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer HD16 with diffuser (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)	See it on Amazon

The 6 picks compared

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1★ Top pick
BaByliss
BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue)Best for all-round, with diffuser
Soft, natural curls from one all-round dryer with a diffuser
See it on Amazon
2
Philips
Philips 5000 Series Hair Dryer BHD510/03 with ThermoShieldBest for heat sensor on a budget
Dry hair fast while a sensor guards against heat damage
See it on Amazon
3
Revlon
Revlon RVDR5823 Fast and Light Hair Dryer 2000WBest for lowest price
A light 2000 W dryer with a Cool Shot button
See it on Amazon
4
Shark
Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 Hair Dryer System HD542UK (Mocha Silver)Best for travel, folding handle
Dry hair fast, then fold it small for your bag
See it on Amazon
5
Dyson
Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer (Nickel/Copper)Best for Dyson for less
Powerful high-speed airflow with careful heat control built in
See it on Amazon
6
Dyson
Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer HD16 with diffuser (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)Best for scalp sensors, premium
Protect your scalp while you dry, with premium Dyson styling
See it on Amazon

Side by side

From the makers' and retailers' published factsAffiliate

The picks side by side
Pick	Best for	Price	The fact that sets it apart	Where to buy
BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue)	all-round, with diffuser	£60	2100 W dryer with 3 heat and 2 speed settings.	See it on Amazon
Philips 5000 Series Hair Dryer BHD510/03 with ThermoShield	heat sensor on a budget	£79.99	2300 W airflow, which Philips says makes drying 20% faster, based on a Philips lab test.	See it on Amazon
Revlon RVDR5823 Fast and Light Hair Dryer 2000W	lowest price	£16.99	2000 W motor with an ionic ceramic grille, 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and a Cool Shot button.	See it on Amazon
Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 Hair Dryer System HD542UK (Mocha Silver)	travel, folding handle	£199.99	The handle folds so the dryer is half its size for bags, carry-ons or home storage.	See it on Amazon
Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer (Nickel/Copper)	Dyson for less	£249.99	A glass bead thermistor measures the exit air temperature 40 times a second and reports to the microprocessor to prevent extreme heat.	See it on Amazon
Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer HD16 with diffuser (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)	scalp sensors, premium	£349.99	Three speed settings and four heat levels, plus a cold shot to set styles.	See it on Amazon

Prices from the maker or retailer named on each pick below, checked 25 October 2026. A dash means the price changes too often to quote: tap through for today's.

A good dryer saves you minutes every morning and treats your hair more gently. Look at three things: the power (most here run at 2000 to 2300 W), heat control (some measure the air temperature and hold it down), and the attachments, such as a diffuser for curls or a concentrator for a smooth finish.

Our picks in detail

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1★ Top pickBest for all-round, with diffuser

BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz 2100 Hair Dryer (5573U, blue)

Soft, natural curls from one all-round dryer with a diffuser.

What it is: This 2100 W hair dryer comes with a large plasma-flow diffuser for soft natural curls. A slim concentrator nozzle comes in the box too for focused styling.
Perfect for: If you have natural curls and want one dryer that does it all, this one is for you.
Why we picked it: The removable rear filter comes out for easy cleaning, so upkeep is simple. You get a 2.5 m power cord for room to move and a 3-year guarantee.
Price: £60 (babyliss.com, checked 25 October 2026)

2100 W dryer with 3 heat and 2 speed settings.
Comes with a large plasma-flow diffuser for soft natural curls and a slim concentrator nozzle.
Removable rear filter for easy cleaning, a 2.5 m power cord and a 3-year guarantee.

The catch: Only 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and BaByliss lists no temperature sensor.

Check today's price on Amazon

2Best for heat sensor on a budget

Philips 5000 Series Hair Dryer BHD510/03 with ThermoShield

Dry hair fast while a sensor guards against heat damage.

What it is: This Philips 5000 Series hair dryer packs 2300 W of airflow. Philips says that makes drying 20% faster, so your hair is dry sooner.
Perfect for: A good fit if you want fast drying with heat protection built in.
Why we picked it: ThermoShield uses an overheat-detect sensor to control the air temperature and protect hair from damage. You also get 4x ionic care, 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and a 2-year warranty. That mix of power and control is why it earns its spot.
Price: £79.99 (philips.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

2300 W airflow, which Philips says makes drying 20% faster, based on a Philips lab test.
ThermoShield technology uses an overheat-detect sensor to control the air temperature and protect hair from damage.
4x ionic care, 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and a 2-year warranty.

The catch: The 20% faster drying figure is from Philips' own lab test, not independent testing.

Check today's price on Amazon

3Best for lowest price

Revlon RVDR5823 Fast and Light Hair Dryer 2000W

A light 2000 W dryer with a Cool Shot button.

What it is: Meet the Revlon 2000W hair dryer, with 3 heat and 2 speed settings and a Cool Shot button. You get a 2000 W dryer in a body that is compact and light.
Perfect for: A good fit if you want a compact, lightweight dryer with a Cool Shot button and don't need a diffuser.
Why we picked it: Three heat settings and two speeds give you control over every dry. The smoothing concentrator is built for a smooth finish, and a hanging loop makes storage easy. Very lists a 3-year limited guarantee.
Price: £16.99 (very.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

2000 W motor with an ionic ceramic grille, 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and a Cool Shot button.
Compact and lightweight, with a smoothing concentrator and a hanging loop for storage.
Very lists a 3-year limited guarantee.

The catch: Very's listing shows a smoothing concentrator only, with no diffuser for curls.

Check today's price on Amazon

4Best for travel, folding handle

Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 Hair Dryer System HD542UK (Mocha Silver)

Dry hair fast, then fold it small for your bag.

What it is: This 4-in-1 hair dryer system gives you 4 styling attachments, so one tool handles drying and styling. Amazon UK lists it at 1700 W.
Perfect for: If you pack light or travel often, this is the one you want in your bag.
Why we picked it: The folding handle makes the dryer half its size, so it slides into a bag or carry-on with ease. Its heat is controlled 1,000 times a second and never exceeds 110°C, and Scalp Shield Mode lowers the air temperature for drying at the roots. Shark backs it with a 2-year guarantee.
Price: £199.99 (sharkninja.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

The handle folds so the dryer is half its size for bags, carry-ons or home storage.
Regulates temperature 1,000 times a second and never exceeds 110°C, with a Scalp Shield Mode that reduces air temperature for root drying.
Amazon UK lists it at 1700 W with 4 styling attachments.
2-year guarantee from Shark.

The catch: At £199.99 it costs far more than the ordinary dryers here.

Check today's price on Amazon

5Best for Dyson for less

Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer (Nickel/Copper)

Powerful high-speed airflow with careful heat control built in.

What it is: This is a Dyson hair dryer that blasts a fast jet of air to dry your hair. A sensor checks the air heat 40 times a second to prevent extreme heat.
Perfect for: If you want Dyson's high-speed airflow at a lower price than the Nural, this is the pick.
Why we picked it: The Dyson Digital Motor V9 spins at up to 110,000 rpm to power that jet. Amazon UK lists the Nickel/Copper version at 1600 W with a styling concentrator, a nozzle that directs the airflow.
Price: £249.99 (dyson.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

A glass bead thermistor measures the exit air temperature 40 times a second and reports to the microprocessor to prevent extreme heat.
The Dyson Digital Motor V9 spins at up to 110,000 rpm to produce a high-velocity jet of air.
Amazon UK lists the Nickel/Copper version at 1600 W with a styling concentrator.

The catch: Dyson's own UK page showed the Nickel/Copper colour out of stock (the Prussian blue colour was in stock at the same £249.99).

Check today's price on Amazon

6Best for scalp sensors, premium

Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer HD16 with diffuser (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)

Protect your scalp while you dry, with premium Dyson styling.

What it is: This Dyson dryer gives you three speed settings and four heat levels, plus a cold shot to set your style. It also includes a diffuser and a Gentle air attachment.
Perfect for: Made for anyone who wants premium Dyson quality and a dryer that looks after their scalp.
Why we picked it: Dyson says Scalp protect mode gives a 3x stronger scalp barrier. An accelerometer switches off the heater and reduces airflow when you put the dryer down. It also comes with a 2-year guarantee.
Price: £349.99 (dyson.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

Three speed settings and four heat levels, plus a cold shot to set styles.
Dyson says Scalp protect mode gives a 3x stronger scalp barrier, and an accelerometer deactivates the heater and reduces airflow when the dryer is put down.
This version includes a diffuser and a Gentle air attachment.
2-year guarantee.

The catch: At £349.99 it is the dearest dryer here, and Dyson's UK page does not state a wattage.

Check today's price on Amazon

What we left out, and why

Dyson Supersonic r: Priced at £399.99 on Dyson's UK site, well above the Supersonic Nural (£349.99 in the colour picked here).
Remington D3190 Ionic Dry 2200W: Remington's own UK page showed it out of stock at £56.99.
Remington PROluxe Midnight Edition AC9140B: Remington's UK page lists the same 3 heat and 2 speed settings as the BaByliss and Philips picks, at £79.99 against £60.00 for the BaByliss, and gives no wattage.

How we chose

Our buying criteria

A hair dryer is judged on three things: how fast it dries, how well it controls heat, and what comes in the box for your hair type. We read the makers' UK pages and retailer listings for each, from a budget Revlon to two Dysons, on the update date; the speed claims are the makers' own, not our timings. Each pick names its catch.

Power: 2000 to 2300 W is typical among these picks, while Amazon UK lists the Dyson Supersonic Origin at 1600 W and Dyson's UK page gives no wattage for the Nural.
Heat control: a sensor that measures air temperature and limits it, which the makers say reduces heat damage.
Attachments: a concentrator for smooth drying, a diffuser for curls and waves.
Size and guarantee: a folding handle helps for travel, and 2 to 3 years is the guarantee on these picks.

How we choose every pick

Your questions, answered

Do hair dryers with heat sensors protect hair?

That is what the makers say. A heat sensor measures the air and holds back the temperature: Philips says its ThermoShield sensor controls air temperature to protect hair from damage, and Dyson says its Supersonic Origin measures exit air temperature 40 times a second to prevent extreme heat.

How many watts should a hair dryer have?

Most full-size dryers here run at 2000 to 2300 W. Compact and high-speed designs can use less: Amazon UK lists the Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX at 1700 W and the Dyson Supersonic Origin at 1600 W, which relies on a motor spinning at up to 110,000 rpm. Compare heat control and attachments too, not watts alone.

Do I need a diffuser for curly or wavy hair?

A diffuser is the attachment made for curls and waves, so it helps if you dry them often. Two picks list one in the box: the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion, with a large plasma-flow diffuser and a slim concentrator, and the Dyson Supersonic Nural. The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX comes with 4 styling attachments, so check its listing if you need a diffuser.

Is there a hair dryer that folds for travel?

Yes. Look for a folding handle: the Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX has one that halves its size, so it fits a bag or carry-on.

How long do hair dryer guarantees last?

Two or three years, depending on the model. The BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Anti-Frizz gives you 3 years, and so does the Revlon Fast and Light, listed at Very with a limited guarantee. The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX, Philips and Dyson Supersonic Nural all offer that.

What is scalp protect mode?

It is a setting that lowers the air temperature near the scalp, so you can dry the roots with less heat on the skin. Two picks have one: Dyson says Scalp protect mode on the Supersonic Nural gives a 3x stronger scalp barrier, and Shark's Scalp Shield Mode on the SpeedStyle Pro FLEX reduces the air temperature for root drying.