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Hair dryer vs blow dryer: is there a difference?

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In short

There is no difference: hair dryer, hairdryer, blow dryer and blow-drier all mean the same handheld tool. 'Hair dryer' or 'hairdryer' is more common in British English, while 'blow dryer' is more common in American English. The differences that do matter are between types of dryer, such as standard, high-speed, travel and salon models, and between dryers, hot air brushes and hood dryers.

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If you have seen 'blow dryer' on one website and 'hair dryer' on another and wondered whether they are different products, you are not alone. They are the same thing, and the name mostly depends on where you live. What does vary is the type of dryer, and that is worth understanding before you buy. This short explainer clears up the names, then explains the real differences between the main kinds of dryer and styling tool on sale in the UK.

Same tool, different names

'Blow-dry' as a verb is common in the UK too, so you might blow-dry your hair with a hair dryer. Brands often use several names in one listing so people find the product whatever they search, which is part of the confusion. On amazon.co.uk you will see both 'hair dryer' and 'blow dryer' on the same products.

NameWhere it is used most
Hairdryer (one word)Common in the UK
Hair dryer (two words)UK and international, common in shop listings
Blow dryerMostly American English
Blow-drier or blowerInformal or regional
Common names for a handheld hair dryer

The differences that do matter

Rather than the name, look at the type of dryer and how it is built. A standard dryer has a motor and fan in the head, with a heater behind the nozzle. High-speed dryers, like the Dyson Supersonic and Laifen Swift, use small, fast digital motors to move more air at lower heat, which often makes them lighter and quicker. Salon-style dryers have strong motors, long cables and higher wattages.

Travel dryers fold or are compact and may be dual-voltage for use abroad. Our guide to choosing a hair dryer goes through watts, motors, weight and attachments in detail.

FilterMotor and fanHeaterNozzle (magnetic)Cold shot buttonCable entryair inwarm air out
Inside a premium hair dryer: air comes in through the filter, the motor and fan push it past the heater and out of the nozzle.

Dryer types side by side

TypeWhat it isGood for
Standard dryerFan and heater in the headEveryday drying
High-speed dryerSmall, fast digital motor, often in the handleFast drying at lower heat, lighter weight
Salon-style dryerStrong AC or digital motor, long cableFrequent, long blow-dries
Travel dryerCompact or folding, sometimes dual voltageTrips and small spaces
Hot air brushHeater and fan in a brushDry and style in one step
Multi-stylerHandle with dryer, brushes and barrelsDrying, curling and smoothing
Hood dryerBonnet or hood you sit underSetting rollers, some salon treatments
Main types of hair drying tool

Blow dryer vs hot air brush and multi-styler

A handheld dryer moves the most air and dries fastest. A hot air brush combines a smaller dryer with a brush head, so it dries more slowly but styles as it goes. Multi-stylers like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle sit in between: one handle with a dryer attachment, brushes and curling barrels.

If you mostly need to dry hair quickly, a good dryer is the better tool. If you want a styled blow-dry with one hand, a hot air brush or multi-styler is easier. Our hot air brush vs hair dryer comparison covers this in detail, and our Airwrap-style multi-stylers guide lists the main options.

Does 'blow dryer' ever mean something else?

Occasionally. In pet grooming, 'blower' or 'blaster' means a high-velocity dryer for dog coats. In DIY, a heat gun looks like a hair dryer but runs at far higher temperatures and must never be used on hair. In industrial settings, 'blower' can mean a fan for moving air. For hair, though, all the common names refer to the same thing.

If you see a 'hair dryer' and a 'blow dryer' from the same brand at different prices, compare the specifications rather than the names: wattage, airflow, motor type, weight and attachments tell you what you are paying for. Our guides to the best hair dryers in the UK and lightweight hair dryers compare those details.

Note:Never use a DIY heat gun on hair or skin. It runs far hotter than a hair dryer.

Choosing the right one for you

See our guides to dryers for thick hair and curly hair for specific models.

  • Long or thick hair: a powerful standard or high-speed dryer.
  • Fine hair: a dryer with low heat steps or a gentle air attachment.
  • Curly hair: any good dryer with a diffuser.
  • One-handed styling: a hot air brush or multi-styler.
  • Frequent travel: a compact or folding dryer.

Frequently asked questions

Is a blow dryer the same as a hair dryer? Yes. They are two names for the same handheld tool. 'Blow dryer' is more common in the US, 'hair dryer' or 'hairdryer' in the UK.

Is it hairdryer or hair dryer? Both are correct. British dictionaries list 'hairdryer' as one word, and 'hair dryer' as two words is widely used too.

What is a blower in hair styling? Informally, a hair dryer. In pet grooming, a blower is a high-velocity dryer for drying coats.

Is a hair dryer the same as a heat gun? No. A heat gun is a DIY tool that runs much hotter and must never be used on hair.

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