# Best hair dryers in the UK: premium models compared Source: https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-uk Publisher: Blow and Barrel. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/how-we-pick A premium hair dryer should earn its place through faster drying, better heat control and attachments you will actually use. The trouble is that every listing promises shine and no heat damage, so the useful comparison sits in the harder numbers. This guide looks only at the top end: Dyson, ghd, Panasonic, Shark, Laifen and Elchim. For each dryer we pulled the wattage, the stated weight, the cable length where the maker gives it, the number of heat settings and what comes in the box. Where a listing leaves a figure out, we say so rather than guess. The order runs from the most complete all-round package down to models that suit a narrower need, such as travel or a very light hand-held weight. ## Products ### 1. Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer Wattage: 1,600 W; Weight: 684 g; Cable: Not stated; Heat settings: 4; Attachments: 5 incl. diffuser Dyson's sensor-led dryer for straight and wavy hair. Scalp protect mode targets 55°C at the scalp, and five attachments cover smoothing, diffusing and flyaways. In its favour: - Four heat settings are stated as 100°C, 80°C, 60°C and 28°C, so you know exactly what each step delivers. - Pause detect switches off the heater and drops airflow when the dryer is put down, according to the listing. - Attachment learning recognises each of the five attachments and recalls your preferred settings. Good to know: - The listing says it is designed for straight and wavy hair, so curly hair buyers may want a different edition. - Cable length is not stated, which matters if your socket is away from the mirror. ### 2. Laifen Swift Special Hair Dryer High Speed 200M Ionic for Fast Drying Motor: Brushless, 110,000 RPM; Weight: 407 g; Wattage: 1,600 W; Attachments: 3 magnetic nozzles A high-speed brushless dryer that matches the Supersonic's stated 110,000 RPM motor speed, with magnetic nozzles and a lower weight on paper. In its favour: - Stated motor speed of 110,000 RPM matches Dyson's V9 figure. - Diffuser, smooth nozzle and concentrator come in the box. - 59 dB stated noise level is a published figure Dyson does not give. Good to know: - The spec table says 2.24 kg against 407 g in the bullets. - Hottest setting is 176°F (80°C), cooler than Dyson's 100°C top step. ### 3. Panasonic EH-NA9N-H895 Hair Dryer with Diffuser nanoe & Mineral Ions, Anti-Damage, Fast Drying, Intelligent Sensing, Scalp & Skin Modes, Concentrator Attachment, 1600W Motor: Not stated; Weight: 500 g; Wattage: 1,600 W; Attachments: Nozzle, concentrator, diffuser Panasonic's answer to the sensor-led Dyson, with two sensors that adjust heat, nanoe and mineral ions and a folding body. In its favour: - Two built-in sensors adjust settings, similar to Dyson's intelligent heat control idea. - Lighter than the Supersonic at a stated 500 g, and it folds. - Diffuser and concentrator both included. Good to know: - Warranty is 1 year, against 2 years on several Dyson listings. - No motor speed or airflow figures are given. ### 4. Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Hair Dryer, Folding Handle, Mocha Silver HD542UK Wattage: 1,700 W; Weight: 680 g; Cable: Not stated; Heat settings: Not stated; Attachments: 4 incl. diffuser Shark's folding high-velocity dryer for all hair types, with Scalp Shield mode and four IQ attachments that set heat and airflow automatically. In its favour: - The handle folds to half its size for bags and carry-ons, per the listing. - Four attachments include the DefrizzFast diffuser, QuickSmooth brush and FrizzFighter finishing tool. - Shark states a 2 year guarantee on registration in the UK and ROI. Good to know: - Heat steps are not listed as figures, so you rely on the auto-adjust feature. - Cable length is not stated anywhere in the listing. ### 5. ghd Helios Hair Dryer, More Shine, Lightweight, Ultimate Styling Control Wattage: 2,200 W; Weight: 820 g; Cable: 3 m; Heat settings: 3; Attachments: Contoured nozzle A traditional high-wattage dryer from ghd with Aeroprecis airflow design, ionic technology and a contoured nozzle. Suits people who want raw power and a long lead. In its favour: - 2,200 W rating is the highest among the premium names in this guide. - A 3 m cable is stated, which gives more reach than most listings confirm. - Comes with a 2 year ghd consumer guarantee and a cool shot button, per the listing. Good to know: - Only one nozzle is included, so diffusing curls means buying extra. - At 820 g it is one of the heavier dryers here, which may tire arms on long hair. ### 6. Dyson Supersonic r™ Hair Dryer Wattage: 1,700 W; Airflow: Not stated; Settings: 3 speeds, 4 heats; Concentrator: Professional concentrator Dyson's ergonomic dryer for all hair types with a Powerful air attachment, professional concentrator and smoothing nozzle. Built for precision drying. In its favour: - Includes a Powerful air attachment aimed at fast bulk drying. - Professional concentrator and smoothing nozzle cover the finishing stage. - Dyson claims its fastest drying and up to 46% less frizz. Good to know: - Airflow and temperature figures are missing from the listing. - At 790 g it is not light for long sessions. ### 7. Elchim Anemos Digital Sonic Micro-brushless Black Hair Dryer - Professional Hair Dryer Made in Italy - Lightweight and Silent, Ionic System, 1800W Motor: Brushless, 110,000 rpm; Weight: 290 g; Wattage: 1,800 W; Attachments: Not stated An Italian professional brushless dryer that matches Dyson's quoted motor speed while weighing far less, with a published noise figure. In its favour: - 290 g is less than half the weight of the Supersonic Origin. - Published 1,000 L/min airflow and under 69 dBA noise. - 1,800 W rating, above the Supersonic's 1,600 W. Good to know: - The listing does not say which attachments are included. - Heat settings and temperature control are not described. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.