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ghd Helios: ionic system for frizz and flyaways
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Not every bathroom has a socket next to the mirror, and this ghd Helios makes a case for itself partly on reach: its 3 m cable is the only lead length stated among the dryers in our best hair dryer UK guide. Beyond that, it is a 2,200 W dryer with ghd's Aeroprecis design and a contoured nozzle, aimed at anyone who wants strong, straightforward blow-drying without high-speed gadgetry.
- Frizz claim
- Reduces frizz and flyaways
- Smoothing attachment
- Contoured nozzle
- Ion system
- Enhanced ionic
- Wattage
- 2,200 W
- Heat settings
- 3 modes
In its favour
- ghd states the enhanced ionic technology reduces frizz and flyaways.
- The contoured nozzle gives a concentrated airflow for smoothing section by section.
- A 3 m cable makes it easier to work around the head with a brush.
Good to know
- Three combined power and temperature modes give less separate heat control.
- There is no dedicated finishing tool for flyaways in the box.
Our take
Why the cable and wattage matter
A 3 m lead lets you dry at a dressing table or sit down while drying, rather than standing close to a wall socket. At 2,200 W, the Helios has well above the 1,600 W of most high-speed rivals, so it can push heat through longer and thicker hair.
ghd says this power speeds up blow-dry time considerably, though it gives no airflow figure to quantify that.
Design and finish
Aeroprecis is ghd's name for its internal aerodynamic design, intended to give precise control for smoother results. Enhanced ionic technology is said to reduce frizz and flyaways and add 30% more shine, with the comparison basis hidden in footnotes. The bespoke contoured nozzle concentrates airflow onto the section you are brushing.
There are three power and temperature modes and a cool shot button. The listing describes a lightweight ergonomic design and a low sound level.
Weight and guarantee
The spec table gives 820 g, so it is heavier than the 407 g Laifen Swift Special or the 500 g Panasonic EH-NA9N. For a powerful conventional dryer, that is still reasonable. ghd includes a two-year manufacturer's consumer guarantee. Those who already own a round brush and a separate diffuser may find this single-nozzle package the most sensible way to buy a Helios, since there is nothing in the box they will not use. Anyone starting from scratch, though, should weigh up whether a bundle with extra tools makes more sense.
Helios against the Supersonic Nural and SpeedStyle Pro FLEX
The Dyson Supersonic Nural trades raw wattage for sensors, Scalp protect mode and five attachments including a diffuser. The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX folds and includes four attachments with auto-adjusting settings. The Helios is the simplest of the three: one nozzle, high power and a long cable.
Verdict
Choose the ghd Helios if you want a powerful, uncomplicated dryer with a long cable and you mostly blow-dry with a brush. If you want a diffuser and sensors, the Dyson Supersonic Nural fits better, and travellers should compare the folding Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX.
Compared with alternatives in: Best hair dryers for frizzy hair, Best hair dryers in the UK: premium models compared, Best hair dryers under £200, Best ionic hair dryers, Best professional hair dryers for home and salon use, ghd hair dryers compared: Helios, Speed, Duet and more
Amazon listing title: ghd Helios Hair Dryer, More Shine, Lightweight, Ultimate Styling Control