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ghd Helios: 2,200 W professional alternative
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The ghd Helios is a traditional high-wattage dryer designed for people who want salon-style blow-drying power with precise control. It runs at 2,200 W, uses ghd's Aeroprecis internal design and ships with a contoured nozzle for concentrated airflow. Its strength is raw drying power and a long 3 m cable, rather than gadgets, which makes it a natural alternative to high-speed models.
- Motor
- Not stated
- Weight
- 820 g
- Wattage
- 2,200 W
- Attachments
- Contoured nozzle
In its favour
- 2,200 W is well above the Supersonic's 1,600 W rating.
- A 3 m cable is stated, which Dyson listings do not give.
- 2 year ghd consumer guarantee and cool shot button.
Good to know
- At 820 g it is heavier than any Supersonic model listed on this site.
- Only one nozzle is included, and there is no diffuser.
Our take
Power and the Aeroprecis design
ghd quotes 2,200 W, which it says speeds up blow-dry time considerably. The Aeroprecis technology is an internal aerodynamic design meant to give more precise control and smoother results. ghd does not publish a motor speed or airflow rate, so you have to rely on wattage and the nozzle for comparison.
Enhanced ionic technology is claimed to reduce frizz and flyaways, with 30% more shine; the footnoted comparison point is not shown on the listing.
Controls, cable and guarantee
There are three power and three temperature modes and a cool shot button, giving nine settings in the spec table. The 3 m cable gives plenty of reach from a bathroom or bedroom socket. ghd adds a two-year manufacturer's guarantee.
Weight is listed at 820 g. That is heavier than the 407 g Laifen Swift Special, though it remains manageable for a mains-powered dryer of this wattage.
Noise and comfort
ghd describes a lightweight ergonomic design and a low sound level, but gives no decibel figure. Anyone choosing primarily on quietness has more concrete numbers from Laifen, which states 59 dB, or Elchim, which claims under 69 dBA. Wattage alone does not decide noise, and a powerful conventional motor can still be louder than a compact brushless one, so this is worth weighing if you dry hair early in the morning or near sleeping children. The listing simply leaves the question open.
Helios against Shark and Panasonic
The Shark SpeedStyle Pro has five attachments including a diffuser and Scalp Shield mode, at 1,750 W and 662 g. The Panasonic EH-NA9N folds and uses sensors at a stated 500 g. The Helios trades those extras for higher wattage and a precision nozzle, so it suits people who blow-dry with a round brush.
Verdict
Buy the ghd Helios if you blow-dry with a brush, want strong drying power and like a long cable. If you prefer a lighter, quieter high-speed dryer, the Laifen Swift Special fits better, and for diffusing curls the Shark SpeedStyle Pro includes more tools in the box.
Compared with alternatives in: Best Dyson Supersonic alternatives, Best quiet hair dryers
Amazon listing title: ghd Helios Hair Dryer, More Shine, Lightweight, Ultimate Styling Control