In Their Kit: The Best Hair Dryers, According to Hairstylists

It can feel like it’s out of your hands, but whether or not you’ll have a good hair day is partially determined by how your hair dries after you wash it. You can leave it up to chance – to the weather – and let it air dry naturally. Or you can turn to a hair dryer to assist you. 

If a sleek, frizz-free dry or a salon-quality blowout is what you’re after, a high-performing and dependable hair dryer is a necessity. While Dyson Airwraps are an internet favourite, these local hairstylists give us their favourite models – along with a timely reminder that you don’t need to follow the crowd. 

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

“I get asked this question a lot, and I’m sorry, but Dyson is really at the top of their field. I am onto my third Dyson hair dryer and I love them. I used to own the Supersonic, but I have recently moved onto the Supersonic R (yes, the weird pipe thing). Not only is it a great conversation starter, but it’s also extremely aerodynamic for professionals and super powerful. It’s also super light, so it’s fantastic to use at home.

“I would say that either version is a fantastic choice for home use, but if you’re feeling bougie, get the latest one. Also, as a sidenote, the Dyson Airwrap is a great option for people that like a salon blow-dry feel, but it does take a while to get the hang of.”

How should you use it?

“There are great Dyson groups on Facebook and Reddit for extra tips and tricks at home. Also, don’t feel too shy to ask your hairdresser for tips and tricks – we love to share!”

Lauren Cooper, co-owner of Etcher Adelaide

Why do you love it?

“It’s extremely powerful and smooths hair beautifully. GHD is a known and trusted brand, so you have quality there. It comes with a diffuser attachment for drying natural curls.”

How should you use it?

“It can be used on all hair types, but it’s best used on wet hair.”

Nina Metta Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

“The Parlux is such a strong and amazing dryer. You can do any type of blow-dry on all hair types, and it has a great diffuser for curly hair. As a dryer, it is extremely high performing. It’s a great price point considering it will last you forever. I’ve had mine for years and use it multiple times a day and it’s still going strong.”

How should you use it?

“Use it on wet to dry hair. You can use it with or without nozzles for different desired outcomes.”

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

“It’s so lightweight yet very powerful. The controlled airflow doesn’t disrupt the hair at all – all of this makes for the most incredibly shiny and polished blow-wave.” 

How should you use it?

“It’s suitable for all hair types; use it to blow-dry damp hair for a frizz-free dry-off, voluminous blow-waves or defining curls. There are multiple attachments and settings … the diffuser attachment is arguably the best on the market. This is an investment tool. It’s a higher price point, but you’re investing in the best technology for your hair when it comes to styling. And I’d recommend cleaning the filter regularly for best results and maintaining the performance of the Supersonic.” 

Carla Lawson, founder of Carla Lawson Hair Extensions

Why do you love it?

“It’s a staple in both my salon and at home. It dries hair incredibly fast while adding shine and reducing frizz – what’s not to love? The finish is always smooth and polished without feeling over-dried, which makes a huge difference for extension-wearers and those with fine or fragile hair. Plus, it comes in a beautiful range of colours and can even be personalised when purchased directly from GHD, which I love as a nice touch.”

How should you use it?

“I recommend using it on wet/towel-dried hair after applying a good heat protectant. I like working in sections with a round brush to smooth the cuticle and get that sleek, bouncy finish. It’s on the pricier side, but the performance and longevity absolutely justify the investment. The only thing to note is that some attachments are sold separately, so it’s worth adding the concentrator nozzle or diffuser depending on your hair type.

Jules Tognini, co-owner of Tognini’s

Why do you love it?

“This is hands down the best blow-dryer we’ve ever used. It’s got silicone magnetic attachments (including two nozzles and a diffuser), an auto-reverse cleaning function, and it’s light enough to use all day without needing a wrist massage afterwards.”

How should you use it?

“It’s perfect for wet or dry hair and ideal for product activation. No catches. No gimmicks. Just pure performance. Honestly, we’ve got no notes – this one’s a total game-changer.”

Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon

Why do you love it?

"The Shark Beauty Speed Style is a favourite of mine – both in the salon and for at-home use. It gives professional-level results while being easy to use, which is exactly what you want from a modern styling tool. What sets it apart is that it delivers powerful airflow without relying on extreme heat, so there’s little to no heat damage. That’s crucial for maintaining the integrity of the hair – shine, strength and condition all stay intact. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and the attachments are thoughtfully designed to actually enhance the finish, not complicate it."

How should you use it?

"The key is choosing the right attachment for the finish you want. The rapid gloss finisher attachment is great for smoothing and polishing the hair without frizz, especially on finer textures. The turbo concentrator attachment gives you precision and control for sleek blow-dries with tension. Switching attachments allows you to customise the result and tailor the finish to each client or hair type. It’s a premium tool, so it’s worth taking the time to understand how each attachment works to maximise results."

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

“I love this dryer for its lightweight feel, sleek and ergonomic shape, and impressive power. It delivers high-performance drying without causing heat damage, which is a game-changer for maintaining hair health. It also comes with five intelligent attachments that are expertly engineered for different hair types and styling needs, making it one of the most versatile and effective tools I’ve ever used.”

How should you use it?

“The Dyson Supersonic R works beautifully on all hair types, thanks to the range of attachments included. It can be used from wet to dry for everyday blow-drying, or on dry hair to help shape and refine your finished look. Whether you’re smoothing, volumising, or defining texture, it adapts easily to your needs.”

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co

Why do you love it?

“This is a powerful tool with cutting-edge digital technology that delivers exceptional performance. This means I can dry and style hair efficiently and precisely. This tool also has a cold shot function, so it’s super versatile.”

How should you use it?

“I use the Parlux Ethos dryer at the end of each service I do, to blow-dry my clients’ hair and style it accordingly. Note that this tool is designed for hair professionals, however it can definitely be a consumer-friendly product.”

Becc Snow, founder of Alchemy Salon

Why do you love it?

“I love that it’s really lightweight. This helps relieve the pressure on my arms and wrists while working as a hairdresser.”

How should you use it?

“It’s good for all hair types; it has a lot of different attachments that make it suitable for everyone. The styling possibilities are endless. My favourite attachment is the diffuser head for curly hair. A Dyson is a pretty big investment, so you need to make sure it’s right for you and will fit into your lifestyle. But it is really great because it is so light, versatile and better for your hair health.”

Madison Finn, founder of Madison’s World

Why do you love it?

“I love that it’s slightly lighter than the older style. It’s very powerful, so I can get through my blow-dry extra fast with this one. The Helios is great for all hair types and styles as it has different nozzles and a diffuser attachment for curls. This hair dryer is great for setting in a style to stay all night or restyling your hair into a new look – it does it all.”

How should you use it?

“Always use a heat protector with any heat you’re using on your hair. But other than that, this hair dryer is durable, powerful and a girl’s best friend.”

We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.