Since launch, Dyson has also added a range of attachments to join the nozzles and diffuser. The “Gentle air dryer” attachment resembles the hem of a skirt and uses its waves to diffuse the airflow, making it softer without reducing drying time; it’s perfect for fine or damaged hair. A new wide-tooth comb attachment, designed for curly or coily hair, detangles the hair while drying to prevent damage and make it easier to style.

Babyliss Purple Hair Dryer Comparison - October 2023 Babyliss Purple Hair Dryer Comparison - October 2023

The Supersonic creates smooth, shiny styles and dried our hair superfast. This is the ultimate combination of quietness, speed and hair-drying finesse. The lengthy cable, non-slip mat and beautifully crafted leather case help seal the deal. It comes with a brilliant range of features, which include two speeds, three heat settings and a cool shot button. These give it enough control for controlled round-brush styling, as well as gentle diffusing. Pair this with the diffuser and concentrator nozzle that securely clip onto the front of the dryer, and you’ve got a relatively faultless dryer that is a great option for a wide range of hair types and textures. One of the easiest things to overlook when buying a hair dryer is how long the cable is. Some cheaper models come with relatively short cables, while pricier models often boast “salon-length” mains cables, which are as long as 4m.

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Many high-end hair dryers come with a gamut of fancy features that claim to boost results. The BaByliss 3Q, however, takes the basic features of hair dryers and absolutely nails them, giving you an effortless and fuss-free barnet without overcomplicating things. It has three control switches for speed, temperature, and a cool shot, plus two concentrator nozzles to deliver a good amount of control when blow-drying your hair.

BaByliss Hairdryers Hair dryers | Argos BaByliss Hairdryers Hair dryers | Argos

The magnetic concentrator and diffuser attachments fit on, and can be removed, without too much force; the magnets also mean the attachments stay put while drying instead of turning and moving. Other features of the Supersonic include flexible speed and heat settings, and thermal sensors to prevent the unit or attachments getting too hot. The Nanoe also has an innovative alternating hot and cold mode, which blasts hot air along the hair shaft to flatten and style, followed automatically by cool air to seal the cuticle and set the style. A scalp mode gently dries the roots and scalp at 50˚C, and is particularly good for dry and sensitive scalps. The dryer is lightweight and has a foldable handle, making it neat to store at home and perfect for travel. Key specs – Heating element: Ionic; Temperature settings: 4; Power: 1,600W; Speed settings: 3; Cable length: 2.7m; Cold shot button: Yes; Accessories: Concentrator, diffuser and smoothing nozzles; Weight: 690g Despite the smaller number of settings, it’s the drying power that sets the Helios apart from the rest: the 2,200W motor rivals the Dyson Supersonic in its drying time and ability to deliver a frizz-free finish, which is no easy feat for a hair dryer that costs half the price. That’s thanks to GHD’s AutoPrecis technology creating a blast of focused air that travels at 75mph, as well as the concentrator nozzle that precisely directs airflow for a smooth blow dry.It's also worth looking for something with a cool-shot setting: this will help set your style after you've dried it, and smooth those cuticles down, too. Also, most dryers today will come with a range of temperature, speed and power settings so you can adjust your blow-drying experience to suit your hair type. The 2,000W motor is powerful enough to dry hair fast and with a minimum of fuss, and the dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle to direct airflow. The long barrel also helps make it easy to direct airflow where you want it, and there are two speed and three heat settings for drying flexibility, plus a cool shot to set your finished style. If you’re on a budget, this is an excellent alternative to some of the pricier products reviewed above. Some models come with a concentrator nozzle, designed to make it easier to direct the airflow accurately onto a section of hair. These nozzles are great if you blow-dry around a round brush for a salon-style blowout. Overall, with the GHD Helios, you can expect your hair to be dried in record time with natural volume, stunning shine and a smoothness like no other. Its price point places it firmly in the premium hair dryer category, but it’s an investment your hair will thank you for. Most stylists would recommend a wattage of at least 2000W to thoroughly dry your lengths, although the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is the exception with just 1,600W – but the clever digital motor technology still ensures a powerful dry.