A Guardian journalist with several years of beauty tech reviewing experience tested 22 hair dryers to identify the best models for various needs, from curly hair diffusion to fast, travel-friendly drying. The comparison matters for anyone looking to speed up their haircare routine and reduce wear on their arms, hair and patience, particularly as newer digital motor technology has made dryers markedly lighter, quieter and faster than older models.

Testing measured maximum wind speed (ranging from 16m/s to 43.8m/s) using an anemometer, noise levels via a sound meter, and practical drying and styling performance with a round brush. The overall winner was the Hershesons The Great, praised for its light weight, near-fastest drying time and locking button controls; other category winners included the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion (best budget), Panasonic Nanoe Moisture+ EH NA0J (best for curly hair), Dyson Supersonic Nural (best for sensitive scalps), Electric Head Jog Futaria (best lightweight) and Dyson Supersonic Travel (best travel model).