Best hair dryer for fine hair 2024: Jump Menu
1. Best overall: ghd Helios Hair Dryer
2. Best high-tech: Shark iQ Ionic Hair Dryer and Styler
3. Best for less damage: Panasonic EH-NA9J Hair Dryer
4. Best shine-boosting: Revamp Progloss Hydro Shield X Shine Hair Dryer
5. Best brush: Babyliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
6. Best travel: T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer
7. Best budget: Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer
8. Best luxury: Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
9. Best multi-styler: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete
10. Best hydrating: Babyliss Hydro-Fusion Hair Dryer
Not all dryers are made equal and they're also not a one-device-fits-all. Thus, finding the right tool for your hair type is key and for those with delicate strands, these best hair dryers for fine hair promise to fulfil that role - by drying and styling your lengths, without frying them...
Knowing which of the best hair dryers is the right fit for your hair type is all in the specs: "Look for hair dryers that have adjustable heat settings and cool air buttons," says hair restoration surgeon Dr Munir Somji. "That way, you can lower the heat to cause less damage and use cool air to seal the cuticle once finished." The materials used count, too: "If you have fine or dry hair, ceramic or metal nozzles give a consistent temperature and make the heat less harsh."
So, with all of that in mind, our beauty team has tested some of the best blow-dryers on the market - from the ghd Helios to the Dyson Airwrap Styler - to find the gentlest but most effective devices for thin and fine strands...
Best hair dryers for fine hair deals
Recent updates
Deals were last checked on 23/12/2024 - We will continue to do so regularly to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.
The best hair dryers for fine hair at a glance
Having tested many models, both over the years and for consideration for this guide, our beauty team has reviewed 10 of the best hair dryers for fine hair. The result is this complete, results-driven guide to the top models, including dryers from top brands ghd, Shark and BaByliss. Before we dive into our in-depth reviews on each tool though, here are six of our overall favourites for fine hair - to quickly peruse...
This fantastic model from ghd tops our list of the best hair dryers on the market. But we can also assure you that it's just as phenomenal for fine hair, specifically. It has a huge wattage, which helps create volume, and it helps to boost shine, too. We think it's genius, which is why it's our overall top-rated pick.
This hair dryer is smart in that it uses ionised air to dry fine hair with less damage. As well as being exactly what we're looking for, it also improved our hair's shine, while the three temperature settings make it a versatile choice, too.
If you need a dryer to help you cut down on split ends and damage, rather than add to them, then the tech in this Panasonic model is bound to help on that front. Easy to use and featuring a foldable handle, we quite like popping this one into our suitcase, too.
To add hydration and shine to your hair-drying routine, look no further than this Revamp tool. It boasts a brilliant selection of attachments for your money – our only complaint is that attaching them can be a little fiddlier than it needs to be.
Hot brushes can work well for those with fine hair and this one from BaByliss is a perfect example. It's gentle while still being effective and has a range of heads that are easy to switch between. Admittedly it is a little bulky, but we think the results are worth it.
Lightweight, super sleek in design and designed to be packed away thanks to the folding hinge, we don't think there's a better travel hair dryer for fine hair out there. Though the drying time is (as expected) a little longer than non-travel dryers, it's perfect for on-the-go use and really looks the part for holidays.
The best hair dryer for fine hair overall
The ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Eight years after the brand first entered the hair dryer arena with the Air, ghd dropped the Helios dryer. The cult brand seemingly stepped up its design game; as with the ghd Platinum+ hair straightener, the Helios takes any dresser from bleak to chic. It tops our list of the best hair dryers for fine hair because not only do all of the six stylish colourways look fabulous, but it also packs a serious punch in terms of power. A mega-high wattage means a forceful 120km/h shot of air is delivered from the concentrator nozzle, which goes a long way in adding volume to fine hair and left us with a shiny, bouncy look in minutes.
In terms of downsides, it is at the higher end of the price spectrum and we found it noticeably heavier than most of the other models we tested. However, this isn't too much of a problem for fine hair that dries quickly compared to a head of very thick and/or curly hair types. Plus, the design is so streamlined that we didn't notice this while using it; its ergonomic shape, which makes creating a bouncy blow dry very easy, made the extra weight of this tool worth carrying.
Our complete ghd Helios hair dryer review provides a more in-depth analysis of the tool
Best high-tech hair dryer for fine hair
The Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler
Following the vacuum brand technology giant Shark launched a hair dryer that’s high-tech, innovative and delivers impressive results in fine hair. Granted, it’s more expensive than many other dryers but, if you’re after one that cuts down both damage and drying time, this could be the hair tool for you.
Powered by the brand's iQ technology, this dryer uses speed over force to generate a constant flow of ionised air that dries fine hair quickly with minimal damage. For us, the result was smoother, shinier strands. There are three temperature and airflow settings to choose from and even the highest heat doesn't feel searingly hot.
As for attachments, there are only two, which feels a little minimal for this price tag, but they’re both intelligent. We found the magnetic attachments connect more securely than other models (the Dyson Supersonic included), at which point the Shark recognises whichever attachment and adjusts the heat and speed settings accordingly for the best results. With the iQ Dryer, you can also choose from a concentrator for sleek results or a diffuser, which turns it into the best hair dryers for curly hair. We also love this dryer's compactness; it’s quieter than most others we’ve tried. If you have a bigger budget and want more attachments, our Shark FlexStyle review breaks down the brand's multi-styler, too.
Our Shark Hair Dryer review has more on this innovative dryer
Best hair dryer for fine hair for less damage
The Panasonic EH-NA9J Hair Dryer
Designed to tackle the visible signs of damaged hair, such as lack of shine, frizz, dryness, dullness and split ends, this dryer's unique Nanoe and double mineral technologies work to add moisture back into strands, resulting in healthier-looking and feeling hair. All of this is a big win if you have fine hair that's either damaged or prone to damage.
While testing, we were seriously impressed by the range of speed settings on offer here. The lowest yielded very soft airflow, which is beneficial to fine hair, but the highest setting packs a real punch if you want to dry quickly. Built-in sensors also ensure the dryer maintains the optimum temperature, so you're not at risk of using too much heat. There is also an alternating hot and cold air mode (to lock in moisture), a scalp mode (gentler to help support healthy hair growth) and even a skin mode (which uses mini steam particles to moisturise your face). What can't this hair dryer do?
In short, we loved using this model on our dry and bleach-damaged hair; it created an impressively smooth blow dry and diffused our curls well. Another big plus is its foldable handle and shorter barrel, which tucks away easily and makes for one of the best travel hair dryers, too.
Best shine boosting hair dryer for fine hair
The Revamp Progloss Hydro Shield X Shine Hair Dryer
It can be a struggle to keep fine hair glossy, as heavy products like oils and conditioners can weigh down this hair type. So when we came across a hair dryer that could also provide shine, we were all ears. Revamp is known for making some of the best curling irons for thick hair, but the good news is that they cater to fine hair types just as well.
On testing, we loved how quick and easy this tool was to use. With three attachments, we achieved a sleek blow-dry finish plus it caters to curly hair types with the diffuser, so there's something for everyone. We did find it slightly fiddly to attach each one at first, but after a little practice, this was no issue. The combination of iconic technology and the essential oil infusion gave our hair a lovely, shiny finish and a healthy appearance – without weighing it down or leaving it looking greasy.
If you have fine, frizzy hair and you want to achieve a healthier look, you will love this hair dryer. The number of speed settings allows for a customizable experience so you can adjust to what your hair needs, with the option of a cold setting to lock in your style. Another drier with intelligent temperature sensors, there's no danger of overheating your fine hair.
Best brush hair dryer for fine hair
The BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
If you are looking for a one-and-done hair tool that will cater to absolutely all of your needs, the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush is one of our favourites on the market. From mastering the flicky C-shape haircut to getting the ultimate salon-worthy sleek blow dry, this offers plenty of options for on-trend looks.
When we tried the blow dryer attachment on wet hair, we found the pressure fairly gentle. This is ideal for those with fine hair who find they don't need huge amounts of power or who don't want to apply too much heat when drying. If your hair tends to take quite a while to dry or you find you need to use maximum heat, the blow dryer attachment also works as a pre-styling step. We used it to get excess water out of the hair before using one of the three styling attachments to create a sleek finish. There is only one speed setting, so you can expect the same soft drying when using each of the brush heads.
The only downsides to this dryer are that it is slightly bulky and multiple attachments aren't ideal for travelling. However, we love its versatility and how well it works on various hair types, especially fine hair. If you have hair that is prone to frizz, the largest brush head works well at smoothing those pesky flyaways – its results rival that of the best hair straightener brushes.
Best travel hair dryer for fine hair
The T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer
Going on holiday can be all fun and games until you have to brave the hair dryer provided in your hotel room or worse, the pitiful one that's hooked up to the bathroom wall. But T3’s Featherweight folding model is here to save you from the horrors of sub-par holiday hair styling with its light and portable design, effective performance and enviable results. It also looks straight out of a five-star salon, so there's that, too.
With a hinged handle that makes it a breeze to fold and pack into your carry-on, the dryer has an unusually small barrel that looks slightly strange, but we found that this makes for painless styling. Despite being slower than our other favourites (as you can reasonably expect from a smaller, travel-friendly dryer), we found that it had more than enough power for our fine hair and is easily superior to the tools you’ll find in most hotel rooms. It also comes with a cool shot and a concentrator nozzle for sleek styling, plus it's great if you have a bangs hairstyle and need to keep your fringe in check on the go.
If you want an entirely separate dryer just for travel, this would be a great choice both for convenience and performance. (If not, a relatively light, high-tech dryer such as the luxe Zuvi Halo further down, might suit you.)
Best budget hair dryer for fine hair
The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer
There's serious bang for your buck with this bargain hair dryer. It features customisable styling, thanks to the smoothing nozzle and diffuser attachments, so it's a versatile tool whether you want to style bouncy blow dries or curly hair.
Fine hair often needs some extra TLC when it comes to heated tools, which can cause the hair to become brittle or damaged. Despite the power of this Remington dryer (and trust us, it is very powerful), damage control has very much been factored in. When we tested it, our dry, bleached hair was left feeling hydrated and smooth with no frizz – likely down to the tourmaline, ionic and ceramic technologies that both protect and transfer micro-conditioners to the hair for a healthy finish.
This is one of the heavier dryers we tested but, thanks to its power and quick drying time, this really wasn't an issue for us. From stepping out of the shower, a rough all-over dry only took us 10 minutes or so – about half the usual time our tester's hair takes to dry and style. So, for extremely quick heat styling that you can trust will look good, this is our go-to.
Best luxury hair dryer for fine hair
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Yep, she's expensive. This is our luxury pick of the best hair dryers for fine hair, so if you want something economical, the Zuvi Halo won't be it (though its wattage does make it more energy efficient and, therefore, better for your electricity bill). But if you want the absolute best, technology-wise, and have more to spend, then step this way.
Aside from looking exceptionally slick, the USP of this self-dubbed "Tesla of hair dryers" is that it uses infrared light to mimic air drying your hair in the sun, as well as the usual light and air. We loved how gentle and quiet it is; you can tell it's really caring for your hair and our fine, bleached strands weren't left feeling frazzled. The brand says this tech leaves hair up to 109% more hydrated, while the dryer is five times more energy-efficient than standard models, something that's considered increasingly important.
We also love this dryer's intuitiveness. Instead of having to figure out heat and speed combos, you choose from Care, Fast and Style modes, which are programmed to be used with the accompanying concentrator, diffuser, or gentle air attachment. Reading the instructions is essential, therefore, but after that the hard work is done for you. A potential downside is it's on the slow side – part of the kind-to-hair-package – which might bother you if you're a time-poor or impatient styler. The same goes if you have very long, coarse and/or thick hair (but the latter is unlikely given you're reading a guide to the best hair dryers for fine hair).
Our Zuvi Halo hair dryer review has the full details on this energy efficient tool
Best multi-styling dryer for fine hair
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Professionals make achieving a bouncy blow-dry look effortless, but most DIY blow dryers understand the perils of wrangling all those barrels and brushes. Enter the Dyson Airwrap and its attachments, which are designed to do all the hard work for you. The multi-functional tool does take some getting used to (although our step-by-step guide to how to use the Dyson Airwrap will help with that) But if you normally rely on a plethora of different hair tools to add volume and boost fine hair day-to-day, then this one is definitely up your alley.
Though its price tag is probably equivalent to a large percentage of your monthly rent or mortgage payment, the Airwrap's attachments offer bang for your buck. We found the drying attachment to be similar to the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, but it also comes with two different-sized barrel attachments (to create big and bouncy curls), two brush attachments (for straightening and smooth drying) and a round brush (to create voluminous blow dries).
When we tested it, we found that it’s not quite powerful enough to leave a smooth, frizz-free finish on thick and curly hair – for that you might need to pair it with one of the best straighteners for curly hair. But for fine hair, it does the job in seconds, though you may find a priming product like the Dyson Chitosan helps with lasting hold. All in all, it's definitely worthy of being classed as one of the best hair dryers for fine hair.
Our Dyson Airwrap review has the full details on this coveted multi-styler
Best hydrating hair dryer for fine hair
The Babyliss Hydra Fusion Hair Dryer
Spending ages doing your hair only for it to go frizzy and static is a disheartening problem that fine-haired types regularly face. If your hair's on the drier side, it's important to pick products specially designed to counter that – and this affordable option from BaByliss is perfect for fine, frizz-prone hair.
Although it's not as lightweight as some of the other dryers that we've tried in our time, its benefits balance that out. 2100 watts make for a powerful blast of air and the three heat settings mean you can stick to the lower temperatures to help prevent hair from getting fried. It comes with two attachments – a smoothing nozzle and a diffuser for curls, so it works well for almost all hair types. When we tested it on fine and curly hair, it left it looking shiny and soft without a hint of frizz.
The price point is brilliantly affordable, too, and we were really impressed by how smooth our hair was – especially when compared to other options several times its price. If you're looking for the best hair dryer for frizzy, fine hair, this is a solid bet.
Our BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer review has the full details
How we tested the best hair dryers for fine hair
A small selection of the hair dryers we tested for this guide
To deduce which hair dryers are the best options for fine strands, our beauty team - including Beauty Journalist, Emma Stoddart - tested an array of tools first-hand (from the likes of ghd to Remington), to see how each model dried and styled their own strands.
Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist with over five years of industry experience, who has worked for some of the UK’s top women’s titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. During her career, which spans both online and print, Emma has tested and reviewed everything from skincare to hair tool buys and has shared her expertise across hair dryers for fine hair with woman&home.
After all, when it comes to investing in a hair dryer for fine hair, it's important to know that it will work well when styling this specific and very delicate hair type. Thus, we tested each tool against the following list of criteria, to thoroughly assess how well they performed in the following areas:
- How the dryer feels to hold
- Ease and usefulness of controls
- Number of heat and speed settings
- User experience
- Technical specs including weight, power and warranty
- Whether attachments are included or have to be bought separately
- Design
- Price
We've also included both traditional models and as well as some hair dryer brushes to help you select the best type of device for your styling needs – all while taking care of fragile, fine hair and boosting volume.
FAQs
How to choose the best hair dryer for fine hair
Both ionic and ceramic hair dryers can work wonders on fine and thin hair, but there are a few other factors to consider when looking for the best hair dryers for fine hair.
Wattage and power: Check the settings and power level to ensure your tool of choice won't cause excessive damage to your hair type. Fine hair often only requires gentle power or a powerful setting at a lower temperature. Opt for a hair dryer with multiple power controls to ensure the best possible blow-dry results in fine hair.
Speed settings: Low speeds can give you more styling flexibility, especially if you have a short hairstyle or bob hairstyle. “With finer hair, you need to control the direction of the blow-dry so that you can stop it blowing out of the brush – a low-speed button can help, so make sure your hair dryer has this,” says Craig Taylor, creative director at Hari’s.
Heat settings: Lower heat settings will help prevent damage, which is a good thing for finer, more delicate strands. A lot of the best hair dryers for fine hair offer a good selection of one or two lower-temperature settings.
Cold shot: “I like a cold button when I'm trying to set movement into the hair or root; blowing cold air helps set the bend and body that you're trying to mimic in the hair,” says Taylor. Cold air will also seal the hair cuticle, making it look smoother and shinier, too.
Is an ionic or ceramic hair dryer better for fine hair?
Both ceramic and ionic hair dryers function similarly but, depending on your specific hair type, you may find one suits you slightly better than the other. Ionic hair dryers produce negative ions that neutralise the positive charge of wet hair, targeting frizz and flyaways to give a smooth finish. This is especially beneficial for curly hair as it can help to define curls and waves.
Ceramic hair dryers feature clay in the dryer shaft, which works to retain the hair's natural moisture and shine. Ceramic dryers also ensure that heat is distributed evenly, meaning the hair usually dries more quickly and with less damage. For frizzy hair, an ionic hair dryer should be your pick, but for dry, damaged hair that needs a little more TLC, ceramic is your best bet.
Which hair dryer is least damaging?
With any type of heat tool, there is always a risk of damage to hair, which is why applying a heat protectant is a vital step in any hair type. However, certain tools have measures in place to limit the level of damage inflicted. Ceramic hair dryers are brilliant for preventing hair from becoming too frazzled, while ionic dryers can operate at a lower temperature with the same drying time as regular hair dryers.
For the best of both worlds, tourmaline hair dryers combine the elements of both ionic and ceramic hair dryers in one tool. Search for any of these three key hair dryer types when looking for the least damaging options.
How to blow dry fine hair gently
Thinner hair requires care when it comes to heat styling, according to Dr. Somji, which is why using the best hair dryer for fine hair is important. "Use a microfibre towel to retrieve as much moisture from the hair as possible, then use a hair dryer," he advises. "Doing this means that you will be using it for a much shorter amount of time, therefore reducing the risk of extensive heat damage."
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