Frizz-reducing ionic hair dryer
Perfect for individuals prone to frizz, this dryer helps achieve smoother, shinier hair with less static electricity.
Beauty & Self-care
Hair dryers
5 kinds worth knowing, 12 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Hair dryers make a good gift for someone who washes their hair often, has curls they're tired of fighting, or is still using a loud, tired old dryer. What gets used is a dryer that fits their routine. Someone with waves or curls wants a hair diffuser, which spreads the airflow out. Someone who travels a lot wants a compact travel hair dryer that packs easily. Before you choose, think about their hair type, how long they spend styling and where they get ready. A shared bathroom or an early start makes noise matter. A small dryer that heats up and gets the job done usually beats a large one with settings nobody touches.
Kind 1 of 5
A diffuser for curls and waves
A diffuser is a wide, bowl-shaped attachment that spreads the airflow out, so curls dry in their natural shape instead of getting blown apart. It suits anyone with wavy, curly or coily hair who mostly air-dries now because a regular dryer leaves them frizzy. Before buying a diffuser on its own, find out which dryer they use. Many diffusers only fit certain nozzle sizes. A dryer with a cool or low-heat setting pairs well with one, and so does a mode that reduces frizz.
Kind 2 of 5
What makes a hair dryer worth giving
A good dryer dries hair fairly quickly and feels balanced in the hand. It also has enough heat and speed settings to handle both a quick rough-dry and a smoother finish. It suits almost anyone who blow-dries several times a week. Check the weight, the cord length and whether the cool-shot button is easy to reach. Ceramic and tourmaline models are made for even heat, and professional-style dryers are built for daily use. An all-in-one air styler like the Shark FlexStyle, Dyson Airwrap i.d. or ghd Duet Style dries and styles in one tool. That appeals to someone who likes a finished look.
ghd Duet Style
A premium beauty gift with exact size, variant and recipient-fit checks before checkout.
Professional hair dryer
Built for longevity and frequent use, this robust dryer suits those who demand powerful performance and salon-quality results at home.
Ceramic hair dryer
Provides even, consistent heat distribution, making it a gentler option for all hair types and minimizing potential heat damage.
Everyday versatile hair dryer
A reliable tool for daily styling, suitable for anyone seeking quick and efficient drying with consistent results.
Fast-drying tourmaline hair dryer
Designed for quick drying times, this dryer is excellent for busy individuals who need efficient styling without excessive heat exposure.
Kind 3 of 5
Dryers that come with a diffuser
Buying the dryer and diffuser together means you don't have to worry about whether they fit. The attachment is made for that nozzle, so it clips on securely and the airflow works the way it should. This is the easy choice for someone with natural texture who wants a new dryer as well as a better way to dry curls. Check that the diffuser is actually in the box, since some models sell it separately. Look for a low-speed setting, because strong airflow through a diffuser can still cause frizz. A cool setting helps too.
Hair dryer with diffuser attachment
Specifically designed for curly or wavy hair, this tool enhances natural texture and reduces frizz by distributing air gently.
Kind 4 of 5
A small dryer for trips
A travel dryer is small and light. Many have a folding handle, so it slips into a carry-on or gym bag. It suits frequent travellers, students heading to residence and anyone who hates the weak dryers in hotel rooms. Check whether it's dual voltage if they travel overseas, and see how much space it takes up when folded. It's also worth confirming it has at least two heat settings. A travel dryer won't match a full-size one for speed on thick or long hair. For short to medium hair, it's often all they need.
Compact travel hair dryer
Ideal for adventurers and frequent travelers, offering convenient styling on the go without taking up much luggage space.
Kind 5 of 5
A quieter dryer for early mornings
A quieter dryer makes sense in a small apartment, in a shared bathroom or before the rest of the house is up. It's also a considerate choice for someone who finds the whine of a standard dryer grating. No dryer is silent, so compare the listed decibel levels where they're given. Look for the motor type too, because some motors hum at a lower pitch. Make sure it still dries at a reasonable speed, since a quiet dryer that takes twice as long isn't much of a gift.
Low noise hair dryer
An excellent choice for individuals sensitive to loud noises, offering effective drying with a significantly reduced sound level.
How to choose hair dryers as a gift
- Start with their hair type: curls want a diffuser and gentle airflow, and fine or straight hair usually wants a smooth finish.
- Notice what they use now; if it still works, a dryer only makes sense if it's clearly quieter, lighter or easier to style with.
- Check the weight and cord length, since a heavy dryer is tiring to use on long or thick hair.
- For travellers, confirm it works on dual voltage and folds small enough for a carry-on.
- If they already style their hair carefully every day, an all-in-one air styler may get more use than a basic dryer.
Usually safe to skip
- Dryers with too many attachments and modes often end up with most of the pieces in a drawer.
- Skip diffusers sold on their own unless you know they fit the dryer the person already owns.
- A bulky, salon-sized dryer is a poor match for someone with a small bathroom or short hair.
Questions people ask about hair dryers
- What is a hair diffuser used for?
- A diffuser spreads a dryer's airflow over a wider area. Curls and waves can dry in their natural shape instead of being blown straight or frizzy. It works best on a low-speed setting. You can use a low-heat setting too.
- Is a hair dryer a good Christmas gift?
- It can be, if it solves a real problem. Good examples are a diffuser for someone with curls, a quieter model for a shared home, or a compact dryer for someone who travels. A dryer that just replaces a working one tends to feel less thoughtful.
- Is an air styler better than a regular hair dryer?
- It depends on the person. An air styler dries and shapes hair at the same time, so it suits someone who wants a styled finish. A regular dryer is simpler and quicker for someone who just wants dry hair and moves on.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All hair dryers picks
Showing 1–12 of 12
ghd Platinum+ Styler
A premium one-inch styler with fixed 185°C heat, universal voltage and a rounded wave-friendly barrel.
