Featured story by: Tom White

In the high-stakes game of at-home hairstyling, the humble hair dryer often takes centre stage. But not all dryers are created equal. Some may leave you looking like you’ve just been caught in a windstorm, while others give you that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon glamour. And, let’s face it, none of us have time to play Russian roulette with our hair each morning. If you’re like me and countless others, the pursuit of a polished look comes with the challenge of combatting the archnemesis: frizz.

Meet the contenders

Introducing the heavyweights of the hair-care world: Dyson, T3, Shark, Harry Josh…and the dark horse, the SRI DryQ. Can this newbie take on the giants and emerge victorious?

What causes frizz?

Think of your hair cuticle as a series of scales. When those scales lie flat, your hair looks smooth and shiny. But apply a little heat and friction, or a dash of hair dye, and those scales stand up faster than an audience at a rock concert. Enter frizz, stage left.

Old-school dryers: a blast from the past

Once upon a time, hair dryers were no-frills devices. They blew hot air, and that was about it. But times have changed, and so have hair dryers. Enter the era of intelligent heat control, red-light therapy and ionic technology.

Finding the right hair dryer: a high-tech affair

Here’s the scoop. A truly outstanding hair dryer should have these four key features:

• Red-light therapy: This is the secret sauce to stimulate follicles, improve scalp health and speed up drying. 

• Ionic technology: This blasts negative ions to help seal in your hair’s natural moisture.

• A ceramic/tourmaline air outlet: This delivers a smooth, shiny finish. 

• Smart technology: This shields your hair from heat damage.

And now, without further ado, let’s meet the five best hair dryers of 2023.

 

#1 SRI DryQ

The SRI DryQ is the go-to hair tool for Hollywood’s crème de la crème of celebrity stylists. With its intelligent heat control and mighty wind speeds, this dryer is a standout for achieving a flawless frizz-free look. 

The DryQ features a negative ion emitter coupled with smart heat control—a dynamic duo that fights frizz while being gentle on hair.

Moreover, the DryQ’s whisper-quiet sound means you can converse with clients or enjoy the quieter moments while getting ready in the morning.

At just 11.8 ounces, the DryQ is light, and it has a foldable design—meaning your suitcase or gym bag will still have room for your shoes.

But here’s the real game-changer: red-light therapy. This isn’t just fluff; it’s science. The red light is like a workout for your hair follicles, promoting strength, improving texture and encouraging growth. So, you’re not just styling your hair; you’re actually taking steps to improve its health with every blow-dry. It’s no wonder the DryQ is becoming a beloved tool for those in the know.

But if you think this dryer is the one for you, you should know it’s not always available and the company doesn’t have a storefront. You can only find it online (shipping is provided within North America), with the exception of three Beverly Hills hairstylists who’ve partnered with the company to sell the DryQ in their salon.

Price: $229 US

SHOP

#2 Dyson Supersonic 

The Dyson Supersonic is well known in the world of hair care for transforming the blow-drying experience with its advanced features that help improve your blowouts. 

Price: $519

SHOP 

 

#3 T3 AireLuxe

The T3 AireLuxe boasts an impressive array of temperature- and speed-setting options, ensuring personalized care for every hair type. With its ergonomic design and clear instructions, it’s a favourite among beginners and pros alike.

Price: $247

SHOP 

 

#4 Shark HyperAIR

The Shark HyperAIR is a powerful and versatile hair dryer. Its IQ AirWave technology proves to be effective in creating loose curls and waves without causing frizz or tangles.

Price: $229

SHOP

 

#5 Harry Josh Ultra Light Pro 

 

Lastly, the Harry Josh Ultra Light Pro is like the designer handbag of hair dryers—a statement of luxury and effectiveness. It’s light, making prolonged styling sessions a breeze, and features advanced ionic technology for a quick, sleek finish. The 12 heat and speed settings cater to a wide range of hair types and styling needs, making this dryer as versatile as it is elite.

Price: $393 US

SHOP

KO Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.