A hair dryer is one of those essential items you don't think much of until you actually need one. Maybe yours has broken, you're travelling or you're simply on a budget.
You definitely don't need to spend a lot on the best hair dryer and as you'll see below we've bought, tried and tested five of the best that range in price from less than the price of a quick meal through to the top end of $100.
With hair dryers this affordable you can decide what one's right for you.
Recommended Read: Best Hair Straightener
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How To Choose Best Hair Dryer
When it comes to choosing the best hair dryer, do you really know what to look for?
While some might choose the best brand or the one that looks the nicest, there's a range of different factors you should consider when buying.
Wattage
Wattage is referred to as the strength of the blow dryers motor and usually the higher the wattage, the larger the motor and stronger the winds, to dry quicker. Lower watt motors rely on heat rather than air power to dry hair.
If you suffer from damaged hair then you should choose a lower end dryer, probably around 1800 watts whereas everyone else with normal hair should consider higher watts. Usually the higher the watts the longer the device will last, as they won't burn out.
Build Quality
When it comes to modern day hair dryers, most of the major brands are equipped with high-tech materials that have changed the way we dry our hair.
There are many different types of materials used these days such as 'ionic, ceramic and tourmaline and titanium'
The most advanced technology is Ionic which speeds up drying time. You can learn more about build quality via this website.
Ergonomics
Given how long some people use hair dryers, they should be comfortable to use and the best way to ensure this is to buy one with an easy to hold handle and is lightweight. Usually the cheaper the hair dryer the heavier it will be.
However shoppers who want to ensure they get the best ergonomics from their dryer should visit a store and actually pickup and use the dryer before purchasing. Retractable cords are also very handy for storage.
Weight
When buying a new hair dryer you should consider weight as longer and thicker hair can take up to 30 minutes to dry. If it weights too much you'll only get frustrated at having to stop and start.
We recommend buying a hair dryer that weighs around 1 pound (lb)
Accessories
Different dryers have different features but always check to see what you're actually getting. One of the best features is 'Cool Shot' which delivers a stream of cold air at the push of button, to cool the blown hair.
You can also check to see what attachments are included as they can help disperse airflow. You might find some blowers have many attachments, saving you the hassle and cost of buying these after purchase.
Cost + Warranty
Ultimately you're hear to find the best hair dryer under $100. While these five all fit the budget, you might want something cheaper so be sure to compare prices before buying. Also you should check for any warranty information.
Buying on Amazon usually gives you a one year retail warranty but many manufacturers will offer longer warranties. Check the fine print.
Best Hair Dryers Australia
We've reviewed five of the very best hair dryers under $100. Some of these hair dryers are so affordable we'd even say they are an impulse buy.
1. Remington D3190AU Aero 2000
If you’re like me and don’t have time to sit and let your hair air dry, the Remington D3190AU Aero 2000 hair dryer will become your best friend.
Whether you have thick or thin hair, this affordable hair dryer will work with your hair to provide optimal results.
The concentrator attachment helps with drying as it spreads the heat through the lengths of your hair. This means that no piece of hair is left wet.
A crucial feature of this hair dryer which allows you to dry your hair fast and style it every day is the powerful 2000-watt motor combined with 6 switch combinations; 3 heat and 2 speed settings.
An added bonus to this device is the cool shot capability of the dryer that locks in your hairstyle for a longer period of time and gets rid of the frizz.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable hair dryer that is guaranteed to make sure you leave the house looking flawless each time, the Remington D3190AU Aero 2000 is the way to go.
Pros
Cons
2. Philips ThermoProtect HP8233
This stylish purple hair dryer from Phillips is perfect for anyone wanting salon finish results from the comfort of their own home.
This hair dryer has 6 adjustable speed and temperature settings that allow you to have full control.
Not only does it use 2200 watts to dry your hair, but it includes a turbo boost function that increases airflow for extra fast drying.
A unique feature of this hair dryer is the ThermoProtect functionality that provides you with the optimal drying temperature whilst protecting your hair from overheating.
This way you can make sure that you are getting the best results from your hair dryer, without having to worry about damaging your hair.
Another way this hair dryer protects your hair is through iconic conditioning.
The charged negative ions eliminate static from your hair, conditioning it in the process and leaving your hair shiny and glossy without the need for hair products.
The Philips ThermoProtect HP8233 comes with 2 attachments; the Ultra Slim Styling 11mm Nozzle and the Asymmetric Massaging Diffuser.
The later allows you to concentrate the flow of air to precisely style your hair whereas the former spreads out the flow of air to boost the volume and reduce frizz.
Additionally, the textured pins massage your scalp to improve hair vitality. This product not only dries your hair but provides a whole salon experience for your hair and scalp.
This product could easily have been our best hair dryer for under $100 and was a close comparison with the Remington.
Pros
Cons
3. VS Sassoon Salon Pro 2400
When you’ve got the VS Sassoon Salon Pro 2400 at home, you won’t go to the salon for a blowout ever again!
This sleek, black hair dryer is powered with 2400 watts to give you voluminous, smooth, frizz-free hair.
The ionic conditioning feature of this dryer, combined with the ceramic styling brush allows you to smooth out the frizz while you dry your hair, making it more manageable.
This means you can get salon finish styles in the comfort of your own home in no time, with no hassle.
If you’re always on the go like me, saving time is crucial and this product will do just that. The VS Sassoon Salon Pro 2400 has 3 heat and speed settings, letting you choose the optimal finish for your hair.
In order to lock in your hairstyles, you can use the cool shot button to hold your hairstyle in place throughout the day.
Considering all the functions offered by this hair dryer, it is super lightweight so it won’t feel clunky in your hands when styling. Creating hairstyles at home just got a whole lot easier!
Pros
Cons
4. Philips DryCare Pro BHD176
The Philips DryCare Pro BHD176 the is one hair dryer that gives me guaranteed professional results all from the comfort of my own room.
This means that I don’t need to step outside my door to get voluminous locks that celebrities have.
Not only is this hair dryer powered with 2200 watts of drying power, but it also features a built-in AC motor which reaches up to 95km/hr of airspeed, giving you dry hair fast with professional results.
You can adjust the hair dryer to any one of the 6-flexible speed and heat settings, giving you full control to style your hair. This hair dryer is lightweight, so you’re able to maneuver it with ease and comfort.
The Philips DryCare Pro BHD176 comes with two attachments; a 7m styling concentrator and a volume diffuser.
The concentrator nozzle lets you precisely style your hair in specific areas and works well when drying and styling with a hairbrush. On the other hand, the volume diffuser spreads the flow of air while drying, giving you a voluminous frizz-free finish.
Once you’ve used either of those attachments, you can lock in your hairstyle like a professional with the cool shot function.
Pros
Cons
5. VS Sassoon 3Q Compact Digital Dryer
This stylish purple VS Sassoon 3Q Compact Digital Dryer has ultra-fast airflow, reducing your drying time drastically.
The unique brushless digital motor uses magnets and electronics to provide up to 3000hrs motor life with 2000 watt drying power, ensuring a consistent and powerful airflow every time.
Coupled with 3 heat and 2 speed settings, the VS Sassoon 3Q Compact Digital Dryer lets you style your hair in minutes with ease and control.
You can style your hair with greater precision by using the concentrator attachment and lock it in with the Cold Shot feature.
To top it off, the high ionic ceramic conditioning reduces the static and frizz in your hair, leaving it styled to perfection while keeping your hair protected at the same time. Styling your hair like a professional has never been so easy!
A great feature of this hair dryer is the quietone noise reduction so you can dry your hair at any time of the day without disturbing anyone around you.
For a fast, quiet hair dryer that is guaranteed to give you a great finish, the VS Sassoon 3Q Compact Digital Dryer is the way to go.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
After much deliberation we have come to the conclusion that the best hair dryer under $100 goes to the Remington D3190. However all the dryers on this list offer features that are often only seen in high end units that would cost upwards of $100. Whatever your personal situation, you can definitely get good value for money buying one.
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Last Updated: January 2, 2023 by Rhys