Best Hair Dryers Australia 2026: Choose by Hair Type

Quick answer: the best hair dryer in Australia is the one that suits your hair type, how long you spend drying, and how much weight you are happy to hold. For most buyers, a well-made dryer with separate heat and airflow settings, a cool shot, a concentrator and an Australian safety mark is enough. CHOICE's hair dryer buying guide says several models under $100 in its testing outperformed costlier ones, so pay more only for features you will actually use, such as a diffuser for curls or a lighter high-speed motor.

This guide compares budget, mid-range and premium options by buyer type, then gives you a short checklist to run before you check current prices on Amazon Australia. WhatsCheap has not used these dryers ourselves; the details below come from manufacturer listings and CHOICE's published guidance, checked on 11 November 2026.

Best hair dryers in Australia by buyer type

Prices are manufacturer RRPs or manufacturer-store prices seen on 11 November 2026, not Amazon prices. Amazon Australia listings and sale prices change often, so treat the cards below as a way to check the current offer rather than a price promise.

Budget pick to check: VS Sassoon Frizz Free 2400 AC

If you have thick or long hair and mainly want speed for the money, a high-wattage AC-motor dryer is the sensible starting point. VS Sassoon lists the Frizz Free 2400 AC Dryer with 2400W, a salon-grade AC motor it says offers up to three times longer motor life, and ionic plus ceramic technology, at an RRP of AU$79.95.

Who it suits: budget-focused buyers with thicker hair. Trade-off: full-size AC dryers are usually heavier to hold than compact high-speed models, so check the listed weight if your arms tire during a long blow-dry.

Lightweight mid-range pick: Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss

Shark Australia lists the SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer at 1700W and 0.75kg for the dryer alone, with three heat levels, a cool shot, three airflow settings and a 2-year warranty. Shark says it regulates temperature 1000 times per second and never exceeds 110°C. It ships with the RapidGloss Finisher and a Turbo Concentrator.

Who it suits: buyers who dry their hair most days and want a smoothing attachment without stepping up to premium pricing. Trade-off: 1700W is lower than many budget AC dryers; Shark's pitch is controlled heat and airflow rather than maximum wattage.

For curly hair: Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX

Curly hair is where the attachment bundle matters most. CHOICE explains that diffusers with short fingers spread the airflow to dry curls with less frizz, while longer-finger volumisers direct heat to the roots. Shark's site lists the SpeedStyle Pro FLEX at 1750W and 710g with four heat settings, three airflow settings, a cool shot and a Defrizz Fast Diffuser in the box, plus a 2-year warranty.

Who it suits: wavy, curly and coily hair types who would otherwise buy a diffuser separately. Trade-off: you pay for a larger attachment kit; if you never diffuse, the RapidGloss bundle is the simpler buy.

Lightest high-speed option: VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic

If weight is the deciding factor, VS Sassoon lists the Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic at 370g with a 110,000rpm EC digital motor, sensor-controlled heat, multiple heat and speed settings, a lock-in cold shot, two concentrator nozzles and a curl-enhancing diffuser, at an RRP of AU$269.95.

Who it suits: people with long hair or wrist and shoulder fatigue who want a light dryer with a diffuser included. Trade-off: it costs more than a full-size AC dryer that may dry thick hair just as quickly for less.

Is a premium dryer like Dyson worth it?

Premium dryers such as the Dyson Supersonic Nural add features like automatic heat adjustment and magnetic attachments, and many buyers like their light, balanced feel. The honest answer is that price alone does not predict drying performance: CHOICE says several models under $100 in its testing outperformed their costly counterparts. Choose premium when you value specific features, comfort and the attachment system, not because you expect a more expensive dryer to be automatically faster.

How to choose a hair dryer in Australia

1. Match the dryer to your hair type

• Thick, long or coarse hair: prioritise strong airflow and a high-speed setting; a turbo or boost setting speeds up the first rough dry.

• Fine or heat-damaged hair: look for separate heat and airflow controls so you can use lower heat with higher airflow.

• Curly or coily hair: a short-finger diffuser is more useful than any marketing label.

• Short hair or travel: a compact, lighter dryer with a concentrator is usually enough.

2. Hold it before you buy, or check the listed weight

CHOICE recommends getting a feel for how comfortable and well balanced a dryer is, and checking that switches are easy to reach and clearly labelled. Stiff sliding switches can be awkward; rocker switches are easier but can be bumped accidentally.

3. Look for separate heat and airflow settings

Separate controls give you more control: high settings remove moisture, while lower settings suit styling. A cool-shot button and a concentrator are the feature and accessory CHOICE found people use most.

4. Do not pay extra for ionic, tourmaline or oil claims alone

CHOICE says its tests did not indicate that ionic, ceramic or tourmaline technologies improve hair dryer performance, and its results did not support oil-infusion claims. These features are not harmful, but they should not be the reason you choose one dryer over another.

5. Check warranty and support in Australia

Warranty length varies by brand and model, so compare it alongside price. VS Sassoon, for example, lists a 5-year warranty on its 5Q Brilliance dryer, while Shark lists 2 years on the SpeedStyle models above. Buying from a seller that supports Australian warranty claims makes a fault much easier to resolve.

Safety checks before buying a hair dryer online

CHOICE notes that hair dryers sold in Australia must show the manufacturer or vendor name and model number, a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), and a risk-of-electrocution tag on the power lead. It warns that cheap overseas listings often skip these requirements, and that compliance marks can be faked.

• Confirm the listing is for an Australian-plug model rated for Australian mains power, not an overseas variant.

• Look for the RCM and the electrocution warning tag in listing photos or on arrival.

• Check the seller, returns policy and who handles warranty claims before you pay.

• Use the dryer away from water, unplug it after use and stop using it if the cord is damaged.

Noise, maintenance and when to replace

CHOICE measured most dryers in its testing at about 85 dBA at 15cm from the head, which it says is unlikely to cause harm for normal drying sessions. Clean the air filter regularly: a clogged filter can make a dryer overheat, and a burning smell or unusually hot air is a sign it may be time to replace it.

Hair dryer FAQ

What wattage hair dryer should I buy in Australia?

Wattage is only part of the story. A 2000W-plus AC dryer suits thick hair on a budget, while high-speed brushless or EC-motor dryers can feel fast at lower wattage because of strong airflow. Compare airflow settings, weight and attachments, not wattage alone.

Is a cheap hair dryer good enough?

Often, yes. CHOICE says several models under $100 in its testing outperformed costlier ones. Spend more for a lighter body, a better diffuser or smarter heat control, and always buy a model with Australian safety markings from a seller you can return to.

Which hair dryer is best for curly hair?

Choose a dryer that includes a short-finger diffuser and gentle heat and airflow settings. The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX and VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic both list a diffuser in the box, which saves buying one separately.

Where can I compare hair dryer prices in Australia?

Compare the exact model number across retailers, including Amazon Australia, and check delivery, returns and warranty terms as well as the sticker price. For more personal-care buying guides, see our electric shaver guide and electric toothbrush guide.

Bottom line

Start with hair type and routine. On a budget with thick hair, check a 2400W AC dryer such as the VS Sassoon Frizz Free 2400. For lighter everyday drying, compare the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss; for curls, the Pro FLEX bundle or a diffuser-equipped Airsonic. Whatever you choose, confirm the exact model, Australian safety marks and warranty before you buy, then check the current Amazon Australia price below.

Cover image: AI-generated illustration of unbranded dryers, not a specific product.