Hair styling tools are one of the hottest trending products heading into 2024, and for good reason. Thanks to trends in heat control, smart technology, and of course the desire to look your best after two years of staying at home, the time is right to buy.
That said, the Aussie hair tool market is cluttered with cheap knockoffs and dodgy internet sellers. Even well recognised brands are rushing to put out subpar product that is not worth your hard earned dollars. This is where we come in…
If you are thinking of purchasing a new hair straightener, our list (updated monthly) will help you make the best choice with a focus on features, build quality, and overall value for your money.
Tanami Proluxe Professional Hair Dryer: Editor’s pick for best blow dryer for all hair types – $149.99 at Mifo.com.au
Where to buy theTanami Professional Grade har dryer in Australia
The best blow dryer tool for thick, fine, curly, and damaged hair plus all around value for your money come from a brand that is new to Australia. But don’t let that scare you off, as this flat iron is easily one of the best we have ever tested.
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So what makes the Tanami Proluxe the best all around hair dryer for fine to thick hair alike?
The best hair dryer for all hair types, period. Tanami have invested in precision sensors that enable users to tune the Proluxe to their unique hair texture. That makes it ideal for hair that behaves differently during the seasons, as well as harder to style hair that is thick, fine, or damaged. It’s a feeling that has to be experienced first hand, and not one we have experienced at a sub-$100 price range.
Precise heat control prevents damage. The star feature of the Tanami Proluxe solves the issue of damaging or under-styling hair via intelligent, super precise temperature controls that deliver consistent, even temperature exactly where you set it for the duration of your styling session. That means fewer mistakes, and greatly reduces damage due to uneven or unpredictable blow drying temperature.
Smart design by salon professionals. The Proluxe features a lightweight, ergonomic shape that is easy to manipulate during styling sessions that won’t slip. We also appreciate the idea that this tool may be used for longer sessions, and is far more comfortably designed than competitors. The included diffuser attachments work well, and are a welcome value add.
Australia-based customer support. We have been continuously disappointed with beauty brands in the past, even from giants like Samsung. Part of that disappointment comes with poor or absent customer service. We tested Tanami on several occasions with questions and every time received proper replies within an hour. That demonstrates commitment to Australian market and contributes greatly to our award of Editor’s Pick.
GHD Air Blow Dryer: Solid but pricey hair dryer – $199.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the GHD Air Hair Dryer in Australia
If you aren’t price sensitive, GHD may be the brand for you. This easy to use hair dryer comes with similar features to the Tanami Proluxe, but some drawbacks with regard to temperature control and pricing.
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Why GHD makes our list of blow dryer products
High overall quality for the hair dryer. GHD has become a legendary name in the styling tool world, and the Air lives up to the name. The build quality is clearly salon grade with a modern, sleek design that sets it apart visually from other tools. The added chrome accent is a nice touch, though does add a bit of weight to the device.
Easy to use, but hard to hold for longer sessions. Longer styling sessions can be chore thanks to an unconventional reverse trigger design. Securely gripping the device without changing settings is a challenge, and is prone to slippage until you figure out how to best manage. Using metal finishes adds some prestige, but also adds weight, making the Air less ideal for long sessions or travel.
Temperature is difficult to gauge. Despite the high price tag, the Air does not allow you to review temperature. That means you’ll be locked in to the predetermined “optimal” settings, which may be far too hot for finer hair, and not hot enough for thicker hair. While there are certain temperature boundaries to play in, not offering a temperature display at this price point seems ludicrous, and is a strange decision from an otherwise top quality brand.
Remington Hydraluxe Pro Hair Dryer: A blow dryer that lives up to the Remington name – $129.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the Remington Hydraluxe Pro Hair Dryer in Australia
While the first versions of Remington’s styling tool were less than perfect, the European beauty company is finally finding its stride. And if the a higher price tag doesn’t scare you, then the Hydraluxe Pro may be the blow dryer you have been waiting for.
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Why Remington gets our approval for the Hydraluxe
Solid build that delivers on basic features. Though the Hydraluxe has a somewhat antiquated look, it includes all of the modern features we expect in a hair styling system costing over $100. That includes large, easy to press buttons, intelligent and easy to use controls, and a comfortable handle for longer sessions. The extras, however, are where Remington lose points.
Dodgy temperature accuracy could damage hair. Remington seem to have missed some temperature calibration tests with the Hydraluxe, as the unit we tested was clearly overshooting the relatively low base temperature that comes pre-programmed. Even a slight oversight like this can cause severe hair damage, especially with finer hair strands.
Built for the salon, but may not work for you. While Remington have a legacy of creating best in class salon products that are up to the task, you can find feature rich competitors that simply do a better job for less money. Unless you are obsessed with brand name alone, you will find better values, particularly if you are planning to try a number of different styles or hair types.
Runners-up: Best Hair Dryer
There are many, many hair dryers in the Australian market. And while we attempt to test as many as possible for our readers, some units simply don’t make the cut. Here’s a quick peek at blow dryers that didn’t make the list.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer – $599.00 at Dyson.com.au
The iconic Dyson Supersonic can be credited with reimagining what a blow dryer looks like. Unfortunately, Dyson didn’t reimagine what an effective hair dryer actually does: Dry and style hair. The Supersonic is a masterpiece in craftsmanship, but dries hair relatively slowly, and has finicky heat settings. Combined with an astronomic price tag, we cannot recommend Dyson this go around.
Lylux Cordless Hair Dryer – $319.00 at Amazon.com.au
Lylux have developed their own answer to the competitive styling tool market, and unfortunately it falls flat in nearly every category. Underpowered and with an oddly shaped heating element, the Lylux Cordless is a disappointing affair. Difficult to use thanks to a short battery life, and clearly designed with a gimmicky and totally unnecessary wireless concept, we recommend taking a pass.
Parlux Advance Light Ionic and Ceramic Hair Dryer – $255.00 at Amazon.com.au
Parlux are best known for hair styling and related beauty products, and so it is a natural move to enter the hair dryer space. The Advance does a fair job at heating consistently, but confusing features and poor ergonomics hamper what may otherwise be a contender. Combined with the high price tag, we recommend aspiring home stylists choose a more full-featured and well designed product offering.