Grip, weight, air flow and heat settings are key variables to consider when selecting the best professional hair dryers for hair stylists in South Africa.
Comfort is as important as styling results. Only high-tech, ergonomically-designed tools can do the job.
Top-of-the-range makes and models are equipped with detachable accessories. They feature the latest technologies to protect hair and maximise heat distribution.
By testing, evaluating and grading the design, aesthetics and features of dozens of hair dryers, we have found the best professional hair dryers for hair stylists in South Africa.
The best professional hair dryer overall
With multiple heat and airflow settings, dedicated cold lock button and 1,875-watt motor, the SuperHP dryer does what it’s designed to do – quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of stress.
It’s lightweight, fits snugly in the hand and has a memory function, ionic generator, self-cleaning capabilities and full range of attachments.
Take reasonable pricing into account and the Super HP by Olivia Garden is a must-have professional hair styling tool for South African salons. It comes with three ceramic ionic and paddle cushion brushes – but for a limited time only.
What we like:
The runner-up best professional hair dryer for hair stylists
Sophisticated, ergonomically designed and available in a range of stylish colours, the Alon is a high-tech hair dryer that’s engineered to last.
Air ionizer technology reduces the risk of heat damage. Propriety power generation maximises air flow. An anti-bacterial exterior coating offers advanced protection to stylists.
Easily accessible soft-touch switches make speed and heat management a breeze. The dryer comes with two concentrator nozzles.
Parlux, a brand adored by stylists worldwide, has created an excellent all-round hair dryer.
What we like:
The best high-power professional hair dryer
Jaguar is renowned for manufacturing an excellent range of scissors and thinners for the trade. Now, it has created a hair styling tool that provides super-powerful air flow for a quicker salon turnaround.
The 3900 has all the required functions and features – two speed settings, four heat settings, two detachable nozzles and a 1,900-watt motor.
It’s designed for right- and left-handed stylists, has a versatile classic black finish and 2.8-metre cord, making it a shoo-in for any barber or stylist.
What we like:
The best professional hair dryer for optimal volume and shine
This Italian-made hair dryer is notable for its ability to produce active oxygen, a natural substance that interacts with the hair’s molecules to make the tresses look and feel smoother, stronger, shinier and thicker.
The Più has three heat and speed settings, a concentrator nozzle to direct air flow and 2,000 watts of power. It is comfortably designed for long days in the salon.
It’s available in black, orange and yellow, and the grill is coated in silver for sanitising purposes. Improved airflow aerodynamics eliminate excess noise.
What we like:
The best professional hair dryer for barbers
A chunky design and retro all-chrome finish make the Wahl 5 Star an obvious winner in “the best professional hair dryers for barbers” category.
It features a power-packed 2,200-watt motor and three-metre cord. At 617 grams and with a gun-style grip, the Wahl Barber is designed for larger hands.
Multiple speed and heat settings support versatile styling techniques. Ionic technology smooths and protects hair as it dries. The Wahl 5-Star Barber has two detachable nozzles.
What we like:
The best professional hair dryer for taming frizzy hair
An excellent, all-purpose Olivia Garden hair dryer that dries, styles and eliminates frizz. It uses ceramic and ionic technology to prevent heat damage while adding volume and shine to hair.
The dryer has multiple modes for heat and intensity management, plus a dedicated cold shot button to lock hair styles in for longer. A 2,000-watt motor provides souped-up airflow.
The Ceramic & Ion Pro weighs 539 grams and has a removable filter for quick and easy cleaning. When you purchase the number one frizz-eliminating hair dryer, you get three free brushes as part of the deal.
What we like:
FAQ about professional hair dryers
How to prolong the lifespan of hair dryers in salons
A cleaning and maintenance schedule ensures optimal performance and efficiency while extending the dryer’s lifespan. When the hair dryer doesn’t have a self-cleaning function or removable filter, the regular use of a cleaning brush is recommended to remove residue and hair build-up. It supports unobstructed air flow and prevents the motor from over-heating.
What wattage hair dryer is best for salons?
A wattage of 1,875 watts or more is ideal for providing the airflow and heat capabilities required by professional hair stylists.
What features to consider when purchasing a professional hair dryer
Key features to keep in mind include cord length, types of attachments, temperature and speed settings, length of the barrel and filter.
Are there specific technologies that should be integrated into a hair dryer’s design?
Technologies like noise reduction, cool touch, ionic, ceramic and tourmaline are useful for delivering faster results and healthier, more manageable hair.