ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer, Black

The ghd Air is the entry point to ghd's dryers. It costs about $203 and has a 4.2-star average from around 580 reviews on Amazon. Most people looking at it want to know whether the ghd name is worth paying for when a $23 dryer looks similar on paper.

What ghd says it does

ghd describes the motor as "professional strength" and says it dries hair twice as fast as regular consumer dryers. That's ghd's own comparison, and the listing doesn't give a wattage. It has ionic technology for frizz control and shine. The heat and power controls are variable, so you're not stuck with fixed low, medium and high steps. Our what is an ionic hair dryer explainer covers what ions actually change.

In the box you get the dryer and a concentrator nozzle. That's it.

No diffuser

The diffuser is sold separately. ghd suggests pairing the Air with its professional diffuser for curly or natural hair, which adds to the cost. If you want one included, the Remington Damage Protection comes with a diffuser and concentrator for about $23. Our best hair dryer for curly hair guide lists other options with a diffuser in the box.

The 9 ft cord

This is easy to overlook and you'll notice it every day. Many budget dryers have a much shorter cord, which keeps you close to the outlet. Nine feet lets you stand at the mirror instead of leaning over the sink. ghd also says the design is comfortable for both right- and left-handed users.

ghd Air vs ghd Helios

The ghd Helios costs about $280. It adds a 1875W brushless motor, 75 mph airflow, Aeroprecis airflow design and a cool shot button. Both have ionic tech and a 9 ft cord, and neither comes with a diffuser. The Helios has a lower Amazon rating (3.9 stars against 4.2), which is worth reading into before paying the extra $77. Our ghd Air review covers the comparison in more detail.

Who it's for

People who want a ghd and are happy without a diffuser. People with straight or wavy hair who mostly use a round brush and concentrator. Anyone fed up with a short cord.

Who should skip it

People with curls who need a diffuser and don't want to pay extra for one. Also anyone on a tight budget. The Remington costs about a tenth as much and gets a higher rating from far more buyers.

Our best professional hair dryer guide puts the Air next to other salon-style dryers. The best hair dryer under $50 roundup covers the cheaper end.