You may not realise it, but your current hair dryer could be doing more harm than good. Depending on how long you’ve had it, an overworked motor is more likely to push out hotter air at a slower speed which means longer drying times and greater overall heat exposure. The result? More cuticle damage and less shine.

Another frequently ignored issue is filtration. Many older or budget dryers rely on basic mesh screens that inevitably clog with dust and product build-up. As filters become blocked, airflow is restricted which can cause overheating and uneven performance. Worse, trapped debris can get blown back onto the scalp and hair, which is far from ideal when you’re trying to keep things healthy and smooth.

What feels like a perfectly fine routine could potentially be stressing your hair far more than necessary.

This is where the ghd Speed Ionic Hair Dryer comes in. It is highly intuitive and the technology is super impressive. In general, I have always loved the ghd ecosystem and the way their tools work together so seamlessly, and this dryer fits perfectly into the lineup as a true upgrade rather than just another appliance.

Despite housing a next-generation motor spinning at an impressive 118,000 RPM, the dryer is well balanced and surprisingly light. Long styling sessions won’t leave your arms aching, and the cool-to-touch barrel and attachments make the experience much more comfortable. The button features are also very practical! It offers four heat settings, four speed options, a cool shot button as well as an intelligent memory function that remembers your last preferences. How cool?!

With airflow reaching up to 176 km/h, it delivers ultra-fast drying times without relying on extreme heat. The breakthrough ghd halo™ dual-airflow technology surrounds heated airflow with a protective layer of cool air, helping to shield both the scalp and strands. For low porosity hair, which can feel impossible to dry quickly without damage, this is a genuine game changer. Faster drying with decreased heat exposure means less frizz and less breakage. Yes, please!

The filtration and airflow design are also a huge step up from the average hair dryer. The ghd Speed is engineered with an advanced ventilation system that resists clogging and maintains clean, consistent airflow over time. Better filtration means the motor runs more efficiently, heat stays stable and performance remains strong even with regular use. This is not just about convenience, it directly impacts the health of your hair. Cleaner airflow and smart heat management reduces drying time allowing a more gentle approach to heat styling your hair.

Usually, after a blow dry, I always finish my styling with the ghd Chronos Max. If you’re interested in learning more about the Chronos technology, I’ll link our full review from the original launch. The Chronos Max combines wider plates for faster styling with the high performance Chronos system, giving you the best of both worlds in one tool.