How much does a hair dryer weigh? Models compared

Published weights for premium dryers

Many listings do not state a weight at all, and those that do rarely say how it was measured. The table below includes only figures stated by the maker or listing.

Compare lightweight dryers →

Why the numbers are hard to compare

Weight can be measured with or without the cord, with or without an attachment, and sometimes only for the dryer body. A heavy-gauge 9 ft professional cord adds noticeable weight, and many premium dryers list a 9 ft cord. Dyson's Supersonic figure includes the cable and plug, while the BaBylissPRO figures do not say either way. The Bio Ionic Powerlight listing is one of the few that gives both numbers.

Because of that, treat a difference of a few ounces between listings as uncertain. A larger gap, such as a travel dryer described as a quarter lighter than a full-size model, is more meaningful.

Note.When a listing does not say whether weight includes the cord, assume it may not.

Size: the Dyson Supersonic's dimensions

Dyson's technical specification sheet lists the Supersonic at 11.3 in (288 mm) tall, 3.0 in (77 mm) wide and 3.8 in (98 mm) deep, with an 8 ft 10 in (2.7 m) cable. The motor sits in the handle rather than the head, which Dyson designs to move the balance point down toward your hand. The Supersonic Travel listing says it is 32 percent smaller than the Supersonic Nural.

For hot air brushes, the T3 AireBrush Duo listing gives a height of 15.25 in and a width of 3.25 in. Brushes are longer than dryers because the barrel extends past the handle, which affects how they feel in the hand. See what is a hot air brush for more on brush formats.

Weight vs balance

A dryer's total weight is only part of the story. Where that weight sits matters too. A dryer with a heavy motor in the head pulls your wrist forward, while one with the motor low in the handle can feel lighter even at the same weight. Handle shape changes how you hold it: the Neuro Grip listing describes a handle-free flat design, and the Supersonic r listing describes a new ergonomic format for hard-to-reach angles.

• Long or thick hair: weight and balance matter most, since drying takes longer.
• Short hair: weight matters less; pick on features.
• Travel: look for listed weight, folding handle and dual voltage.
• Wrist or shoulder discomfort: try a dryer with the motor in the handle.

How to make any dryer feel lighter

If you already own a heavier dryer, a few changes in how you use it can reduce arm fatigue. Most of the effort comes from holding the dryer up and away from your body for a long time, so anything that shortens that time or lowers your arm helps.

• Rough dry with your elbow lowered and the dryer pointed down the hair, not held over your head.
• Remove excess water first with a microfiber towel so drying takes less time.
• Use high airflow for rough drying, then switch to a brush for styling.
• Sit down and rest your elbow on a counter for long or thick hair.
• Take the attachment off for rough drying if it adds weight at the front.
• Keep the filter clean so airflow, and drying speed, stay at full strength.

How weight fits with other specs

Lighter dryers are not always weaker. The BaBylissPRO Rapido lists a 2000 W brushless motor at 0.91 lb. Still, very compact travel models may trade some airflow for size. If drying speed matters, read high-speed hair dryers explained and hair dryer wattage explained alongside the weight. For trips, traveling with a hair dryer covers voltage and carry-on rules.

See high-speed dryers →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hair dryer weigh? Full-size premium dryers commonly weigh about 1 to 2 lb. Listings in our guides range from 0.88 lb to 1 lb 13 oz including cable.

How much does the Dyson Supersonic weigh? Dyson's spec sheet lists 1 lb 13 oz including cable and plug.

What are the Dyson Supersonic dimensions? Per Dyson's spec sheet: 11.3 in tall, 3.0 in wide and 3.8 in deep, with an 8 ft 10 in cable.

Is a lighter hair dryer less powerful? Not necessarily. Some lightweight dryers list 2000 W motors. Compare airflow and settings, not weight alone.