Tame and transform hair with the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Hair Dryer & Styler. This salon-quality, super lightweight hair dryer uses infrared heat and ionic technology to reduce hair damage, improve circulation and enhance shine. Achieve a healthy frizz-free blowout with less styling tools and product. Yes please!
Best premium hair dryer and styler for taming frizz
Yours.co.uk/Nicky Clarkenickyclarke.com
Pros
- Lightweight At just 350g, it’s easy to handle and reduces arm fatigue
- Powerful 2000W motor for fast, efficient drying
- Multiple styling accessories included
- Infrared and ionic technology helps reduce heat damage, frizz and static
- Quieter than most hair dryers
Cons
- The highest setting is very hot, which might not be ideal for fine hair
- The lock position on the on/off button can cause confusion if accidentally engaged
| Weight: | 350g |
| Cable Length: | 2.8m |
| Dimensions: | L26 x H23 x W5cm |
- Brushless motor extends the dryer’s lifespan by up to 10 times
- Memory function remembers the last settings used for convenience
- Ionic Technology minimizes frizz and static while improving shine
- Three-speed and three-temperature settings
- Cool Shot button seals the hair cuticle and adds shine
- Self-cleaning function
- 2.8-metre cord for ease of movement
Overview of the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Hair Dryer & Styler
This high-performance ionic hair dryer and styler delivers salon-strength drying with a powerful 2000W motor for a blow-you-away finish. The dryer comes with four styling accessories, including a curly hair diffuser which gently dries, adds volume and reduces frizz. Also, there is a concentrator nozzle for precision styling. Plus, two Aircurl wands for creating defined curls and waves.
It has three-speed settings and three temperature settings to customise your styling. The Cool Shot button helps add shine and seals the hair cuticle. It also features a self-cleaning function for optimal performance and longevity. The dryer includes a 2.8-metre cord for easy movement.
The AirStyle Pro is lighter and more compact in comparison to two other high-end hair dryers and stylers: the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer retailing at £329.99, and the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler & Hair Dryer is £279.99. While the Dyson comes with a few additional attachments, it is heavier and more expensive. The Shark FlexStyle is around the same price-point as the AirStyle Pro but is longer, although our tester did not find this too much of an issue.
Key features:
• Infrared technology boosts blood circulation in the scalp and minimises styling stress on the hair cuticle by drying hair faster at a lower temperature.
• Ionic technology saves energy, minimises heat damage and eliminates static electricity for a salon-professional finish.
• Ultra lightweight at 350g.
• Quiet at 74dB (high setting).
“The AirStyle PRO uses both infrared and ionic technology to minimise damage to the hair. The infrared technology stimulates the hair follicles, which improves blood circulation to the scalp encouraging the hair to grow back healthier and stronger, whilst ionic conditioning works to keep hair smooth and static-free, and minimise heat damage.”
Nicky Clarke
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Who tested it?
Commercial Content Writer, Natalie Knowles tested the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Hair Dryer & Styler. Natalie has been reviewing all sorts of appliances and beauty products for three years. She has become a bit of an expert on frizzy hair remedies over the past year and you can see the transformation in her haircare articles. Full disclosure: her hair is colour-treated these days because Natalie is in no way ready to cultivate an artistic grey streak in her forty-something hair yet!
How was the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Hair Dryer & Styler tested?
The Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Hair Dryer & Styler has been used over the course of several weeks on a daily basis. Natalie tried out all the attachments to see if a hair styling novice and busy person (such as she is) can achieve salon-professional results. Photos are candid and show the results the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro has on hair without additional styling tools or haircare products. This is to reflect the authenticity of the product's USPs – honestly – no filters, no hairspray!
What were the results?
First up, I am far from a hair artiste, but this hair dryer and styler made it look like I'd spent hours coiffing my hair. It's the best hair dryer and styling tool I've ever used. If you have thick, long locks, this dryer will be a godsend because it dries hair so fast. It can be very hot on the highest temperature setting, so I generally use the lowest setting because my hair is quite fine. Because the hair dryer is so lightweight you won't get arm fatigue using it, and I also found the position of the buttons to be accessible when holding it in use, so I could press Cool Shot or change the speed. The standout feature is the Aircurl attachment, which is a much faster and easier than using a round brush, styling wand or tongs.
Performance
The Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro has completely transformed my morning routine. It dries my hair faster, with less frizz and leaves it looking healthier and shinier. Thanks to its infrared and ionic technology, my hair feels smoother, softer and stronger—without the excessive heat damage. If you read through online reviews about the AirStyle Pro you'll see that professional hairdressers are recommending it.
I love how lightweight and easy to use it is, and the variety of attachments mean I can achieve multiple hair styles effortlessly. The Aircurl wands are a revelation, creating perfect curls in minutes with zero faff. The diffuser brings out my natural waves without frizz and the concentrator nozzle helps smooth my hair for a sleek finish.
My favourite way to dry my hair is to pull a section of hair taut and blow dry it with the concentrator nozzle. Because hair is under tension, it will dry straighter. The concentrator nozzle helps you focus drying on specific sections of your hair. To attach it, line up the grooves with the notches on the dryer and twist clockwise to lock it in place.
I have used hair dryer brushes a lot over the years but I've found they pull my hair out and discolour my dyed hair. This AirStyle Pro really does stand out from all the straighteners and other hair tools I've used because it makes my hair look like I've just stepped out of the hairdressers, with very little effort. Also, my colour-treated hair is staying dark brown rather than turning coppery.
I’ve never given a product a full 5/5, but this dryer deserves it. My hair looks healthier, requires fewer products and styling takes half the time—a true game-changer. If you want salon-quality results at home, this is the tool to invest in!
Aircurl stylers
The Aircurl stylers produce bouncy curls in minutes, with no faffing around with rollers; these defined curls add volume to hair and tame frizz. You could then brush the curls through and continue to style.
What's different about making waves with the two Aircurl attachments is that they utilise airflow to create effortless curls. The Aircurl wand gently wraps hair using airflow, reducing breakage and frizz. It helps you create salon-quality curls or soft waves with ease. One is labelled 'L' for the left side, and the other 'R' for the right side. To attach a wand to the hair dryer, align its grooves with the dryer's notches, then twist clockwise to fit.
It's worth watching a video tutorial before using the Aircurl wands because it's important to hold the hair dryer and attachment with the Aircurler pointing down and allow a section of hair to be sucked up around it. It is magic to see your hair neatly wrap around the wand as if it were a spell cast by Harry Potter. Hold in position for no more than 10 seconds, then turn the hair dryer off and withdraw the Aircurl attachment from the newly formed curl. This process results in effortless bouncy curls.
I am absolutely blown away by the effectiveness of the Aircurl attachments. I've never used anything like it before. Hair effortlessly curls around the tool and forms perfect frizz-free curls.
I also like to manually wrap my hair around the barrel for a looser curl. More often than not, I'm in a hurry and probably not doing it quite right, but the results are transformational. It eliminates all the static and frizz from my hair. From dry hair that's suffered living in a hard water area for too long, the texture completely changes, as if a professional hairdresser has styled it. No other hair products are required. Also, unlike when I use hair straighteners, there are no flyaways and no frazzle! I love my new hair😍.
For the best waves, I found it best to style slightly damp hair. Also, I used the Cool Shot setting to set my curls in place, by pressing the Cool Shot button and keeping the barrel in place for a few seconds.
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Usability
It's as simple to use as any hair dryer. You can adjust the airflow with three fan speed settings. Just look at the blue lights—all three lit means you’re on max power for a strong, fast dry. Three orange lights indicate the maximum setting on the Temperature control button. Press the corresponding button to adjust. I'm left-handed, and I've found it absolutely fine to handle and effortlessly use the buttons.
This dryer uses infrared light to boost scalp circulation, reduce breakage and strengthen hair from root to tip. It's always on while you dry, helping you dry hair faster at a lower temperature. I rarely need to use the highest temperature setting as it is really hot, which wouldn't be too kind to my fine hair.
Just take note of the on/off button, as it has a lock position too. It's easy to mistake the on position for the lock, in which case none of the temperature and airflow buttons can be changed. I accidentally did this and was baffled why the hair dryer seemed to be stuck on maximum. But, the benefit of the lock function is that you won't accidentally press a button and get a sudden blast of hot air that you were not expecting.
Cool Shot
To lock in your style and add shine, just press the Cool Shot button once—you’ll feel the heat stop, and a blue light will turn on to show it’s working. When you're done, press the button again to switch back. Easy!
In addition, this hair dryer has a memory function to store your last used heat and fan settings. When you turn the dryer on again it will start up using the last used settings.
Diffuser
I love using the diffuser to gently dry my natural curls and bring out my waves without any frizz. It is easy to attach—just a quick twist—and the soft airflow added volume and definition without using extreme heat. My curls have never looked better.
Because it is a really powerful hair dryer, I keep the temperature setting on low when using the diffuser. The infrared and ionic technology gives hair a smooth and shiny look.
Build
It feels like a salon-quality hair dryer—not at all heavy or cumbersome. Unlike other high-end dryers, the AirStyle Pro is powerful yet compact. As shown in the photo, I compare its weight to my other favourite thing in life—coffee. That is, the weight of this hair dryer is comparable to a jar of coffee (the one I'm holding is 200g).
The AirStyle Pro is lightweight, solid and stylish, comfortable to hold and has a long power cable (which is so handy given the location of my mirrors and plug sockets). It measures L26 x H23 x W5cm (including the concentrator nozzle). In relation to the size of my hand, I found it easy to activate the Cool Shot and turn the hair dryer on and off, which you need to do repeatedly when creating curls. The hair dryer is so lightweight that it is effortless to handle it for more complex styling. Maybe I will reach my hair artist goals✨.
Its brushless motor extends the dryer's life ten times longer than those with carbon brushes. This hair dryer contains the latest self-cleaning technology to ensure the inner parts of the dryer can be kept clean. To auto-clean the inside of the hair dryer, first make sure it's switched off, then rotate the end cap and pull to remove it. Slide off the removable dust filter. Hold the Cool Shot button for five seconds until the motor starts. After you turn off the dryer, the motor will run in reverse for 15 seconds to clear out dust. Once it stops, put the dust filter and end cap back on and twist clockwise to secure. And you'll want to do that from time to time because this is a hair dryer that you'll keep in your life for a very long time.
Final verdict
In three years of reviewing products, I've never given a 5/5 but I felt the transformational results of the Nicky Clarke AirPro deserved it. This hair dryer would create a masterpiece in the hands of a professional hairstylist. In my hands, on an average day, I am simply delighted that my hair dries faster and there is no frizz. If I'm "doing glam", then I know I've got the tools. This has a knock-on effect of not needing to use additional hair styling products, therefore, my hair is healthier. Less heat damage, great-looking hair and getting out of the door a minute or two faster in the mornings. It's the little things that add up to greatness🤜.
Overwhelmingly, my hair looks much healthier using this hair dryer, and I'm finding the colour is not fading as fast. While I don't have a designer do, better looking hair is genuinely a confidence boost and all part of the hair journey I've been on over the last year.
I had never considered investing in a high-quality hair dryer before, but I have spent a small fortune on Keratin treatments and hair tools in the past, which have not achieved half of what this amazing AirStyle Pro has done for my hair. Hair feels silky smooth and more manageable – like it's less prone to static and it feels under control all day long – unless I get rained on.
Rating 5/5
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Similar products to consider
TESTED
Best premium hair dryer and styler for attachments
Dysonwww.dyson.co.uk
Dry wet hair fast and style it with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. The Supersonic’s heat-control system checks airflow temperature 40 times per second, preventing it from getting too hot and ensuring consistent heat to protect hair from damage.
Unlike most dryers, the motor sits in the handle for better balance, making it comfortable to hold. The shorter barrel also allows for easier styling with less arm strain.
Our tester loved the sleek, futuristic design and found it compact and lightweight at 650g. Plus, there is a range of colourways to choose from to suit your aesthetic.
This Dyson hair dryer comes with several magnetic attachments. These include a diffuser, styling concentrator, flyaway attachment, gentle air attachment and a wide-tooth comb. Our tester found that the Supersonic attachments streamlined her routine, allowing her to dry and style simultaneously. She was impressed with the frizz-free, smooth results, crediting its ionic technology for making her hair softer and shinier than ever.
The high price (£329.99) makes it a big investment, though the design and performance help justify the cost if you're using it everyday.
Read our full review of the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
Pros
- Fast drying and styling with heat control to prevent damage
- Comfortable to hold with a balanced handle design
- Relatively lightweight and compact at 650g
- Sleek, futuristic design with multiple colour options
- Magnetic attachments for versatile styling
- Ionic technology for frizz-free, smooth and shiny hair
Cons
- High price point makes it a significant investment
| Weight: | 697g |
| Cable Length: | 2.62m |
| Dimensions: | H24.5 x L9.7 x W7.8cm |
- Intelligent Heat Control: Measures air temperature 40+ times per second to prevent extreme heat damage
- Cold Shot: Releases a 28°C blast to set your style
- Magnetic Attachments: Easily swap attachments for a personalised drying experience
TESTED
Best premium hair dryer and styler for versatility
Sharksharkclean.co.uk
Achieve salon-quality results at home without the excessive heat of other styling tools. The Shark FlexStyle is a versatile multi-styler, offering fast drying, curling, straightening, volumising and smoothing for all hair types. It comes with Auto-Wrap Curlers, Paddle Brush, Oval Brush, Diffuser, Styling Concentrator plus a stylish carry case.
Our tester loved the variety of attachments for different styles and found them easy to attach and use, with the option to rotate for drying or keep upright for styling. She found the Shark FlexStyle lightweight and easy to use without causing arm fatigue. While slightly longer than expected, it didn’t impact usability.
"It's expensive but worth it for regular styling. Plus, it's more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap."
All-in-all, our tester loved this stylish, powerful and lightweight styler, which halved styling time without using extreme heat. With precise heat control and customisable settings, it prevents damage and adapts to different hair needs.
Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler & Hair Dryer.
Pros
- Versatile 5-in-1 styler for all hair types and lengths
- Fast drying and styling with no extreme heat
- Reasonably lightweight and easy to use without causing arm fatigue
- Customisable heat and airflow settings
Cons
- Expensive compared to standard hair tools
- Slightly longer than expected, though still easy to use
| Weight: | Just under 700g |
| Cable Length: | 2.44m |
| Dimensions: | W4.57 x L34.3 x H4.57cm |
- 5-in-1 styling: Curl, straighten, volumise, smooth and define
- Three speeds, four heat settings, plus Cool Shot
- Heat monitoring 1,000 times per second to prevent damage
- 2-year guarantee
- Attachments: Auto-Wrap Curlers (left & right), Paddle Brush (smoothing), Oval Brush (volume), Diffuser (defines curls), Styling Concentrator (precise blow-drying)
Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro FAQs
How do you make waves with the Aircurl attachments?
For the best waves, style on towel-dried or slightly damp hair. Remember to use the R or L tool to style the right-hand-side or left-hand-side hair respectively. Take a 3-7cm section of hair in front of your head. Use smaller sections for tighter curls and larger sections for looser curls. If you have thick hair, you can use bigger sections. Set the AirStyle PRO to the highest heat and fan speed.
Hold the wand between your face and the hair section. Touch the barrel to your hair tips, and the air will wrap your hair automatically. Gently move the wand toward your scalp and hold for 15 seconds to set the curl. For looser curls, manually wrap your hair around the barrel instead of letting the air do it. This creates a more subtle look. Use the Cold Shot setting to lock in your curl. Hold the button and keep the wand in place for 5-10 seconds to set it. Be sure to turn the power off before you pull the Aircurl attachment out of the curl. Always switch the hair dryer off before removing it to avoid hair damage. Then, pull the barrel down to release the curl and repeat.
How can ionic technology in hair dryers benefit older women's hair?
Ionic technology in hair dryers releases negative ions that break down water molecules, helping to dry hair faster and reduce frizz. For older women, this can be beneficial because it helps protect delicate hair from heat damage and keeps it smooth, shiny and less prone to frizz.
What are the other benefits of ionic technology in hair dryers?
Ionic technology can also help maintain moisture in your hair, which is especially important as hair can become drier and more fragile with age. It can also help reduce static, giving your hair a smoother, more manageable texture. Overall, it's a great option for keeping hair healthy, shiny, and looking its best.
What does infrared do in a hair dryer?
Infrared technology in a hair dryer uses deeper heat to dry hair from the inside out, helping to reduce heat damage and lock in moisture for healthier, shinier hair. Nicky Clarke explains how infrared technology in hair dryers dries hair faster and promotes healthier hair: "Unlike traditional hair dryers that only target the outer layer of hair, infrared technology penetrates deeper, speeding up the drying process by up to 50% while minimising prolonged exposure to damaging heat." There's more information about this technology and the Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro Hair Dryer on nickyclarke.com.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.