The GHD Helios does have a faster motor than the Dyson (2,200w vs 1,600w) but in reality, this isn’t the main differentiator here. GHD has even patented the shapes of the holes in the grille to make the dryer quieter, and it is. Noticeably so. The GHD Air wasn’t a loud dryer so we weren’t concerned going into this review, but it’s a nice improvement and brings the level of noise down to Dyson levels. Engineered to streamline airflow for a powerful yet precise performance, take their breath away with 30% more shine** and smoother results, 9/10 agree**. Varying power and temperature controls ensure that no matter your desired style or natural texture, you can achieve a stunning blow dry and flawless finish. And for 24 hour volume hold*** pair the ghd helios™ with ghd body goals - total volume foam. The nozzle on the GHD Helios has been redesigned and it noticeably curves at the end – similar to wingtips on planes. This slight lip reduces air turbulence and creates a precise flow of air towards the hair.

The ghd Helios performs exceptionally well, scoring top marks on speed, power and strand-smoothing results. While other hair dryers (read our Dyson Airwrap review, for example) now come with added frills and features—the Helios doesn’t. It’s simplistic design and clever technology delivers on results without feeling too techie. That said because the nozzle is longer and thinner than on the GHD Air the shaft length is ever-so-slightly too long for our arms. This is a minor complaint. Plus, because less heat is needed to dry the hair, it is possible to place the dryer closer to your scalp so it’s less of an issue than it may first seem. It’s worth noting though. Particularly if you have long hair, your arms will start to ache.Developed by ghd's leading engineers, physicists and styling professionals, the ghd helios™ delivers salon-smooth results and 30% more shine*. Featuring bespoke Aeroprecis™ technology, combining internal aerodynamics and a contoured nozzle to concentrate the powerful airflow, this professional ghd hair dryer delivers precise styling control. The longer-life, brushless DC motor creates a powerful airflow of 120kmph, while the unique acoustic technology system ensures low sound levels whilst styling. In just one minute and six seconds, our hair went from wet out of the shower to dry. This is a minute faster than the Supersonic, which itself is a minute faster than the competition. It was slightly slower at drying our hair after a swim – 1 minute and 50 seconds. By comparison, the GHD Air took a little under four minutes for the latter. What’s more, despite this test only rough drying our hair, we didn’t feel the need to use straighteners to complete the look and smooth flyaways. A rarity.

It’s a testament to the GHD Air’s quality that eight years on it’s still considered one of the best hair dryers around. The sacrifice you make for the GHD Helios speed is in volume and bounce. Something that not a single dryer has been able to match when compared to the Revlon. Designed by ghd's leading engineers, physicists and styling professionals, the ghd helios™ provides a salon-worthy blow dry with 30% more shine* and 3x more hair alignment*. Unique Aeroprecis™ technology combines four advanced internal aerodynamic elements to deliver a precise and ultra-powerful 120kmh airflow. The highly concentrated airflow is channelled through a precision contoured nozzle to work in combination with ionic technology, to reduce frizz and flyaways. Having owned, and used, a GHD Air for at least five years we can categorically say that the GHD Helios is noticeably lighter from the first use. You can instantly tell it’s quieter, too, and its extra power becomes immediately clear as soon as you start using itIt’s up there as one of our favourites – but GHD’s rivals have been hot on its heels in recent years. Just as cheaper rivals were starting to catch up on, and overtake, the power and performance of the original Air hair dryer, GHD has come out swinging with the Helios. A dryer that surpassed most of our, already high, expectations and one that we’ve found ourselves gravitating towards over every other hair dryer in our collection. Until the release of the GHD Helios, our go-to dryer was the Dyson Supersonic. This is now in second place.