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A loud hair dryer is more than an annoyance. If you blow-dry early in the morning, live in a small apartment, have a sleeping baby, share a bathroom or are simply sensitive to noise, a quieter dryer makes your routine far more pleasant. Quiet hair dryers do exist, including at reasonable prices, but “silent” on a box does not always mean much.
This guide covers two of the most popular quiet hair dryers, how to judge noise levels before you buy and tips to make any dryer quieter. Product details are based on manufacturer specifications and customer reviews; we have not measured decibel levels ourselves.
Best Quiet Hair Dryers at a Glance
| Hair Dryer | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Valera Swiss Silent Jet Light 7500 | Overall quiet pick, all hair types | Amazon US / Amazon DE |
| Remington Light & Quiet (Shine Therapy) | Budget-friendly quiet dryer | Amazon |
Best Quiet Hair Dryers Reviewed
Valera Swiss Silent Jet Light 7500
Best for: anyone who wants a noticeably quieter, lightweight professional-style dryer.
Valera is a Swiss hair-appliance brand, and the Silent Jet line is designed specifically to reduce noise. According to the brand listing, the Silent Jet Light 7500 has a 2000-watt motor, ionic technology for smoothness and frizz control, six heat and airflow combinations, a cool-shot button, two slim concentrator nozzles, a diffuser for curls, a removable filter and a long rotating cord. It is also known for being light in the hand, which makes a difference with long or thick hair.
In customer reviews, the most common praise is for the lower-pitched, less piercing sound and the comfortable grip. The main drawback is the price, which is higher than mainstream drugstore dryers.
Pros
- Designed for reduced noise
- Lightweight with an ergonomic handle
- Diffuser and two nozzles included
- Ionic technology helps reduce frizz
Cons
- More expensive than budget dryers
- Availability varies by country
Shopping in Europe? See the Valera Silent Jet on Amazon Germany.
Remington Light & Quiet Hair Dryer (Shine Therapy)
Best for: a budget-friendly dryer that is quieter than many basic models.
Remington markets this dryer with ceramic and tourmaline technology for protection against heat damage and frizz. It is a practical choice if you want a quieter dryer without paying salon-brand prices. Expect a lighter-duty motor than professional models, so very thick hair may take longer to dry.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ceramic and tourmaline for smoother results
- Widely available
Cons
- Not as powerful as pro dryers
- Fewer attachments
How Loud Is a Hair Dryer
Noise is measured in decibels (dB), and the scale is logarithmic: an increase of about 10 dB is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Many standard hair dryers are loud enough that you have to raise your voice to talk over them. Quieter models aim to cut both the overall volume and the high-pitched whine that makes dryers so irritating.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can harm hearing over time. The CDC’s guidance on noise-induced hearing loss explains which levels are risky. A few minutes of blow-drying a day is low risk for most people, but quieter dryers are kinder to your ears and everyone around you.
How to Recognise a Quiet Hair Dryer
- Published dB rating: brands that design for low noise usually state a figure. If none is given, assume it is not a selling point.
- Motor type: AC and brushless digital motors are often smoother and quieter than cheap DC motors, though this is not universal.
- Pitch: a lower, deeper sound feels quieter than a high whine at the same volume. Reviews often describe this.
- Airflow design and filters: clean, well-designed air intakes reduce turbulence noise.
- Build quality: rattling housings and loose filters add noise.
Tips to Make Any Hair Dryer Quieter
- Clean the filter regularly. A clogged intake makes the motor work harder and louder.
- Use a lower speed setting for most of the drying, finishing on high if needed.
- Towel-dry or use a microfibre wrap first to reduce drying time.
- Dry in a room with soft furnishings rather than a tiled bathroom that echoes.
- Replace an old dryer that has started rattling or overheating.
Always protect hair from heat. See our heat protectant picks. If you need a dryer for a specific hair type, compare our guides to the best blow dryers for natural hair and the best hair dryers for short hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the quietest hair dryer?
The Valera Swiss Silent Jet range is designed specifically for low noise and is one of the most popular quiet options. Always check the manufacturer’s published dB figure when comparing models.
Is the Dyson hair dryer quiet?
Dyson says it acoustically tuned the Supersonic’s motor to reduce audible noise, and many users find its sound less piercing than traditional dryers. It is much more expensive than most quiet dryers.
Do quiet hair dryers dry hair more slowly?
Not necessarily. Good quiet dryers balance motor design and airflow. Very cheap ‘quiet’ dryers may simply be lower powered, which can mean longer drying times.
What makes a hair dryer loud?
Motor design, fan speed, airflow turbulence, clogged filters and loose parts all add noise. High-pitched motors feel louder than deep-sounding ones.
Are ionic hair dryers quieter?
Ionic technology affects frizz and shine, not noise. A dryer can be ionic and loud or ionic and quiet.
Final Thoughts
If noise matters to you, the Valera Swiss Silent Jet Light 7500 is a dedicated quiet dryer with professional features, while the Remington Light & Quiet is a sensible budget alternative. Whichever you choose, keep the filter clean, use lower speeds when possible and protect your hair from heat.
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