Are you in the market for a new hairdryer but don't have hundreds to spend? Then I have some good news for you, this is the article you've been looking for!
Currently trending on Amazon, with over 400 bought in the UK in the past month is the Jooayou Professional Hair Dryer - and you can snap it up in the online retail giant's Black Friday sale with a 22% discount applied.
It has just short of 4,300 positive reviews from verified shoppers, and - this was the big USP - there are countless comments comparing it to the £329.99 Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer - with several shoppers saying it’s just as good, if not better.
But does it live up to the hype? I took a deep dive into the reviews and investigated further - including getting a hair expert to weigh in - to see if it’s worth buying if you don’t want to shell out for the more expensive Dyson model.
I am personally invested in this dilemma. True story - I’ve recently returned from a week in New York, staying in the Thompson Central Park Hotel - where the bathrooms are furnished with the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer. “Wow, we should get one of these,” my other half told me after using it for the first time… and not to be sexist but when a man gets excited about a hairdryer, you know it’s got to be good!
The Dyson truly is amazing. It dried my hair in record time and left it feeling softer than usual and looking shiny. Says my other half: “The air it blows, I can’t explain, but it feels better, somehow?” That will be the Ion technology - the science bit is that they emit negative ions which neutralise positive ions present in wet hair resulting in quicker drying, less frizz and smoother shinier hair.
But the price… £329.99 is a lot - especially when you’re broke after a week in New York. Can the Jooayou dryer really do the same but for basically a tenth of the price?
What’s so good about the Jooayou Professional Hair Dryer?
Lightweight and easy to use (one shopper says her seven-year-old can use it by herself), the Jooayou Professional Hair Dryer has a speed control knob and three heat settings for complete drying and styling flexibility.
You don’t need to worry about heat damage - it automatically shuts off when the temperature rises too high.
It also comes with three replacement nozzles, meaning you'll be able to choose between the smooth nozzles, brush nozzles and diffuser nozzles, depending on which kind of style you want to create. The first two are ideal for precision styling on straight hair, while the diffuser uses concentrated airflow to help define natural curls and waves.
And thanks to the Ion technology you can expect to dry your hair in a matter of minutes, with long-term use promoting softer, shinier hair.
What are Amazon shoppers saying about it?
There are several reviews saying that this is the “best hairdryer I have ever used,” which is high praise indeed. Says one shopper: "I cannot say enough how much I love this hairdryer! I have always wanted the Dyson hairdryer but as a stay-at-home mum of three it's just not in the budget to spend hundreds on a hair dryer. I came across this dryer late one night while Amazon shopping and I'm so glad I did.
“My hair is so shiny and soft, it's also helped with my fly-away hairs. It has a long power cord and the back pops right off for cleaning. I definitely recommend this hairdryer to everyone!"
Meanwhile, another penned: "My new favourite hairdryer. Super lightweight and easy to use. It's also a smaller design so it's super easy to pack for an airplane - doesn't take up much space."
There were a limited number of reviews saying the dryer had broken after six months, though it was replaced with no problem by the manufacturer. On the other hand, this review said: “After more than a year of regular use, it still functions as if it were brand new, with no signs of wear or decreased performance.”
What do the experts say?
Award-winning hairdresser and founder of Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing Robyn Wood gave us her verdict:
"The Dyson hairdryer is definitely an investment piece - the price tag is a lot higher in comparison to others on the market so sourcing an alternative is always a good option for those who wouldn't want to commit! The Amazon Jooayou Professional Hair Dryer does really pack a punch with an impressive amount of reviews!
Looking at some of its capabilities, the dryer actually has a higher wattage than the Dyson hairdryer, meaning it's got more power behind it so it can dry hair quicker! It also comes with 3 attachments which offers great options for the user, meeting the needs of most people buying the dryer.
Both claim to keep the shine in your hair and create less damage to the hair which is always a bonus but I would always recommend still utilising heat-protective products in addition! To avoid the product getting too hot, the Jooayou also has a built-in design that shuts off if the dryer gets too hot. In terms of using the product, it definitely has some perks as it is quieter than your average dryer and is smaller and lightweight making it great for traveling and storage.
To get a super smooth blow dry, dry the hair 80% then attach the nozzle. In sections, put a brush underneath the hair and follow down the hair with the dryer on top. Ensure the nozzle is pointing down the hair shaft which will smooth the cuticles and give you a great shine."
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Price: The Jooayou is literally a tenth of the price of the Dyson, which is a big difference, however you look at it.
- Power: Shoppers say it has a high potency and can dry hair in minutes
- Attachments: Shoppers say the three attachments more than met their styling needs
- Design: The hairdryer has the same sleek design as the Dyson, with several shoppers saying they couldn’t tell it apart.
- Noise: Overall the dryer wins praise for being relatively quiet.
- Cool shot feature: Sets your style for the day
Cons
- Weight: Although many shoppers praise it as being lightweight, at just over 1kg it’s nearly double the weight of the Dyson hairdryer, which is 0.65kg
- Lifespan: There were a limited number of reviews saying the dryer broke after six months of use (although it was replaced by the manufacturer)
- Stand: Unlike the Dyson, the Jooayou does not come with a stand
- Attachments: The Jooayou’s attachments work well but they are not magnetic like the Dyson’s
