GHD Air vs. GHD Helios – The hairdryers anyone would want to own

How many times has it happened to you to leave the hairdresser’s with perfect hair and think why can’t you leave it like that at home? To us, many; in fact, every time we go. Ok, there is an important part of experience and technique that hairdressers have that we do not have, but the quality of the tools and devices that you use also has a great influence. One of the leading brands in this sector is GHD, whose devices help a lot to obtain results that are very similar to those of professionals. And, to demonstrate it, we are going to compare two of their most demanded dryers: GHD Air vs GHD Helios.

In the case of two GHDs, we can assure you that the quality is good in both cases. What’s more, if you start comparing, it’s easy to see that there are many cheaper dryers, but few that match their performance. Roughly speaking, we will tell you that the GHD Air stands out for its value for money, while the GHD Helios stands out for its drying technology. The engine evolves from the Air model to the Helios, and this is something that is noticeable not only in the power, but also in the air flow and drying time.

Of course, there are not only differences between these two dryers; we also found several similarities. For example, they both have ionic technology (as do many of the dryers being designed today). And, also, they have the same power and temperature levels, in addition to the possibility of emitting cold air.

Therefore, it is important to go into detail to assess all the differences and similarities well, and to be able to decide which of the two GHD dryers best suits what you are looking for. We have our favourite, and we are going to tell you why.

GHD Air vs GHD Helios – Comparison Table

In this table, we look at the most important features of the two GHD dryers. Thus, it will be easier for you to check what the main differences are, although we will explain them later.

A more elegant and varied design

The truth is that GHD designers tend to show off a lot, because they tend to market products of great elegance. The GHD Air is a very sophisticated dryer that can be bought in black, but the GHD Helios is even more elegant. The back has a larger metallic area, which gives it much more shine than in the case of the GHD Air.

In addition, the body of the hairdryer combines a matt surface with a fine glossy line, thus increasing the feeling of luxury. Likewise, the GHD Helios can be purchased in black, white, burgundy and blue. And, when we picked it up, we were also surprised, because it is a lighter dryer than the Air.

The engine is different

A fundamental part of a dryer is the motor it has, since important aspects such as the speed flow at which the air comes out, the power it reaches and the time it takes to dry the hair depend on it. Well, let us tell you that the engine of the GHD Air is not the same as that of the Helios. The first one has an AC motor, alternating current, with which it achieves a maximum power of 2100 watts. For its part, the GHD Helios evolves into a brushless DC motor, which allows it to increase power to 2200 watts. 

Another difference related to the motor change is the time each dryer takes to dehumidify the hair. This also depends on the type of hair that each person has, so we are going to tell you about our experience. With the GHD Air it takes us approximately 2 and a half minutes to dry all the hair. Instead, that time is reduced to less than 2 minutes with the GHD Helios. And, in case you’re worried, it doesn’t make it more frizzy.

Power and temperature regulation

Surely you are wondering if you can adjust the power and speed on these dryers, and the answer is yes. Both in the GHD Air and in the GHD Helios, it is possible to regulate both parameters in 3 levels, so that you can adjust it as you see fit. This is especially important when you want to do a more elaborate hairstyle, because there are times when you don’t need to dry your hair completely, but just remove some moisture. Likewise, the two GHD dryers have a cold air button that, occasionally, emits air at a lower temperature.

What drying technology do you use?

In addition to their own difference due to the change of motor, GHD dryers work with different technologies. More than different, they are not equally complete, and you will understand why. Both the Air and the Helios have ionic technology, something very common in most current dryers.

However , the GHD Helios combines it with Aeroprecis technology, with which it increases the power of the air flow and reduces the drying time, as we have told you before. The interior of the dryer is more aerodynamic, and this allows it to concentrate the air much more and, consequently, improve the result.

In fact, the GHD Helios has an airflow of 120 km/h and, although we don’t know exactly what the flow of the GHD Air is, we can assure you that the Helios’s is higher. Also, although we can’t prove it theoretically because we don’t have the data, it gives us the feeling that the GHD Helios is quieter than the Air, despite its higher power.

No accessories included

Both of GHD’s blow dryers are sold equipped with a precision nozzle, which is basically your typical blow dryer nozzle. Other different accessories can be used in any of them , but you will have to buy them separately. Including the diffuser, which is the most commonly used accessory.

Small difference in cable length

Finally, we tell you that there is a difference of 30 centimeters in terms of the length of the cable that each dryer has. The GHD Air has a 2.7 meter cable, while the GHD Helios reaches 3 meters. Actually, we don’t think this variation is relevant, but if the socket is located further from the mirror, it can help you decide.

Which GHD hairdryer is more worth it?

Now that we have verified what are the most outstanding differences and similarities between the GHD dryers, it is time to choose which one we would stay with. From our point of view, the performance of the GHD Helios far exceeds that of the GHD Air. Be careful, with this it seems that we are distorting the GHD Air, and nothing is further from reality. In fact, it’s still one of the best hair dryers out there, it’s just that the Helios beats it in pretty much every aspect we usually look at.

As little as the difference, the GHD Helios has more power, because its engine is more advanced. This makes the air flow come out faster and, therefore, the hair dries faster. Also, despite being more powerful, it makes less noise, something that we really appreciate when we get ready first thing in the morning.

However, the price of the GHD Helios is higher, as is logical to think. This may be the reason that leads some people to opt for the GHD Air, whose value for money is more interesting. But, if it’s not a problem for you, the GHD Helios is the clear winner of this comparison.