Panasonic 1200W Hair Dryer - EHND21P

The Panasonic EH-ND21P is a compact 1200 W dryer, and its one real idea is the quick-dry nozzle.

Instead of pushing a single even stream of hot air, the nozzle alternates strong and soft airflow. That difference in pressure separates the strands as you work, and separated hair dries from the root outwards rather than from the surface in. It is a better approach than simply applying more heat, because the part of your hair that takes longest to dry is the part nearest the scalp — and heat that never reaches it is heat spent on nothing.

Three speed selections cover the job: two hot settings for drying and styling, and one cold for finishing. Ending a section on cold helps the shape you have brushed in hold as the hair cools, which is the difference between a style that lasts the evening and one that drops.

The handle folds flat against the body, which is what makes this a genuine travel dryer rather than a full-size one you have to find room for. At 1200 W it is honestly specified: not the fastest dryer in the range, but enough for most hair, in a body that packs into hand luggage.

If you want something simple, small and well thought out rather than a long feature list, this is the sensible end of the Panasonic range.