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Finding a decently priced hair dryer that is still capable of reducing frizz, styling your tresses how you like them and doing it all in record time can often feel impossible, especially when you consider just how many different types of hair dryer are out there.
We’ve reviewed dozens at the Daily Mail. Covering everything from the premium Dyson Supersonic R and Dyson travel hair dryer to the more budget-friendly Shark SpeedStyle.
Cloud Nine’s Airshot comes in even cheaper still at £159 (£99 on offer).
It’s hassle-free and simple to use but still produces a glossy, frizz-free finish without spending Dyson prices.
Like many hairdryers, it promises to give your hair a smooth look without causing damage. The Airshot also claims to ‘protect’ your hair and reduce flyaways with its impressive technology – but does it live up to these claims or is it all just marketing speak?
Read on to see the Daily Mail’s verdict on the Cloud Nine Airshot hair dryer.
Cloud Nine’s Airshot is available in three different colours, pictured is the black model, and includes two attachments
The Airshot
Product Specs
- Weight880 g
- Number of functionsThree heat settings plus a cool shot button
- Number of attachmentsTwo
Our Verdict
The Cloud Nine Airshot effectively dries hair with little fuss and its simplistic design makes the process quick and easy.
It is suitable for a range of hair types, including my very long, thick mane, and comes with two precise drying attachments – one 6mm and the other 7.5mm.
With anti-static technology, the hair dryer helped to give my hair a sleek finish with few pesky flyaways – something that cheaper models aren’t always able to fix.
Currently reduced from £159 to £99, you can bag yourself a good-quality hair dryer that looks and performs great for under £100.
With anti-static technology, the hair dryer produces a sleek finish with few pesky flyaways that cheaper options might not be able to fix
How we test
When testing beauty products like hair dryers, we try them out thoroughly and use them exactly how we would when styling our hair on a typical day.
In the case of the Cloud Nine Airshot, I washed my hair like I usually would, brushed it out and chose which attachment would be best to tackle my hair. I went for the larger of the two – the 7.5mm precise drying attachment – as I have very long and thick hair.
While I was using the hair dryer, I made sure to look out for a variety of different factors.These include the drying speed, power, post-drying frizz, how the dryer felt in my hand and ease of use.
I also researched other products on the market, including big names like Shark and Dyson, to see how it would compare across price, attachments and the technology.
Read more about how we test beauty products.
In the case of the Cloud Nine Airshot, I washed my hair like I usually would, brushed it out and chose which attachment would be best to tackle my hair
Cloud Nine Airshot Hair Dryer review
First impressions
Packaged neatly inside a large black box, the Airshot definitely felt more expensive than it is. It was laid out nicely with the two simple attachments packaged next to the dryer.
I did find myself wondering how the anti-static technology would work with only the two attachments, but I was soon to be shown exactly what this hairdryer can do.
Design and settings
Cloud Nine’s Airshot has three heat settings – low, medium and high. Nothing fancy, but it allows you to gently dry your hair while causing minimal damage.
Available in gold, black and starlight grey, the hair dryer looks modern and I quite liked the feel of the sleek and curvy design.
It came with 6mm and 7.5mm precise drying attachments that easily clip on and off the end of the hair dryer.
I have used both Dyson and Shark hair dryers in the past and in comparison, the Airshot feels much bulkier and heavier in my hand, which could be an issue if you’re spending a long time drying your hair.
Overall, I would say the Airshot has a similar feel to a standard budget hairdryer but with a much nicer design and enhanced technology to get your hair looking super sleek.
Hair drying speed and power
I have very long and thick hair that flows down past my shoulders, it’s often a nightmare to dry properly and I was sceptical how the Airshot would handle it.
Having previously reviewed the Shark’s SpeedStyle Pro 3-in-1, I was blown away by the various attachments and how well they dried my hair.
When I saw the Airshot only came with two, I initially wasn’t convinced it would do the job.
I needn’t have worried though, I used the 7.5mm attachment that is supposed to be better suited for styling naturally straight hair and was surprised to find it was more than able to dry my hair in good time with a sleek and shiny finish.
The attachment helped to direct the airflow nicely and I felt like I had a good level of control over the drying and direction.
I found the 360 degree swivel cord flexible and it meant the lengthy cord didn’t tangle – an annoying issue I’ve experienced with other dryers before.
After a drying process of around 10 to 15 minutes, I found my hair felt soft, smooth and maintained a sleek finish for a couple of days afterwards
The anti-static technology definitely minimised the amount of frizz I usually get when drying my hair
Smoothness and damage
After a drying process of around 10 to 15 minutes, I found my hair felt soft, smooth and maintained a sleek finish for a couple of days afterwards.
The cool shot button was particularly useful – it releases a burst of cool air whilst drying to help manage the temperature and reduce heat damage
The anti-static technology definitely minimised the amount of frizz I usually get when drying my hair too, which I was really impressed with. Cloud Nine’s site explains how it is ‘engineered to reduce negatively charged particles in each strand’.
The dryer also has a ‘mineral-infused heating element’, which helps towards reducing frizz too.
Ease of use
Given the Airshot only has two attachments and minimal settings compared to the likes of Dyson and Shark, both of which offer a range of styling options, I found it very easy to use. I was quick to get to grips with what exactly it could do and the attachments felt very intentional and useful.
Value for money
Compared to regular high street dryers, Cloud Nine’s Airshot might be more expensive, but it does have additional technology that sets it apart.
It isn’t quite the same level as a Dyson or Shark, but this is reflected in its price.
Dyson’s Supersonic Nural hair dryer – Straight+Wavy has several different attachments and costs £399.99 full price. It really depends what you’re looking for and your budget.
The Airshot
I have used both Dyson and Shark hair dryers, and in comparison, the Airshot feels much bulkier and heavier in my hand, which could be an issue if you’re spending a long time drying your hair
How does it compare to similar products
BaByliss offers the Air Power Pro, which is around the same price range as the Airshot at £150.
It comes with similar attachments to Cloud Nine’s, as well as anti-frizz technology and has plenty of reviews raving about how lightweight it feels and its powerful airflow.
If you’re looking for an upgraded Cloud Nine hair dryer that’s suitable for a range of hair types, the Cloud Nine Airshot Pro, priced at £299, might be the one for you.
Travel writer Erin Waks tested out the Airshot Pro shared her verdict: ‘Having curly hair, finding a hairdryer that works for me has always been a struggle. Enter the Cloud Nine Airshot Pro.
‘The first benefit to this tool is how frizz-free it made my hair, which is always the number one thing I look out for. Secondly, it has lots of different attachments – my favourite being the diffuser, which is ideal for anyone with curls. Definitely one of the best tools of this kind on the market.
‘I’ll admit, for me it worked even better than the viral Dyson…’
How does it rate online
Rated an impressive 4.6 out of five on Cloud Nine’s website, the Airshot has hundreds of reviews praising its performance.
Customers often rave over how gentle it is on their hair, as well as the glossy finish it produces.
‘Love this hairdryer! Dries my hair impeccably, quickly and protects – leaving a smooth finish,’ one pens.
Another says, ‘Super fast hairdryer, choice of heat and speed settings, slightly smaller than my previous GHD dryer, but for me I prefer my Cloud Nine. Value for money, you get what you pay for in my opinion.’
But it isn’t perfect, one reviewer mentions, ‘Heavy hairdryer but does the job!’
Rated an impressive 4.6 out of five on Cloud Nine’s website, the Airshot has hundreds of reviews raving about its performance
Why trust us
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for years.
Alesia has been reviewing and writing about a range of products from travel to beauty for over two years. All of her reviews are honest, impartial and give a full rounded opinion of the products she tests.
What’s the difference between the Cloud Nine Airshot and Airshot Pro hair dryers?
The Airshot is Cloud Nine’s original hair dryer and includes two attachments as well as anti-static technology and a Sericite-infused heating element.
Whereas, the Airshot Pro has additional technology such as a self-cleaning mode and three magnetic attachments and other features.
How should I store my Cloud Nine Airshot?
Cloud Nine’s recommends users don’t wrap the cord around the hair dryer to avoid damage and to only put away when cool.
