Finding a reasonably priced hair dryer that effectively reduces frizz, styles hair as desired, and dries quickly can often seem impossible, especially given the vast array of options on the market. The Daily Mail has reviewed dozens of hair dryers, ranging from the premium Dyson Supersonic R and Dyson travel hair dryer to the more budget-friendly Shark SpeedStyle. The Cloud Nine Airshot, priced at £159 (currently on offer at £99), offers a hassle-free, simple-to-use alternative that delivers a glossy, frizz-free finish without the Dyson price tag.
Like many hair dryers, it promises a smooth look without causing damage. The Airshot also claims to 'protect' hair and reduce flyaways with its advanced technology—but does it live up to these claims, or is it just marketing speak? Read on for the Daily Mail's verdict on the Cloud Nine Airshot hair dryer.
Cloud Nine Airshot Hair Dryer: At a Glance
The Airshot is available in three colours, including the black model pictured, and comes with two attachments. Rated five stars, it is priced at £159 from Boots or £99 from Amazon.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 880 g
- Functions: Three heat settings plus a cool shot button
- Attachments: Two
What We Love
- Ease of use: Produces a great finish with minimal fuss
- Value for money: More affordable than Dyson or Shark
What Could Be Better
- Weight: Does feel quite heavy
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 very long, thick hair, and comes with two precise drying attachments—one 6mm and the other 7.5mm. With anti-static technology, the hair dryer helps achieve a sleek finish with few pesky flyaways, something cheaper models often cannot fix. Currently reduced from £159 to £99, you can get a good-quality hair dryer that looks and performs great for under £100.
How We Test
When testing beauty products like hair dryers, we try them out thoroughly, using them exactly as we would when styling hair on a typical day. For the Cloud Nine Airshot, I washed my hair as usual, brushed it out, and chose the larger 7.5mm attachment for my very long, thick hair. While using the dryer, I evaluated drying speed, power, post-drying frizz, how it felt in my hand, and ease of use. I also researched other products, including Shark and Dyson, to compare price, attachments, and technology.
Cloud Nine Airshot Hair Dryer Review
First Impressions
Packaged neatly inside a large black box, the Airshot felt more expensive than its price. It was laid out nicely with the two simple attachments next to the dryer. I wondered how the anti-static technology would work with only two attachments, but I was soon shown exactly what this hair dryer can do.
Design and Settings
The Airshot has three heat settings—low, medium, and high—allowing gentle drying with minimal damage. Available in gold, black, and starlight grey, the dryer looks modern with a sleek, curvy design. It comes with 6mm and 7.5mm precise drying attachments that clip on and off easily. Compared to Dyson and Shark dryers I have used, the Airshot feels bulkier and heavier, which could be an issue for longer drying sessions. Overall, it has a similar feel to a standard budget hair dryer but with a nicer design and enhanced technology for sleek results.
Hair Drying Speed and Power
I have very long, thick hair that is often a nightmare to dry, and I was sceptical about how the Airshot would handle it. Having previously reviewed the Shark SpeedStyle Pro 3-in-1, I was impressed by its attachments. Initially, I was not convinced the Airshot's two attachments would suffice, but using the 7.5mm attachment—suited for naturally straight hair—I was surprised to find it dried my hair quickly with a sleek, shiny finish. The attachment directed airflow nicely, offering good control. The 360-degree swivel cord was flexible and did not tangle, an annoying issue with other dryers.
Smoothness and Damage
After 10 to 15 minutes of drying, my hair felt soft, smooth, and maintained a sleek finish for a couple of days. The cool shot button releases a burst of cool air to manage temperature and reduce heat damage. The anti-static technology minimised frizz, and Cloud Nine's website explains it is 'engineered to reduce negatively charged particles in each strand'. The dryer also has a 'mineral-infused heating element' to reduce frizz.
Ease of Use
With only two attachments and minimal settings compared to Dyson or Shark, the Airshot is very easy to use. I quickly got to grips with its capabilities, and the attachments felt intentional and useful.
Value for Money
Compared to regular high street dryers, the Airshot is more expensive but offers additional technology. It is not on the same level as Dyson or Shark, but this is reflected in its price. Dyson's Supersonic Nural Straight+Wavy costs £399.99 with several attachments. The Airshot is currently £99, offering good value.
How Does It Compare to Similar Products?
The BaByliss Air Power Pro is around the same price (£150) and comes with similar attachments and anti-frizz technology, with reviews praising its lightweight feel and powerful airflow. For an upgraded version, the Cloud Nine Airshot Pro, priced at £299, is suitable for a range of hair types. Travel writer Erin Waks tested the Airshot Pro and shared: 'Having curly hair, finding a hairdryer that works for me has always been a struggle. The first benefit is how frizz-free it made my hair. Secondly, it has lots of attachments, my favourite being the diffuser. Definitely one of the best tools on the market.'
How Does It Rate Online?
Rated 4.6 out of five on Cloud Nine's website, the Airshot has hundreds of reviews praising its performance. Customers rave about how gentle it is on hair and the glossy finish. One reviewer says: 'Love this hairdryer! Dries my hair impeccably, quickly and protects—leaving a smooth finish.' Another adds: 'Super fast hairdryer, choice of heat and speed settings, slightly smaller than my previous GHD dryer, but I prefer my Cloud Nine. Value for money.' However, one reviewer notes: 'Heavy hairdryer but does the job!'
Why Trust Us
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing, and writing about their specialisms for years. Alesia has been reviewing products from travel to beauty for over two years, providing honest, impartial opinions.
What's the Difference Between Cloud Nine Airshot and Airshot Pro?
The Airshot is the original model with two attachments, anti-static technology, and a Sericite-infused heating element. The Airshot Pro has additional features like a self-cleaning mode and three magnetic attachments.
How Should I Store My Cloud Nine Airshot?
Cloud Nine recommends not wrapping the cord around the hair dryer to avoid damage and only storing it when cool.
