ergonomics
The Helios adopts the traditional angled silhouette of hairdryers, while many high-end devices today are trying out more innovative formats. In its defense, this GHD model remains well balanced and handling is comfortable, although it feels compromised given its 755.2g weight. This hairdryer is actually one of the heaviest in our comparison.
Its format is also not the most convenient for travel. The Helios measures 28 cm at its widest point and, unlike the Shark FlexStyle, seems reluctant to fit into a suitcase, let alone a travel bag.
You can hang the GHD Helios in the bathroom with a hand strap.
This hairdryer fits comfortably in the bathroom and easily finds its place. Its 2.85 m long power cable offers the user complete freedom. The location of the controls is not conventional. While the Babyliss Smooth Pro 2100 opts for buttons inside the handle, the Dyson Supersonic places its buttons on the headband and the GHD opts for placement outside the handle. With this choice, the British manufacturer underlines its desire to offer professional devices. In fact, this configuration makes it easier to handle when drying by a third person.
The controls are located on the back of the hairdryer.
Without the latter, however, the Helios forces the user to turn the device towards them in order to easily access the controls. The advantage is that they are simple and high quality selectors that are easy to understand. There are two temperatures and two outputs available and a “cold” button allows you to quickly generate a cool airflow.
Although the GHD appears to be well made, fingerprints can quickly be seen on the hairdryer. The tip attachment system also needs to be improved. We could use the singular in this context since the concentrator is the only accessory that comes with the Helios. Additional attachments, such as the diffuser, can be purchased on the manufacturer's website.
The tips are fixed by force.
Drying efficiency
We evaluate the temperature and power of the airflow of the hairdryer which is then equipped with the concentrator.
Without an attachment, the GHD Helios is currently the least powerful hair dryer in our comparison. At maximum power, the device produces a flow of only 12.1 m/s, compared to 15.3 m/s for the Remington Ionic Dry 2200. Its controlled temperature reaches 68.1 °C when our probe is installed at 20 cm.
The Helios' breath is rather reserved compared to other competitors.
This image turns black as soon as the concentrator is connected to the hair dryer. This time our probe slides at the outlet of the airflow, with the concentrator often deployed just a few centimeters from the wicks. The results are then undeniable: the temperature rises to 179.9 ° C, far exceeding the limit of 150 ° C, above which the hair is likely to suffer thermal damage. The flow performance also increases to 19.6 m/s, compared to 21.6 m/s for the Dyson Supersonic.
We're disappointed with the performance of this GHD model, which claims to dry hair faster, which is certainly due to blow-drying it way too hot.
Airflow temperature of different hair dryers, with and without concentrator.
Strong points
Pleasant handling (balanced device).
Intuitive controls.
Level and type of sound tolerable.
Weak points
Maximum temperature much too high (180°C at the air outlet).
Only a tip was given.
Relatively weak blowing performance.
Clumsy.