Introduction
High speed hair dryers have transformed the way many of us dry our hair. Since Dyson launched the Supersonic, compact brushless motor dryers have promised faster drying, less heat damage and smoother results. The catch has always been the price. Laifen has built its reputation by offering much of that technology for a fraction of the cost, and the Neo is one of its most accessible models.
The Laifen Neo uses a brushless motor spinning at 110,000rpm to deliver fast airflow, weighs just 367g and releases 200 million negative ions to help reduce frizz and static. It has two speed settings and three heat settings, including a gentler low heat mode, and comes with a magnetic diffuser and concentrator nozzle.
What makes it stand out is the balance of performance, weight and price. It is lighter than many traditional dryers, dries hair quickly and costs considerably less than premium high speed rivals.
We used the Laifen Neo for two weeks with two testers with different hair types to see whether it lives up to its reputation.
Quick Verdict
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best for: Anyone who wants fast, smooth drying from a lightweight dryer without paying Dyson prices
Short summary: The Laifen Neo is a fast, lightweight and great value high speed hair dryer. It dries hair quickly, leaves it smoother and less frizzy than a traditional dryer, and is comfortable to hold. The limited settings and lack of a separate cool shot button are minor drawbacks, but for most people, it is an excellent buy.
Main pros
- Fast drying from a 110,000rpm brushless motor
- Very lightweight at 367g
- Negative ions help reduce frizz
- Magnetic diffuser and concentrator
- Clear LED indicator ring
- Excellent value compared with premium rivals
Main cons
- Only two speeds and three heat settings
- No separate cool shot button
- Cable could be longer for some users
Quick buying recommendation: If you want a high speed dryer without spending premium prices, the Laifen Neo is a superb choice.
Where to buy: Buy direct from Laifen | Check the latest price on Amazon
Product Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Laifen Neo High-Speed Hair Dryer |
| Brand | Laifen |
| Product Type | High speed brushless hair dryer |
| Key Features | 110,000rpm motor, 200M negative ions, 2 speeds, 3 heat settings, magnetic attachments |
| Main Purpose | Fast, smooth hair drying |
| Price Range | Around £100 to £140 depending on retailer |
| Materials | See Laifen for full specification |
| Best For | Everyday drying for most hair types |
| Available Colours | Several colourways depending on retailer |
Design & Build Quality
First impressions
The Laifen Neo looks sleek and minimal, with a slim handle and a compact head. It feels premium and well made in the hand.
Weight
At just 367g, it is noticeably lighter than many traditional dryers. Arms tire less during longer drying sessions.
Controls
Speed is controlled with the power switch, and heat with a button on the handle. An LED ring lights up in different colours to show the selected setting.
Attachments
The diffuser and concentrator attach magnetically, making them quick to swap.
Features & Performance
Drying speed
The 110,000rpm brushless motor delivers strong airflow. Our testers found drying times noticeably quicker than with their old dryers.
Frizz control
Negative ions help reduce static and frizz, leaving hair smoother and shinier.
Heat settings
Three heat settings include cool, high and a gentler low mode, which is useful for fine or fragile hair and for children.
Attachments
The concentrator helped with smooth blow outs, while the diffuser was useful for curly and wavy hair.
Noise
It is not silent, but the sound is a higher pitched hum rather than a loud roar.
Real-World Experience
Our testers were a woman with thick, shoulder length hair and a man with short hair.
The thick haired tester was impressed. Drying time dropped significantly, and her hair felt smoother and less frizzy.
The short haired tester appreciated how light and quick it was, drying his hair in a couple of minutes.
The magnetic attachments were easy to use, and the LED ring made it clear which setting was selected.
Frustrations included the lack of a separate cool shot button. Our thick haired tester also wanted more speed and heat options for fine tuning.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast drying | Limited settings |
| Lightweight at 367g | No separate cool shot button |
| Reduces frizz | Cable length may feel short |
| Magnetic attachments | Not the fastest airflow available |
| Clear LED indicator | Higher pitched sound |
| Great value | Fewer attachments than premium rivals |
Who Should Buy This?
The Laifen Neo is ideal for anyone wanting fast, smooth drying without spending premium prices. It suits most hair types and is especially good for those who find heavy dryers tiring.
It may be less suited to professionals who need lots of settings or a longer cable.
As a gift, it is a brilliant choice for beauty lovers.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Dyson Supersonic
The benchmark high speed dryer with more settings and attachments. Much more expensive.
Shark SpeedStyle
A versatile high speed dryer with more attachments. Usually more expensive.
Laifen Swift
A higher spec Laifen model with more features.
Traditional hair dryers
Cheaper but heavier, slower and often harsher on hair.
Is It Worth The Money?
At around £100 to £140, the Laifen Neo offers excellent value. It delivers fast drying, smooth results and a lightweight design at a fraction of the cost of premium rivals.
Final Verdict
The Laifen Neo is a fast, lightweight and great value high speed hair dryer. It dries hair quickly, reduces frizz and is comfortable to use.
Limited settings and no separate cool shot button are minor drawbacks, but for most people, it is an excellent buy.
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Where to buy: Buy direct from Laifen | Check the latest price on Amazon
FAQs
How fast is the Laifen Neo motor?
It uses a brushless motor spinning at 110,000rpm.
How heavy is the Laifen Neo?
It weighs around 367g.
Does the Laifen Neo have a cool shot?
It has a cool setting, but no separate cool shot button.
What attachments come with the Laifen Neo?
A magnetic diffuser and concentrator.
Does the Laifen Neo reduce frizz?
Yes. It releases negative ions to help reduce frizz and static.
Is the Laifen Neo a good Dyson alternative?
Yes. It offers high speed drying at a much lower price.
