Abstract: A portable hair dryer comprising an elongated casing of circular transverse cross-section and including a handle portion at one end an air discharge nozzle portion at the opposite end and an enlarged diameter intermediate section housing operative elements comprising a heater element and a motor driven fan for generating heated output air which is drawn from input air circulated by the fan through the heater element and outwardly through a discharge orifice provided in the nozzle portion. The motor, fan and heater element are supported on a common support member which is mounted on a single support element which comprises a base portion of the intermediate casing section which extends from the handle portion. The handle portion is separated from the base portion of said intermediate section by air intake vents through which said input air is drawn and in which handle is housed the switch and circuit control elements of the appliance.