A battery-operated hair dryer comprises a battery (B), and a fan (F) having rotating fan blades propelled by a motor (M) that is powered by the battery (B), and non-rotating static air flow-shaping vanes (V) between the motor (M) and a motor mount (MM), which non-rotating static airflow-shaping vanes (V) serve as cooling ribs for the battery (B) that is mounted adjacent to the fan (F). Preferably, the battery (B) is positioned adjacent to a motor mount (MM) of the motor (M) of the fan (F). Advantageously, the battery (B) is at least partly positioned in a handle of the battery-operated hair dryer, the fan (F) being positioned adjacent to the handle.