Are you one of those people who can’t go out without a proper blow out? And then you regret the decision to expose your precious locks to so much heat every day. May be you need the tips to choose the best hair dryer.
It doesn’t have to be that way; hair dryers don’t have to be so damaging. Thanks to new technology, modern machines can do their job without over-drying or dehydrating your hair. With the right tool in your hand, you can get a clean and tidy blow dry without stripping away the natural moisture.
The definition of the right tool, however, isn’t that simple or straightforward.
There are many variables in the equation. You have to choose a tool based on your hair, your hair issues, and your styling preferences. Sounds like a lot to consider, but it gets easier when you know what you are looking for. Just a few secret tips and you can find your holy grail hair dryer without all the trial and error.
Not so fast, though!
Good things come to those who wait. Before we reveal the secrets, we need to talk about whether you really need a hair dryer or not.
Let’s just settle it once for all.
Importance of Hair Dryer
We all know hairdryers make life so much easier by making our hair more manageable. Blow dried hair are easier to style as compared to air-dried hair. It is why most hair stylist would give you a blow dry even before updos and braids. The style will have more texture and definition and it won’t go flat after a while.
On a daily basis, hair dryers are safer than other heat styling tool. With the right technique, you can get sleeker, smoother and frizz free hair that isn’t flat. In fact, if you have hair so straight that it looks almost flat, a blow dry will give you some volume.
If you didn’t really know why you can’t part with your hair dryer, now you do. You don’t just think your hair look better after a blow out, it actually does. That is what makes hair dryer a working women’s essential. A good blowout will make you look sharp and stylish.
So, now you know you really need a good hair dryer. Let’s move on to the tips to find the one you really need.
1. Choose According to Your Hair Type
The variety out there is mindboggling. We have ceramic, ionic, and even metallic ones out there. The question that pops up in our mind: Is it all just a marketing fad?
Not really! All these factors matter – but there isn’t a definite answer as to which one is the best because it is all subjective. Here is what you need to know:
- Ionic or Tourmaline Hair Dryers– They are best for thick hair that doesn’t dry too easily or quickly. If you don’t need excessive volume and need a dryer to tame that unruly frizz, go for tourmaline.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Hair Dryers– Ceramic and porcelain hair dryers are great for fine hair that needs volume. They do not over dry or dehydrate hair. If you have fine yet frizzy hair, choose a ceramic dryer with negative ion.
- Titanium Hair Dryers – Titanium hair dryers ensure a steady delivery of heat. They are the lightest in terms of weight. Both the reasons make them a topmost choice for pros. They can heat up to extremely high temperatures. If using at home, you need to extra cautious.
2. More Power Means Less Damage
A major misconception when it comes to hair dryers is that more power mean more heat, which isn’t a good thing, right?
Wrong! More wattage means more wind power. The machine works faster so your hair will dry quickly and heat exposure will be brief. This means there will be less damage as compared to longer exposure to lower heat.
You should ideally look for 1500 watts or more. It also depends on the thickness and density of your hair. For fine hair, 1500 watts is good enough. For thicker hair and denser volume, go for something as high as 2000 watts. It is what salons use for professional blow dry service.
And while we are at it, let us also add that it is best to choose a dryer with multiple heat and speed settings. This gives you more control and freedom to explore what works best for your hair.
3. Keep Ergonomics in Mind
You’d be surprised to know what the top excuse for not using a blow dryer is. Most people would stop using a hair dryer because they are literally tired of it. That happens when a dryer is too heavy or the design isn’t ergonomic enough.
It isn’t unusual for brands to compromise ergonomics for aesthetics. So, don’t go for what looks good. Go for something that feels good in your hands. Weight plays a major role here. If it is lightweight, it will be easier to use. 1 pound or lower is what you should aim for.
There is one important thing to keep in mind: lightweight doesn’t mean low wattage. Some of the most high performance dryers out there are on the lighter side.
4. Pay Attention to Attachments
Hair dryers are multi-purpose tool. A pro knows how to use different techniques for different hair and different styles. You can enjoy the same level of versatility at home by choosing a hair dryer with the right attachments.
Now, you can find hair dryers with a dozen attachments, but that doesn’t mean you will need them all. Don’t go for the numbers. Go for what you need.
Let us make this simple and stick to two key types of hair: curly and straight.
Hair dryers aren’t exactly curly hair friendly – unless you have a diffuser. It dries your hair without compromising the texture or curly or wavy hair. A concentrator nozzle, on the other hand, is perfect for straight hair.
5. Read As Many Reviews as Possible
Lastly, a secret that can actually make all the difference and keep you from wasting money on a dud – always read reviews and invest time in a bit of online research before investing your money on a product. Refine your search and look for recommendations for your specific hair type. Look for pros as well as cons. Shortlist your top two and compare them in terms of features as well as price before you make your final decision.
Our Top Picks
We have our top picks in almost all the categories. Here are our top favorite hair dryers 2019.
- Top Tourmaline Hair Dryer: Rusk W8Less Dryer
- Top Ceramic Hair Dryer: Conair Infiniti Pro 1875
- Top Titanium Hair Dryer: BabylissPro Nano
- Top Ergonomic Hair Dryer: Neuro Grip Dryer with Neuro Prime
- Top Lightweight Hair Dryer: Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: Bed Head Curls in Check Diffuser Hair Dryer
- Best Hair Dryer for Straight Hair: Revlon Salon 360 Surround Hair-Dryer
- Best All-Rounder Hair Dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
That’s about it. Now you know the 5 secret tips to choose the best hair dryer according to your needs. You also have a list of the best hair dryers for different hair types. Remember the last secret tip. Read as many reviews as possible and compare a few options before your final decision.