How to Choose a Hairdryer
A hair dryer is an integral part of any bathroom. It will quickly dry your hair and help you create the perfect hairstyle. There are many hair dryers on the market; ionic hair dryers, hair dryers with varying power and temperature settings, and there are even hair dryers with differing lengths of power cables. Which version will be best for you? We will familiarise you with the most important parameters and help you choose the perfect personal hair dryer for your bathroom.
Several Tips to Consider When Selecting a Hair Dryer
- Think about whether you need a hair dryer for at home, on the road or in a professional setting.
Although style is an important factor, keep in mind that the looks of the hair dryer are not everything. When choosing a hair dryer, focus on the functions and parameters.
- Don't be afraid to invest in a high-quality hair dryer. More expensive hair dryers are equipped with a number of great haircare technologies.
- Select a hair dryer with functions that work well with your hair type. For example, those with finer hair should use lower drying temperatures than those with thicker hair.
Some hair dryers are designed for right-handed users and others are made for left-handed ones. Before you buy, note the placement of the buttons.
Key Parameters to Consider When Selecting a Hair Dryer
Hot air does not determine effectiveness, so it is important to pay attention to features other than temperature when selecting a hair dryer. Choose a hair dryer for its power consumption. Power consumption, in conjunction with engine power, determines performance. The higher the power of the engine, the shorter the time it takes to dry hair. Hair stylists recommend choosing a hair dryer with a power of more than 1750W. This is sufficient for users with fine or short hair. If you have thick or long hair, choose a hair dryer with a power of more than 1750W or ideally around 2000W.
Take care of your hair during the drying process and reach for a hair dryer with ionic technology. Not only does this feature eliminate unwanted static electricity to prevent frizz during styling, but it also naturally adds moisture so hair remains smooth and shiny. Negatively charged ions flow from the dryer to break down water molecules on the hair. This means that there is no need to set your device to a higher temperature to quickly dry hair.
How Does an Ionic Hair Dryer Work?
What is ionic technology and how does an ionic hair dryer work?
An ion is a molecule with a differing number of electrons and protons. It is either positively charged or negatively charged. Drying hair with hot air creates positively charged ions (cations) between hairs. This causes frizz and undesirable static electricity, which results in unruly fly-away hairs. An ioniser inside of a hair dryer adds electrons to the water molecules (which it collects from the environment) to form negatively charged ions (anions). These negatively charged ions are then transferred to the hair through the air stream to neutralise harmful cations.
What are the benefits of using an ioniser?
The ionisation process has beneficial effects on hair. It neutralises cations, which results in hydrated, smooth and shiny locks. Hair holds its volume better and does not break or split as easily. Above all, using a hair dryer with ionic technology contributes to proper hair care. The long-term use of a hair dryer with an ioniser helps hair maintain gloss and softness for an extraordinarily long time. For those that desire healthy and beautiful hair, we recommend using a hair dryer with an ioniser.
Some hairdryers with an ionic function are equipped with a moisture sensor. The dryer can adjust its temperature according to the level of moisture in hair to prevent over-drying. If you do not want to use the sensor, simply use the button to switch it off.
Using hot air is perfect for drying and shaping hair. However, if you want to create a hairstyle that lasts longer, you must set your hairstyle. To achieve this, most high-quality hair dryers are equipped with a cold air function.
Frequently Asked Questions When Selecting a Drying Temperature
What drying temperatures can hair withstand?
Not all hair types can withstand high temperatures. If you have fine hair, choose a hair dryer with adjustable temperature settings. Make sure the device has at least two, but ideally three or more, temperature options. When drying, set the dryer to the lowest temperature and do not expose your hair to hot air for too long. Hot air can over-dry and damage fine hair very quickly. If you have thicker or healthier hair, you can dry it on the highest temperature setting.
What is the proper way to dry hair?
Wet hair is very susceptible to breakage and damage. Therefore, begin the drying process with warm air. Only use hot air to style and shape (and only when necessary) to prevent unwanted damage to hair. Always finalise your hairstyle with a blast of cold air. This will cool strands and prevent damage during further styling and manipulation.
What is the difference between all-metal heating elements and ceramic modules?
Is it important to adjust the blowing intensity?
Adjusting the blowing intensity of your hair dryer is not extremely important for the overall health of your hair but changing it can be convenient. A hair dryer with adjustable blowing intensities allows you to quickly dry your hair after washing. You can create a hairstyle that will last into the evening without fly-away hairs. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a hair dryer with two or more blowing levels.
Travel Models
Compact or lightweight hair dryers are perfect for travelling. For example, they tend to have hinged handles to save you space in your luggage. They are ideal for occasional use. However, they are not suitable for everyday use. They offer limited features and are not very hair-friendly. If you frequently travel for work or take several holidays a year, a travel dryer is the perfect solution for you.
A diffuser is a basic accessory that comes with many hair dryers. It is the ideal tool for drying curly hair. It helps distribute heat evenly over the head without damaging curls. If you have straight hair, you can use a diffuser to increase hair volume or to create gentle waves.
A concentrator or concentrator nozzle is often included with high-end hair dryers. A concentrator is a wide extension with a narrow opening that allows you to concentrate airflow from the hair dryer exactly where you need it. A concentrator can be used by anyone that needs to mould hair into the perfect shape. Use it with a flat or round brush for great results.
Other Parameters to Consider When Selecting a Hair Dryer
Power Cable
If the electrical outlet that you need to use is far away from the point where you need to dry your hair, be sure to consider the length of the power cable. Cables usually range from 1.8 to 3 metres.
Some hair dryers feature a hanging loop on the power cable. This can be useful if you do not have much space in your bathroom. For example, you can use the loop to hang the hair dryer on a hook on the inside of a cabinet door or on the wall. This will free up space on a shelf or counter.
Another feature to look for is a swivel joint on the power cable. This will extend the service life of the hair dryer. When using a hair dryer with a swivel joint, the cable will not twist or break, and the internal cable connections will not be damaged.
Similar to many vacuum cleaners, some hair dryers have a handy automatic cable winding feature. The cable is stored inside the body of the hair dryer.
Control Buttons
When selecting a hair dryer, determine the location of the hair dryer controls. The buttons should be positioned so that you can control the hair dryer with one hand. At the same time, make sure that you will not accidentally press the buttons during drying. This will prevent any unnecessary hassle or stress.
Some hairdryers are tailored to right-handed users, others to left-handed ones. If you are accustomed to switching between hands while drying, select a hair dryer with universal button placement at the centre of the handle of the hair dryer.
Weight
Longer hair takes 10 to 20 minutes to dry. This means that it is important to consider the weight of a hair dryer before purchase. Manipulating a heavy device for several minutes can be physically demanding, so choose a lightweight hair dryer. For those with short hair or fine hair, using a hair dryer that weighs approximately one pound shouldn't be a problem.
Cleaning
Sooner or later, all hair dryers will get clogged with dust and hair. In order to maintain proper performance and to prevent overheating and subsequent damage to hair, the hair dryer needs to be cleaned. That's why it's a great idea to get a hair dryer that is equipped with a removable grille. You can clean dirt from the inside of the hair dryer and extend its life.
Glossary - Hair Dryers
Ceramic Module
Some hair dryers are equipped with a ceramic module instead of the classic all-metal heater. This ensures even temperature distribution throughout the drying process, thus protecting your hair against damage by air that is too hot.
Thermal Fuse
One safety element in the body of a hair dryer is a thermal fuse. This fuse automatically turns the hair dryer off in the event of overheating and prevents it from turning on again until the hair dryer has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
Tourmaline Surface
The interior walls of some hair dryers are covered with tourmaline - a mineral that is electrostatically charging at higher temperatures and generates negative ions.
AC Motor
Universal AC motors are used in professional hair dryers. They can produce an intense flow of air and offer a long service life. The estimated engine life is 2000 hours.
Glossary of Terms