Buying Guide: Hair Dryers

Purchasing a hair dryer means understanding exactly which features you’re looking for. Below, find a guide to choosing a hair dryer that fits your hair type and your hair care needs.

Do You Want Straight, Sleek Hair?

If you want smooth, shiny, straight hair, look for a hair dryer with an ionic generator.  These types of hair dryers produce negative ions to smooth hair without reducing its moisture. These generators allow for less total drying time and produce frizz-free and well-moisturized hair. Add a nozzle attachment if you plan to use a hair straightener as part of your care routine.

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that splits water into smaller droplets that evaporate quickly. Some ionic dryers will come equipped with tourmaline, which can reduce drying time and amplify the ionic effects for shinier hair.  A ceramic ionic dryer will provide the best protection against frizz and heat damage.

Do You Want Curly Hair?

If your hair is naturally curly, a dryer with a diffuser will soften the air pressure to reduce frizz and dry your hair more gently. Diffusers add bounce and definition to your natural curls.

If you put curlers in your hair or use a brush to add curls, choose a dryer with ceramic elements to protect against frizz. Your dryer should incorporate tourmaline to maintain your hair’s moisture and reduce the time it takes to dry your hair.

Do You Want Wavy or Full Volume Hair?

Choose a dryer with a cool shot button. A cool shot button holds your hair in place to prevent frizz and moisture loss.  For fuller hair, opt for a dryer that allows you to toggle the ionic generator on or off. When you turn the generator off, you’ll be able to easily add volume to your hair and created a teased effect.

Choosing The Right Wattage

Which wattage is right for your hair? There are several wattage options that are common in modern dryers.

• 1875 watts: these dryers are the industry standard. They typically dry hair quickly and completely.
• 1200 to 1500 watts: these dryers offer lower heat to gently dry fragile, damaged, or thin hair.
• 1300 to 1800 watts: perfect for straight or wavy hair, these dryers will deliver an efficient and complete drying cycle.
• 1600 to 2000 watts: the stronger wattage of these dryers allows thick or curly hair to dry efficiently.

Extra Features

Hair dryers may come with any of a number of additional features. These optional features can reduce frizz, help your hair stay in place, or allow you to easily transport and store your dryer. Check out what each hair dryer has to offer as you shop.

Concentrator

A concentrator attachment allows you to more carefully control the air that your dryer produces. Adding a concentrator can enable more precise styling.

Brush

Some dryers come with a built-in brush, allowing you to avoid holding the dryer in one hand while you grip a full-sized brush in the other.

Quiet Motors

If you’re looking for a quieter hair drying experience, look for dryers with ‘quiet motor’ technology.

Nozzles

Some dryers come equipped with nozzles that direct the airflow to your hair in a more controlled pattern. Others omit the nozzle attachment to increase hair volume.  Choose a short nozzle dryer if you want a lighter and more easily transportable accessory.

Mounts and Holders

You can mount your dryer on the wall to save space, or put a hair dryer holder on your countertop to easily organize your hair care tools and equipment. These holders are specifically designed to withstand high heat to protect your countertops and your tools.

A good hair dryer is important for styling your hair, so don’t just buy the first one that you find. Pay attention to various factors, such as the type of hair the hair dryer is made for, to be sure you get the right one for your needs.