Why do you need a hair dryer?
Walking out of a professional salon or barber with an impeccable hairstyle can lift your spirits and boost your confidence. The right hair dryer can give you that same spring-in-your-step feeling and turn heads when you walk down the street. Well-styled hair lets you make a good impression, so whether you are getting ready for a first date, an important meeting at work, or you simply want to look polished, a hair dryer is an essential item in your bathroom. Of course, you can even pair your hair dryer with other styling products such as hair straighteners or hair curlers.
Many people simply switch to the highest settings for both heat and airflow to dry their hair faster. But a hair dryer isn’t just used to speed up your morning routine; it helps to form a good base for your hairstyle. Using the correct settings for your hair type makes it easier to shape your style and to tame unruly flyaways. Get the most out of your hair dryer with our buying guide, so you can have it work for your hair styling needs.
With help from our buying guide, you can find the best hair dryer to suit your hair type and preferences.
The right hair dryer for your hair type
Every head of hair is unique, so you need the right hair dryer to keep you looking your best - whether you have gorgeous natural curls or sleek straight hair. There are different features, settings, and attachments that suit different hair types. Find your hair type below and read more about each feature so you can find the ideal hair dryer for you and enjoy salon-quality results.
Thin or fine hair
Use a low heat setting on your hair dryer to avoid over-drying. Thin hair is particularly susceptible to high-heat damage, so using a ceramic dryer is ideal. This provides even heat distribution for better hair care.
Thick hair
For thick and coarse hair, you’ll need to set your hair dryer to a high heat setting to ensure thorough removal of excess moisture. You can attach a concentrator for improved airflow and better control so you can dry section by section. Keep the dryer constantly moving when in use to prevent overheating.
Frizzy hair
For those with frizzy hair, a hair dryer with ionic technology or tourmaline helps to reduce static, leaving you with frizz-free hair.
Curly or wavy hair
A conventional nozzle can cause curly hair to frizz, so opt for a model with a diffuser attachment as this helps to maintain the natural shape of your curls. A hair dryer with ionic technology eliminates static, helping to keep curls and waves intact while maintaining hydration. You can also use cool shots to set your curls and waves in place.
Dull hair
Add shine and lustre to dull and lifeless hair with a hair dryer featuring ionic conditioning technology and tourmaline. A conditioned ring or grille can help to nourish your hair to add a healthy lustre. The cool shot feature can be used at the end of the styling process to seal the hair cuticle, while also adding shine.
Dry or damaged hair
For hair that is dry or damaged, thorough towel drying and application of a heat protectant prior to drying can help prevent further damage to your hair. Use a low heat setting and ensure you’re moving the dryer constantly, so the heat is not concentrated in one area. If it takes too long to dry, increase the airflow instead of the heat to prevent further damage. A ceramic hair dryer is a great option as it provides even temperature. Look for models with infused rings or grilles to help restore your hair back to good health.
Common hair dryer features and settings
Ionic? Ceramic? Tourmaline? We’ve come a long way from the clunky metal hair dryers and styling tools used in a bygone era. But modern hair dryer descriptions read like a science textbook. If these terms are making your hair curl, the following guide can help you elevate the science of hair drying to an art form.
Temperature control
A hair dryer with temperature control lets you adjust the settings to suit your hair type and condition. If you have fine hair, or if your hair has been damaged, lower heat settings are more suitable as your hair is more prone to breakage. Additionally, a higher heat setting can be used to dry thick and coarse hair faster. Look for features that help to regulate heat as this ensures an even and consistent temperature for precise results.
Airflow control
A dryer with high wattage enables faster airflow, and being able to control the hair dryer’s airflow is a handy feature. Low airflow gives you better control as you style your hair and creates fewer flyaways. High speed settings are better for coarse and tougher hair. You can also use the high speed setting if you want to lower the heat setting but still dry your hair quickly. Many hair dryers, such as the Remington Air 3D Hair Dryer, utilise unique technologies to minimise air turbulence and provide uninterrupted airflow, for fantastic results.
Ionic conditioning
Hair dryers with ionic technology release negatively-charged ions to rapidly break down positively-charged water molecules. This means faster hair drying with less heat. In addition, this helps the hair shaft to retain moisture, minimising frizz and keeping your hair healthy.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that can be used to coat the inside of a hair dryer. Similar to ionic conditioning technology, tourmaline generates negative ions when heated, helping to close the cuticle layer and making your hair smooth.
Ceramic
Ceramic hair dryers are great for most hair types. Ceramic heats up quickly and provides even temperature. It emits infrared heat which penetrates the hair strand from the inside out. Unlike traditional hair dryers that simply blow hot air to evaporate water, ceramic hair dryers are designed to be more gentle on your hair.
Cool shot
This feature blows air to rapidly cool down your hair when you have finished styling it. This seals the shine, and sets your style—the perfect finishing touch to your hairdo.
Infusions
Hair dryers can be infused with a conditioning component that helps to nourish your hair and protect it from damage. This technology can release micro-conditioners from hair-nutrifying ingredients like keratin and argan oil, resulting in strong and shiny hair.
Concentrator
A concentrator attachment provides a direct and accurate airflow, enabling you to dry specific sections of hair. This is an excellent option for thicker hair, and it will help you to add volume.
Diffuser
Hair dryers with a diffuser attachment provide dispersed airflow, helping to reduce heat damage and frizz. This provides a gentler blow-dry to help maintain natural waves and curls.
