How to choose a good hair dryer for home use?

A hair dryer is a universal device that is found in almost every home. It is used not only by women, but also by men. Not only the quality of drying, but also the health of the hair depends on the quality of the hair dryer. The beauty industry is ready to offer us everything - from professional, powerful devices to folding travel mini-hair dryers. Which is better? Let's figure it out.

It would seem that what’s so difficult about choosing a hairdryer? After all, this is such a simple device designed to dry your hair. However, a hair dryer that is not selected according to your hair type can easily injure and damage your hair. In addition, the functionality of the devices has already gone far beyond the limits of ordinary household drying. If some time ago the market was not particularly diverse, now you can choose a model that perfectly suits your needs. With the help of modern hair dryers, you can create elastic, long-lasting styling, create volume, or, on the contrary, straighten an unruly mop. So similar at first glance, all hair dryers have different characteristics and, therefore, can offer you completely different opportunities. Why is it possible to create the most complex hairstyle with one hairdryer, while another is barely able to tame bangs crumpled after sleep?

Types of hair dryers

The type of design of the hair dryer directly determines its capabilities. For example, if you need a lightweight mobile device in order to always look great on business trips and travel, there is no point in taking a heavy professional hair dryer. At the same time, you need to understand that the road version will not be able to create Hollywood curls. And even with daily use and increased loads, it will not last long. Each type solves its own problems.

Compact . Hair dryers designed for occasional use, as well as travel and the gym. As a rule, these are budget models with low power and limited functions, 1¬2 speeds, cold air is rare. Many models have a folding handle for easy transportation. And sometimes you can find hair dryers that are completely battery-powered, which frees the design from the cord and makes the hair dryer even more mobile. These hair dryers take quite a long time to dry your hair, especially if you have thick and long hair. But a compromise has to be found between modest size and power. It is not recommended to take them for constant home use - low power combined with a not very durable motor are not designed for constant and long-term drying. But if you often travel, go to the pool or gym, having such a device is very convenient.

Household . One of the most common types of hair dryers on the market. If you are not a sophisticated stylist, and your list of needs mainly includes drying after a shower and light, at-home styling, a household hair dryer is quite suitable for you. Such models have average power, usually up to 1800–1900 W, several operating modes - you can choose speed, heating, and use different styling attachments. Between professional and compact household hair dryers there is a strong middle level. They will last a long time if used carefully, they can handle even thick, long hair in not too long a time, and they are optimal in weight and size.

Professional . It’s not worth taking a professional hair dryer without experience and skill. They are much heavier and larger than household ones, and most likely it will simply be inconvenient for you to work with such a clumsy unit. In addition, the power of professional hair dryers is high, the hair dries very quickly, and if there is a lack of skill, it is easy to overdry it and even burn the scalp with high temperatures. But professional hair dryers have a big advantage - versatility and durability. Most often, they have very flexible settings, allowing you to choose a mode depending on the type and condition of your hair. It is professional hair dryers who can style, bouncy curls and airy volume. At the same time, they cope with any tasks not only well, but also quickly. Professional hair dryers are designed primarily for stylists and hairdressers, therefore they have high-quality, durable AC motors for long service life with constant use.

The maximum temperature of the hair dryer is at the nozzle

Let’s say right away that the temperature of the air stream from a hair dryer quite logically depends on the distance traveled by this stream. That is, the temperature at the nozzle itself will be one, and at the appropriate distance for drying it will be another.

Powerful models of hair dryers in maximum heating mode at the nozzle itself can produce a temperature of 120 or even 130 degrees Celsius . And even with the weakest hair dryer, the temperature at the nozzle may be too high for proper drying.

What conclusion can be drawn from this?

That's right - under no circumstances dry your hair by placing the hair dryer close to it. 15-20 centimeters is the distance at which you need to work with a hairdryer. Yes, yes - take a measuring tape, measure 17.5 centimeters, take a good look at this segment and try to remember it. Fluctuations of 2.5 centimeters on both sides of this distance are acceptable.

If it's closer, you'll ruin your hair. If it happens further, you will lose extra time when drying. However, no matter how valuable time is, a person still has less hair than time. So it's better to move on.

Power

The more power a hair dryer has, the stronger the air flow it can produce. If you're tired of drying your hair for an hour at a time, it's because your hair dryer doesn't have enough power to handle your hair faster.

Moreover, there is no connection between air temperature and its strength. Lightweight travel hair dryers can sometimes produce scalding hot air. But its power is low, and therefore drying still takes a long time. First of all, the quality of drying and styling is influenced by power. And you should choose it based on your hair type, since high-power models will simply dry out and fluff your hair.

Types of household hair dryer

Users know three types:

• Classic model. It is bought most often because... This hairdryer makes it easy to dry your hair and do your daily styling. A set can contain up to two attachments;


Classic hair dryer

• Hair dryer brush. Choose a hair dryer brush if you want to not only dry, but also straighten, curl, and style;


Hair dryer brush

• Road model. It is compact, this hair dryer weighs very little and has low power. But this is a great option for those who often go on business trips or travel.


Travel hair dryer

Temperature and speed conditions

Budget and compact hair dryers often have only one heating mode - hot air. With it, drying occurs, of course, faster, but the risk of injuring your hair is much higher.

Most household hair dryers operate in three modes: hot, warm and cold air. Professional hair dryers can support up to 8 temperature levels, but for home use this is often not necessary - only a specialist will be able to notice the difference and know how to apply certain settings in practice.

Hot air – used for quick drying and styling. Under the influence of high temperatures, hair becomes more flexible and obediently takes on the desired shape. But it is not recommended to dry damaged and porous hair in hot air.

Warm air is optimal for safely drying hair. Yes, it will be a little longer. But if time is important to you, choose a hair dryer with a power of at least 1500–1800 W, then even warm air will dry your hair relatively quickly.

Cold air is considered the safest. First of all, it does not damage the hair. Combined with high power, cold air can dry hair just as effectively as hot air from a low-power hair dryer. But it will be much healthier for your hair. In addition, cold air is used to fix the styling.

Speed ​​modes allow you to adjust the airflow power to suit your needs. Usually hair dryers have from 1 to 4. It is convenient to dry your hair at high speed, and to style it at reduced speed so that the curl does not fly to the side.

It is optimal for the device to have independent adjustment of heating and speed . This means that different buttons on the hair dryer will be responsible for heating and speed. Then you can independently select the necessary settings for your work.

Top 10. Best hair dryers

We have compiled a rating of the 10 best models. There are models for both professionals and home use.

Dyson Supersonic

This product looks unusual due to the fact that its motor is located in the handle. There are sensors that monitor and control the required temperature and three speed modes.

Parlux 385 PowerLight Ionic & Ceramic

Four temperature settings, 2150 W of power, ceramic technology with ionization. The best device according to many professionals. However, despite the excellent reviews, it is the least suitable hair dryer for home use.

BaByliss BAB6160INE

A power of 2000 W, two speed modes, a removable filter and ionization allow us to leave a good review of the device. This hair dryer definitely deserves to be included in our rating.

Lumme LU-1042

Budget-friendly, lightweight and good hair dryer with a folding handle. Ideal for carrying in your purse. Power - 1200 W.

Philips BHD176 DryCare Advanced

Almost silent with a power of 2200 W. It has two additional nozzles and an ionization function.

SUPRA PHS-2005

Three heating modes, an ionizer, 2000 W of power - a convenient hair dryer for drying hair, as well as for styling it. This model has professional and semi-professional varieties.

Polaris PHD 1464T

The product rating is just over 9 points. Compact travel assistant with 1600 W power. There is also protection against overheating. Great hair dryer!

REDMOND RF-515

A hairdryer with a stylish design, 1800 W power and overheat protection will help you create your own unique look. Designed for professionals.

Panasonic EH5571

Is a modern fashionable hairdryer. The appearance of this device will not leave anyone indifferent. four temperature modes, three operating speeds, 1800 W of power and an ionization function with a double outlet for negative charges.

Polaris PHD 2075RTi

Tourmaline ionization, 2000 W of power, three operating speeds. An excellent option for both home use and professionals.

A few more tips to consider before choosing a hair dryer:

• The greater the mass, the stronger the device. You can use this hairdryer longer. Although it is not entirely convenient for regular use.
• Heat resistance and impact resistance should be an integral part of a hair dryer.
• Refrain from buying one with a folding handle if you intend to use it at home.
• When choosing a hair dryer, pay attention to the speed and temperature settings. Check these modes before purchasing.

Keep in mind that a good cold air hair dryer is well worth the money you spend on it.

Additional functions

Almost all hair dryers have some kind of additional attachments. With them, not only styling, but also drying itself is often more efficient and easier. The most important thing in choosing a hair dryer with attachments is to check how tightly and firmly they are attached to the hair dryer body. For example, hubs that need to be constantly turned during operation can easily fly off the case. And picking them up while hot and reattaching them is not so pleasant.

The main attachment, which is found in almost all models, is a concentrator . It is a narrow nozzle that narrows the air flow, distributing it specifically to the selected strand. The optimal nozzle width is 6–9 mm. Narrow concentrators will provide even more precise styling and will be able to capture the smallest strands. But it will be inconvenient to work with a whole volume of hair. Concentrators wider than 1 centimeter can disperse air too much and fluff up other nearby hair instead of treating an individual curl.

The diffuser provides gentle drying. This is a wide disk with many “fingers” tubes through which air passes. A diffuser is a godsend for curly and frizzy hair, since the evenly distributed air does not disturb the structure of the curls or change the hairstyle. In addition, it does not injure the hair structure and does not cause discomfort to the scalp during drying at high temperatures. But it is impossible to style your hair with a diffuser. There is a myth that a diffuser creates volume at the roots, but this is not true. For volume you need brush attachments.

Brushing is an attachment in the form of a comb. Depending on the type of teeth and diameter, brushes perform a variety of tasks. Round brushes are mainly designed for curls, volume and soft waves, while flat brushes are designed to straighten and smooth hair.

Ionization is a nice addition to any hair dryer. Charges the air with negatively charged ions, which remove static electricity from the hair. This function is especially useful for fluffy and porous hair, since thanks to ionization, the hair scales close, and the hairstyle becomes as smooth and manageable as possible.

Hair dryer ergonomics

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a hair dryer?
When choosing a professional or household hair dryer, it is important to understand how easy it is to use. To do this, check a few details:

• Frame. How convenient is it to hold the hair dryer, where are the buttons and is it comfortable for you to press them?
• Weight. As a rule, when styling you have to hold the hair dryer over your head for a long time and it’s good if your hand doesn’t go numb;
• Handle material. It should not slip out of the palm, so it is better to choose handles with elastic bands or ribbed ones;
• The presence of a loop. If you don't plan to store your hair dryer in a drawer, it's a good idea to hang it on a hook;
• Cord length. So that it doesn’t turn out that there is not enough of it and you have to dry your hair at an outlet without a mirror. And the cord must be protected from creases;
• Cord fastening. If you choose a hair dryer, make sure that the cord is hinged. Then it moves freely, does not twist and will last longer.

Tips for choosing

If you need a hairdryer for traveling and going to the gym, you should definitely get a compact model designed specifically for these purposes.

Do you have fine, porous hair that needs special care? Hair dryers up to 1800 W with several temperature settings will provide delicate care.

And if you want to often experiment with hairstyles or have an unruly head that nothing can tame, you will need powerful, functional models.

Professional hair dryers will help stylists and those who feel confident with styling tools.

Purpose of a hair dryer

A technical hair dryer is used to solve a huge number of problems, among which, for example, the following can be noted:

• Heating of heat-shrinkable insulation during its installation.
• Softening of primers and paint coatings, making them easier to remove from surfaces.

• Drying finishing materials, including cladding and putty.
• Thawing, or more simply put, defrosting containers, pipes and drains covered with ice.
• Welding of tarpaulin, linoleum, PVC products, including film, molding of the latter due to the property of the material to soften under the influence of high temperature and gain hardness when cooling, maintaining the acquired shape.
• Classic soldering using silver and tin.

Among other things, a construction hair dryer is used to melt various compositions, as well as when performing hot fitting - an action known as pressing.

This tool is often used to disinfect structures made of wood using the firing method.

Hair dryer performance: density or air flow rate

When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention to this parameter. After all, this is the same indicator that informs the consumer about the amount of air passing through the hair dryer.

Many manufacturers indicate it in technical specifications, usually in two values: cubic meters per hour (m3/hour) or liters per second (l/s). Basically, it's the same thing. You can remember high school mathematics, the section on the translation of mathematical quantities 1m3 = 1000 l, and 1 hour = 3600 sec and then one will be converted into the other (1 l / s = 3.6 m3 / h) or use an online value translator.

Sometimes you can find a third designation for air flow speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). But these are more marketing ploys. We came across models that indicated a value of 150 km/h. Try sticking your head out the window in a car at a speed of at least 100 km/h))), but here such a stream comes out of the tool nozzle.

Seriously speaking, the productivity values ​​of professional hair dryers range from 70 to 105 m3/hour. Try to focus on these values. They are considered a good indicator.

Main parameters of an industrial hair dryer

• Power – this parameter is decisive for the temperature conditions of the hair dryer. Low-power industrial hair dryers are physically unable to heat the air flow to a high temperature.

The average industrial-type hair dryer has a power in the range of 1700-2000 (W) . This power is enough to create an air flow with temperatures up to 500 ˚С .

• Fan performance – this parameter partially depends on power. The performance of a hair dryer is mainly determined by the diameter of the impeller blade and the cross-section of the air channel. Of course, the speed of rotation of the electric motor also affects performance.

On average, the productivity of an ordinary industrial hair dryer is at the level of 300-400 (l/min). This is the performance level of the hood for small and medium-sized rooms. How to choose an industrial hair dryer.

Form factor

This parameter determines how convenient the air heater will be to use when performing a particular job.

The following types of hair dryers are distinguished:

1. Pistol
2. Direct
3. Curved (combined)

• Pistol models have a pronounced L-shape. Such hair dryers are considered classic. An L-shaped hairdryer makes it convenient to direct the air flow in the desired direction. Pistol-type hair dryers are universal.

Of course, constantly gripping a pistol holder will tire the user's hand. For long-term use of a hair dryer, other types of housing have been developed.

• Straight hair dryers are an ideal solution for large-scale work. The straight body of the hair dryer fits comfortably in the hand, while the user can freely choose his grip. If your hand gets tired of working in one of the positions, you can take the straight holder with a different grip, continuing to work from a convenient and comfortable position.

Construction hair dryers with straight bodies are not the only option for hair dryers with good ergonomics.

• Curved (combined) models are a cross between pistol and straight hair dryers. Yes, this type of industrial hair dryer has a handle. But the handle is connected at an angle. A curved hairdryer is very convenient to work with. If your hand gets tired of holding on to the curved handle, you can grab the body itself.

Curved hair dryers look more elegant and modern than classic L-shaped or cylindrical models.

Temperature conditions of an industrial hair dryer

In the past, hair dryers had on average 4 temperature settings : cold blow, low heat, medium heat and high heat. Usually this is enough to perform most of the technological operations associated with heating (cooling) surfaces. The temperature control in such hair dryers is stepwise.

But progress does not stand still; today a lot of materials have appeared that are subject to fairly stringent requirements in terms of compliance with temperature conditions. For example, if you take thermal glue, there is gluten that needs to be melted at a temperature accurate to ±10 ˚С . It is impossible to achieve such accuracy with stepwise adjustment.

Especially for those cases when an industrial hair dryer requires high precision temperature settings, models with smooth temperature control . To adjust the temperature, such hair dryers usually have either an adjustment wheel or buttons.

Advanced hair dryers with smooth temperature control are necessarily and certainly equipped with a display . Thanks to the screen, the user can control the accuracy of temperature settings down to 1 °C.

Construction hair dryers with a display usually have a certain amount of memory , which allows the user to pre-set the optimal temperature and blowing intensity for a particular task. To turn on a pre-programmed mode, you just need to select the desired profile in the hair dryer settings menu. Typically, up to 10-15 profiles .

Airflow intensity

Just as in the case of temperature, industrial hair dryers allow you to regulate the intensity of the blowing . This parameter is directly related to the fan rotation speed. The speed of the blade impeller is most often adjusted in stages: low speed, medium and high.

Of course, there are models of industrial hair dryers with continuously adjustable blowing intensity . In such hair dryers, the operation of the fan is regulated either by buttons or using a rotary control.

In the simplest and cheapest hair dryers, the blowing intensity is usually tied to the heating temperature . In such models, as the temperature rises, the intensity of the airflow also increases.

Carefully! Hot!

Choosing a construction hair dryer
A construction (industrial) hair dryer, or heat gun, is a device for spot heating of surfaces, an assistant for craftsmen, builders, finishers and DIY workers. It replaced the archaic and unsafe paraffin burners and kerosene lamps. Let's look at the features of choosing this hot tool and tell you that with its help you can not only remove old paint, but also perform many different tasks and why a hair dryer cannot be used as an ordinary home hair dryer.

The advantage of a hair dryer over other heating devices is the instant creation of the required temperature, maintaining it for a long time, quick shutdown and the absence of flammable fuel.

The operating principle of a construction heat gun is similar to that of a household hair dryer: the fan draws air into the housing, passes it through the heating element and pushes it out through a special nozzle. The difference between a construction hair dryer and a home hair dryer lies in the heating power of the air and the materials from which the tool body is made, which can withstand ultra-high temperatures.

Modern construction hair dryers are equipped with elements for convenient operation: switches for air flow power and heating temperature, indicators and LCD displays on some models, for example: STEINEL HL 2021 E, DEWALT D26414, METABO HE 23-650, MAKITA HG 651 C. Operates from the mains. , but there are also battery models.

Temperature adjustment

Inexpensive entry-level models do not have many adjustments to the air flow speed and temperature, but they are perfect for heating old paint before stripping, for example: STANLEY STXH2000, HITACHI RH 600 T-NS, ZUBR FT-1600, PATRIOT HG 201. Professional heat guns such like: BOSCH GHG 660 LCD, STEINEL HG 2320 E CASE, LEISTER TRIAC S, DEWALT D26414, have the ability to precisely adjust the air flow speed and temperature conditions over a wide range.

Of course, you can reduce the temperature of the air flow of a hair dryer simply by increasing the distance to the heated object, but setting it this way will not give accurate results.

In order to remove old paint, solder plastic pipes or heat rusted nuts, the temperature and air flow speed must be maximum. But there are tasks that require a more delicate approach and heating to specific temperatures:

• Drying the applied paint, varnish or enamel - from 30 to 130 C°, with care so that particles of dust or construction debris raised by a strong air flow do not fall on the painted surface.
• Drying wet wood before painting or other work - from 100 to 200 C°.
• Warming up and softening the adhesive, for example, when working with facing tiles, installing a kitchen countertop or dismantling floor tiles - from 300 to 400 C°.
• Bending of plastic pipes - from 200 to 300 C°.
• Working with shrink plastic film - from 200 to 300 C°.
• Welding of plastic elements and structures - from 330 to 400 C°.
• Working with tinting film - up to 200 C°.

The ways to use an industrial hair dryer are not limited to this. Read on our blog how professional confectioners create their masterpieces using a heat gun.

If you are working near flammable or fusible materials, you need to be careful, for example, near copper piping, high temperatures can melt the solder and loosen the connections.

Characteristics

Features that you need to study before choosing a hair dryer:

• Power - usually from 1 to 2.3 kW. With this characteristic, everything is simple: the higher the power consumption, the higher the temperature of the air flow.
• Convenient location of the power button.
• Airflow speed setting. If the tool is equipped with more than one airflow mode it becomes more versatile.
• Overheat protection. Thanks to this function, the hair dryer will turn off itself if it overheats. Such a shutdown indicates a malfunction that must be corrected before further operation.
• Length of the network cable. As a rule, the heat gun has a network cable 2.5-3 meters long, which allows you to use the tool without an extension cord.
• Hanging bracket - makes it easy to store the tool.
• Possibility of stationary installation - allows you to protect the heated tool and nearby surfaces, as well as use a heat gun “hands-free” when required, for example METABO HE 23-650 has a non-slip support surface and is suitable for working with plastic pipes when both hands are occupied.
• The presence of a fine dust filter in the tool body, for example in the STEINEL HG 2620 model, for delicate work on drying freshly painted surfaces.

Nozzles

On most construction hair dryers, you can install nozzles to perform specific tasks; they are purchased separately, but before purchasing, check the package contents of the tool; perhaps, the delivery set contains the necessary nozzles.

The most popular attachments for hair dryers:

• A reduction (focusing, reducing) nozzle is used when you need to concentrate heat on a specific area. Used for sealing cracks using special material or plastic tapes and for spot welding.
• The flat nozzle is used to remove remnants of old paint, putty, various films, wallpaper, PVC structures and plastics, and plexiglass products.
• The reflector nozzle is used to heat plastic pipes before deformation.
• The crevice (slotted) nozzle is intended for welding PVC products using the cap method.
• The glass protection nozzle is used to remove varnish and paint residues from temperature-sensitive surfaces, such as glass.
• A wide-spray nozzle is a flat nozzle, but designed to remove paint from large surfaces.

Safety precautions

A hot air stream is less dangerous than the open fire of gas burners or kerosene lamps, but be careful when working with flammable objects and do not point the heat gun at yourself; the air temperature at the nozzle exit can reach 700 C°! (for example, STEINEL HG 2620 E), so don’t even think about drying your hair with a hair dryer.

• Due to the high power consumption of the heat gun, up to 2.3 kW, when connecting the extension cord, make sure that the wire is unwound, otherwise it will overheat and cause a fire.
• Do not cover the air intake grilles. Due to the lack of the required volume of air, a construction hair dryer can overheat and catch fire.
• Do not lean the working heat gun with its nozzle close to the surface, otherwise the exit of heated air will be difficult and the effect will be similar to blocked air intake grilles.
• Do not use a construction heat gun near flammable materials.
• After you have finished working, leave the tool to cool. The best way to store a hair dryer is to hang it from a special loop on the body to avoid contact of hot parts with surfaces.
• Never touch the hair dryer nozzle with clothing or skin during or after use.
• Do not use to remove lead-containing paints, these are usually old paintwork produced before the 60s.
• Do not allow paint to stick to the nozzle, and if this happens, allow the device to cool and remove the paint.
• Never look into or insert anything into the nozzle of a hair dryer while it is running.

How to choose a hair dryer

Hairdryer is an inseparable part of human life. Everyone uses it - women, men, children. With the help of this equipment, people tidy up their appearance. When entering a store, we always carefully select the best one available. When buying such a device, you need to make a responsible choice so as not to waste money, but also to maintain the quality and health of your hair. When purchasing, we choose the one whose characteristics suit us best.

There are many types. They differ both in purpose and functionality. You can understand which hair dryer is better based on the parameters required by the buyer. So, let's choose the best hair dryer.

Types of hair dryers by purpose:

• Household is a budget option for home use. It is easy to use and does not have exceptional qualities; most often this hair dryer is sold without attachments. Anyone can buy it.
• Professional - powerful hair dryer for drying and styling. Used in the work of professional craftsmen. There may be special attachments here. Also, professional types often have a larger power range than household ones, but they are also more expensive. The temperature for professional style hair is usually very high.
• Semi-professional. It is something between everyday and professional. It is worth choosing for beginners in hairdressing or for those who like to style their curls themselves.

By design, hair dryers are divided into:

• Hubs. This type is distinguished by the fact that it has nozzles in the form of a narrow slit. The air flow is directed only to a specific strand. This option is ideal for styling hair if you know how to use it correctly. If you overdo it, you can dry out your hair.
• Stylers. Their only function is styling. The attachments look like a brush or hair comb. They are needed for: straightening, curling or adding volume.

Important! Styler - styling hairdryer. It is not suitable for drying hair!

• Diffusers. The main nozzle consists of a “plate” and “fingers”. It disperses air over the entire area of ​​the head and gently dries the curls. Those with straight hair use a diffuser with locks to create volume and wavy hair. This device is considered very convenient for stylists, so if you are going to build a career as a hairdresser, then it is better to choose it. Based on the need, you can purchase a compact hair dryer. This hairdryer can be used by children after swimming. It has a small size that you can carry in your purse, making it the best option for travelers. A sort of pocket dryer.

Why is this parameter important?

Power is the speed at which the device blows air. The drying time of the hair depends on this parameter. At high speed, the hair will dry faster, but styling is unlikely to be possible if you are not a professional. For self-drying hair, devices with a power of 1200-1600 W are quite suitable.

Hairdryers with lower wattage are suitable for travel as they are usually compact and easy to take on the go. Also, devices with a power of less than 1200 W are suitable for short, thin or brittle hair - they will dry out the hair, but will not harm it. There are models with a power switching function - such hair dryers are suitable for a family where several people use the hair dryer.

The power of the hair dryer also affects the heating. The most gentle mode for drying hair is maximum speed and medium temperature.

Hairdryers with low wattage can reach high temperatures, but low airflow will make the hair drying time longer, which will cause damage to the hair. Brush hair dryers with a power of up to 1000 W are used primarily for styling hair.

The most common models have the ability to switch air flow speed . Typically, a hair dryer has three operating modes: low, medium and maximum. In professional models, there can be six operating modes, for more individual work with each client. The temperature can also be changed. The maximum temperature setting is recommended for styling so that the hair quickly takes the desired shape, and the minimum or “cold air” function is used at the end of styling to preserve its appearance for a long time. To simply dry your hair, you can use medium power and temperature settings.

A hairdryer with the right power will keep your curls healthy. You need to choose this option taking into account the structure and type of curls: for normal hair, a hairdryer with a power of 1500-1600 W is suitable, for weak hair you need to choose a less powerful device, and if you need to style long and thick hair every day, it is better to opt for professional models.

It is sometimes difficult to navigate the variety of modern hair dryers. Buying for yourself the most expensive product with many functions is also not an option, because high power and fashionable bells and whistles are not suitable for every person. Meanwhile, a properly selected hair dryer will not only give you the opportunity to do fashionable hairstyles yourself, but will also keep your hair healthy.

Selection criteria

The higher the power, the faster the hair dryer will dry your hair. However, hair dryers with a power of 2000+ W will dry out your hair, so they are not suitable for daily use. It is better to stay with models with a power of 1400 - 1800 W.

For many, two speeds are enough, while others want to get the full range of functionality. In any case, ionization and cold air supply are indispensable functions today.

A good hair dryer should not be “fluffy”, because this would mean that the metal winding of the motor is very thin. Hair dryers with professional motors are always heavier. As a rule, the heavier the hair dryer, the longer the device will last.

Housing material

Heat-resistant, impact-resistant plastic is our choice. Otherwise, the hair dryer body will quickly melt or the device will break into pieces when dropped.

5 best hair dryers: 2021 ranking

Babyliss 5336PE. Long cord - 2.2 meters, power 2100 W. 3 temperature modes and 2 air flow modes. Powered by an ionization function.

Rowenta Signature Pro AC CV7812F0. The power of the hair dryer is 2100 W, it runs on an AC motor. Unfortunately, a little noisy. The air flow and temperature conditions are regulated. There is an ionization function and a removable filter. The hairdryer fits comfortably in your hand and weighs little.

Phillips HP 8663/00. Hair dryer brush with 800W power. There are 2 modes for adjusting air flow and 2 temperature modes, as well as an ionization function. Includes 4 nozzles.

Remington Pro-Air AC Compact AC5911. AC motor, 3 temperature modes and 2 air flow modes. Power 2200W, long cord, ionization. The set includes 3 nozzles, including a diffuser. There is a removable filter.

Redmond RF-532. The power of the hair dryer is 2200 W, the air flow is regulated in two modes, and the temperature in three. There is ionization and a “cold air” function. Lightweight body and cord 1.7 meters long.

What criteria do you use to choose a hair dryer? Share the best hair dryer brands in your opinion. We are waiting for your answers in the comments!

What to look for when choosing

A must-have attribute is the power of the hair dryer. But you shouldn’t run for maximum power if you are not a professional. Otherwise, you risk not being able to cope with such power and not having time to style it, or even damaging your hair and contributing to its rapid loss.

Cold air. This is a very important point. Cold air is practically necessary to secure the styling. Even in the store, before purchasing, you should turn on the hair dryer and understand whether its speed of transition from hot to cold mode is high enough.

Hair dryer cord length and thickness

This is the simplest way to distinguish a professional hair dryer (2.5-3 meters) from a household hair dryer (up to 2.5 meters). A long cord of 2.5 meters allows the master in a beauty salon not to throw the tool over the client sitting in the chair, but to walk around him.

The power cord should not only be thick, but also flexible. In the place where the wire and body are attached, almost all models have a special hook, by which manufacturers recommend hanging the tool. But, unfortunately, the entire weight of the hair dryer will load the place where the wire is attached to the body and over time the connection will weaken and the contacts may break.

It is better, after all, to use special hair dryer holders or holes in hairdressing carts in beauty salons. If a professional hair dryer is used at home, put it in a closet.

Remember!!! If you have a wire break along its length, the best repair is to replace it with a new one! No need to use duct tape or, worse, tape. The power of hair dryers varies from 1500 Wh to 4000 Wh and poor contact at the curling point can lead to a short circuit or electric shock, which is very dangerous.

How to use a hairdryer

No modern woman can do without this device. But, unfortunately, few people really know how to use a hair dryer correctly without damaging the hair structure. So, here are the rules to follow:

1. Do not dry completely wet hair. First, dry them thoroughly with a towel and leave to dry a little. During the drying process, you do not need to actively rub or twist your hair, because... when wet they are highly susceptible to damage.
2. Use a special emulsion before drying your hair with a hairdryer. It works as protection and relieves static tension from the hair. Immediately after emulsion, use hair styling spray.
3. To prevent your hair from becoming tangled during the drying process, separate your hair into zones before you start drying.
4. Direct the hot air stream along the hair growth. This technique will strengthen the hair scales, they will become more manageable and gain shine. But drying against growth disrupts the hair structure.
5. Short hair dries quickly, so if it is not too weak and thin, you can use high heat. Medium hair should be dried at a lower temperature, and long hair, accordingly, requires a minimum temperature.
6. When drying your hair, it is advisable to stick to medium temperature. Too hot air harms your hair, making it brittle and dull.
7. Don't use a hairdryer every day. Restoring hair is much more difficult than ruining it. The maximum frequency of styling is 2-4 times a week.
8. You can mix both a styling product and a product to protect your hair from damage.
9. At the end of styling, it is recommended to apply a glitter spray to your hair. This will improve the appearance of your hair.

What materials is a high-quality hair dryer made from?

The hair dryer body must be made of high quality material. Cheap plastic tends to melt at high temperatures, so after 10 minutes of drying you can smell a rather unpleasant and acrid burning smell. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to distinguish bad plastic from good one externally. Often, the quality certificate does not say anything about what material the hair dryer is made of. When choosing a case material, one universal piece of advice works: if the device already smells like plastic in a store window, you definitely shouldn’t buy it.

The hair dryer heater can be a budget metal one or a more expensive ceramic one. Using the first type in the design of a hair dryer can lead to uneven heating of the hair, which can negatively affect its condition. A ceramic heater dries hair much faster than a metal one. It ensures even heating and your hair will be safe.

What you need to know about hair dryers?

A construction hair dryer can be used not only for its intended purpose, as it is truly a universal tool.

For example, with its help you can quickly defrost refrigeration equipment, both domestic and industrial class.

You just need to carefully monitor the distance between the nozzle and the plastic of the refrigerator to avoid damage to the latter.

You can warm up anything: a frozen car keyhole or a water tap and much more.

Another non-standard use of a hair dryer is heating coals for a barbecue, if suddenly there is no ignition at hand.

The tool can also dry firewood quite quickly.

In general, if we talk about cooking, then with a technical hairdryer you can heat up a frying pan and calmly fry, for example, scrambled eggs in it.

A construction hair dryer is an effective way to deal with stuck nuts.

Well-heated fasteners are weakened by thermal expansion and can be easily unscrewed with a wrench.

If this does not help, you can heat the nut until red and simply knock it off with a sharp blow of a hammer.

Cold air button on hair dryers

When styling, and hairdressers know this, in order to fix a hot curl, it must be cooled. Some hairdressers still make the mistake of turning the hair dryer 180 degrees and cooling the curl with a filter on the back of the tool. Is it dangerous! Firstly, wet hair is a good conductor; the client may receive an electric shock. The second danger is that hair gets into the tool and wraps around the impeller and motor, which is painful.

To avoid such problems, all professional hair dryers are equipped with a cold air button. It is important to understand: a hair dryer is not a refrigerator; it does not have cooling elements. When you press this, usually blue, button, the heating elements turn off and the hair dryer cools the strand with air at room temperature. The conclusion is clear - this function is very useful.

Hair dryer motor and impeller

Basically, the entire history of motors for hair dryers comes from Italy and France. This is the heart of the instrument; a lot depends on it. The average guaranteed engine life is from 1500 to 2000 operating hours. But now there are manufacturers such as, for example, Mark Shmidt, whose declared service life of their motors is up to 8,000 hours. These numbers do not mean that the tool will stop working after the end of its service life; on the contrary, it means guaranteed effective operation with proper care.

Another important part of the hair dryer is the impeller mounted on the motor. There are few places where you will find information about its significance, and this is sad, because it determines how much air it will push through the hair dryer. Look through the mesh on the back of the hair dryer and you will see it. The larger its diameter and the deeper the blades, the more air the hair dryer will absorb and release through the nozzle.

Heating elements (heaters) of hair dryers

They heat the passing air. If you imagine them visually, this is a wire twisted into a spiral through which a current passes, due to which it heats up. They are installed on a special frame. Let's omit the technical features, let's just say that the appearance and power of the tool depend on their length, thickness and quantity.

Long shadows

make the tool nozzle elongated, the hair dryer becomes more powerful and heavier.

Thick or short shadows

- the hair dryer will have a short nozzle or barrel-shaped, and the tool will be less powerful and lighter.

Heating elements consume 97-98% of the power indicated on the case and packaging.

It has happened that a hair dryer stops working when drying your hair, but after a short time it turns on again - this is protection against overheating. Many manufacturers have recently installed 2 or 3 spirals. This is done so that in case of overheating, the protection turns off the overheated heater, and the second or third one immediately turns on the heating. The tool continues to blow hot air and does not turn off.

What is a hair dryer for?

Many consumers believe that a hair dryer is needed solely for drying hair. However, modern devices perform many more functions. With their help you can:

• straighten curls or, conversely, curl hair;
• give hair volume;
• lay strands in any direction, up to vertical “ridges”;
• create any hairstyle;
• heal hair.

Generally, hair types differ from person to person. The drying speed and temperature that works for one person may worsen the condition of another person's hair. Professional devices allow you to regulate the temperature and strength of the air flow in such a way that all family members can adjust the hair dryer to their needs: women and men, adults and children.