Everything you need to know about choosing a hair dryer!

When it comes to buying a hair dryer, it’s often worth investing in a high-quality model. Quality isn’t the only important factor: the hair tool should also match your hair type. Consider things like the right weight, wattage, and extra features that make drying your hair easier. Investing in the right hair dryer can help ensure that your hair doesn’t feel brittle and porous after drying, but instead looks shiny and healthy.

AdobeStock_213496722

Which hair dryer is best for your hair type?

The material of your hair dryer has a major impact on how it works with your hair type. Some materials are better suited to thick hair, while others work better for frizzy and dry hair and so on. Read on to find out which hair dryer is best for you.

Ionic and tourmaline hair dryers for thick, frizzy hair

Do you have thick, frizzy hair? An ionic or tourmaline hair dryer could be just what you need. These dryers emit negative ions. The dryer releases negative ions that neutralize the positive ions in water, helping your hair dry faster. The hair is also surrounded by negative ions, which helps protect it. Protecting your hair from further drying out is especially important if it’s frizzy. If you want to tame frizzy hair, we recommend choosing an ionic or tourmaline dryer. One of our favorite dryers that releases negative ions is the Ted Hilley VelvetDry Hair Dryer with Diffuser Platinum Silver.

Features of ionic and tourmaline hair dryers

  • Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral.
  • Tourmaline hair dryers release the most negative ions.
  • An ionic or tourmaline hair dryer is also suitable for any other hair type that is difficult to dry.
  • Try to avoid ionic hair dryers if you have fine or thin hair. Ionic hair dryers are not very effective at creating volume. In that case, you’re better off choosing a different type of hair dryer.

Ceramic and porcelain hair dryers for dry or thin hair

Dryers with plastic or metal housing and a porcelain or ceramic coating around the grille distribute heat in a way that is less damaging to the hair. The heat is also distributed consistently, which is better for dry or thin hair that dehydrates quickly. If you really don’t know which dryer to buy, you can’t go wrong with a ceramic or porcelain hair dryer. These hair dryers are suitable for every hair type!

Features of ceramic and porcelain hair dryers

  • Ceramic and porcelain hair dryers also release negative ions. This helps prevent frizz and dries your hair faster.
  • Some ceramic or porcelain hair dryers feature infrared technology. This means longer energy waves penetrate the hair, drying it from the inside out.

Titanium for a full head of hair

If you’re blessed with a lot of hair, a titanium hair dryer is a good choice. Titanium hair dryers distribute air at a consistent, even temperature. Keep in mind that the temperature can get quite high with this type of hair dryer. If your hair is damaged, it’s best not to use one. But for those with lots of healthy hair, it’s ideal. It dries hair much faster than other hair dryers.

Features of a titanium hair dryer

  • Much lighter than most hair dryers. This makes drying your hair much easier if you have a lot of it.

Shop the best hair dryers 

What about the weight and power of a hair dryer?

Watts

Always choose a hair dryer rated at 1500 watts or more. The wattage of a hair dryer, indicates how powerfully and quickly the motor runs. The higher the wattage, the faster your hair dries. You’ll see this reflected in the price, too. Hair dryers with lower wattage are generally much cheaper. You’ll also need to replace them more often than higher-wattage dryers. If you have extremely thick hair, we recommend buying a hair dryer rated at 1800 to 2000 watts. This is comparable to what stylists use at the salon.

Weight of a hair dryer

The lighter the hair dryer, the easier it is to maneuver while drying your hair. You don’t want your arms to ache after blow-drying. Want maximum comfort while drying your locks? We recommend choosing a hair dryer that weighs no more than 450 grams.

Multiple heat settings

As well as choosing the right material and wattage, it’s important to choose a hair dryer with adjustable temperature settings. Look for a dryer with different heat settings (low, medium and high). This lets you choose the setting that best suits your hair type.

  • Thin, fine, or dry hair: use the hair dryer on the lowest heat setting (low).
  • Normal hair: use the hair dryer on the medium heat setting.
  • Coarse or thick hair: use the high heat setting.

Which extra features are useful?

Cool shot button

Consider a hair dryer with a cool shot button. If you want to prevent frizz and enjoy soft, shiny hair after drying, this feature is definitely a great addition. We recommend switching to the cool shot button toward the end of your blow-dry. This helps the hair cuticles close, leaving your hair shiny and soft. It’s best to switch to the cool setting when your hair is 80% dry. Dry the last little bit using the cool setting. This helps protect your hair from overheating.

Which accessories are useful?

Diffuser

If you have curls, we recommend getting a diffuser for your hair dryer. A diffuser distributes warm air over a larger area of the hair without blowing it in every direction. This can be very helpful for preserving curls and waves. The diffuser maintains the hair’s texture while also adding volume. Check out hair dryers with diffusers below.

Have curly hair and want a hair dryer and diffuser in one? The Ted Hilley VelvetDry Hair Dryer with Diffuser is a great all-in-one choice. The magnetic diffuser clicks onto the dryer and distributes air evenly across your curls, helping preserve your curl pattern and reduce frizz. Ideal for anyone who wants to dry curls quickly and without frizz while maintaining volume.

Round hairbrush

If you’re going to style your hair while blow-drying, a round brush is useful. When you blow-dry your hair correctly with a round brush, your style lasts longer. We love Chi’s round brushes. They feel comfortable in your hand and are made from 100% boar bristles.

  • Round brushes come in different sizes, with diameters ranging from 9 mm to 80 mm. Choose the size according to your hair length (use a thinner brush for short hair and a thicker brush for long hair).
  • The barrel of a round brush can be ceramic, but some round brushes are made of wood. These usually have softer bristles.

Protect your hair!

Don’t forget to protect your hair from the heat of the hair dryer. Use a heat protectant to prevent heat damage and breakage from your styling tool. 

Order the best hair dryer at JohnBeerens.com

A good-quality hair dryer is a must if you always want your hairstyle to look great. At JohnBeerens.com, you can buy hair dryers from a range of well-known brands, including CHI, GHD, Ted Hilley, Ace & Taylor, MAE, and many more. Curious to find out which one is best for you? Ask one of our beauty care staff for advice.

— Claudia Davidis