Choosing a new hair dryer can be challenging, with hundreds of options on the market, all claiming to be the best. To help you narrow your choice and find the perfect option, we have detailed the 4 features you need to consider to help you find the perfect hair dryer today.
Consider Your Needs
When choosing a new hair dryer, consider your specific needs based on your hair type. Typically, your hair will fall into one of the following categories that will help you choose your new hair dryer:
- Thick or long hair: benefits from high-wattage driers to dry the hair faster. Ideally, you want 1800 or 2000 wattage or higher, with ionic technology to provide fast and sleek drying
- Fine or delicate hair – benefits from lower-wattage driers, where you can enjoy more control, reducing damage. You want a hair dryer with adjustable power, with ceramic or tourmaline technology
- Frizzy or damaged hair – is best suited to ionic or tourmaline technology, where frizz is reduced and moisture is retained to prevent further damage. Pairing your hair dryer with frizz creams or treatments for damaged hair can also help to restore your hair’s health
- Curly or wavy hair – needs a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, allowing air to spread gently through your waves and curls. A diffuser reduces the chance of frizz while enhancing the texture of your hair
Consider Its Features
There are several essential features to consider when choosing your new hair dryer, including its wattage and speed settings. Using these features can help to narrow your choice, especially when you are comparing models, so keep an eye out for the following:
The Attachments
An important feature to consider is the attachments, ensuring they are suitable for your needs. Typically, hair dryers come with concentrator nozzles that focus the airflow, helping to create smooth and sleek styles. They are also useful for drying small areas, like a fringe, allowing you to concentrate the hot air.
Diffusers often come with hair dryers too, spreading out air to help dry waves and curls without disturbing them. This is an essential attachment for anyone with curly or wavy hair; be sure to check what attachments are included before purchasing your hair dryer.
The Design
You also need to consider the design of the hair dryer, ensuring it is comfortable and easy for you to hold. Consider the size and weight of the hair dryer to find an option that won’t feel too heavy, even when used for extended periods. If you struggle with your grip or mobility, we recommend visiting a store to try the display models to see how they feel in your hand.
You should also consider the cord length, too, ensuring it is long enough for you to dry your hair comfortably. You don’t want to be tangled in a cord, or stuck close to a power point. A 2-meter cord length or longer will provide you with flexibility while drying your hair.
The Heat and Speed Settings
Another essential feature is the heat and speed settings of the hair dryer. Your hair dryer should have multiple heat settings that help you to control the temperature, preventing you from overheating or damaging your hair while you dry it. Hair dryers typically offer two or three heat settings, along with different speed settings that allow you to adjust the power of the hair dryer.
The Wattage
The wattage of a hair dryer relates to its power, displayed as a number followed by ‘W’. The higher the wattage, the faster your hair will dry, making higher wattage hair dryers a good option for anyone wanting fast drying times. Wattages of 1800W or higher are considered high wattage and ideal for faster drying.
While lower wattages are less powerful, they offer more control, making them a good choice if you want to dry and style your hair in one go. The lower-wattage dryers can also be a good choice for those with fine or delicate hair.
Consider the Technology
Not all hair dryers use the same technology, and it’s important that you understand the differences between them to find your perfect dryer:
- Ceramic – offers even heat distribution, gently drying hair without worrying about heat damage
- Ionic – releases negative ions that break down positive water molecules to speed up drying time. Ionic is perfect for reducing frizz in long and thick hair
- Tourmaline – is often teamed with ceramic offering smoother and shinier finishes on your hair, sealing the hair cuticle during the drying process
Consider Your Budget
Consider your budget to help you narrow your choice. Set how much you are willing to spend, the features you want, and what will suit your hair type and styling goals to find the ideal hair dryer.
Find Your New Hair Dryer Today
By considering these 4 features, you can easily find your perfect hair dryer. When looking for a new hair dryer, we recommend checking out GHD, who offer premium technology across all of their hair dryers. Head to GHD to see their best hair dryers and make your purchase today.
