Thursday, March 5, 2015

Which Hairdryers to purchase and all those buttons… let's break it down … shall we???

HAIR DRYERS… you think you know but you have no idea.





My poor hair… was subjected to cheap drug store hairdryers for years.  I never knew that a hair tool such as a hairdryer made a world of difference in my look.

There are 3 groups of hairdryers to consider:

Low End hairdryers - Price Range ($10-$50.00)
Mid Range Hairdryers (Semi-Pro/Pro) - Price Range ($50-150.00)
High End - Price Range $150 plus 


The basic Classic Hair Dryer - blasts heat from heat plates.  Non protective but gets the job done in a longer period of time.

NOW.. we have new technologies on the market.  

Photo Courtesy of blog.prettyinmypocket.com


Beauty Engineers developed new technologies to help protect, provide shine (sealing the hair follicle) and boost drying times.  Those are the fancy words you see that confuses most non-beauty educated consumers.


TECHNOLOGY 
Let's break it down:

Ceramic Technology:  (Information Courtesy of www.modernsalon.com)

What is it? Ceramic is a composite material usually made of clay. It can be used in the body of a dryer, the heating element, or as a coating on internal parts. It creates a far infrared heat that penetrates the hair shaft, preserving hair's natural moisture and luster.
Good for the client and stylist? The benefit of ceramic is that it heats up quickly and evenly across its surface.
Ionic Technology 

What is it? Ions refer to any particle with a negative or positive charge. Negative ions interact with wet hair by breaking up the water molecules, allowing the smaller droplets to penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft. Ionic technology takes a natural occurring phenomenon when hair is wet and breaks up the water molecules, allowing the smaller droplets to penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft.
Good for the client and stylist? Ionic technology reduces the hair's surface tension, leaving locks shiny and frizz-free.
TOURMALINE Technology
What is it? Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral which generates only negative ions when heated. While some of the best ionic dryers are made with tourmaline, they are not all equally effective. Internal parts of dryers may be molded of tourmaline, or some parts may just be coated with a mineral compound. Because tourmaline is a rare gemstone, the price of these hair dryers can get quite steep, depending on the quantity and the way it is incorporated into the dryer.
Tourmaline crystals have been crushed into a fine powder and transferred to the major components of the appliance. The tourmaline technology maximizes the negative ion output and closes the cuticle layer, creating smooth hair.
Good for the client and stylist? A Tourmaline blow dryer has been found to blow dry up to 40 percent more quickly than its non-tourmaline cousin. The speedy and productive results are good for the client and the stylist.
The Heat Settings, Speeds and Cool Shots
Different types of hair require different levels of heat.
The different heat levels should be adjusted to suit your hair texture and condition, according to Perez. He explains, "The high heat is available for really thick or coarse hair, and to remove excessive moisture when the hair is really wet, but always remember to keep the dryer moving and never focus on one portion of the hair for too long. The low setting is perfect for thin or fragile hair. If your hair is only damp instead of wet, it is important to use the low heat setting to prevent over-drying."
As far as that mysterious "cool shot" button, it seals the hair cuticle, setting the final look for long-lasting hold and adds shine. Perez adds, "When your hair is about 80 percent dry, switch over to the cool shot. All your hair needs at this stage in drying is the finishing touches, and the cool shot adequately completes the drying and protects against overheating."
Richman believes the "cool shot" is also great to lock in a curl, or if you set your hair in curlers, it works to cool down your hair and lock in the waves as desired.

THE STYLES and WHAT to USE to get your LOOK
Sleek and Straight
Look for a dryer with an ionic generator, enhanced with tourmaline and ceramic elements that deliver infrared heat. This combination will deliver the smoothest, frizz free results while preventing over drying or moisture loss. Additionally, a dryer with a nozzle attachment will let your focus the air output as you straighten with a brush and prepare your hair for a flat iron.


Curly
If you have naturally curly hair, a diffuser is a must for bringing out its best! Diffusers soften airflow, drying hair gently and reducing frizz.
Recommended Dryers

Bio Ionic Idry Nano-i5x Nano-ionic Conditioning Pro-dryer

Bed Head Curlipops 1875 Watt Diffuser Dryer



Creating Curl
If you’re using round brushes or curlers to achieve curly looks, the right dryer is one with ceramic, tourmaline and ionic technology that reduces frizz and saves moisture for best styling results.
A Great BRUSH to purchase is a Boars Bristle Brush -prices vary


Recommended Dryers

Waves, Flips or Full Volume
You want a dryer with multiple heat and speed settings (plus a cold shot button). Lower heat and speed settings give you more styling control and the cold shot button will set your style in place.
Recommended Dryers

Fine Hair and Creating Volume
To boost fine hair, choose a dryer with an ionic switch that allows you to turn off the ionic generator. (Read more about ionic technology below.)
Recommended Dryers




THE PROFESSIONALS ALWAYS recommend a heat Protectant.  

NEVER EVER use a heating tool on wet or damp hair.




photo courtesy of www.birdieinthetree.com



Click here for BEST Heat Protectant for Curly or Creating Waves



FOR FINE HAIR (READERS TAKE SERIOUS NOTE… YOU CAN DAMAGE YOUR HAIR)
 Heat protection is very necessary
Never dare exposing your hair to hot tools without protection! Fine hair is especially susceptible to damage from heat styling. Not only will your hair be safe with a heat-friendly product, but chances are it will emerge smoother and shinier.
Reader picks:



Click here for Heat Protectant Products for Thick or Coarse Hair
I found thick creamy heat protectant lotions are wonderful for Thick hair.




I found the whole hairdryer selection completely overwhelming but after I researched and understood what to look for and the type of dryer I needed to help my thick, coarse, semi hormone curl hair…

I went with the RUSK W8Less and couldn't be happier.  We travel and the light weight design packs a powerful punch.  My next splurge would be a T3 or a SEDU Revolution Ionic and Tourmaline.

Let me know your thoughts!!!  I want to hear what you love and hate!!!!



5 comments:

  1. It’s true that older hair dryers cause hair damage. But the hair dryers that are available these days are completely safe for hair. I consider Sedu hair dryers as the best hair dryers. They use latest technologies the protect hair rather than damaging them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sedu is good but it's also expensive. I think Babyliss makes dryers that are mid-range priced and deliver professional results without breaking the bank.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I found this blog after a long time which is really helpful to let understand different approaches. I am going to adopt these new point to my career and thankful for this help.
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  4. Be that as it may, in opposition to what many accept, the nature of your hairdryer does make a difference. An advantageous hot device can have the effect between hair that is really sensible and hair that you'd rather shave off and be finished with. The two strengths of a decent hairdryer are warmth and control.

    ReplyDelete

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