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.
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.
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.
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
