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How Do I Choose a Good Hair Dryer?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Many experts would consider a good hairdryer to be one with a high wattage, since it will typically put out more heat than hair dryers with low wattage. When choosing a good hair dryer, however, consider one with varying heat and speed levels, as well as a cold shot button. Good hair dryers will also usually come with a couple attachments, and they will usually be very lightweight. Newer ionic hair dryers may cause less frizz and flyaway hair, but they are usually more expensive than regular hair dryers.

Wattage should be one of the first things to consider when searching for a good hair dryer. The higher the wattage of a hair dryer, the more heat it will put out. This will usually result in a fast drying time. Most experts recommend that most people, especially those with very thick hair, invest in a hair dryer with at least 1,800 watts.

A good hair dryer will also have a number of settings and adjustments. Users should be able to adjust the temperature of the air flowing from the hair dryer, for instance. The speed of the air flowing out of the dryer should be adjustable as well.

Heat and speed levels should be considered when purchasing a hair dryer.
Heat and speed levels should be considered when purchasing a hair dryer.

Cold shot, or cool shot, buttons cause the hair dryers to blow just cool or room-temperature air. Most hair-care experts agree any good hair dryer should have a cool shot button. Not only is the burst of cool air better for the hair, but it also helps reduce frizz and hold a hair style.

Depending on their hair type, some individuals will argue that a good hair dryer should come with a couple attachments. A diffuser attachment, for instance, is excellent for curly hair since it helps prevent frizzy curls. Airflow concentrators are narrow hair dryer attachments that are useful for straight hair.

A light hair dryer is best for people with long and thick hair.
A light hair dryer is best for people with long and thick hair.

People with very long or thick hair will often get tired of holding a heavy hair dryer. For these people, a good hair dryer will also be very lightweight. Hair dryers designed for professional use are usually more lightweight than standard hair dryers, although they will also often be more expensive.

Along with lightweight hair dryers, professional hair stylists may also prefer ionic hair dryers. Standard hair dryers typically blow positive ions toward the hair, which can cause the hair cuticle to open up, resulting in frizz. An ionic hair dryer, on the other hand, is designed to blow negative ions toward the hair, which can help prevent less frizz and static electricity.

Along with lightweight hair dryers, professional hair stylists may also prefer ionic hair dryers.
Along with lightweight hair dryers, professional hair stylists may also prefer ionic hair dryers.

Each person's idea of a good hairdryer will usually depend on her specific wants and needs. While professional hair dryers may seem superior, they may also can be expensive. Most users will find that many standard hair dryers will generally suit their personal needs, as well as their budgets.

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    • Heat and speed levels should be considered when purchasing a hair dryer.
      By: fuzzbones
      Heat and speed levels should be considered when purchasing a hair dryer.
    • A light hair dryer is best for people with long and thick hair.
      By: ia_64
      A light hair dryer is best for people with long and thick hair.
    • Along with lightweight hair dryers, professional hair stylists may also prefer ionic hair dryers.
      By: gemenacom
      Along with lightweight hair dryers, professional hair stylists may also prefer ionic hair dryers.