An intro to heat styling.
In the world of heat styling, there are many options for different hair types and styles. To get that perfect, polished look, no matter your hair type, heat styling can often be a key step. Haircare heating tools like straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers and blow dry brushes are among the most common options. Even if you’ve narrowed down which category of tool you’d like, there are so many things to keep in mind searching for the best hair blow dryer: wattage, heat settings, noise level, cord length, price and more.
So, how to choose the best hair blow dryer? The best hair blow dryers will dry and style as desired, without creating frizz or damaging your hair. There are a few criteria to consider when considering which type of blow dryer you may want to use for your specific hair type. The questions can get more specific, i.e., What’s the best blow dryer for curly hair? Or the best blow dryer for fine hair? Here are the top criteria to keep in mind.
Hair type.
First, to choose the best hair blow dryer, you need to be able to identify your hair type, as different types are better suited to certain drying techniques. The best blow dryer for thick hair or the best blow dryer for curly hair, for example, might need a higher wattage or higher heat. Whereas fine or straight hair may need less power or lower wattage, but more on wattage below.
Adjustable settings.
Something else you’ll want to look for are adjustable heat and speed settings. A good dryer – the best hair blow dryer – will offer both. As a general rule, higher heat and speed are more suited to thicker hair, while lower settings are better suited for fine hair. We like at least a couple of options when it comes to both heat and speed.
Special technologies.
As with all the tools of our modern world, even hair dryers feature, especially the best hair blow dryers, offer exciting new technologies to explore. Advances like ionic heat can help reduce frizz. How does ionic technology work? By emitting negatively charged ions that break down water molecules. This reduces drying time and minimizes damage and frizz.
Another technology to look out for: Infrared. Using infrared light, the L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro dries with the speed of light, mimicking natural evaporation to dry hair at lower temperatures and faster. It’s among the best hair blow dryers for curly hair, and definitely among the best professional hair blow dryers.
Wattage.
Wattage = power. Higher wattage hair dryers have more airflow, which can help dry hair more quickly, which can be particularly useful for thick or long hair. A higher wattage (around 1800-2000 watts) can be better for thicker hair, while a lower wattage can be better for hair that is finer. So, the best hair blow dryer for you delivers the power your hair needs.
Ergonomics.
Comfort matters. When considering the best hair blow dryer, you certainly don’t want one that’s too heavy or that feels inconvenient in your hand. You’ll also want to pay attention to cord length to make sure you get enough leeway for styling your hair.
Accessories.
Some driers come with diffusers or concentrators, attachments that can adjust the air flow. A diffuser diffuses the air flow, which can be beneficial for natural or curly styles – this type can be the best blow dryer for natural hair. A concentrator nozzle, on the other hand, concentrates the airflow, perfect for smooth, straight styles.
Choosing the best hair blow dryer means choosing the best model for you. This requires knowing your hair type and your desired results as well as what other details are important for you: adjustable settings, tech features and other factors. One final word of wisdom when it comes to heat styling: Always remember to use a heat protectant to help prevent heat damage and to keep your hair looking healthy.