We all notice the huge difference in our hair when we leave the salon; our hair looks completely different than when we use a hairdryer at home.
That feeling of walking around like Beyoncé on stage with our hair flowing in the wind, which we’ve all experienced after leaving the salon, is what we’re looking for every time we get ready and style our hair at home to go out, right?
Much of the difference between the results we get at the salon and those we achieve at home is due to the expertise of the hairdressers who wash, dry, and style our hair each time we visit.
But let’s not kid ourselves, the use of professional equipment, such as shampoos, other products, and hair dryers, also plays a crucial role.
But don’t panic, you don’t need to work in a hair salon to buy a professional hairdryer. Some brands sell ranges of hairdryers with the same features as professional ones.
Today, we’re going to focus on the features you should look for when choosing a hairdryer and a few professional tips for achieving gorgeous hair.
What should we consider when choosing a hair dryer?
The first and most important thing is to find a hairdryer that takes care of our hair , that doesn’t damage it, and for this we will look at several features that should accompany the hairdryer we choose:
The power of a hairdryer makes all the difference.
A hairdryer’s power refers to its ability to generate air and heat, and it should ideally range between 1000 and 2500 watts (W).
The more powerful a hairdryer is, the faster it will dry your hair, but be careful! We need to be able to control this power to our liking, so we should choose a hairdryer with different controls to regulate the heat and airflow.
The most powerful professional hair dryers usually have three heat levels and two airflow levels, giving us the option of using a lower power for everyday use and a higher one for more elaborate styling.
This Satin Hair Power Perfection model offers an incredible combination of weight and power. It’s lightweight and compact, allowing for ergonomic control from any angle, so you’ll never miss a spot again.
Satin Hair Power Perfection Professional Hair Dryer
Fragile hair is best protected from excessive heat and high speeds. This leads to the misconception that people with fragile hair don’t need a powerful hairdryer, which is a mistake. Using a low-wattage hairdryer will actually take longer to dry, the opposite of what we recommend.
Furthermore, hairdryers are small appliances that consume electricity quickly, so using low-wattage models will ultimately be more damaging to both your hair and your wallet. The ideal power for dry and fragile hair is around 1700W.
In the long run, the most powerful hair dryers are also the most durable. They are designed so that their components (especially the heating elements) can withstand high temperatures for a longer period of time.
Ionic technology to combat frizz
Ionic hair dryers are revolutionary. This is where ionic technology comes in, setting these dryers apart from traditional ones.
Basically, what an ionic hair dryer allows you to do is reduce drying time without damaging or frizzing your hair. And how does it do this? For those of us looking for a hair dryer and not a physics lesson, the key takeaway is that ionic technology breaks down the water molecules in the hair into smaller molecules. This speeds up drying time while helping to retain the moisture your hair needs and eliminating static electricity.
This technology is typical of high-performance dryers like this Rowenta dryer model , which also features a removable grille for easy filter cleaning.
Infiniti PRO CONAIR Hair Dryer
Great hair isn’t just about hot air. Cool air from a hairdryer is a great ally when styling, giving hair the elasticity it needs. So, give yourself a blast of cool air while you dry your hair with hot air.
It’s essential that a hairdryer has a button that allows you to direct a jet of cool air onto your hair. This cools the hair so it doesn’t retain heat for too long and cause damage.
Furthermore, cool air helps set more elaborate hairstyles. You’ll only find this option on high-end hairdryers, like those used in professional salons.
Specifically, this Philips hairdryer model with a diffuser allows you to increase volume to create curls and movement. The diffuser distributes airflow throughout the hair, boosting volume and reducing frizz during drying.
For best results, hold the diffuser near the crown and roots. The diffuser’s finely textured prongs will add volume, maximize thickness and waves, and shape curls.
Philips Dry Pro Hair Dryer 2200W
The best tips and tricks for drying your hair
We’ve gathered 10 tips from professional hairdressers that guarantee a careful and gentle drying process for fantastic results. Your hair will be healthy and shiny!
- Whenever possible, avoid using the hairdryer’s highest temperature setting. You’ll know the temperature is right if you blow air on the palm of your hand and it feels pleasantly warm.
- Keep your distance! Keep the hairdryer about 20 centimeters away from your hair.
- If your hair is very fine, you should keep the airflow setting on your hairdryer low. Otherwise, you’ll end up tangling your hair.
- Dry each strand from roots to ends. This technique smooths the hair cuticle, leaving hair looking healthier, shinier, and more protected for the best results.
- To avoid applying heat to the same spot for too long, keep the hairdryer moving. We recommend dividing your hair into several sections and securing them with clips or bobby pins. Dry your hair starting at the nape of your neck and working your way up to the crown to avoid applying heat repeatedly to the same area.
- Most of us are in a rush in the morning. If you want to dry your hair faster, increase the airflow but don’t raise the temperature.
- Always use a heat protectant spray. This product prevents damage that can be caused by the heat from the hairdryer.
- Try not to dry your hair immediately after washing it. Ideally, wrap your hair in a towel like a turban and let it air dry for about 15 minutes. This will save you effort and reduce the amount of time your hair is exposed to the heat of the dryer.
- Using a nozzle that concentrates the air will help you direct all the intensity of the air towards the strand of hair you are brushing.
- While drying your hair, give it a brief blast of cool air. This step adds elasticity to the hair.