These days, finding the right hair dryer is more challenging than ever because there are so many different options, styles, and features to pick from.
That’s why we’re here to help you determine which features you just have to have the next time you’re in the market for a new hair dryer.
1. Wattage
The amount of wattage your hair dryer has will determine the power behind the drying job. But the thing is, the power relates to both wind and heat. If you don’t have enough wind coming out of your hair dryer, you’ll end up toasting your hair, and it will still be damp, which defeats the purpose.
Aim for a wattage between 1800 and 2000 if you are looking for the most affordable hair dryer with lots of power. As an added bonus, know that higher-wattage hair dryers tend to last longer.
2. Ionic/Non-Ionic
When a hair dryer is ionic, it uses negative ions to close the hair cuticle and dry your faster, leaving it sleeker and more polished looking. However, this can make your already flat or oily hair look very dull, since it takes away the volume. That’s because this kind of drying can strip the moisture out of your hair quickly and can even lead to excessive damage.
If your hair tends to be frizzy or extra thick and hard to dry, using an ionic hair dryer is your best bet. However, for those times when you don’t want that sleek look, aim to buy a hair dryer that lets you toggle between ionic and non-ionic settings.
3. Weight
You may not think about this, but if you are one to dry your hair on a regular basis, you might to consider how heavy the hair dryer you are about to invest in is. This is especially true if you do a lot of round brushing.
Professional grade hair dryers tend to have bigger motors, more solid components, and pack a few extra ounces than your average blow dryer. If you don’t want to strain your arms, make sure to check the weight of the hair dryer you’re interested in.
4. Heat and Power Controls
When your hair is extra wet, you’ll want to turn your hair dryer up to its highest heat setting. When your hair is nearly dry, and you’re ready to style it, turn the power and the heat way down low so you don’t blow your hair all over the place, over-dry it, and make things worse.
Check your hair dryer for multiple heat and power settings so that no matter what kind of hairstyle you’re after, all you have to do is turn a knob or click a button and voila, your salon-style blowout is on its way.
5. Cost
If you are looking to have a perfect blowout every time you dry your hair, you should invest in a more expensive hair dryer. In fact, most experts will agree that cheap is not the way to go when it comes to hair dryers. That said, there are some affordable options that don’t have to break the bank, but can still provide beautifully dry hair that is damage free.
And there you have it! The most important features to look for in your hair dryer the next time you’re out shopping. A good hair dryer doesn’t necessarily have to the most expensive one available. And making your final decision doesn’t have to be difficult either. You just have to know what to look for.
