Hair dryers: from types and characteristics to rating and choice

The hair dryer is an indispensable device used by professional hairdressers and millions of women around the world. With its help, technologies for hot hair styling were developed, many styling products work most successfully in tandem with such equipment.

About what home and professional hair dryers are better than a hair straightener and how they can be used for drying, today not only experts in the creation of fashionable hairstyles know. This device is in almost every home, and such a massiveness, better than any words, confirms its relevance and relevance. To understand its functions, capabilities, features, it is worthwhile to study in more detail not only the varieties, but also important points in the operation of the device.

A hair dryer is a device used for drying hair, powered by a network or autonomous power sources.... Its design includes a heater and an air blower. Due to the presence of a bell-splitter at the end, the heat supply is carried out directed, strictly to the specified area.

The appliance got its name at the start of mass production - in 1908 AEG registered the trademark of the same name. She, in turn, was called "foehn" by analogy with the Alpine wind, warm and dry, with characteristic gusts.

The classic model of a hair dryer is a tube with a heating element and a fan inside. It is attached to the grip - most often of the pistol type.On one side of the body there is an air intake grille, on the other side a guide bell or nozzles can be installed to help carry out more complex hair styling. In some models, there is an adjustment of the high-speed air supply and heating temperature.

The main purpose of any hair dryer is to dry your hair.... For this, the air flow is heated to a temperature of +60 degrees. Modern models can have an additional ionization function, which eliminates the problem of static electricity generation that occurs when drying hair.

There is an opinion that any thermal effect is very harmful to the hair and it is better to naturally dry it without outside interference. Of course, with uncontrolled use of electrical appliances, hot air really spoils the hair. Here are just alternatives to a hairdryer in a situation where you urgently need to lower the moisture content of the strands, until they came up with it.

With frequent use of a hair dryer, you can notice the damage it does to your hair. This is a consequence of the contact of the scalp and keratin scales with hot air, which manifests itself in the form of:

• split ends;
• dry skin;
• increased sensitivity;
• stratification of hairs - they look untidy;
• loss of color brightness;
• the disappearance of elasticity, shine.

When dried naturally, this does not happen. Hair retains its elasticity and looks healthier. But when it comes to long strands, it takes hours to completely dry them. Going outside an hour after a shower or a visit to the pool will definitely not work.

All hair dryers existing on the market today can be divided into several categories. according to their characteristics.

• Professional grade. These are electrical appliances of high power, large size and weight. They spend a minimum of time on drying their hair; they are equipped with a comfortable handle for long-term work of the master. Professionals often use stationary hair dryers-caps, which are necessary for thermal exposure over a period of time. In any case, these devices are focused on long-term operation, have switching temperature modes, a variety of nozzles - from concentrators to diffusers - to obtain different effects during drying.

• Household. A large class of home hair dryers that do not have a wide range of functions. Often they only have a concentrator nozzle and a switch between two heating modes. Even household hair dryers from top manufacturers are capable of more, but they are also quite expensive.

• Silent... They are considered professional, but can also be used at home, when organizing outdoor photo sessions, at fashion shows, and not only in salons. They provide drying of hair without an increased noise level (in conventional models it reaches 70 dB). They are more expensive than conventional devices.

• With cold air. This feature is found in many modern hairdryers with a large number of attachments. It is necessary to fix the curls after curling with a hairdryer, is required when drying hair after extension, and is indispensable in the care of damaged strands.

• Compact road... This appliance has a foldable handle to make storage more convenient. In terms of their functionality, they are much inferior to classic models.

• With ionizer. During operation, such a device helps to avoid overdrying the hair. With its help, you can remove static electricity, add shine and gloss to strands.

• Infrared... They allow you to use low-temperature drying modes that are harmless to hair. Such a hairdryer speeds up the process of removing excess moisture by 2 times, it is considered safer.

• In the form of a brush... Devices of this type combine the functions of drying and styling hair. Blowing hot air on the principle of a hair dryer is less harmful than the effect of a curling iron. In this case, the effect of styling can be no less impressive.

The main types of attachments with which the hair dryer works are aimed at improving its functionality and ease of use. The more choices available from the start, the easier it will be to create different hairstyles. The most useful devices can be identified.

The cylindrical brush attachment is absolutely indispensable for styling. With its help, you can easily combine drying and styling. Feng brushing helps to add root volume to short hair, indispensable for long strands, if you need to form a Hollywood wave of curls.

This tapered nozzle is up to 74 mm in length and up to 90 mm in width. It is indispensable for local drying of individual strands, it acts in a directional manner. Concentrators are used to create different types of hairstyles: smooth, disheveled, with large waves or curled ends. Such a divider practically does not harm the scalp.

In appearance, such a nozzle is similar to a regular massage comb, but with an additional drying function. It provides a good effect when using smoothing compounds on hair below the shoulders.... When drying, the brush helps to straighten strands, remove frizz, has a gentle effect on the hair and does not harm the scalp.

Universal nozzle for creating root volume. It is with its help that you can turn a cool curl into a curl, make a fashionable careless styling, create the illusion of splendor on very thin hair. The diffuser looks like a flat rounded nozzle with "spikes" and holes for hot air outlet. During the operation of the device, a uniform distribution of heating occurs, there is no negative effect on the scalp.

A hairdryer and a hair straightener are constantly compared, because these devices belong to the category of hair care techniques that use heat as a means of influence. But the correctness of such a comparison raises many questions. The temperature difference is huge: the hairdryer heats up to a temperature not higher than 60-120 degrees at the nozzle, while the curling and straightening irons have a working range of 120-240 degrees.

Functionally, a hairdryer and an iron are also very different. Drying your hair with tongs is long and unproductive. A hairdryer will do this much better.... But he is not able to curl cool curls or create the effect of mirror smoothness and straighten the strands. Here you need a completely different device.

The iron clearly benefits from the effect on the scalp, since its heat does not come into contact with this part of the body. A hair dryer with regular use will have a drying effect. In terms of the aggressiveness of the influence on the hair itself, the iron is an obvious loss: high-temperature exposure, even when using protective compounds, has a very strong effect on the health of the strands, changing their appearance.

Among the models of hair dryers presented on sale today, professional solutions are of the greatest interest. They facilitate styling and noticeably reduce the time the hair is in contact with hot air. Among the market leaders, the following options can be distinguished, which are included in the rating of the best.

• Cloud Nine The Airshot. Powerful professional hairdryer with ionization function, weighs only 570 g with a power of 2000 W.Tourmaline-coated ceramic heating elements are the safest for hair. This hair dryer has LED backlighting on the control panel, heating in 3 modes, adjustment of the blowing intensity, cold air supply and nozzles-concentrators in 2 copies. A long 3 m cord makes it easier for the craftsman in the salon.

• Velecta Paramount TGR 4000. Professional hairdryer from a famous brand of salon equipment from France. The 2000 W model is distinguished by very quiet operation, compact dimensions, weighing only 510 g. The ergonomic case is equipped with controls on the rear panel. The length of the power cord is 3 m. The set includes nozzles-concentrators, a removable metal filter, there is no ionization mode.

• Wahl Master. Professional Italian hair dryer in a chrome case. Has a power of 2000 W, dries easily, style the hair, equipped with an ergonomic pistol grip, balanced, does not slip in the hand, weighs only 590 g. The set includes 2 concentrator nozzles of different widths, there is a cold blower, a 3 m cable. Installed AC motor, prolonging the service life.

• Jaguar HD-5000 Light Ionic. Hairdryer from the leading German manufacturer of professional styling accessories. The model has an average power - 1650 W, provides ionization during hair drying. The set includes 2 nozzles, there is a function of cold air supply, 2 blowing speeds and heating control in 4 versions. A long 2.8 m cord makes the work of the master easier.

• GHD Air. A hairdryer from a leading British manufacturer of professional hair drying and styling products. The 2100 W model is equipped with a specially designed removable filter that supplies high pressure air, shortening the drying time. The hairdryer has ionization, cold air supply, a nozzle-concentrator and switching between blowing and power modes. Ergonomic design, suitable for craftsmen with left and right working hands, the length of the power cord is 3 m, the device weighs 1.54 kg.

• Hairway Professional 03039. The professional 2100W model in a stylish metallic finish. The hair dryer has a 2.8 m long cord with a hanging loop, ionization function, cold blowing. It is possible to switch the intensity of the blowing, 4 heating modes.

• Remington AIR 3D Dryer... Compact hairdryer with 1800 W motor in the handle, case and a set of styling attachments included. The model is distinguished by its spectacular design, it is convenient to dry without additional devices, the length of the 3 m cord does not interfere with freedom of movement, there is a mat and a loop for hanging the device in between. The included attachments rotate 360 ​​degrees in the mount. The hair dryer has temperature control in 3 modes and a choice of blowing intensity, there is a button for supplying cold air, ionization.

• Kapous Professional Tornado-2500. Powerful professional hairdryer weighing 0.8 kg. The set includes a long (3 m) power cord, a 2500 W motor, a function for supplying cold air and 6 modes of drying adjustment, a nozzle-concentrator. One of the best models according to user reviews.

• Xiaomi Soocas H3 Hair Dryer. Stylish model from a leading brand in the high-tech market, available with European and Chinese plugs, storage bag included. The power of the device is 1800 W, there is a switching of the heating intensity and blowing force, ionization, the controls are displayed on the hair dryer handle. The set includes a concentrating nozzle with a rotation function.

• AEG HTD 5595. A powerful professional 2200 W hairdryer with a pistol grip, there are 6 adjustment modes, cold air supply, ionization function. The model includes a removable filter, diffuser and concentrator included. The length of the cord is limited to 2 m, the device weighs about 900 g.

• Galaxy GL 4326. Professional hair dryer with a power of 2200 W with a hub-attachment included. The model has a convenient side power button on the body, a "pistol" grip, a cold mode switch on the handle.The model is equipped with a wire more than 1.7 m long with a hanging loop, it is quite noisy, but effective, quickly dries hair of any length. The hair dryer is presented in the middle price category.

• Panasonic EH5571. Hair dryer for home use, has a power of 1800 W, 3 speed modes, 4 heating steps, ionization function. Includes 1 concentrator nozzle. The price looks overpriced for this feature set.

• "Vasilisa FN-2200"... Household hair dryer of Russian production with a power of 2200 W with an original design and minimum weight. The model has an ergonomic pistol grip, 3 heating modes and an air flow rate adjustment in 2 positions, a cold air function, ionization - all the controls are placed on the handle. The package includes a nozzle with a narrow nozzle.

• BaByliss 2736E. Multifunctional model with a hair straightening effect. The set includes a removable filter, 360-degree rotation function, cold airflow, 4 nozzles, switching modes of operation, 2 m cord, storage case. The power of the device is only 1000 W, which eliminates a noticeable load on the home network. The teeth of the straightening brush are covered with ceramic coating, the stylers use natural boar bristles, and the ionization function is supported.

• Ga. Ma Turbo-CX... Airstyler with 1200 W power in a compact design. The model belongs to multi-stylers, in addition to a straightener, there is a hairdryer and a curling iron, an operation indicator is included, 6 different attachments. There is a cold airflow to consolidate the results.

• Bosch PHA 2000. Hair dryer 400 W with 2 operating modes. The diameter of the working attachment is 20 mm, the cord has a rotation function, a loop for hanging. It differs from other models in reliability, ease of use. A good basic styling brush.

When choosing a hair dryer, the main attention should be paid to the criteria directly related to its work.

1. Appliance power... It affects the drying rate of wet strands. Models with a capacity of 1.4-1.8 kW are considered optimal for home use. A more intense effect is relevant only for salon styling. Hair dryers with a power of more than 2 kW should not be used too often, they dry out the hair a lot.
2. Functionality. Among the requirements for modern hair dryers are stepped heating control, cold air supply, ionization. No serious manufacturing company neglects them.
3. Product weight... Professional hair dryers are always the heaviest because they use thicker copper wire in the motor winding. The more reliable this shell is, the longer the equipment will last. A hair dryer for home use should not be too light either, otherwise the housing will quickly heat up and the motor will fail. For professional models, the weight varies in the range of 400-800 g, household models weigh 200-400 g.
4. Body material. It must be heat-resistant, shock-resistant. It is better to choose a rubberized handle that does not slip in the palm of your hand.
5. Length and thickness of electrical wire... Many Chinese manufacturers even save on insulation by placing the power cord in the cheapest PVC sheath, which will crack when exposed to high temperatures. You need to pay attention to the reliability of this element. In addition, the length of the cord should provide sufficient freedom of movement - an option from 1.5 m will be optimal.It is good if the cord has a rotating base that allows it not to twist during the hair drying process.

To use a hairdryer correctly, you need to follow a number of simple rules.

1. Choose semi-professional models with precise air temperature control. Cold air blowing is mandatory.
2. For long hair, use ionizing attachments to protect against dryness.
3. Purchase a model with a large number of attachments to help add volume at the roots or at the tips.
4. Always wrap the strands with a towel first to remove as much moisture as possible naturally.
5. Hair can be directed dry for a very short time. It is better to use the technique of professional hairdressers: divide the entire mass of the strands into separate zones and conduct the device from roots to ends.
6. Do not reduce the recommended distance of 40 cm from the edge of the socket to the head.
7. If it is possible to refuse complete drying in favor of gentle drying of the hair, it is worth doing it.
8. Carry out work at the lowest possible temperatures. Apply leave-in heat protection creams or oils before styling.

It is quite difficult to cover all customer reviews about hair dryers, not only because these devices are presented in a huge variety. It is more important to remember that consumer opinion is quite subjective, and what one person likes may not work for another. In the household segment of the market today, the best reviews are awarded BaByliss brand productscombining the functions of hair dryers and stylers.

In the professional environment, the leader in the number of positive reviews is Dyson... The brand can be called a pioneer in the introduction of new drying technologies. In addition, he pays great attention to the design of his products. Among budget professional hair dryers, the Galaxy products.

It should be noted that the relationship to the functionality of models for home use is also heterogeneous. Among the useful options are the presence of a cover, cold air drying. Women with small children and those who often travel on business appreciate the silent operation of the device.

But few people notice ionization or the benefits of an infrared lamp in a hairdryer. In addition, most of the customers consider the diffuser nozzle unnecessary, but almost everyone uses the concentrators.

For information on how to choose the best hair dryer, see the next video.