What Is The Best Hair Dryer? Tips On What You Should Look For

With literally thousands of models to choose from, it can be difficult in sorting the best hair dryers from the cheap, second-rats. Do not judge by brand name or a fancy, trendy looking appliance; instead, you should look at certain components to determine if it's any good or not. Here are some tips to help make sure you get the best dryer for your hair.

There are two words you should always keep in mind: negative ions. It has been shown that negative ions break down water droplets into micro-droplets that are easily absorbed into the hair shaft, which helps to hydrate hair and to seal and flatten the cuticle to make hair look shiny, smooth and healthy.

If you want the best hair dryer, you need one that produces lots of negative ions. There are three different types that will do this, often two, or all three, are combined.

Ionic blow dryers are specifically designed to produce negative ions; traditional models produce positive ions, so avoid these altogether. Good ionic models include the T3 Evolution and the BaByliss Thermal Ionic.

Ceramic is also used as a component. There are three reasons for its use. Firstly, ceramic producers negative ions when heated. Secondly, this material heats evenly – unlike conventional metal coils that have hot and cold spots, leading to uneven and fluctuating temperatures. Thirdly, it is very anti-bacterial, which helps keep the appliance and your hair clean. This material is often used in ionic dryers.

Lastly, we have blow dyers that have tourmaline coated components. Tourmaline is a precious stone that emits lots and lots of negative ions – six times more than ceramic. It's usual for both ionic and ceramic dryers to use tourmaline. This type of dryer tends to be the most expensive, but they really do make a difference in reducing drying time and producing hair that looks gorgeous. Good appliances include the BaByliss PRO TT (Carrera 2) Tourmaline 3000 and the T3 Evolution.

Another guideline in choosing a good quality appliance is the size of the motor, more specifically, the wattage. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor, the more heat produced and the quicker the drying time. Professional appliances would have a minimum wattage of around 1800 watts.

Also, look at how many heat and speed settings there are. You should choose one that has a minimum of 2 speed and 2 temperature settings. It should also have a cool shot button to 'lock in' curls.

Make sure it has the attachments you require. Most come with only the concentrator nozzle, however some come with a diffuser, comb or pick.

Weight may be an issue for you, especially if you have long or thick hair that takes a long time to dry. Many will weigh somewhere between 1.5 and 2lbs. A good lightweight model is the T3 Tourmaline Featherweight.

Finally, check the warranty. This can vary significantly, but you should look for one with a long warranty cover. The best hair dryers will have a minimum of 2 years, with some offering 5 years.