Credits: photography Justin Brimacombe makeup Karin Shoji model Sari Mercer at Liz Bell Agency hair Chris Deagle Moods salon
Contrary to popular belief, not all hairdryers are the same, and yes, like everything in life, it seems you get what you paid for. However, there are some good deals out there, that give professional result without having to pay professional prices. Firstly though, here are some key tips on what to look for in a good hairdryer.
1)Consider the Settings:
More expensive hairdryers tend to have many settings and gadgets with them, is this really worth it? Believe or not it is! Ideally you want a hairdryer with
-multiple settings, so you can control the amount of heat and prevent frying your hair
-a cool shot button or cool setting, which sets and locks your hair in place
-a nozzle to control and concentrate where the air is hitting
-a diffuser which acts to give body to hair (especially if it's flat or curly)
-automatic shut off if it overheats
2)Consider the Power:
Most professionals will tell you, a power of at least 1800 Watts is the minimum you need to do the job well. At this range it dries the hair fast, without subjecting your hair to long periods of damaging heat., however hair type does matter. A good rule of thumb is that for fine/damaged hair 1200-1500 Watts is sufficient, whereas thick, wavy hair requires 1875-2000 Watts.
3)Consider the Ionic Energy:
Most common hairdryers produce a positive ion when drying your hair. The problem? This opens the cuticle of the hair shaft and causes dullness and frizz to your hair. Ionic hair dryers produce a negative ion which keeps your cuticle flat, locking in moisture and preventing dull, frizzed hair.
4)Consider the Heater:
Standard hairdryers use a mechanism that heats the edges of the air being blown, this can cause burning to hair and hot spots on the head. A ceramic hair dryer uses a ceramic heating mechanism which provides a more even distribution of heat and will prevent these problems. They are great for women who do a moderate amount of drying and styling to their hair and need a little more power from their hairdryers. Other benefits of a ceramic heater include:
-self regulating, so adjusts to the surrounding temperature (this is why they just have high and low settings)
-creates hair that feels freshly conditioned and resistant to the weather conditions, by keeping the outer layer of the hair cuticle healthy since it can dry hair with a lower heat
-reduce bacterial formation (great for your scalp)
Another type of heater is found in the tourmaline dryer. It uses tourmaline in their heating mechanism which increases the ionic power of the dryer and reduces the drying time. You get the added benefits of negative ionic energy (prevents dull, frizzed hair) with minimum drying time. These dryers are perfect for the woman who does a lot drying and styling to their hair.
