How to Choose a Hair Dryer?

Hair dryers is not complicated, just choose one with features and accessories to suit you.

• Manoeuvrability, size and weight: Hold them to see if they’re comfortable and well balanced.
• Switches: should be easy to operate and accessible.
• Heat & airflow settings: Decide how many air speeds and heat settings you need, and if you want to operate them independently of each other or not.
• Cool-shot: Sets a style in place.
• Filter: If your hair dryer overheats and cuts out, it can mean the filter is clogged.
• Dryers with a removable filter or filter cover are easier to clean.
• Accessories should be easy to attach and manoeuvre, and be easily removed.
• Diffuser/volumiser: Diffusers with short fingers are designed for dry curly or permed hair by spreading the airflow to prevent frizziness. Diffusers with longer fingers - sometimes called volumisers - add volume to all hair types by directing the heat to the roots.
• Concentrator: For spot drying and controlled styling. A concentrator with a narrow slot-like opening, focuses the airflow better than more open varieties.

Hair Dryer Tips

It's very important to make sure your hair is 80 percent dry before you start styling it. Although any form of extreme heat or brushing is bound to damage your hair somewhat, hair is at its weakest when wet. Wet hair becomes even weaker when high heat is applied. Once the hair is 80 percent dry, style your hair carefully and gently.

We usually ignored on hair dryers is the "cool shot." You may have noticed the button and not really understood what it's for, but it's very useful. After drying and styling your hair, give it a quick blast all over with the cool shot button. This seals the cuticle and sets the style, making sure it holds, while giving it shine.

Hair Dryer Hazards

Safety tips for handling hair dryers: Hand-held hair dryers may be essential beauty tools, but they can also be dangerous. As with any electrical appliance, using those calls for common sense precautions.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you follow these specific safety rules:

• Unplug your dryer when it's not in use.
• Never use one while bathing.
• Don't leave it where it can be pulled into a basin or tub.
• Don't reach for a hair dryer if it falls into water or other liquid. Unplug it immediately and then remove it.
• Don't block the appliance's openings by resting it on a soft surface, such as a bed, while you're using it. The air vents might be blocked; it can overheat and cause a fire.