Hair Dryer

A hair dryer uses a small fan that uses electrical energy to generate airflow. There are air inlets that draw in air but prevent other objects from getting sucked in. Hair dryers have come a long way from being used to merely dry hair - they come packed with exciting features to help you style your hair.

In the 1920s, the first hair dryers appeared on the markets. From the large and bulky pieces that were available then, hair dryers are now sleek and aesthetic and packed with exciting features. The travel hair dryers are convenient to fit into your baggage and keep your hair styling woes at bay! Read on for interesting and informative tidbits about hair dryers and their features.

Hair dryer

The basic hair dryer dries the hair by hastening the evaporation of water from your hair. The ionic dryer is capable of drying your hair faster with less help. The negative ions help in keeping your hair shiny and smooth. The ceramic hair dryer ensures even dispersion of heat. This eliminates stickiness and increases hair smoothness.

Such hair dryers work best for those who want to straighten naturally wavy hair. Ion and ceramic technology is incorporated into most modern-day hair dryers. This hair product eliminates stickiness and keeps your hair looking smooth and shiny. Ionic infused hairdryers create frizz-free, soft, static free and shiny strands.

A hair dryer stand allows you the ease of styling and drying your hair with ease. You are saved the bother of holding the dryer in one hand and can instead concentrate on getting your lovely locks in place - for straightening or curling them. Hair dryer stands come with adjustable heights and flexible neck bends. Slip your hair dryer into the holder, position it and let go for hands free hair drying! Using a frizz-control product before drying the hair can keep the flyaway hair in place.

Hair dryer features
In the U.S, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) lays down regulations and guidelines for hair dryer features and has been making considerable inroads into ensuring that consumers are provided with safety measures to protect against electrocution.

The early 1980s saw a spate of electrocution deaths caused by hand-held hair dryers that fell or got pulled into the water. Such hair dryers were a potential danger in bathrooms. The CPSC recommends usage of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). If installed in household branch circuits, GFCI could prevent burn and electric shock injuries.

Before selecting a hair dryer, consider the various features it offers. Since hair dryers are frequently used, it is prudent to go in for one with higher energy efficiency levels. Some of the important features to look for in a hair dryer:

• Different heat settings
  
  
• Nozzle for concentrated airflow - Narrow nozzles work best for straight hair. Diffusers to add volume. A diffuser attachment softens the airflow and is especially handy for enhancing the curl. Finger attachments are helpful for those who need some lift in their hair.
  
  
• Auto shut off
  
  
• Different power settings - Hair dryer speeds range from 600 watts to 2,000 watts. Turbo enhanced hair dryers can increase the wattage by nearly 40%. Very fine strands of hair need about 1200 - 1500 watts of air speed. Thick and wavy hair may need a minimum of 1875 watts.
  
  
• Cool shot button - This button helps to set and lock your hair in place. A blast of cold air at the end of a drying cycle will help set the hairstyle. Heat opens the cuticle allowing it to dry but cool and cold air closes the hair shaft and plumps it up. With multiple settings, you can work magic on your hair. You can set your curls.
  
  
• Removable filter for easy cleaning
  

Some of the leading brands of hair dryers are Conair, Vidal Sassoon, Revlon, Braun and Philips. Choose a hair dryer that suits your needs - size, ease of use or portability. Travel hairdryers come with rubberized folding handles and removable filters. Such dryers come in convenient travel pouches. Some professional hair dryers come with flat irons.

Hair dryer tips

• Never use very high temperature setting. If you do so, use it for a short period of time.
  
  
• Do not go overboard on styling wands that come with hair dryers.
  
  
• Allow your hair to dry naturally for a few minutes. Rinse out water with a towel before starting the hair dryer.
  
  
• Using leave-in hair conditioners will protect the hair by forming a protective coat against heat damage.
  
  
• Blow drying your hair from underneath adds volume to the hair.
  
  
• Do not use a brush with wet hair and hot blow dryer - it's a sure-fire recipe to damage your hair.
  
  
• Never hold the hair dryer too close to the scalp lest it burn your skin.
  
  
• Always use the filter when using the hair dryer.
  
  
• Always point the hair dryer nozzle to the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and thereby encourage shine.