If you've ever been shopping for a hair dryer, you'll know that it's almost overwhelming with the vast selection available. Almost every home has at least one, but when the time comes to replace or upgrade your dryer, how do you know what will work best with your hair? Do you judge the product by the brand name? Perhaps by it's looks? How about based on it's price? There are a number of important factors to consider before buying the best hair dryer for your hair.
There are five basic types on the market today; the traditional metal coil model, ionic, ceramic, tourmaline and nano-silver. Some models combine two or more of these technologies together. Here's a look at each of the five mentioned.
Traditional
The traditional models date back to the early 1920's and typically consist of a motor and a metal heating coil. As the metal coils heat up, a motor blows intense hot air (positively charged ions) and dries your hair relatively quickly. The problem is that they use positively charged particles (positive ions) that open up the cuticles covering the shaft of your hair and essentially bakes the water off. The end result is typically dry, frizzy, unhealthy looking hair. While these are still on the market today, they are typically the cheaper, lower end models.
Ionic
Unlike metal coil dryers that use positively charged ions, ionic hair dryers use negatively charged particles. What's the difference? Negatively charged ions break down water droplets into smaller, micro-droplets that are easily absorbed into the shaft of the hair, thus reducing the drying time as well as improving the health of your hair.
Ceramic
Ceramic, once used only in flat irons, is now being used in hair dryers. Traditional models use metal coils that heat up intensely but unfortunately created "cold spots" because the heat produced is not consistent. Ceramic create an even and consistent heat, and typically only come in a Low and High speed settings. Ceramic also reduces bacteria formation, which means cleaner, healthier scalps and hair. It's common to find some of the best models both ceramic and ionic.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone that when heated emits a large amount of negative ions naturally. In tourmaline models, the stone is crushed and infused onto ceramic heating elements, and is capable of producing up to 6 times more negatively charged ions than the regular ceramic elements, therefore reducing drying time drastically. Most tourmaline hair dryers combine ionic, ceramic and tourmaline components.
Nano-Silver
The latest in dryer technology, nano-silver kill 99% of all bacteria and helps keep your hair looking shinny and clean longer. Since this technology is still quite new, most companies haven't introduced their own models yet but it's a good bet you'll see some in the next few years.
Depending what your budget can afford, most hair professionals recommend purchasing a model with both ceramic and ionic technology. If you can afford it, especially if you're usually in a hurry after your shower, combining ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline technologies is the most ideal. The best hair dryer will typically eat up your entire budget, however it's not money wasted. Buying the best hair dryer you can afford is more of an investment rather than an expense.
| Price : $89.95
