Hair dryer
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We’re usually in a hurry when drying our hair, so it’s a good idea to have a hair dryer that can dry your hair quickly. However, your hair also needs to be dried gently to ensure it retains its silky shine and looks immaculate.
A hair dryer can also be a real boon when styling your hair every day. Depending on the specific look you’re going for, it can help you straighten your hair, create curls or fix your hairstyle.
How do hair dryers differ?
Performance and features
One difference lies in the power output of a hair dryer – the more powerful it is, the faster your hair will dry. The motors installed in a hair dryer can also differ. Modern hair dryers have AC motors that use alternating current and are more powerful than the normal motors. For example, the HC 80 Hair Dryer is equipped with an AC motor. The HC 100 is also very powerful and has a brushless digital motor.
You should also consider the different functions hair dryers offer. Their heat and blower settings may vary, as can their power output. Your hair dryer may also offer functions such as a cold air setting or – as with the HC 100 – a memory function for saving heat and blower settings.
Appearance and design
The design of your hair dryer is important in terms of usability – size, weight and shape can vary greatly and impact the ease of drying your hair. And of course, we won’t deny that drying your hair with something that looks a little special can somehow make you feel a little special too.
Accessories
The accessories included with the device are a further means of distinguishing between different hair dryers. Things like slim professional nozzles or volume diffusers may be supplied together with the hair dryer.
Functionality of your hair dryer
In addition to different heat and speed settings, modern hair dryers tend to offer a number of other functions:
- Overheating protection or an automatic switch-off function
- Cold air setting
- Ion technology
- Plug-in brush attachments
- Memory function to recall the setting you last used
- Removable filters to make it easier to clean dust and drawn-in hair
- Folding function to make it easier to store and take with you on trips
- Cord winder at the push of a button
What is ion technology?
You’ll find ion technology is now used in many modern hair dryers. This technology creates ions with a negative charge, which surround your hair whilst it is being dried. These negative ions help to retain the natural moisture in your hair and reduce the build-up of static that can cause those irritating fly-aways. As a result, the process neutralises your hair as the hair generally has a positive static charge, which is counteracted by the negative ions. As such, the ion technology ensures your hair is – a super-shiny, silky and frizz-free finish. On some hair dryer models such as the HC 50 and HC 80, the intensity level of the ion technology can even be adjusted to match your hair type and achieve an even better result.
What is the cold air setting for?
The cold air setting is particularly gentle on your hair, so it enables you to dry your hair gently. However, that’s not all it can do! The cold air setting is best used when you have already dried your hair using other heat settings and now want to add the finishing touch to your look.
The cold air setting gives your hair even more shine and lets you fix it perfectly. The cold air closes Closing the hair cuticles, the cold air ensures your hair stays in place and gives your hair even more shine.
How can a hair dryer help me style my hair?
Good hair dryers don’t just dry your hair, they also help you create your own individual hairstyles. By using attachments, you can tailor the hair dryer to suit your specific needs. For example, a slim professional nozzle is ideal for blow-drying your hair straight or fixing a hairstyle. On the other hand, a volume diffuser is a great choice for styling curls or waves.
Ion technology and the cold air setting enable you to perfect your look and are ideal for fixing your hairstyle. If your hair dryer has a memory function, you can save the settings that best suit your desired style and look – meaning you don’t need to search for them all over again every time.
What should I bear in mind when buying a hair dryer?
Always make sure that the hair dryer has an automatic switch-off function and/or overheating protection. The variety of heat and speed settings is also an important factor in caring for your hair.
When buying a hair dryer, it’s important to keep your specific needs in mind. Your hair type and preferred styling are crucial. Do you just need a hair dryer to dry your hair, or do you want to use it to style? If it’s the latter, an additional cold air setting and a choice of attachments will be a big plus.
Another important aspect is the power output of your hair dryer. If you want to dry your hair particularly quickly or if you have very dense hair, you could benefit from a higher power output.
Also consider the size and weight would be best for you. And don’t forget about whether you want to take your hair dryer with you on trips. In this case, a foldable travel hair dryer may suit you well. The folding HC 25 Travel Hair Dryer would be ideal here.
Last but not least, your hair dryer is something you will hold often, so it should sit comfortably in your hand and have an attractive design.