blowdryer guide

What to Look for When Buying a Blowdryer

Know what to look before you go searching for a blowdryer!

In our ever-growing arsenal of hair care products, the blowdryer has been a tried-and-true tool that goes way beyond simply drying our hair. Not only can it help you to achieve awesome blowout hair, but it can also tame frizz, create curls, and make your hair shiny and smooth, just to name a few benefits.

While they all essentially do the same thing, there have been so many technological advances in the blowdryers world; you have to know what you need before you shop. Read on to discover what to look for when you’re purchasing a blowdryer.

Blowdryer Buying Guide

blow dryer creating waves
Create some serious style with a blowdryer.

1. Consider wattage

We don’t have all day to dry our hair! You’ll need something at around 1300-1800 watts. However, some professional blowdryers can even go up to 3600 watts. Those with thinner or more delicate hair will need to target the lower spectrum, whereas those with thicker hair can benefit from a higher wattage. Whichever wattage you use, be used to use a heat protectant like the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to guard your locks against damage from the heat. Plus, many of them work double-time to create shiny strands post-blowout.

2. Consider the settings

Just like you need proper wattage, you also need to make sure that your blowdryer has various settings that go from low to high. This is especially important for overall hair health and for those with dry, damaged, or fine hair who will need a lower and gentler setting. To protect your locks, consider finger-drying on low until your hair 80% dry and then blast with heat to create smoothness for the remainder of the heat styling. Also, make sure your blowdryer has a cool-shot button.

3. Consider the type

As we mentioned, not all blowdryers are created the same. Today, you can find tons of varieties, with the most common ones being ionic, ceramic and tourmaline dryers. Those who crave stick-straight locks can benefit from a ceramic dryer that works to deliver a powerful and even distribution of heat. Ceramic dryers are also believed to be less damaging since they work by drying hair from the inside out.

Ionic dryers work well for those who have wavy, curly or frizzy hair since its technology works to break down the water molecules in your hair, enabling it to dry faster and more efficiently.

A tourmaline dryer gives off heat by generating positive and negative ions that can dry your hair quickly and effectively. When these ions are heated, they work together to create amazing styles while also being gentle on your hair. This one can be great for those with shorter hair since it won’t zap your strands of moisture while still providing you with a frizz-free finish.

4. Consider the attachments

Now that you have your dryer, you’ll also be able to enhance it with some trusty attachments. Concentrator nozzles are another secret to achieving straight strands: They work by concentrating the airflow and heat directly on your hair (instead of all over the place). This can help set your style as well as reduce flyaways and frizz. To use a concentrator, blow dry your locks at the root for some lift or angle on your hair and move it downwards to create smooth strands.

5. Make sure to seal your look

With all of this hard work, you’ll want to make sure that your new style stays put. Use a dime-sized amount of serum like the Dove Regenerative Nourishment Serum-In-Oil to tame any frizz as you seal in this look.

What blow dryer do you have at home?

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