Hairdryer Tips: How to Choose the One Right for You

Hairdryers are an everyday essential for many people, but with the hundreds on the market, it may be hard to determine which one is right for you. Some hairdryers are more expensive only because they look a certain way or are made by a certain company, not because they're a higher-quality product. A hairdryer's most important characteristic is the ability to produce negative ions. These ions help break down water to create shiny, smooth hair.Ionic

Ionic hairdryers help to dry the hair faster in less time, preventing problems that some other hairstyling tools create, such as split ends or frizzy hair. Ionic dryers use less heat than more traditional dryers, leaving hair healthy and shiny. The charged ions emitted from the hairdryer's warm air help break down water on the hair shaft, bonding the ions to the hair strand to make each hair thicker and more moisturized.

Ionic hairdryers are the most popular choice for consumers, because older models with a single heat and air source damage hair due to the fluctuation of temperature from the metal parts. They are similar to ceramic dryers since they create negative ions, but ceramic dryers create many more ions for quicker and healthier drying.

An ideal ionic hairdryer should have more than 1,800 watts of power, however most professionals recommend 1,875 watts which is the same amount found in dryers used in hair salons and beauty schools. At least two heat settings are recommended, so that varying ranges of heat may be used on different hair types, such as thick or thin hair.Ceramic

Ceramic hair dryers are popular because they create the negative ions used to seal in moisture to the hair shaft, and they heat up better and provide more consistent drying that the older, more traditional models. Ceramic hairdryers are also antibacterial, creating a safer environment for you and your hair.

Some hairdryers can be both ceramic and ionic, since the ceramic materials are heated to create negative ions for healthier looking hair. Alternative traditional hair dryers that contain metal coils for heating and distributing should be avoided, since they create positive ions that dry out hair and give it a frizzy appearance. These conventional models use a "rope" heater to warm the hair, while the ceramic heater helps to prevent hair damage caused by hot spots in poor heating distribution with older models. Ceramic dryers are also ideal for many hair types, since they are self-regulating to prevent heat damage caused by over exposure and high temperatures.

Both ionic and ceramic hair dryers often have tourmaline-coated parts to emit large amounts of negative ions for smooth and shiny hair. Tourmaline coatings can make hairdryers more expensive but drastically cut down on drying time and leave you with a healthy head of hair.Wattage, Heat Settings and Attachments

No matter what type of hairdryer you choose, heat setting and wattage can make all the difference. High wattage typically means more power, and many hair professionals use appliances with no less than 1800 watts of power, but most recommend about 1875 watts. There should be various speed and temperature settings to dry different thicknesses of hair efficiently, without damage. At the very least, there should be two temperature settings and two speeds. Look for a cool shot button, which helps to lock in a style or shine after it has been dried with warm air. The cool air seals the cuticles of the hair shaft, leaving it shiny and healthy.

Many hairdryers come with attachments, including diffusers and combs. Diffusers allow you to slightly lift the hair, drying and increasing volume as you style the hair.