Hair Dryer
Buying Guide

AC Vs DC motor

Built for speedier drying, heavy-duty AC motors are usually the go-to choice for professional salons and have an average working life of up to 1000 hours. Expect to pay more for an AC hair dryer.

AC (Alternating Current)

Wondering how much power you need under the hood? The higher the wattage of your hair dryer, the hotter it will be. And the faster it will dry your tresses. “A dryer between 1300 and 1800 watts should suffice for most hair types,” says senior hairstylist Kerrie Peck of Sabe Hair. “But if you have really thick or curly hair, look for at least 1800 watts or higher because your hair dryer will need to work harder.” Professional hair dryers usually range between 2000W and 2400W.

DC (Direct Current)

Found in the majority of budget hair dryers, DC motors produce lower rates of airflow but still pack enough power for most users. Especially if you dry your hair infrequently or have fine locks. These dryers are also lighter, which makes them easy to hold.

And now, brushless motors, too!

This next-generation motor, seen in top-end hair dryers, uses magnets and electronics, instead of carbon brushes, to substantially prolong product life. Hair dryers with brushless motors are lightweight, whisper quiet and unleash powerful airflow.

Ceramic

Ceramic hair dryers contain an internal ceramic coating that helps regulate heat for more gentle, even distribution. Because they need less heat to dry your hair, there’s less of the frizz and frazzle that overdrying can cause. They are also great if you’ve got fine, fragile or bleached hair and can help preserve your mane’s natural moisture and shine.

Ionic

Ionic hair dryers release negatively charged ions to zap your hair’s positively charged ions (the villians that make static and frizz). Not only will these nifty styling tools dry your hair faster at a gentler heat (a bonus if you’ve got long, thick locks), they’re also great at preserving curls and conditioning hair long-term.

Tourmaline

Think of tourmaline technology as ionic on steroids! Tourmaline stylers also generate negative ions to speed up drying and curb static and flyaways. Plus, they emit far-infrared heat that warms the follicle from the inside out, producing salon-quality shine and finish. It’s all down to tourmaline – a semiprecious gemstone that's crushed into a fine powder and built into the dryer’s internal components.

4 warning signs you need a new hair dryer

Hair dryers are lifesavers but they don’t live forever. If your hair dryer has started doing any of the following things, it could be time to shop for its successor:

• Burning smell: This could indicate worn-out heating coils or a clogged filter. If the smell persists even after you’ve cleaned your filter, you should retire your hair dryer.
• Unusually hot: Is your hair dryer suddenly hotter than Hades? Not only could you be damaging your hair (and scalp), it could also be a red flag that the end is near.
• Longer drying time: Taking much longer to turn your hair from wet to dry? Unless your crowning glory has suddenly sprouted an extra 10 inches, it could mean your dryer’s motor is struggling.
• Unhappy hair: Has your hair started to feel dryer than usual after a blow-out? Is it frizzier? More signals that your hair dryer has lost its mojo.

Concentrator nozzle

A concentrator nozzle – which clips onto the front of your hair dryer – narrows and directs airflow through a flat vent to where you want it, instead of blasting your hair everywhere.

Best for: Controlled styling, smoothness, adding volume to roots and spot-drying.

Cool shot

This setting delivers a blast of cool or cold air to seal your hair cuticle bonds. Most mid-range DC hair dryers have a cool-shot function but for a true “cold shot”, you’ll likely need a model with an AC motor.

Best for: Locking in a hairstyle after drying so it holds its shape and shine longer.

Other handy hair dryer features

• Turbo: Increases airflow through the hair dryer to speed up drying.
• Round brush: Some hair dryers include a round brush to help add volume, tame bangs and achieve salon-smooth results.
• Comb attachment: Detangles fine, wavy or curly locks while you dry.
• Swivel cord: A non-twist, flexible cable that won’t tangle as you work your way around your head.
• Noise reduction: Technology that dims the din of your hair dryer.
• Thermal safety: Protects your hair dryer’s heat-sensitive components, like the motor, by automatically cutting voltage when overheating is detected.
• Hanging hoop: If bathroom space is tight, a built-in loop lets you hang your dryer on a hook for easy access; away from wet surfaces.