Buying guide for Best ceramic hair dryers
Hair dryers are convenient in the moment, but you may find yourself paying the price later with split ends and overdried hair. Fortunately, there are newer hair dryers that employ advanced technology — like ceramic-coated heating elements — to help evenly distribute a gentler heat. The result is dry, smooth hair without all the damage.
However, not all ceramic hair dryers work equally well. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a ceramic hair dryer.
Hair type
Ceramic hair dryers can help all types of hair. The gentle infrared heat drys hair without over-drying, so you get the benefits without all the damage. For fine hair, this may be all you need. If you have thick or frizzy hair, however, you may want to watch for some additional technologies in your ceramic hair dryer, such as ionic technology.
Ionic technology emits negative ions that help calm frizz and speed up drying time. Ionic and ceramic technology often go together in hair dryers. You’ll see these products referred to as “ceramic ionic” hair dryers.
Wattage
Wattage determines how powerful the airflow of a hair dryer is. Higher wattage produces greater airflow, which can help you save time and minimize the amount of heat that your hair is exposed to. A wattage of at least 1,800 should be plenty for most people, but if you have especially thick hair, you may want to invest in something with an even higher wattage. You should be able to determine the wattage of the ceramic hair dryer you’re considering by checking the product page online or reaching out to the manufacturer.
Temperature controls
It’s not uncommon for hair dryers to have multiple heat settings. This is a nice option if you’re concerned about how much heat you’re exposing your hair to. It’s best to try it out on the lower settings first. If you’ve purchased a hair dryer with a high enough wattage, you may not notice a delay in drying time because the extra airflow will help to compensate. Fine, dry hair probably won’t need higher heat than this, but if you have thick hair and the lower hair dryer settings are not cutting it, you can try one of the higher settings.
Cold shot button
Some ceramic hair dryers have a cold shot button. This is meant to be used when your hair is mostly dry to help seal the hair cuticle and lock your style in place. It’s not an essential feature, but it can be useful for putting the finishing touches on your hair and minimizing your exposure to heat.
Safety features
Ceramic hair dryers are relatively safe to use, but due to the high heat involved, it’s important to choose a model that has some built-in safety features. Some models are designed to automatically shut off when the internal components reach a certain temperature to prevent the appliance from overheating. You may also want to choose a hair dryer with a cool-touch housing so you don’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself if you touch the outside of the hair dryer.
Weight
The weight of a hair dryer is especially important if you have long or thick hair that takes a while to dry. Unfortunately, ceramic tends to be heavy, so ceramic hair dryers usually weigh more than comparable models without ceramic components. If this concerns you, focus on choosing a lightweight model without compromising on wattage. You can get an idea of how heavy a ceramic hair dryer is by reading customer reviews online or by checking manufacturer product specs.
Swivel cord
A swivel cord may not seem like an important detail, but it can make a hair dryer much more convenient to use. When you’re moving the hair dryer around your head, a swivel cord will automatically pivot so it’s not in your way. Regular cords just stay in place, and they can be more difficult to work around.
Accessories
Hair dryers often come with accessories to help you dry and style your hair more quickly. Some common accessories include diffusers and concentrators. Diffusers distribute heat broadly and are known for taming frizz and boosting curl definition. Concentrators, on the other hand, focus the airflow on a smaller area. This works best for creating straight or slightly wavy looks.
Ceramic hair dryer prices
Ceramic hair dryers range in price from $15 to upwards of $300.
Unless you need a professional appliance, you should be able to find something that suits you for under $100. Within this range, price differences depend on the wattage of the hair dryer and how many settings and accessories it has.
It’s possible to get a ceramic hair dryer that works for under $20, but such a product may not last as long as a model in the $50 to $100 range. If you blow dry your hair often, it’s worth investing in a ceramic hair dryer that costs a little bit more because it will last longer.
Tips
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Consider choosing a ceramic hair dryer with foldable parts for traveling.
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Always apply a heat protectant to your hair before you use your hair dryer to prevent excessive damage.
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Keep the hair dryer moving, and don’t leave it on a single section of hair for too long at a time.
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If your hair is just damp, dry it on the lowest setting to prevent over-drying.
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If you have thick hair, consider clipping part of it out of the way so you can more easily access the layers underneath.
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Be careful when drying the ends of curly hair. This could make them frizzy.
FAQ
Q. Can I use my ceramic hair dryer if I go abroad?
A. It depends on the model you own. Many ceramic hair dryers are only suitable for use in the U.S. and Canada. You may want to check into getting a separate travel hair dryer for your trip or purchasing a special adapter for your hair dryer.
Q. How does a ceramic hair dryer protect my hair?
A. It emits infrared heat, which is gentler than the heat produced by traditional hair dryers. This helps dry your hair quickly without damaging the cuticle.
Q. What kind of ceramic hair dryer should I choose if I have thick hair?
A. Go with a model that has a high wattage and ionic technology. This will help to cut down on your drying time without being too hard on your hair.
