Yes. Wattage, motor type and heat technology all change how fast your hair dries and how much frizz you’re left with. Most people get the best results from an ionic dryer with adjustable heat and a diffuser for curls.
To blow dry, or not to blow dry? That’s another question. But the real question is about the blow dryer itself. Does the type of blow dryer you use really matter? What’s the difference between tourmaline and ionic? Should I be cleaning my blow dryer? Do I have to use the nozzle? The broad answer is yes—but, read on to see why the type of blow dryer really does matter.
What Are the Different Types of Hair Dryers?
There are thousands of hair dryers on the market, which makes the buying process incredibly confusing at times. With so many different features, types of technologies, components, and add-ons, it’s hard to know what you actually need and what will work for your hair type.
The best place to start is by knowing your hair and your hair drying habits. Is it thick, thin, curly, or straight? Do you dry every day or only before special occasions? The mileage your dryer is going to get will play a factor not only in price point but in quality.
The most common dryer types we see are tourmaline, ionic, and ceramic. Though it is also important to consider your dryer’s wattage and whether or not it’s an “AC” dryer or a “DC” dryer. But what do all these words mean? Let’s get into it.
Does the Type of Hair Dryer Matter?
The short answer here is yes—but, here’s why. When it comes to all the different types of dryers out there, they all have their own purpose or best use case. So let’s start with wattage. Wattage is an important factor to consider when buying your dryer as it will apply to all hair dryers regardless of what type of technology it utilizes. The power of a dryer is measured in watts, so the higher the wattage, the faster the dry time. So someone with thicker, coarser hair will find better results from a high-wattage dryer (think 1800W or more), whereas someone with thinner, finer hair can still get the results they are looking for from a lower-wattage dryer.
Once wattage is considered, it is important to consider whether your dryer is “AC” or “DC,” not the band, but the current. AC stands for alternating current whereas DC stands for direct current. AC motor dryers are typically preferred by professionals as they are the stronger and hotter of the two. However, if you are a regular consumer, basically someone who isn’t using their hair dryer all day every day, a DC dryer will work just fine.
Tourmaline vs. Ionic vs. Ceramic
When it comes to types, the final thing to consider is the type of “technology” your hair dryer is utilizing. Most commonly you will see tourmaline, ceramic, and ionic hair dryers. Tourmaline dryers are actually made with crushed and powdered tourmaline, a semiprecious gemstone, which is then combined into the parts during the construction. This tourmaline base in the dryer allows hair to retain its moisture while locking down the cuticle to create shiny, frizz-free results. But buyer beware, many tourmaline hair dryers and hot tools are actually only tourmaline coated. Always check to make sure that your chosen dryer is actually operating on tourmaline technology as a coating will flake off over the course of time.
Compounded ceramic is another “perk” that comes with higher-quality hair dryers. Ceramic dryers are known for their quick and even heating time, as well as their use of infrared heat. An even heat within your hair dryer means that you are less likely to damage your mane during dry time.
The final most common hair dryer technology seen on the shelves is ionic technology. Hair dryers with ionic technology are fantastic when it comes to fighting frizz. Ionic tech dryers, in short, emit negative ions (like the particles you learned about in science class) which attract positive ions. But what does that mean? When a negative ion attracts a positive ion, they neutralize. When this tech is applied to hair it eliminates static electricity, meaning less frizz and fewer flyaways.
What’s the best hair dryer for me?
The best hair dryer for most hair types will offer a variety of features, like ionic technology that can help fight frizz and easy to use temperature control. The This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer & Attachments by Mane checks these boxes and then some, providing pro features like a cool shot and 1875W motor. It also offers three drying attachments to make styling hair straight, curly or wavy easy and clocks in at less than a pound to keep your bicep workouts in pilates class where they belong.
Are blow dryers bad for your hair?
Blow dryers, like any hot tool, are capable of causing damage to hair, but proper prep and appropriate use of your hair dryer can help to minimize it.
“Proper use of one isn't damaging, but over-drying is bad for your hair,” Professional hair stylist David Cruz tells Mane. But, what is proper use? Cruz lays out the four key steps.
- Heat protection - Don’t even think of applying heat without using a heat protection spray on the strands. Think of this step the way we think of SPF for our skin. Temp Check Heat Protector offers up to 450°F heat protection on both damp or dry hair.
- Choose Your Round Brush Mindfully - Ceramic round brushes are a great option because the ceramic-coated barrel heats evenly.
- Optimize the heat - “Start at a high speed and high temperature, and as your hair begins to dry, gradually reduce the heat,” Cruz advises, adding that you should hold your blow dryer six inches away from your hair. “This will help you avoid over-drying and damage to your hair.”
- Start damp, not drenched - Allow your hair to air dry a bit, or rough dry with a paddle brush first, before diving in with the round brush. This will make the whole process move a little faster, sparing your hair (and your biceps) from overworking.
Another styling option for days you want to skip the dryer altogether and air dry instead is a thermal brush. With a heated ceramic barrel and no airflow, it offers a blown out look without the dryer - just don’t skip the heat protection.
What’s the best way to dry curly hair?
Follow these simple steps from the experts to dry curly hair the right way.
- Detangle - It’s easiest to rake through curls when you can easily slip through them. “Use your hands or a comb in the shower with conditioner in,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Traci Barrett. “Then you can rinse.”
- Start drenched - “apply products while your hair is still soaking wet,” says Barrett. “This will help absorb and trap the highest amount of water, resulting in extra moisture.”
- Apply products in order - Barrett says you must apply leave-in conditioner first. “Apply in layers, from root to ends,” she advises. “Then follow with your products of choice: curl mousse, curl cream, and/or gel.” Our fave is detangling Hydration Hugs Leave-In Conditioner for its added moisture and up to 450°F heat protection benefits.
- Plop - Barrett suggests the “hair plopping” method once your products are applied. This is the act of plopping the wet hair onto a microfibre towel or old T-shirt and using it to squeeze and compress the hair with your hand to form curls while removing excess moisture.
- Diffuse (Optional) - From step No. 4, you can either let your hair air-dry or reach for a diffuser. Pro tip: Barrett says at this point, leave the rest in the hands of this tool. “The less you touch the hair prior to it being 100% dry, the less frizz you’ll encounter,” she explains.
- Finish - Once the hair is 100% dry, Barrett says, “You can break the cast and work a curl cream, smoothing cream, or oil through the hair.” Shiny Dancer Nourishing Hair Oil is dreamy for this.
How do I use a diffuser?
Diffusers attach to the end of your hair dryer and help to disperse airflow, which creates less movement and friction during the drying process. This can help minimize frizz and keep your glorious curls springy. The first try with a hair diffuser can feel intimidating, but just follow this guide and you’ll be on your way to the best curls ever.
- Prep Your Curls - After you’ve washed your hair, detangle and heat protect up to 450°F with Hydration Hugs Leave-In Conditioner. Then add the creams, mousse or gel of your choosing to soaking wet hair, depending on your desired end result.
- Gently pre-dry - Use a T-shirt (or curl-friendly towel) to scrunch out some excess water before you begin drying. At this point, you may also go through your locks, finger combing and defining/twisting each curl depending on your natural curl pattern.
- Attach your diffuser - The This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer & Attachments comes complete with a bowl diffuser attachment that snaps easily onto the end of the dryer and works perfectly for most hair lengths.
- Start at the Roots - Use the nubs or extensions on your diffuser to lightly push the hair upward, sort of like a comb or your fingers to get some volume. Once the roots at the top of your head are dry, work your way down, slightly dipping your head forward when it’s time to focus on the back of your head and the nape of the neck.
- Don’t overwork - Avoid touching your hair too much during this process, as it will create frizz and potentially pull out curls in the process. It is also important not to apply too much pressure with the diffuser, as it could create frizz as well. Be soft with your touch.
- Flip - Once your roots and mid-lengths have dried, flip your head completely forward and cup your curls, softly piling them on top of the diffuser while pushing up toward the scalp. You can also ensure that the nape of your neck and the back of your head have completely dried. Once you have built the volume you are looking for and the undersides of your mane are fully dry, stand up and flip your hair back, continuing to diffuse if need be.
- Scrunch, Set, or Spray - Once hair is fully dry, scrunch with your palms upward toward the root to break up any curl cast with Shiny Dancer Nourishing Hair Oil. You can also pull apart curls where needed, or provide a little lift internally with the tail of a rattail comb, but be careful not to handle too much or you’ll create frizz. Once you are satisfied with your finish, set with Cotton Candy Dry Texture Spray for light grip and airy volume without stiffness.
FAQ
Is it better to air-dry or blow-dry?
It depends. Air drying, while time consuming, avoids heat exposure from a hair dryer to your strands while blow drying allows for hair to be dried and styled more quickly.
What wattage hair dryer do I need?
This depends on your hair type and how quickly you want your hair to dry. The higher the wattage, the faster the dry time. While those of us with thinner, finer hair can get the results they are looking for from a lower-wattage dryer, someone with thicker, coarser hair will find better results from a higher wattage dryer (think 1800W or higher). Mane’s This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer & Attachments is 1875W, which works well for most hair types.
Can you use a diffuser on straight or wavy hair?
Yes, a diffuser can be used on all hair types to dry hair, but wavy, curly or coily hair types will enjoy the most benefits. This is because diffusers create less disruption to hair texture when drying, helping with greater definition and reduced frizz.
How far should you hold a hair dryer from your hair?
You should hold your dryer around 6 to 8 inches from your hair and keep it in constant motion (don’t aim the dryer directly at your scalp and leave it there).
Does an ionic hair dryer really reduce frizz?
Yes, ionic hair dryers can help to reduce frizz and flyaways caused by static electricity by emitting negative ions which attract positive ions, resulting in a neutral charge. The This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer & Attachments by Mane is equipped with ionic technology that helps seal the cuticle while reducing frizzy hair.