"I know its bad but I
like to get my hair colored"
Carey Hart
Celeb Biker
In Touch Magazine
9/25/06
"Start every updo with a
ponytail - it provides a strong
base for any style. I like
to use bands with hooks on the
ends (like
Bungee Bands) to
secure the tail - they hook into
your hair & keep them from
sliding out like normal
elastics."
Karen Marie Shelton, Dedicated to FFOS -
Copyright - All Rights Reserved
Revised Date: 11/24/11
Introduction
Matthew
Blow Drying
Camila Alves
on
Bravo/TV Shear Genius 3
Bravo/TV
All Rights Reserved
Before the invention of the modern hair dryer, known as blow
dryers, which
revolutionized the hair care industry, anyone that wanted to speed dry
their tresses had to sit under the old fashioned hood or bonnet
heating devices.
The blow dryers of today are a far cry from the very first
portable dryers that evolved basically from a vacuum cleaner so many
years ago.
As the blow dryer industry has blossomed, so too have the
available models and dizzying array of special features.
Today's blow dryers come in a mind blowing assortment of sizes,
shapes, colors and prices.
In some ways, buying a blow dryer can be as complicated as
selecting a car.
Basic Facts About Blow Dryers
Consider the following facts when selecting a new blow dryer:
1. One size blow dryer does not fit all.
2. Models are designed specifically for either professionals
or consumers.
3. You generally get exactly what you pay for.
4. There are no such things as "the best"
blow dryers.
The reality is that what is best for one person may be the worst for
another.
5. The majority of all blow dryers, both professional and
consumer are imported. Just like some car models, the same
engine will be packaged in different casings with different options
and different price tags.
6. Blow dryer models should be selected to match the best fit for your hair type,
texture, styling needs and lifestyle. Do your research before
you buy.
7. Prices on blow dryer models have fallen over the years
allowing consumers to select more than one dryer for different needs such as
home use versus travel.
8. Only purchase
blow dryers with tons of special features
(cold button, multiple heat settings, diffuser attachments,
concentrators, etc.,) if you plan to use all of the features.
As a result, I have
personally poured over stacks of catalogs as well as trying out
literally hundreds of models. Blow dryer technology continues
to change and evolve at a rapid rate.
Over the years blow dryers have morphed through new technologies
that include ceramic, ionic and turbo charging. The
traditional hair dryers of even ten years ago, are long gone.
If you are looking for a blow dryer with hurricane wind speeds
and heat wave temperatures, you will may have to look long and hard.
As each new drying technology is
introduced, the old standby models have faded away.
Professional Versus Consumer
Most consumers do not need to invest in a professional model
hairdryer unless they have very unique blow drying needs or plan to
have at least 8-10 people use the dryer every day for long periods
of time.
Janine Jarmon
Blow Drying
on
Bravo/TV Shear Genius 3
Bravo/TV
All Rights Reserved
Licensed hairdressers use their professional
models all day long on anywhere from 10 to 15 clients. They
also push the envelope on their dryers, switching them on and off
and changing temperatures from hot to cold and back again.
Professional hair dryers are designed for intense wear and tear.
As a result, the price tag reflects this fact.
If you're the type of
person who names your inanimate objects and hates changes, you may
want to invest in a professional model and plan on keeping it for
many years to come. The downside to this plan is that you will
miss out on any new advances in the blow drying industry, which
changes rapidly.
You Get What You Pay For
Remember that the traditional companies like Conair and Remington
offer warranties on all of their blow dryers. The cheaper, no
name models available at discounters may or may not offer warranties
of any kind.
Check this fact our carefully. While you might
save $5 or $10 bucks initially, in the long run, you could lose if
your new dryer conks out after just a few months.
Conair and
Remington, depending on the model, offer anywhere from 6 months to 2
years for their different units. Always check the outside of
the box before you buy to make sure a warranty is included.
Because the same identical blow dryer engine can be packaged by
competitive companies, many blow dryers appear to be very similar.
This makes it less clear for consumers to which model or models are
the "best".
In reality, the very best blow dryer is the model that
provides the best features for your hair type, texture, length and
styling needs.
Not everyone needs a blow dryer with all the bells and whistles.
Someone with medium hair that utilizes their blow dryer to style
their hair may not benefit as much from ionic features as someone
that needs help with frizzy or damaged tresses.
Whether you buy a striped down model or one that is fully loaded,
the key is to buy based on your individual hair care and styling
needs.
Special Features - Buy Only What You Need
Heat settings vary widely. For most consumers a hair dryer
that puts out 1500 to 1875 watts is fine.
The length of the cords on the dryers can range from very short
to very long. Most consumer experts recommend that you select
a dryer with a cord that ranges from 6-9 feet. Of course if
you already have an over abundance of extension cords you can make
do with a short cord.
Model
With
Blow Dryer
Empire Schools
All Rights Reserved
Some models come with the automatic cord keeper which allows
you, with the push of a button, to instantly snap the cord up into
the handle of the dryer.
This is a great feature for neat
freaks or for pet or baby proofing.
Attachments usually work best with designed for the specific hair
dryer. While it is possible to buy add-on pieces, there is
always the risk that the add-on will not fit as snugly as the model
designed specifically for one of the blow dryers.
Weight and portability is key. Some blow dryers are very
light while others are much heavier. Depending on how long you
spend anchored to your blow dryer, you should consider the ease of
lighting and waving of the unit.
If you have naturally curly or wavy hair that tends to frizz,
make sure your blow dryer has the appropriate finger or short
diffuser attachments. You might wish to invest in both.
Majority Are Imported
The majority of all blow dryers, both professional and consumer
are imported into the United States from other countries such as
Italy, China, Southeast Asia and South America.
Just like some car models, the same engine will
be packaged in different casings with different options and
different price tags.
Get the proper motor strength for your hair. Thick or long hair
requires a dryer with enough power to get the job done in a
reasonable amount of time. 1500 watts is sufficient.
Less strength
is needed if your hair is thin, fine or just dries fast.
When I
work I use high heat to finish the task as quickly as possible,
unless the hair is very fragile, then I use medium or low heat.
Prices Have Fallen Over The Years
Blow dryer prices have fallen over the years so take advantage
and select more than one dryer for different needs such as home use
versus travel.
Wide Range Of Conair Blow Dryer Options
There are a wide range of highly rated Conair dryers which include:
The Infiniti Cord-Keeper™ by Conair™ is a great option!
Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology fights frizz to leave hair lusciously
smooth, and at a push of a button, the cord retracts right back into
the handle!
Conair 169RL
with
Folding Handle
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved
- 1875 Watts
- Cool Shot
- High Torque DC Motor
- Heat/2 Speed Settings
- Removable Filter
- Retractable Line Cord
- Concentrato
- Diffuser
The
Conair 169RL with a folding handle and a retractable cord.
It the next generation of the Cord-Keeper and contains the following
features:
- Mid Size
- 1875 Watts of Drying Power
- Retractable Line Cord with Push Button Control
- Cool Shot Button Locks Style in Place
- 2 Heat/Speed Settings
- Dual Voltage for Worldwide Travel
- Folding Handle
- UL Listed
- Two Year Limited Warranty
Feature Creep
If you use your blow dryer every day and depend on it to be a
primary source of styling assistance, you may wish to purchase a
fully loaded model which includes all the latest technologies from
ions and ceramic heat flow to a turbo charging option.
One thing you can count on it is that blow dryer technology will
continue to advance with new features constantly being added.
Original Publication Date: 08/10/2001 - Revised
Publication Date: 11/24/11
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For
additional hair care articles, tips and
product information check out the following
links:
Phyto
Selection Guide - Check out our Phyto selection
guide to figure out which of these award winning
products would work best for your hair type, texture
and condition.
Daily Hair Tip
To create retro-look hair waves liberally apply a good setting gel, then use massive clips to hold hair in desired shape. Use gentle hairdryer heat, release clips and enjoy lots of new waves.
Hot Hair Links
Phyto Selection Guide
- Everything you need to know about Phyto for your hair
is included on this table.
