Hair Dryers

Everybody knows what a hair dryer is: a loud thing that blows hot air and makes you hair go from wet to dry, right? Well, not entirely. A good hair dryer, used properly, can be the difference between a frizzy, chaotic mess and a smooth, wavy, Botticelli-esque masterpiece.

Whether you want a hair dryer that lets you dry 'n go in the mornings or a deluxe model that works as well as the best blow dryers in a professional salon, Best Buy Canada has what you're looking for. Take a few seconds to learn about some key hair dryer features and you'll soon see how to choose the best hair dryer for your needs.

Power Level

Generally speaking, the higher the wattage the more heat a dryer is able to produce, and the faster your hair will dry. The less time you spend drying your hair the less damage you might cause, so the wattage of your product is a crucial feature. A model between 1,300 to 2,000 watts should serve most home needs nicely.

Ionic and Tourmaline

Ionic technology generates a stream of negatively charged ions, which can protect your hair by reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and eliminating static. Basically, it helps create a smoother, sleeker finish. This feature is especially useful if you like to blast your hair at high heat because it reduces the amount of damage you'd otherwise inflict on your hair.

Tourmaline-equipped dryers take ionic technology and kick it up a notch. These dryers feature components coated with tourmaline (a semi-precious crystalline material), which boosts the amount of negative ions and augments the benefits mentioned above.

Weight and Balance

This is kind of a no-brainer, but if you use a heavier hair dryer then you're more likely to suffer some arm ache when you have to dry your hair for longer periods of time. This is something you should definitely consider if you have long hair or like to do some fancy styling.

In addition to weight, another factor that'll affect how the hair dryer feels in your hand is the balance. Some dryers are designed to be well balanced with a comfortable grip, so they're easier to hold onto while you dry and style your hair into a work of art.

Ceramic Material

An even distribution of heat helps produce better results, and that's what ceramic material can do in a hair dryer. It replaces plastic or metal components and allows for more consistent temperature, so your hair can bask in heat levels that aren't so harsh.

Cool Shot

No, this isn't something you'd get at the local bar. The cool shot function drops the dryer's air temperature, so you can blow cold air to create a style that holds its shape better. Looking to increase volume? Use a round brush to mould your hair, then give your hair a cool shot to set the style.

Hair Dryer Attachments

Sometimes you want to focus the hair dryer's airstream, so you can localize heat on your roots to boost volume or smooth out a certain area. A concentrator nozzle takes care of that nicely.

Another useful attachment is the diffuser, which holds up areas of your hair so you can easily increase volume at the roots. The diffuser also spreads out the airflow, which is perfect for reducing frizz and tangling in curly locks.