Hair Dryer: Research your needs

In order to end up with the hair dryer best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of hair dryers are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a hair dryer.

Research the Hair Dryer market

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the hair dryer market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Type: There are a large range of hair dryers available including wall mountable, salon style, hand held, ceramic, ionic, travel or combination style of hair dryers. Many hair dryers can be used in multiple locations but a wall mount or salon style dryer is less portable.

Size: If you are planning on traveling with your hair dryer, smaller and lighter is usually better. Professional quality hair dryers are usually heavier and larger than specialized folding travel dryers.

Features: Ceramic and ionic dryers are reported to be better for the hair as they release ions and help control frizz and dry hair problems. Some hair dryers come with diffusers that are great for drying curly or permed hair. Newer models even come with ceramic brush attachments that allow hot air to pass through the brush.

Price: The more common brand names with fewer features will be less costly. Professional styling equipment will be four to five times more expensive than high-end department store hair dryers.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a hair dryer. For example, will you use the hair dryer only for after swimming?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used a hair dryer before?
	If you have used a hair dryer, work out what you did or didn't like about the hair dryer. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

Where am I going to use this hair dryer?
	If you travel a lot you may need to take the hair dryer with you. Perhaps you use the hair dryer in different rooms in the house or only in one room. Do you want wall mounted, portable or travel size? Perhaps you want a bonnet/salon style dryer.

What hairstyles do I prefer?
	If you prefer more elaborate hairstyles a hard bonnet salon style may be more practical and more effective for overall drying. If you like the more tousled look a hand-held unit will be more appropriate.

Do I want the hair dryer to have accessories?
	You might want to use a diffuser or other attachment like a ceramic roller brush with the hair dryer. Most hair dryers come with basic accessories such as a diffuser attachment.

Do I want a professional quality hair dryer?
	Perhaps you will be using the hair dryer often. Maybe your hair is easy to dry and you only need a basic hair dryer. If your hair is thick or very long and difficult to dry and style you may need a more professional model.

How much can I afford?
	There is a definite price range for hair dryers depending on accessories, style of dryer and also quality of product. Identify your actual needs and don't over buy as you'll end up spending more money than you have to.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of hair dryers and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

Chi Turbo Hairdryer - User review
A negative review of the Chi Turbo. (1m 03s)