Does type/brand of hair dryer make a difference?

[ddgattina]

While lamenting that my blow-outs never achieve the shiny-swinging finish that a stylist achieves, my stylist suggested that I needed a better hairdryer-- specifically a Chi.  (She doesn't sell them, so no incentive there.)

 Anyone else find that a high-end dryer actually allowed better blow-dries than a cheapie?  Any brands/ models you can recommend?

[Kelly]

Absolutely! But you shouldn't have to spend $200+.

I have grimaced may times over the halo of frizzies I used to get until I bought a Farouk Deep Brilliance professional hair dryer dryer. I think they are normally around $150, but I got mine for around $45.

The fact that it's ionic matters not (at least I don't think so). What made the world of difference was the cap on the end, which focuses the air into a thin stream, rather than blasting hot air all over my head. Now my hair is always silky and bouncy with almost no sign of frizz.

[makeupmaven]

You can buy the "cap" aka concentrator to fit the end of most blow dryers. Maybe it would pay to try that first.

[SusieQ]

This is good to know. I always thought it was the hair products that you use when you use the hair dryer. I don't blow dry my hair anymore. It's very rare that I blow dry it. I just air dry it and if it misbehave, I put it in a bun!

[makeupmaven]

Hair products definitely make a differenc, too. I think the hotter the hair dryer, the better for styling. Not good for hair on a daily basis, though.

[Kelly]

A good brush, too. I used just a vent brush today (because it's freakishly hot out), and I ended up with more than usual frizzies. I love my big, round, boar-bristle brush.

[vortex1]

I bought a tourmaline T3 dryer for $99 on folica.com. I don't think I ever spent that much on all the hair dryers I have ever owned TOGETHER, but I gotta tell you, this was worth it! Dries much faster and it's closer to a salon type dryer.

[Tupelo]

I bought a tourmaline T3 dryer for $99 on folica.com. I don't think I ever spent that much on all the hair dryers I have ever owned TOGETHER, but I gotta tell you, this was worth it! Dries much faster and it's closer to a salon type dryer.

That's all the testimonial I need, Vortex. I'm going to invest in one. I have hair to my waist and it takes forever to dry.

[makeupmaven]

My old, inexpensive hair dryer is starting to smell like burning plastic. I'm going to get this one:

[makeupmaven]

Ooops, hit the send button too soon. It's by Paul Mitchell and it claims to dry hair up to 60% faster than other types.We'll see about that!

[ddgattina]

Ooops, hit the send button too soon. It's by Paul Mitchell and it claims to dry hair up to 60% faster than other types.We'll see about that!

Barb, let us know how it works.  In the meantime I'm going to try my next blow-out with a concentrator nozzle and see if that helps.

[DivaDebbi]

Vortex1,
I was just thinking of buying this...is this the baby travel size one or is it full size?  How many watts?
I use an ionic dryer, but a cheapie. I dry my own hair when I get it colored and I always find the professional dryers take half the time (particularly since my hair is soaking wet) and always comes out smoother and frizz free.  Time for an upgrade me thinks!

[DivaDebbi]

I just ordered the Blue Ice T Hair Dryer from Ulta.  Rave reviews, travels, great for thick hair, cuts drying time down by 40% and significantly reduces frizz.  It was $75, free shipping.  I will keep you all posted.

[ddgattina]

DivaD, let me know how you like it, because I still haven't purchased a new dryer, and I'm still wondering what to get.  A friend likes the Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium (could these names get any sillier...what next, the Nano Uranium 233?) but haven't decided to spring for it. At those prices, I shouldn't even have to raise my arms to dry my hair.

[Styyna]

I bought a tourmaline T3 dryer for $99 on folica.com. I don't think I ever spent that much on all the hair dryers I have ever owned TOGETHER, but I gotta tell you, this was worth it! Dries much faster and it's closer to a salon type dryer.

I have this dryer with a diffuser and I love it. I also managed to get a free Sedu mini curling iron for free with my last purchase from folica.com. They have some amazing sales to keep your eyes out for if you aren't in a hurry.

[Mim]

I  have a T3 and love it.  It has the concentrator, 2 speeds, and cool shot. 

[makeupmaven]

I got my Sedu flatiron (now DD's) from folica.com. It's a very good etailer and Sedu is an amazing flatiron.

[DivaDebbi]

I just ordered the Blue Ice T Hair Dryer from Ulta.  Rave reviews, travels, great for thick hair, cuts drying time down by 40% and significantly reduces frizz.  It was $75, free shipping.  I will keep you all posted.

I washed and dried my hair this morning with the Blue Ice T Hair Dryer.  It was as good as the reviews!  Dried my hair in 4 sections instead of seven.  Took about half the time.  Completely frizz free and shiny.  Stopped into my office.  Everyone thought I got my haircut.  Excellent light weight dryer that did not make me feel like I was scorching my hair.  It's a winner!

[ddgattina]

Black Friday sales finally got me to spring for a new dryer, and I decided on the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Portofino (who makes up these names?  This sounds like a cross between a nuclear reactor and an Italian vacation.)  Mostly because it came with a 4 year warranty, it is made in Italy (!!) and pro quality, good reviews, $25 off from folica.com.  And my hair stylist uses this one, so I figure it will last decades at the rate I use it.

I can't believe what a difference a good dryer makes.  I am uncoordinated and impatient when it comes to dividing and blowing, but I still managed to get my hair smooth and shiny instead of frizzy in record time.  It really does dry faster. I keep touching my hair, it feels so good. 

[Poppyfields]

a cross between a nuclear reactor and an Italian vacation.

      

Great report 'tina!  Enjoy your sleek locks.

[Cougar]

Hilare!!!

the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Portofino ... This sounds like a cross between a nuclear reactor and an Italian vacation ...

And now I think I need a new hair dryer just from reading all of this.

By the way, my hair dresser had me get a very hot flatiron.  She said (and I use a hair protector product) the hotter it is the better as you don't go over your hair so much for the results.  I'm wondering if the same holds true for a hair dryer.

Also, a dear friend gave me her Sedu flatiron and it's THE BOMB.

[Kelly]

I don't flat iron my hair often, but when I do, my hair is as shiny as a mirror.

[ddgattina]

Hilare!!!

the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Portofino ... This sounds like a cross between a nuclear reactor and an Italian vacation ...

And now I think I need a new hair dryer just from reading all of this.

By the way, my hair dresser had me get a very hot flatiron.  She said (and I use a hair protector product) the hotter it is the better as you don't go over your hair so much for the results.  I'm wondering if the same holds true for a hair dryer.

Also, a dear friend gave me her Sedu flatiron and it's THE BOMB.

I think that is true.  With a good hot iron, you might get away with one pass, and you probably never need more than two passes.  My hair stylist also said that the heat flattens/ seals the hair cuticle.  That's why flatironing leaves hair so shiny. She also said that a hot hairdryer does the same thing, it seals the cuticle.