A hair dryer is an important tool for styling your hair. There is a wide variety of hair dryers to choose from, ranging from the small, travel-type hair dryers to the heavy-duty, durable professional hair dryers. Most ordinary hair dryers can be purchased at retail and department stores; however, professional hair dryers are mostly available through catalogues and beauty supply stores.

Professional hair dryers, when compared to ordinary retail hair dryers, are generally more durable and can withstand heavy and constant use by professional stylists. This type of hair dryer is specifically designed for salon use. Good quality professional hair dryers generally have a varying range of heat or temperature settings as well as speed settings. Professional hair dryers should be able to handle constant abuse multiple uses everyday for a number of years. This type of hair dryer should last for up to 300 hours of use.

With the wide variety of hair dryers available in the market, you may find it hard to differentiate a professional hair dryer from a standard retail hair dryer. There are several distinct characteristics you can look for to determine if a hair dryer is truly a professional dryer.

• Professional hair dryers run on an AC motor. This type of motor lasts longer than the standard, non-salon hair dryer.
• The professional hair dryer is designed with a narrow barrel nozzle, allowing it to provide faster airflow compared to ordinary hair dryers.
• The wattage output of professional hair dryers is generally lower than consumer hair dryers but still work more efficiently because of the design and the AC motor.
• Professional hair dryers come with a cold shot setting that allows stylists to set the hair better compared to the consumer hair dryers cool shot.

Professional hair dryers dry your hair faster than ordinary hair dryers and are therefore better for your hair. If you opt to use the professional type of hair dryer, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the dryer:

• Point the airflow down your hair shaft. This will smooth out the cuticle and allow for better shine.
• Avoid holding the hair dryer near your scalp. This may burn your scalp.
• Allow the hair to thoroughly cool down after blow drying.
• Always use the filter when blow drying your hair. This way, you can avoid your hair being sucked into the machine as you are drying.