Device
— Hair dryer. Classic hand-held hair dryers are devices that produce an intense air flow (with or without heating). Can be used for both hair drying and styling.
—
Hairdryer (wall). Stationary hair dryers are wall-mounted devices that consist of the hair dryer and a wall stand. This design offers convenience, particularly in settings like beauty salons or public pool changing rooms. The stand allows users to keep the hair dryer easily accessible and frees up space on countertops or other surfaces. Additionally, the stand can accommodate extra features, such as an electric shaver socket, providing added functionality and practicality.
—
Hairdryer-brush. Small appliances with nozzles in the form of round combs-brushes, supplemented with holes for air supply. They have a relatively small power and are used mainly for certain types of styling.
—
Styler. Classic stylers, commonly known as straighteners, use heated tongs to straighten hair. However, these stylers are versatile and not limited to straightening alone. They can be equipped with various types of nozzles to achieve specific styling effects, such as hair crimping. Additionally, there are specialized stylers designed for unique purposes, like creating braided hairstyles.
—
Multi-styler. Multi-stylers are versatile hairdressing tools used for styl
...ing hair and creating a variety of hairstyles. They are composed of a heating base and interchangeable nozzles, each designed for specific hairstyling techniques. The device set may include curling irons of different sizes and shapes, straightening plates, curling nozzles, brushes for adding volume to the roots, and more. Essentially, multi-stylers are an upgraded version of stylers, offering an expanded range of complete nozzles for versatile hairstyling options.
— Curling iron. Hair curlers typically feature a round (cylindrical or conical) heating element onto which the hair is wound during use. Some models come with a clip to secure the hair tightly to the heater, while others may not have this feature. The diameter of the heating elements can vary, offering the flexibility to achieve various styling effects. Additionally, specific curling irons are also available, such as those equipped with a double heater and a clamp for enhanced styling capabilities.
— Automatic curling iron. Automated hair curlers function similarly to regular curling irons but come with a key difference: they automatically wind a strand of hair onto the heating element using a built-in motor and give a signal when the heating is complete. This feature makes them extremely user-friendly, as users don't need to manually wrap their hair around the curling iron or time the heating process. However, these devices tend to be expensive and relatively heavy, making them less convenient for self-use. Moreover, the automation is limited to standard programs and may not be suitable for creating complex or unique hairstyles.
— Brush. Outwardly, such devices most often look like combs, brushes, complemented by built-in heaters. Due to this, when combing, such devices are more effective than conventional brushes without heating, especially with thick “naughty” hair.
—Electric curlers. Curlers are small cylinders used for curling hair. They can be heated for more long-lasting styling. Electric rollers, as the name suggests, use an electric element for heating, typically built into the container where the curlers are stored. It takes approximately 10-20 minutes for them to reach the desired temperature, and the curlers themselves are made of heat-absorbing material that retains warmth for an extended period.
In addition to individual hair styling tools, there are also sets available that include two or three items, such as a "hairdryer + curling iron” combination. These sets consist of separate devices that can be used independently of each other. Purchasing such a kit is often more convenient and cost-effective compared to buying the tools separately. However, it also means relying on the manufacturer's selection of items, whereas individual tools can be chosen according to personal preference and needs.Power
The rated power of the device, in fact, is the power consumed by it when operating at maximum intensity.
The power of a hair dryer, particularly for hair dryers, is a crucial factor that determines the maximum intensity of the airflow and heating capabilities. When selecting a hair dryer based on this parameter, it's essential to consider the intended usage of the device. Models with a power below 1000 W may not be sufficient for proper hair drying, especially for long hair, and are more suitable for styling purposes. Some of these models, particularly inexpensive ones, can provide high heat with low airflow, requiring careful use. For versatile and effective use, both at home and in professional settings, it's recommended to choose a hair dryer with at least 1800 W, preferably
2000 W and higher. Higher power allows for intense airflow, effective hair drying even at lower temperatures, and provides a wide range of temperature and speed settings. Models with intermediate power levels, ranging from 1000 to 1800 W, are more suitable for travel and on-the-go use.
For curling irons, electric curlers, and similar devices, the heating intensity and speed depend directly on the power. The manufacturer carefully selects the heater's power to achieve specific performance characteristics, such as temperature and heating intensity. When choosing such devices, it's essential to focus on practical indicators and compare different mode
...ls based on power, especially if specific characteristics are not clearly stated, as seen in some inexpensive curling irons with basic functionality. In these cases, users should consider the weaker and more delicate their hair, the lower the temperature and less intense the heating should be. If unsure, it's safer to opt for a less powerful device, as it may take more time to curl hair, but it significantly reduces the risk of damaging the hair.Power/temperature control
—
Joint. In models with joint adjustment of power and “degree” of air flow, the parameters change at the touch of a button. Hair dryers usually have several fixed values of blowing intensity and air temperature.
—
Separate. Separate heat and temperature controls give you more freedom of choice when using your hair dryer and styler. The parameters of the flow force and temperature for hair dryers with separate adjustments change separately, which allows you to count on the optimal values of power and “degree” of blowing to avoid overdrying your hair.
Temperature modes
The number of heating modes provided in the tool.
The presence of several temperature modes makes it possible to choose the best option for a particular situation. For example, for quick curling of "naughty" hair, when speed is more important than delicacy, you can set a strong heat, and if there are no problems over time, you can use a lower temperature. But the specific amount directly depends on the type of device (see "Device").
So, in hair dryers of one kind or another, there are usually few temperature modes — up to 3 in household models, and up to 8 – 9 (occasionally more) in professional ones. But curling irons and stylers, even relatively simple ones, can have several dozen levels of adjustment — their operating range is quite wide (for example, 130 – 200 °C), and the temperature in this range is often adjusted in steps of several degrees.
Also note that in hair dryers
, temperature control and
power control are carried out separately, and these parameters can have a different number of settings (for example, 2 power levels and 6 temperature levels). In curling irons, stylers, etc. the temperature only changes at the same time as the power, so the number of power modes may not be indicated at all — it corresponds to the number of temperature settings by definition.
Brush diameter
The diameter of the brush used in the corresponding tool (see “Device”), more precisely, the diameter of the cylinder from which the brush hairs “grow”.
For different hair lengths, different types of hairstyles and styling methods, the optimal sizes of brushes will also be different — in some cases, a small diameter, 20 – 25 mm, is more convenient, in others large brushes of 30 mm or more will be more convenient. However, this parameter is relevant mainly for professional use and work with long hair, complex hairstyles, etc. If the tool is bought for normal household use without any frills, the diameter of the brush is not so important.
Nozzles and accessories
—
Concentrator. Nozzle used in hair dryers to narrow the air flow, providing a more directed and intense blowing. Usually, it has the form of a nozzle that “flattens” the air flow from round to flat.
—
Diffuser. Nozzle that diffuses the air flow. Perfect for sensitive hair and prevents damage. Also, in some cases, provides more efficient styling.
—
Brush. Comb-brush attachment, mainly used for hair styling. Brushes can have a different design — for example, there are both round (cylindrical), with pins sticking out in all directions from the nozzle, and more traditional flat ones. Pins can also have different lengths, density and be made of different materials.
—
Straight. In this case, we mean a standard nozzle for curling irons (see "Device"). It is a cylindrical heating element designed for classic curling and most often supplemented with a hair clip, almost the entire length of the nozzle.
—
Conical. A variety of nozzles used in curling irons. It is similar in design to the classic straight, but it has a conical rather than cylindrical shape, tapering from the handle to the end. In addition, such accessories usually do not have crimpers. The cone nozzle is more difficult to handle than the straight one, but at the same time it allows for more strokes and gives m
...ore space for creativity (in particular, the diameter of the curl can be changed by winding the hair closer or further from the handle).
— Spiral. Nozzles for curling irons with a spiral slot on the surface. When used, this slot plays the role of a guide — a curled strand of hair is placed into it, wound on a heater; the end of the strand is usually fixed with a small clamp near the handle. In a certain sense, working with spiral nozzles is easier than with traditional straight ones — in fact, there is a “tip” on the nozzle for the user, and for an effective and pleasant-looking curl, it is enough to follow this “tip”. On the other hand, the functionality of such devices is narrower — curled curls have a strictly defined shape, depending on the size and angle of the spiral turns.
— Double. Hair curler nozzle, consisting of two cylindrical working surfaces, each with its own heater. The design of such a nozzle can be different: in some models it looks like a characteristic “fork” with teeth of the same or different diameters, in others each cylinder is located on its own half of the crimpers, and the heaters are side by side when closed. Anyway, such a device provides interesting additional features that are not available with more traditional single nozzles; but the specific possibilities may be different, depending just on the design. For example, a “fork” allows you to create curls in the form of zigzags, and with the help of a clamp, you can form waves of a small volume, but strictly the same size. However, for a number of reasons, double nozzles have not received much distribution — the triple ones described below are more popular.
— Triple. Further development of the idea embodied in double nozzles. In accordance with the name, such nozzles are equipped with three working surfaces of a cylindrical (or similar) shape. Usually, the whole structure looks like crimpers, while the extreme heaters are on one half of the crimpers, and the middle one is on the other. Triple nozzles are used mainly for hair with small waves: they allow you to easily create numerous such waves, and all the bends will be the same size. And in separate curling irons — for the same purpose — not even three, but five heaters are provided, with a similar design principle (through one on different halves of the crimpers); such “five” nozzles are similar in purpose to triple ones, but their presence is specified separately.
— Straightener. Nozzle for straightening (smoothing) curly hair. Usually it has the form of crimpers with flat heating plates: a strand of hair is clamped between these plates, after which the crimpers are pulled along the entire length of the strand, straightening the hair.
— Hair crimper. Nozzle for giving strands a zigzag shape. It has the appearance of crimpers with characteristic corrugated plates. The shape and size of such plates can be different — accordingly, the laying result will also differ: zigzags can be sharp or smooth, large or small, etc.
— Heat resistant mat. A special mat made of heat-resistant material, on which you can put a heated tool without fear that the heated nozzle will damage the countertop. Thus, in short breaks during work, as well as during cooling, there is no need to look for an improvised stand or other way of safe placement. So a thermal mat can significantly "make life easier" for users — especially for those who use the tool often and a lot, for example, stylists in beauty salons. And in some models, these accessories also perform the function of a cover — for storing and transporting the device with set of nozzles. Note that heat resistant mats are mainly equipped with “contact” type tools, such as curling irons and stylers; however, such a device may also be supplied with certain models of hair dryers.
— Heat resistant glove. Protective glove made of heat-resistant material with low thermal conductivity. It protects the user's hand from high temperatures, which are often used when working with hair, and also provides some additional features: for example, with a hand in a heat resistant glove, you can straighten the curl right on the nozzle of the curling iron without fear of getting burned. Also note that curling irons equipped with such an accessory usually do not have their own clamp, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to work with such a device without a protective glove.
— Cover/case. The tool for storing and transporting the device. It is customary to call covers products made of soft materials, cases — made of solid ones; the former are less bulky and can be folded compactly when not needed, while the latter provide better protection. The specific type of device should be specified separately, however, a complete cover/case will be more convenient than improvised packaging anyway.
Note that in addition to the above, modern curling irons and hair dryers may include other nozzles. However, these are usually rather rare accessories, mainly needed for some specific tasks, such as creating designer hairstyles.Cord twist 360°
The connection point of the current-carrying wire to the body of the device is equipped with a swivel, so that the wire can freely rotate around its axis.
360˚ swivel of the cord allows you to increase the comfort of using equipment. After all, the wiring stops twisting into a knot. The swivel connection allows you to freely manipulate the device, using it from both the left and right sides.
Removable grille
The ability to remove the protective grille of the hair dryer without special tools and skills, by the user himself.
The grill serves as a protective cover for the air intake of the hair dryer, located on its back side. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the fan and heating element from foreign objects and preventing direct contact with the blades or heated coil, ensuring user safety. Additionally, the grill can accommodate an extra air purification filter, benefiting both the user and the device's internal components.
The removable design of the grill greatly simplifies maintenance and repair tasks. Users can easily clean the grill and internal elements from dust and contaminants, replace or clean the filter, and fix minor issues. However, for more complex repair work, it is advisable to seek assistance from specialists.