Hair Dryers & Styling Tools: specifications, types

— 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.

The type of electric motor installed in the hair dryer.

This parameter is specified if the device does not use a traditional collector (brush) direct current (DC) electric motor, but more advanced motor. The options here might be:

— AC motor. Hair dryers equipped with alternating current (AC) motors use the same type of power found in regular electrical outlets. These AC motors offer several key advantages over their DC counterparts, including enhanced reliability, durability, and excellent resistance to high loads. They can operate at full power for extended periods without overheating, often lasting for at least 5 years even under continuous use. Additionally, AC motors provide more even heating and facilitate quick adjustments to temperature settings. As a result, hair dryers with AC motors are essential tools in professional settings such as hairdressers and beauty salons. However, the main drawback of AC motors is their relatively higher cost, making them less practical for occasional home use.

— Brushless motor. A brushless electric motor, which eliminates the need for a traditional commutator and brush contacts, employs a built-in electronic circuit to control the current in the motor windings. Despite being more expensive than conventional brushed motors, they offer several advantages. These motors allow for more precise and wider range adjustments of engine speed an...d airflow, resulting in higher efficiency and better overall performance for the same power consumption. Moreover, the absence of moving brush components enhances their durability, leading to significantly longer service lives compared to both AC and traditional brushed motors. However, due to their higher cost, brushless models are not widely used even in the professional industry.

The ability to fold the handle of the device, making it more compact.

Almost all models with this function are hair dryers (see "Device"), for other devices it is irrelevant. In hair dryers, the handle is initially located at an angle to the body, which makes the device rather bulky and inconvenient when storing or packing with other things. When folded, the handle rotates around the attachment point and is pressed close to the body. This simplifies storage and transport anyway, but the folding handle can be especially useful when traveling when the hair dryer has to be stowed along with other luggage. However such handles also have a disadvantage — they are less durable and reliable than solid ones, and with frequent use, the folding mechanism becomes loose.

Curling irons (see "Type") that do not have a hair clamp.

When using these devices, users need to manually hold their hair, which can add some complexity to the process. However, this manual control offers additional functionalities not available in models with a clamp. Moreover, most flat irons with this feature come with cone nozzles, which further enhances the range of creative styling techniques possible. It is advisable for professional stylists and experienced users with good hairstyling skills to consider such models, as they offer greater versatility and creative options.

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.

— 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.

The number of power modes provided in the design of the tool.

This parameter is relevant primarily for hair dryers of various types (see "Device") — in models of another type, the main point is the temperature modes, see below for them. And in hair dryers, the number of power modes is, most often, the number of speeds at which the “blower” can operate.

The abundance of speeds allows you to choose the best option depending on the current task (quick dry, delicately style), hair type, etc. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments complicates the design and affects the price. Therefore, for domestic use, 2 – 3 modes are usually quite enough, and sometimes one is enough.

Note that in single-speed hair dryers, the number of modes may not be indicated at all.

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.

Specific operating temperature that can be set in the device.

This information pertains to curling irons, stylers, and other hair devices that come in direct contact with the hair during use. If the paragraph contains multiple values separated by commas (e.g., "160, 180, 200 °C"), it indicates that the device has several fixed temperature modes (in this example, three). On the other hand, if a range is given (e.g., "120 — 220 °C"), it means the model offers smooth temperature control.

Having more modes or a wider range of temperature adjustments in a hair device provides users with increased flexibility and precision in adapting to different situations. However, it's important to consider that advanced features inevitably come with a higher price tag. When selecting a specific model, it's crucial to keep in mind that the optimal temperature for each situation depends on various factors such as hair characteristics, the specific hairstyling task at hand, and the type of hair products used. Special sources can offer recommendations on suitable temperature settings. Therefore, it's advisable to determine the required temperature range based on these recommendations and then choose a curling iron, brush, or styler that offers suitable adjustment options.

Devices with this feature are capable of "remembering" the temperature setting used before being turned off and automatically activating it upon the next power-on. Temperature memory is particularly convenient in cases where the device is consistently used at the same temperature but requires significant breaks during operation. In such situations, this capability significantly saves the time and effort of the user, as there is no need to adjust the heating settings every time after turning it on.

It should be noted that temperature memory is mostly found in "contact" type devices, not in hair dryers — that is, in curling irons, stylers, and similar tools.

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.

Curling iron diameter (see "Device"). It is indicated by the diameter of the heating element to which the hair is pressed.

The styling features depend on the thickness of the curling iron: for example, large diameters are convenient for adding volume to the hair and creating large curls, small ones allow you to get small curls. Accordingly, when choosing for this parameter, it is worth proceeding primarily from the desired result of curling/styling. And for oval curling irons, this item displays the width.

The width of the plate in the styler or other tool with a straightener or hair crimper (see "Nozzles").

It is necessary to choose a tool according to the width of the plates, first of all, taking into account the length of the hair. So, for short strands, narrow plates up to 25 mm wide are suitable, but with thick long hair it is most convenient to use wide plates, from 30 mm or more.

The length of the plate allows you to understand which curl can cover the device and how much to wind it.

Curved plates are equipped with some models of stylers.

These plates resemble a regular straight styler that has been twisted into a spiral shape around its axis. This design greatly enhances the device's versatility, allowing it to be used both for straightening hair (the typical function of stylers) and for curling to achieve small curls or smooth waves. However, the drawback of this adaptability is the higher cost, primarily because of the complexity involved in manufacturing plates with such a unique shape.

Type of outer coating of the heating element.

— Chrome plated. The most basic and widely used coating option is chrome. It is affordable and heats up quickly. However, using chrome-coated heaters can pose a higher risk of hair damage, so caution is needed when using them. Due to this risk, chrome-coated nozzles are not ideal for frequent or continuous use.

— Aluminium. Such heaters are considered more advanced than the chrome ones described above, due to a longer service life and better heat distribution. However, it is not without the characteristic drawbacks of any metal coating, primarily the negative impact on the condition of the hair.

— Titan. Another option for a metal heater. In terms of basic properties, it is almost completely similar to aluminium (see above), in most cases it differs only in appearance.

— Ceramics. The main advantage of ceramics is the better distribution of heat than in metal heaters. Due to this, such a coating is considered much more “gentle”; however, its cost is noticeably higher, and heating is slower.

— Tourmaline. In most cases, when referring to a ceramic heater, it is typically combined with a tourmaline coating. This coating serves two primary functions: ionization, which promotes smooth and even styling, and friction reduction, allowing the cur...ling iron to glide through the hair effortlessly.

— Titanium ceramics. A specific type of ceramic coating used by some manufacturers. The design, usually, implements various additional technologies designed to improve the quality of work; however, whether such devices outperform "ceramic" analogues depends on the model in each specific case.

— Titanium-tourmaline. An analogue of the tourmaline coating described above, in which titanium is used as the base of the heater instead of ceramic. There is practically no difference in the main features.

— Steel. The most basic and common coating option is "ordinary metal plating," typically referring to steel. The main advantage of this surface is its low cost. However, the heating can be uneven and harsh, which demands careful handling of the tool and makes it less suitable for frequent use.

— Teflon. Teflon stands out for its low friction, making plates glide effortlessly through the hair, even more so than ceramic ones. However, in terms of heating uniformity, it slightly lags behind ceramics.

— Copper silicon. Typically, the reference is made to silicon-coated copper plates. Copper offers excellent thermal conductivity, ensuring uniform heating, while silicon provides practical properties similar to ceramics, such as a gentle effect and suitability for frequent use. However, this option is relatively specific and does not offer significant advantages over more traditional materials, which is why it is relatively rare.

— Manganese-copper. The manganese-copper coating on the heating plates offers a very gentle effect on the hair. These flexible plates allow the styler (straightener or curling iron) to adapt to the shape of the hair strand, reducing mechanical stress on the hair and minimizing damage. As a result, the hair becomes more manageable and obedient.

The heating time of the plates to reach the desired temperature for hairstyling is an important factor to consider. The average heating time for models is around 30 sec. Models with longer heating times are considered to have higher numbers, while those with heating times of 15 seconds or less are considered to have fast heating, which is the best result for almost instant use. However, it's worth noting that fast heating time may have some impact on the power of the device.

— Turbo mode. A mode designed to dry wet hair as quickly as possible. At the same time, the speed of air movement through the hair dryer increases significantly, and the temperature remains the same. This allows you to quickly dry your hair without exposing it to high temperatures. Working in turbo mode usually involves an increased load on the device, so before using such a hair dryer, you should separately clarify in the instructions for what maximum time you can turn on turbo mode.

— Auto-rotation of the nozzle. The function of automatic rotation of a brush or other round nozzle (see "Nozzles"). Thus, the user gets rid of the need to turn the entire device when styling hair, which may not be very convenient. Note that with long hair this function should be used very carefully, as there is a risk of entangling them instead of styling.

— Cold air. The ability of the hair dryer to work without the use of a heating element — when the air flow has the same temperature as the surrounding air. This mode will be useful for drying weakened hair, especially sensitive to overheating. In addition, it can be useful during styling — in particular, cold air “fixes” the finished hairstyle.

— Ionization. An ionizer is a device for saturating the air with negatively charged oxygen ions. Optimizes styling, giving hair new posi...tive properties — for example, increased smoothness. Also, the hair is not electrified thanks to the ionizer.

— Steam humidifier. Some hair styling devices may be equipped with a container for liquid and a device that delivers hot steam to the hair. In this case, both ordinary water and a special styling liquid can be used. It is believed that the use of steam greatly facilitates the styling process, as the hair becomes more manageable. On the other hand, the high temperature of the steam can adversely affect the health of the hair, especially if the hair is weak or steam styling is used frequently.

— Alert timer. Devices with a built-in timer that makes audio signal after a set time. This function is relevant in stylers and curling irons, which allows the same time to curl curls. As a result, the hairstyle will have the same curls — there will be no imbalance in the curls when one turned out more and the other less.

— Automatic switch-off. A mechanism that ensures that the device turns off either after a specified period of time, or when a predetermined (or manufacturer-defined) temperature is reached. Prevents excessive heating of nozzles/plates, as well as overheating of the device in general.

— Key lock. The presence of a protective function of blocking the buttons allows you to avoid accidental pressing in the process of working with the device.

— 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.

The presence of a display in the design of a hair dryer or other device. Various additional data can be shown on the display: heating temperature, selected operating mode, error messages, etc. This function is found mainly in stylers (see "Device"): when working with this type of device, it is important to clearly control all operation parameters.

The majority of hair styling devices, including hair dryers, curling irons, and stylers, operate using mains power due to their high power requirements. However, there are also portable models with built-in batteries, enabling users to use the devices anywhere. The key consideration with portable devices is to ensure they are adequately charged before use.

The average time of continuous operation of the device on one full charge of the battery — without recharging, until it is completely discharged. The value is quite approximate and mostly overestimated, because the actual operating time depends on the temperature regime and is often less than that claimed by the manufacturer.

The charging time of a device battery from 0% to 100% is crucial, especially if you prioritize mobility and frequently travel. For users who have constant access to a power supply and don't move around much, this parameter may not be as significant. If you're frequently on the go and need to move from place to place, it's essential to consider models with a short charging time.

The presence of a USB connector in the device for charging the battery; also in this paragraph, a specific type of connector can be specified.

This connector is advantageous due to the widespread adoption of USB as a universal standard. A vast array of accessories is available, making it convenient to charge the device from various sources, such as wall sockets, car cigarette lighters through adapters, USB ports on computers, laptops, and other gadgets. Many models with USB charging come with just a cable, and finding a compatible USB connector is typically easy nowadays.

Modern curling irons, stylers, and similar devices predominantly use miniature connectors, such as microUSB and the newer USB-C. The choice between these ports doesn't significantly impact functionality; it mainly influences compatibility with third-party charging accessories. Typically, any device with a USB charging port comes with the appropriate cable, so not knowing the connector type before purchase is usually not a major concern. If needed, the port type can be easily identified by visually inspecting the device, as microUSB has an asymmetrical shape, while USB-C is slightly larger and symmetrical.

The ability to , usually between 110 and 230 V. In different parts of the world, electrical networks have different operating voltages: for example, in Europe — 230 V, in North America — 110 V. Therefore, this function will be useful for travel models.

A special loop that allows you to hang the device on a nail, hook or other similar device. In some cases, this storage method is the most convenient — for example, a hair dryer or curling iron can be kept on the wall near the mirror, in front of which hair is usually dried and styled, while the device will always be at hand and will not take up space on shelves or in drawers. The loop is most often located directly on the power cord, near the handle.

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.

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.

The length of the cord for connecting to the network, provided in the design of the tool.

The long cord provides greater freedom of movement, which is particularly beneficial in hairdressing salons and beauty establishments where professionals need to move around their clients. However, for regular household use, excessive cord length can lead to inconvenience, as it may get underfoot or cause other issues. A cord length of 1 – 1.5 meters is generally sufficient for home use. On the other hand, for professional tasks, tools with a cord length of 1.8 meters or more are commonly available.