A blow dryer built for a specific hair type, styling curls, waves or everyday hair properly rather than generically.
A hair dryer suits someone who dries their hair every day and is still using a worn-out or noisy one. Choose by hair type: a diffuser for curls and waves, a concentrator nozzle for a smooth finish. Then check the heat settings, the weight and what is in the box.
Gift ideas
A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.
Hair dryer with a digital brushless motor in a T-shaped design, lightweight and low noise. Includes a standard nozzle, wide nozzle and diffuser, all attached magnetically, plus an auto-clean function.
Hair dryer with a 110,000 RPM brushless motor, 65m/s airflow and 200 million negative ions to smooth hair. Weighs 330g with an 82mm body, checks temperature 100 times a second, and has a magnetic nozzle. AU version.
A hair dryer suits someone who dries their hair every day and is still using a worn-out, loud or underpowered one. It is a practical present for a partner, a mum or a sister, and it fits a birthday or Christmas as an upgrade they wouldn't buy for themselves.
It also suits someone who styles their hair. A dryer with the right attachments saves them time, and a good one can leave hair smoother and less frizzy.
What to look for in a hair dryer
Hair type. Curly and wavy hair does well with a diffuser, which spreads the airflow and keeps curls from frizzing. Straight or fine hair suits a concentrator nozzle for a smooth finish.
Heat settings. Several heat and speed settings, plus a cool shot, give more control and are kinder to hair than a single hot setting.
Weight. A heavy dryer tires the arm. Check the weight for someone who dries long hair.
Motor. High-speed motors are designed to dry hair faster. A standard motor is simpler and perfectly good for everyday use.
Attachments. Look at what is in the box, such as a diffuser, a concentrator or a brush.
Travel size. A compact dryer with a folding handle suits someone who travels often.
When a hair dryer is the wrong gift
If they have just bought a good one, another is a duplicate. If they let their hair dry naturally, the dryer will stay in a drawer. And if they use a hot brush or a styling tool they love, a plain dryer won't replace it. When you aren't sure, ask what they use, or choose a different style of gift.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of hair dryer suits curly hair?
A dryer with a diffuser attachment suits curly and wavy hair, because it spreads the airflow and helps curls keep their shape instead of frizzing. Check the listing for a diffuser, and for low heat and speed settings.
Does a high-speed hair dryer make a difference?
High-speed motors are designed to dry hair faster and can cut styling time. A standard dryer is simpler and costs less, and it is a good choice for everyday use.
Is a hair dryer a good gift?
It can be, for someone whose dryer is old, heavy or loud, and who would not buy a better one for themselves. It is a poor gift if they have just bought one, or if they usually let their hair dry naturally.
