Ladies with cheap blowdryers: If you’re not ready to part with that tool for a pricier piece, stop reading right here.
But if you’re considering dumping the zero and getting with a hero, carry on…
I’ve fluctuated between expensive and cheap blowdryers for the past decade or so. I even did a post on the “best” cheap ones, which I’m now ashamed of because I have seen the light (don’t search for it; I erased it). During my hairapy session a few months ago with stylist/guru Bill Murphy (remember his product line?) when we discussed why my hair wasn’t as full as it used to be, he said I had breakage from my blowdryer and asked what kind I used.
BUSTED. I had been using a $30 Remington I thought was decent. He explained to me that a quality blowdryer just can’t be made on the cheap because of the motor it needs to have and all the other fancy technology, and for a good one that will treat your tresses right and not cause breakage, you need to drop at least 100 bones. I knew he was right. Why do you think you can’t achieve the same blowout a stylist gives you? Sure, they’re professionals, but a lot of it has to do with the tools. I took Bill’s advice and purchased the same dryer he uses in his salon and swears by, the Italian-made Twin Turbo 2600.
It was love at first blow.
Wait, that came out wrong…
But seriously, I saw a huge difference when I used it for the first time. My hair was softer and silkier with NO frizzies or flyaways; needless to say, it looked way prettier, too. Did I whip my hair back and forth more than usual that night? I think you know the answer to that.
I purchased mine at Bill’s salon (it comes with two concentrator attachments), but you can find these online for $100 and up ($90 on sale!). The Hair Guru also recommends the Izunami G6 ceramic dryer, which is used in the salon, too. Of course there are other quality options out there, so here are five things to look for if you’re thinking of upgrading:
1. 1875 watts or more. I say go for 2600 (the more power, the better), but anything under 1875 probably isn’t going to cut it.
2. “EMF shield” or “low EMF.” The Electro Magnetic Field is what causes damage to your hair as well as frizz and flyaways, so nip that sh*t in the bud head.
3. Ceramic. This has to do with coils and other technological, internal things that dry your locks better. The Twin Turbo isn’t ceramic, so it’s not a must, but still a plus.
4. Warranty. If the dryer doesn’t have at least a 1-year “we’ll fix this with no questions asked” warranty, don’t even think about it.
5. Authenticity. Don’t be fooled by the $40 one that looks EXACTLY like the $100 one and claims to work just like it. It doesn’t.
Also, remember that top-notch dryers last longer; Bill says his Twin Turbos last four years or more and he’s using them all day everyday. This site seems to be a good resources for the top blowdryers and you could always ask a trusted stylist if he/she has recommendations.
As for brushes, I picked up a new one of those, too. Check out THE TURBO DREAM TEAM:
That’s a Chi Turbo large round boar brush ($15-$20). For the best blowout, look for 100% natural boar bristle brushes. Ceramic is also great in a brush you’re using with a blowdryer as it heats the hair healthily. Some salon-recommended brands are Marilyn and Denman, but there are plenty of badass bristles out there–Ulta has the best selection I’ve seen. And Bill is coming out with his own brush line, the Encore Series, this summer, so I’ll definitely be reporting on that.
And if you have a hot date tonight and don’t even want to dry your hair with your ol’ cheapie, don’t panic–you’ve survived this long without going bald; you can still use it (I used mine for a while after my hairapy session before I pulled the trigger on the Twin Turbo). Just consider upping your game with the tools for your tresses now that you have the intel.
Take care of those lovely locks, ladies.
LYLAS,
Ashley