In 1890 the first hair dryer was invented by French stylist Alexander Godefroy. His invention was a large, seated version that consisted of a bonnet that attached to the chimney pipe of a gas stove. Godefroy invented it for use in his hair salon in France, and it was not portable or handheld.-Wikipedia

It looks pretty scary, hun?  Thank goodness for the advances in technology.

But seriously, hooded hair dryers continue to play an important role in hair styling. 

Hooded hair dryers save your shoulders the strain and awkwardness of trying to blow dry your hair with a round brush and handheld dryer, Or hanging your head upside down to diffuse your curls.It also gives you the salon finish you are looking for, as well as they are generally less damaging to your hair. 

In the article We will help you answer the question about what features you want.  And show you a variety of models so you won’t overpay for your next hooded hair Dryer.

Professional or Consumer model?

Hooded hair dryers can be classified into two groups, professional and in-home use.

Why would I choose a professional hooded hair dryer over the  at home version? Basically, it comes down to durability and price.

Professional models of any appliance will always cost you more. However, They are quality tested to ensure that they can withstand continuous use and remain fully functional.

The advantage of in-home use product is that they are more affordable and they are approved for use by the general public. Unfortunately , they may have fewer features, quality, durability, longevity than a professional product.

No matter what your budget, we want to help you find the best-hooded hair dryer you can get for the money.

questions you should answer before buying a sit under hair dryer

What will be my main reason for buying a hooded dryer?

• Conditioning treatments, (Steamer)
• Color, perms or other chemical processes (Steamer)
• Large roller sets (bigger hood)
• How often will I be using the dryer? (professional model)
• How long will I use the dryers during my sessions?(timer, professional grade)
• Do I have room for a standard dryer or do I need something more portable? (Soft hood, table top dryers)

Whether you are setting wet or dry hair in braids, twists or Bantu Knots, flexi rods. The answer to these questions will narrow down your search, and help you identify essential features you really need.

OverHead hair dryers;  Basic features and style

Different Styles

Soft Bonnet Inflatable hood, Very portable

• Pros: lightweight easy to travel with or store.
• Cons: most common problems are with the flex hose coming apart.

My top Pick ! –​

Andis Professional Bonnet Hair Dryer (500w)

Hard Bonnet (table top)Like a mini salon style dryer, folds up for easy storage. Semi-portable weighing approx 9 lbs.

• Pros: more durable than a Soft Bonnet Dryer. Less expensive than salon dryers
• Cons: you’ll need to have a table and chair configuration that allows you to sit under it.  Not as comfortable to sit under as one with the adjustable roller base. Not as much air flow as salon quality dryers. Not good for longer hair lengths.

My top Pick ! – Conair Pro Style Bonnet Hair Dryer (1875w, works with large rollers)

My top Pick ! –​

Conair Pro Style Bonnet Hair Dryer (500w)

Adjustable with rolling base (portable salon style)Lower priced professional dryers, mobile, can use with any chair. Could be stored in a closet. 

My top Pick ! –​

Gold ‘N Hot Elite 1875-Watt Professionalisms Stand Bonnet Dryer

Salon Style for chair or with incorporated chairBulky, needs its own permanent stop in your house or salon.

My top Pick ! –

Belvedere B900C Professional Salon Mega Dryer

Top features 

ionicGenerates negative ions which reduce static electricity, frizz, closes the cuticle, add shine. 

Top Rated –

Revlon Ionic Hard Bonnet Hair Dryer

Enter your text  (tabletop model, works with large rollers, 3 heat settings)

Babyliss Pro Ionic Hard-Hatt Dryer

(roller base, smaller hood size)

Tourmaline

A mineral that produces negative ions and infrared

Ceramic

Creates stable consistent moderate heat

My Pick –

Red Pro 1875-Watt Ceramic Tourmaline Hood Dryer (table top)

Conditioning/steam

Water Vapor that hydrates the hair, heat without drying, for colors and chemical processes, reshape hair, amplify curly hair

What I like –

DevLon NorthWest Rolling Salon Hair Steamer 620W

perfect for home, salon or spa use!

My Best Pick ! –

Orbiting Infrared Hair Dryer Standing Professional

Conditioning

If you are interested in using a dryer only for your deep conditioning treatments, consider an affordable alternative to a hooded hair dryer.

What I Recommend – 

BONDI CURLS Deep Conditioning Thermal Heat Cap

Portability 

Soft bonnet style dryers, come as a Hair Dryer attachment/accessory or as an independent portable hooded dryer unit.

How good the soft hooded attachment works, depends on your handheld dryer.  Due to the composition of this accessory, you have to dry to the hair using a lower heat setting or you risk melting the plastic. because the air from your dryer is farther away from your head, its indirect heat.  Both the low heat setting as well as the indirect heat, help you to avoid damaging your hair.

So if a handheld dryer puts out 1875-2000 watts, with the soft bonnet hooded attachment,  You won’t be using nearly that much heat on your hair.

My top Pick ! –

Bonnet Hair Dryer – Soft Adjustable Hooded Bonnet for Hand Held Hair Dryer

UPGRADED Soft Bonnet Hooded Hair Dryer Attachment W/ 10 Silicone Hair Curlers-Extra Large.

The independent soft bonnet units

My top Pick ! –

Revlon Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer (800w)

Gold N’ Hot. Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Dryer

Extra Large Hood (for large rollers

My top Pick ! –

Professional 1300W Adjustable Hooded Floor Hair Bonnet Dryer Stand Up Rolling Base

Timer

My top Pick ! –

Pibbs 514 Kwik Dri 1100W Salon Dryer with Casters (Professional Quality)

We made a few side by side comparisons

Soft Bonnet	Andis	Revlon	Gold N’ Hot
Extra large rollers
Negative ions
Wattage	500	800	800
He​at/Air settings	2 heat / 2 air	3 heat/3air speed	–
Hose length	40″	24″	24″
Hard bonnet -table top	Conair Pro	Revlon	Red Pro
Extra larg​e rollers
Negative ions
Wattage	1875	1875	1875
Heat/Air settings	2 heat / 2 air	3 heat	4 heat
Roller base	Professional	Gold ‘N Hot	Hot Tools
Extra large rollers
Negative ions
Wattage	1300	1875	1875
Heat/Air settings	Control Dial	4 settings	2 Speed / 4 Heat
Timer
Steam

In conclusion 

Until this article, I never fully considered how much better hoodedhair dryers are for your hair than handheld devices. Mainly because folks try to use handheld dryers at their full potential.

For a better understanding of why wattage matters read our another post on 2500 Watt Hooded Hairdryers.

Since the heat is concentrated and applied very close to the hair, over time this direct heat can damage the hair’s cuticle layer, essentially frying the hair.

The best way to go natural and get healthy curly hair use your hooded hairdryer.

Hooded hair dryers are the best way to dry the with minimal heat making it ideal for fine, delicate and fragile hair.

They are also great to get a hair spa feel at home.