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.
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.
What will be my main reason for buying a hooded dryer?
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.
Soft Bonnet Inflatable Hood, Very Portable
Hard Bonnet (table top)Like a mini salon style dryer, folds up for easy storage. Semi-portable weighing approx 9 lbs.
Adjustable with rolling base (portable salon style)Lower priced professional dryers, mobile, can use with any chair. Could be stored in a closet.
Salon Style for chair or with incorporated chairBulky, needs its own permanent stop in your house or salon.
Ionic Generates negative ions which reduce static electricity, frizz, closes the cuticle, add shine.
Tourmaline
A mineral that produces negative ions and infrared
Ceramic
Creates stable consistent moderate heat
Conditioning/Steam
Water Vapor that hydrates the hair, heat without drying, for colors and chemical processes, reshape hair, amplify curly hair
Perfect for home, salon or spa use!
Conditioning
If you are interested in using a dryer only for your deep conditioning treatments, consider an affordable alternative to a hooded hair dryer.
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.
The independent soft bonnet units
Soft Bonnet | Andis | Revlon | Gold N' Hot |
Extra Large Rollers | No | Yes | No |
Negative Ions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wattage | 500 | 800 | 800 |
Heat/Air settings | 2 Heat / 2 Air Speed | 3 Heat / 3 Air Speed | -- |
Hose Length | 40" | 24" | 24" |
Hard Bonnet-Table Top | Conair Pro | Revlon | Red Pro |
Extra Large Rollers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Negative Ions | No | Yes | Yes |
Wattage | 1875 | 1875 | 1875 |
Heat/Air settings | 2 Heat / 2 Air Speed | 3 Heat Speed | 4 Heat Speed |
Roller Base | Professional | Gold 'N Hot | Hot Tools |
Extra Large Rollers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Negative Ions | No | Yes | Yes |
Wattage | 1300 | 1875 | 1875 |
Heat/Air settings | Control Dial | 4 Setting | 2 Speed/4 Heat |
Timer | Yes | No | Yes |
Steam | No | No | Yes |
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.
