A powerful hair dryer for superior performance
A hair dryer’s power is a key measure of its performance: the more powerful a device is, the higher its air-flow and heat-generating capacity, and the more efficient the drying is. This means that the hair and scalp are exposed to heat for a shorter time, with less impact on their overall health. But it also gives you more options for more sophisticated hairstyles.
When is a powerful hair dryer… powerful? When is it appropriate to use a professional power hair dryer? What are the other factors to take into account when you want to treat yourself to a powerful hair dryer?
Here is a short but comprehensive guide to help you find your way around the different ranges of power hair dryers.
What do we mean when we talk about a powerful hair dryer?
The power of a hair dryer, which is expressed in watts, is the key indicator for the device's performance: the higher the number is, the greater the air-flow and heating power – and, it follows, the higher the hair dryer’s capacity.
The power of a hair dryer is expressed in watts, ranging from 1000 to 2500.
Here is a classification of hair dryers based on their power and the key characteristics associated with each group:
- Low-power hair dryers (under 1300 watts):
Hair dryers with the lowest power levels, between 1000 and 1500 watts, are generally small in size, compact, lightweight and sometimes foldable. They are perfectly suitable for when you're on the road and for occasional use. For thick and long hair in particular, more powerful hair dryers are needed so you can finish drying in under 30 minutes.
- Intermediate-power hair dryers (1300 – 1700 watts) – known as soft power:
A hair dryer with an output of between 1300 and 1700 watts is just right for the vast majority of daily uses by non-professionals. An output of 1600 watts is perfect for fine hair, which dries faster than thick hair, and which is also more sensitive to heat exposure from the hair dryer.
Powerful hair dryers (1700 – 2000 watts) – known as easy power:
For thick hair and frequent use – as well as for many professional uses – it is advisable to equip yourself with a hair dryer with a rating of at least 1700 watts, rising to 2000 watts.
- Ultra-powerful hair dryers (over 2000 watts) – known as high power:
Hair dryers with a rating of over 2000 watts are designed for professional use and the most demanding users or anyone looking for maximum power. With their superior air-flow and heating power, it is not recommended to use them at home unless you’ve been given prior instruction and training on how to employ the device properly; otherwise your hair will be damaged very quickly.
How should you use a powerful hair dryer?
The great advantage of powerful hair dryers is that you have the option of regulating the air-flow and heating power with relative precision. They are equipped with at least three temperature levels and two to three air-flow speeds, meaning it’s possible to customise the drying to suit the type of hair and hairstyle, and the time you have for blow drying:
- for hair that has been weakened by colouring, the intermediate air-flow power and temperature are preferable so that you can spare the hair the excessively-harsh drying that would result in split ends and make it brittle;
- in the context of daily use for long and full hair, the intermediate temperature is generally used, but it’s also okay to use the highest air-flow power, which then means you can dry the hair completely in 20 to 30 minutes;
- for a perfect blow dry, switch between the different temperatures to settle the hair, with a moderate air-flow power: after drying the hair on the hairbrush with moderately hot air, set the shape and volume using cold air before releasing the strands. The intermediate air-flow power is generally enough for drying in a limited time;
- Finally, for a fast blow dry, it is okay to use the full potential of your powerful hair dryer, choosing the maximum air-flow power and temperature. But make sure you hold the device at a minimum distance of 15 cm from the scalp, and don’t repeat the practice too often since this type of drying puts demands on the hair as well as the scalp.
So, a powerful hair dryer is a great friend for thick hair that has a long natural drying time, and which offers multiple possibilities for styling and blow drying. If you're thinking about going for the higher power, you will find some advice below on how to choose your device based on the factors that are most important to you.
Choosing a powerful hair dryer: advice from Velecta® Paris
A powerful hair dryer is usually heavier than a model in the same lower power range. Ergonomics is, therefore, an important factor when selecting your model, especially if you are a professional hairdresser who uses the device frequently.
