Hair dryer

Hairdryer 20101109

Handheld blowdryer

HairDryer

Girl under hair dryer, 1958

Hooded dryer for infrared hair drying at hair salon - shown from three perspectives

AEG Foen Nr72355 03 mod03 res

== Hair Dryer ==

A hair dryer, also known as a blow dryer, is an electromechanical device designed to blow cool or hot air over damp or wet hair to accelerate the evaporation of water particles and dry the hair. Hair dryers are commonly used in hairdressing and personal grooming.

History

The first handheld hair dryer was invented by Alexander Godefroy in 1890. Early models were large, heavy, and not very efficient. Over the years, technological advancements have made hair dryers more compact, lightweight, and effective.

Components

A typical hair dryer consists of several key components:

• Heating Element: Usually made of nichrome, this component heats the air as it passes through the dryer.
• Fan: Driven by a small electric motor, the fan blows air over the heating element and out of the dryer.
• Housing: The outer shell, often made of plastic, which encases the internal components.
• Controls: Most hair dryers have multiple heat and speed settings, controlled by switches or dials.

Types of Hair Dryers

Hair dryers come in various types, each suited for different needs:

• Ionic Hair Dryers: Emit negative ions to reduce static electricity and frizz.
• Ceramic Hair Dryers: Use ceramic heating elements for even heat distribution.
• Tourmaline Hair Dryers: Infused with tourmaline to produce more negative ions and infrared heat.
• Professional Hair Dryers: Typically more powerful and durable, designed for use in salons.

Usage

Hair dryers are used by directing the airflow over sections of hair, often with the aid of a hairbrush or comb. They can be used to create various hairstyles, including straight, wavy, or curly looks. Proper usage involves maintaining a safe distance from the scalp to avoid burns and using heat protectant products to minimize damage.

Safety Features

Modern hair dryers include several safety features:

• Overheat Protection: Automatically shuts off the dryer if it gets too hot.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Prevents electric shock in wet environments.
• Cool Shot Button: Provides a burst of cool air to set hairstyles.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of a hair dryer includes cleaning the air intake filter to prevent overheating and ensuring the cord is not frayed or damaged.

Related Pages

• Hair iron
• Hairbrush
• Hair care
• Hairdressing
• Electric motor
• Nichrome