Beatrice Lang
Hair dryers, also known as blow dryers, are electrical devices used for drying and styling hair. They were first sold in the 1920s, and since then, their design has improved significantly. Today, hair dryers are equipped with safety features such as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent accidental electrocution. They also come with various attachments, such as concentrators, diffusers, and combs, to help users achieve different hairstyles. The market offers a range of hair dryers, from affordable options like the InfinitiPro by Conair to premium models like the Dyson Supersonic R. With safety and styling innovations, hair dryers have become an essential tool for many people's hair care routines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld or rigid-hood |
| Purpose | Dries and styles hair |
| Mechanism | Electric fan blows air across a heating coil |
| Heating element | Coiled nichrome wire, ceramic components, or semi-precious gemstone tourmaline |
| Safety features | Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electrocution, temperature cutoff switches |
| Weight | Typically around 1 lb (500 grams) |
| Wattage | Modern hair dryers can produce up to 2000 watts of heat |
| Additional features | "Cool shot" buttons, "ionic" operation, magnetic attachments, concentrators, diffusers |
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What You'll Learn
Safety features
Hair dryers are electrical appliances used for drying and styling hair. They are designed with safety features to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some essential safety features to look for in a hair dryer:
- Overheating Protection: Overheating is a common issue with hair dryers, which can lead to electrical component failure, fire, or electric shock. Advanced safety features include automatic shut-off mechanisms that turn the dryer off when it gets too hot, preventing it from reaching dangerous temperatures. Heat sensors monitor the emitted air temperature and adjust the heat level to prevent overheating.
- Quality Wiring and Thermal Fuses: High-quality wiring ensures safe electricity conduction, while thermal fuses cut off electrical flow if the dryer overheats. These features are crucial in preventing electrical fires.
- Cool Shot Button: This feature blasts the hair with cool air to set the hairstyle and add shine. Besides its styling benefits, it also lowers the dryer's temperature, reducing the risk of overheating.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI): GFCIs are designed to prevent electrocution by instantly cutting off power if the dryer comes into contact with water. This safety feature has been required by U.S. federal law since 1991 for all portable hair dryers.
- Integral Immersion Protection: This safety feature reduces the risk of electric shock if the hair dryer falls into water. It is provided in the form of a block-shaped plug that incorporates a circuit interrupter.
- Adjustable Heat Settings: Allowing users to select the appropriate temperature for their hair type, reducing the risk of heat damage and overheating.
- Air Intake Vent Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the air intake vents is necessary to prevent blockage, which can lead to overheating.
- User Instructions and Warnings: Reading the provided instructions and warnings is essential for safe hair dryer use. Warnings include not using the dryer near water, unplugging it if it falls into water, keeping air openings free of obstruction, and not using it near aerosol or oxygen administration.
These safety features ensure that hair dryers operate within safe parameters, protecting users from potential hazards.
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History
The first hair dryer, a precursor to the modern device, was invented by French hairstylist Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy in 1888. Known as the "séchoir" (dryer), the device was a hybrid between a vacuum cleaner and a hair dryer. It consisted of a long cap connected to a flexible hose that directed hot air from a gas stove onto the user's hair. While innovative, Godefroy's invention was not portable and was only used in upscale hairdressing salons.
In the early 20th century, inventors began experimenting with combining heat-generating motors and fans into hand-held electric hair dryers. The first electric hair dryer was patented in the United States in 1911 by Armenian-American inventor Gabriel Kazanjian. However, the early models were heavy, weighing around 0.9 kg, and were challenging to use. They also had issues with overheating and electrocution due to unsafe electrical connections.
In the 1920s, hand-held hair dryers began to enter the market, thanks to innovations by companies like National Stamping and Electric Works, U.S. Racine Universal Motor Company, and the Hamilton Beach Co. These companies developed more compact designs, allowing the dryer to be small enough to be held in one hand. However, the dryers of this era still had low wattage, typically limited to 100 watts, which made the drying process time-consuming.
The hair dryer gained widespread popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with significant improvements in safety and functionality. In 1954, GEC redesigned the dryer by moving the motor inside the casing. The introduction of better electrical motors and advancements in plastics led to lighter and safer hair dryers. The metal construction was replaced with plastic, making the dryers more lightweight, affordable, and available in various colours and designs. Additionally, safety features such as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) were introduced to prevent electrocution by instantly cutting off power if the dryer came into contact with water.
Over time, hair dryers have continued to evolve, with improvements in wattage, exterior design, and additional features. Modern hair dryers offer quick drying, easy styling, lower heat damage, and enhanced smoothness. They have become an essential part of daily grooming routines, with various models catering to different hair types and styling needs.
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Types
Electric hair dryers, also referred to as blow dryers, are electromechanical devices that blow air at hot or warm settings for styling or drying hair. They enable better control over the shape and style of hair by accelerating and controlling the formation of temporary hydrogen bonds within each strand.
- Handheld Hair Dryers: Handheld, household hair dryers were introduced in 1920 due to innovations by companies like National Stamping and Electric Works, U.S. Racine Universal Motor Company, and Hamilton Beach Co. These dryers were often heavy, weighing around 2 pounds (0.9 kg), and were challenging to use. Today, handheld dryers are more lightweight and portable, with improved wattage and exterior designs. They are widely used by both professionals and consumers at home.
- Bonnet Hair Dryers: Introduced in 1951, bonnet dryers are large, stationary dryers that consist of a bonnet attached to a pipe or a flexible hose. They were initially designed to attach to a chimney pipe of a gas stove, but modern versions may have their own power source. Bonnet dryers work by having the person sit underneath them and are commonly found in salons.
- Rigid-Hood Hair Dryers: Introduced in the 1950s, these dryers feature a hard plastic helmet that wraps around the person's head. They function similarly to bonnet dryers but operate at a much higher wattage.
- Ionic Hair Dryers: Ionic hair dryers use ionic technology to reduce static electricity in the hair, resulting in smoother and less frizzy hair. This type of dryer is ideal for curly hair prone to frizz and flyaways.
- High-Tech Infrared Air Jet Dryers: These dryers use infrared technology to dry hair, promising natural-looking curls and smoother hair.
- Magnetic Attachment Dryers: Some modern hair dryers, like the Dyson Supersonic, feature magnetic attachments that can be easily swapped out depending on the desired style. These attachments can include diffusers, wide-tooth combs, concentrators, and more.
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How they work
Hair dryers, also known as blow dryers, have been in use since the 1920s. They are used to dry and style hair by blowing hot air over wet hair to accelerate water evaporation. The heating element in most hair dryers is a bare, coiled nichrome wire that is wrapped around insulating mica boards. Nichrome wire is an alloy of nickel and chromium and is used due to its high resistivity and low tendency to corrode when heated. The wire heats up due to electrical resistance, and the fan blows air over this element, warming it before it exits the dryer.
The electric motor and fan are usually located at the back of the casing in an area called the air inlet, which is covered with a fine mesh screen to prevent objects from accidentally getting caught in the fan blades. The heating element sits between the air inlet and outlet. The fan draws air in through the openings on the side of the hair dryer, and the electric motor spins the fan, generating airflow. This airflow is directed down the barrel of the hair dryer, over and through the heating element, warming the air by forced convection. The hot air then exits the dryer through a nozzle, concentrating the airflow.
Hair dryers often have a three-way switch in the handle, controlling the power to the motor and heating element and allowing control of the airflow and temperature. Sensors keep the hair dryer at a comfortable temperature and detect overheating. A cut-off switch made from a bimetallic strip shuts down the unit when necessary, preventing the hair dryer from exceeding 60°C. A thermal fuse built into the circuit provides another layer of safety, instantly breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds the limit.
Since their invention, safety features in hair dryers have significantly improved. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) have been introduced to prevent electrocution by instantly cutting off power if the dryer comes into contact with water. GFCIs monitor the amount of current flowing through the circuit and can shut off the power if they detect a leak or short circuit.
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Attachments
Electric hair dryers come with a variety of attachments that can help you achieve different hairstyles and improve hair health. Here are some of the most common attachments and their benefits:
Concentrator Nozzle
The concentrator nozzle is a narrow, flat attachment that directs the airflow from the hair dryer in a focused stream. This attachment is perfect for those who want to straighten their hair or add volume. It is suitable for all hair types, especially those needing smoothing and styling. Most hair dryers come with at least two concentrator options: a classic concentrator and a wider smoothing nozzle. The wider nozzle offers more airflow and is ideal for medium to thick hair, as well as damaged hair. To use a concentrator nozzle effectively, it is recommended to have your hair already partially dried (around 75% to 80% dry). This way, you can use the concentrator to direct air onto specific sections of hair and create the desired style.
Diffuser
The diffuser is a bowl-shaped attachment with multiple prongs or "fingers" that disperses airflow evenly. It is perfect for people with curly, wavy, or textured hair as it helps to reduce frizz and maintain natural curl patterns. The diffuser dries hair gently, adding volume, bounce, and a natural finish. To use a diffuser, you should cup sections of your hair with it and gently scrunch or pat as you dry. It is recommended to use the dryer on low to medium speed to avoid over-drying.
Comb or Pik Attachment
The comb or pik attachment is a comb-like accessory with teeth that helps to detangle and straighten curly hair. It directs the airflow, allowing you to stretch and lift the hair, making it easier to style. This attachment is perfect for those who want straight styles with added volume. It is available in different shapes and sizes to suit different hair lengths. To use the comb attachment, it is recommended to apply a heat protector or serum to your hair before drying.
Other Attachments
In addition to the above-mentioned attachments, some hair dryers may also offer additional attachments such as a bonnet attachment that helps to reduce frizz, or a blow dryer with a brush attachment for creating smooth blowouts. These attachments can enhance your styling options and improve hair health.
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Frequently asked questions
A hair dryer is an electrical device used to dry and style hair. It uses an electric fan to blow air across a heating coil; as the air passes through the dryer it heats up.
There are two major types of hair dryers: the handheld and the rigid-hood dryer. A hood dryer has a hard plastic dome that fits over a person's head to dry their hair. Hot air is blown out through tiny openings around the inside of the dome so that the hair is dried evenly.
Hair dryers use a simple motor-driven fan and a heating element to blow hot air over wet hair to accelerate water evaporation. The heating element is usually a bare, coiled wire that heats up due to electrical resistance.
Some of the best hair dryers on the market include the Dyson Supersonic R, the L'Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro, the Rusk W8less, the Elchim Classic 2001, and the GHD Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer.
