How many watts does a hair dryer use?

Image of electricity to display wattage

The secret for those beautiful, salon-level hairstyle finishes lies in a hairdryer, which is why many people put this small device at the top of their essential beauty kit lists. It definitely allows you to perfect any look for certain events – whether curly, wavy look or straight and sleek look.

And of course, let’s not forget how wattage plays a crucial role in drying or adding volume to your hair and making it look more gorgeous than before. Though, what is really wattage, and what are the highest watt hairdryers so far?

Let’s start digging around for information then!

What is Wattage?

Wattage in a hairdryer or blow dryer refers to the motor strength. It measures how fast and hard the motor operates. The usual case is that you will be able to dry your hair quicker if the wattage is higher. There are, however, dryers with a low wattage that are cheap in price but still very good. You will have to replace them more frequently, though.

You should also keep in mind that a high power dryer is not necessarily the best type of measurement when it comes to quality. Some hairdryers with high wattage has a tendency to fry hair to a crisp. On the other hand, there are also products with less wattage but are actually more efficient. So, wattage should not only be your barometer when choosing the right blow dryer for your hair type. Its a factor but not the main factor.

Does the power of a dryer really matter?

It definitely matters according to the experts. They recommend using a device with 1800 watts or even more for ideal results. This is specifically good for ladies with thick hair.

History of Hairdryers Wattage

It was in 1890 when the first hairdryer was invented by Alexander Godefroy, a French stylist. His invention was neither handheld nor portable. It was a seated, huge version containing a bonnet that is connected to the gas stove’s chimney pipe. Godefroy’s idea had stirred interest among other inventors, which include Gabriel Kazanjian. He is an Armenian American inventor who initially patents a blow dryer in 1911.

Hairdryers then continue to get modernized versions as years pass by. During the 1920s, the device’s development has centrally focused on improving the superficial exterior, material changes, and wattage. Blow dryers could use 100 watts only, which upsurge the period needed to dry hair. GEC made a bold alteration in 1954. It was able to change the dryer’s design to move the motor into the casing.

Handheld dryers have undergone numerous exterior changes since the 1950s – making them smaller, lighter, and quieter. They have been included with negative ion technology to produce smoother, shinier, and healthier hair. This technology allows the hair to dry faster with less amount of heat being used.

There’s also ceramic hairdryer that provides controlled heat straight to the hair, tourmaline that generates a heat stream that is known to prevent far less damage to your hair, infrared that minimises drying time with its even distribution of heat, and titanium hairdryers that emits a constant hair temperature to prevent excess breakage and penetrate the hair.

These days, hair dryers come in various shapes, sizes, and motors, functionality, and applications. It is used with an array of brushes and combs to achieve various styles.

Current Highest Watt Hairdryers Available

Currently, normal hairdryers wattage range from 1000 watts to 2000 watts. We would say anything above 2000 watts is probably salon quality. There are some dryers that reach up to 3600 watts.

Know your hair type

The biggest thing we recommend in choosing the right hair dryer is determining the type of hair you have as a starting point.

Natural hair takes a long time before it gets completely dry, especially the tight curls and coils. Women with natural hair should opt for a dryer with ceramic technology as it offers a non-damaging, gentle heat.

Fine hair is easily damaged by high speeds and high temperatures. In this case, tourmaline dryers might be the ideal pick due to its non-damaging, gentle, and consistent features.

Thin hair could be fragile. It is not necessarily recommended to use ionic technology blow dryers since they tend to sap volume and bounce from already flat hair. Choose a product that uses ceramic technology instead. It generates non-damaging and gentle heat. It is also important to blow dry your hair at low power and heat to prevent tangles. 

Thick or coarse hair is such a laborious, lengthy process. Hence, you’ll need a dryer with a wattage that is powerful enough to dry your hair quickly. Titanium dryers are your best option here. They produce consistent, balance heat and help to get the job done with less fuss. A wattage of more than 2000W is ideal for a faster dry.

Curly hair that is more likely to frizz should choose a blow dryer with diffuser attachments to deliver 360° airflow. This will gently improve and look after natural curls.

Frizzy hair should get the best possible result when using a dryer with infrared heat, negative ions, and a high wattage motor. 

Damaged hair doesn’t need a blow dryer that will only aggravate the existing damage. Shop for a dryer with multiple settings and high wattage. Mainly because high temperatures are way down on the drying process’s importance  list when the device can produce high-powered wind.

Anyone can use a hairdryer with a wattage that falls from 1300 to 2000. You can either lower it down or go above depending on your hair type.

So, girls, whether you’re planning to use a hairdryer for regular or occasional use, make sure to do your homework. This means doing some thorough research and even asking a stylist as possible to give you important advice, especially on the wattage. The hairdryer wattage you use merely depends on the type of hair you have. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by the latest technology. Doing your own research means getting the most of your hair dryer.

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