Are Hair Dryers Considered Hot Tools?

Are hair dryers considered hot tools? Our hair dryers are often overlooked when it comes to being considered a hot tool. We often only think of a curling iron or flat iron as a hot tool. But today we are going to talk about why that is not the case!

I use my hair dryer every day! On days when I shampoo, and I also use it on the days I do not to help freshen up my hair. They are a great tool to help add volume to hair. In case you missed it we did a blog post, The Anatomy of a Hair Dryer. You can read that here. It is a great starting point. 

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What Are Hot Tools?

The short answer to that question is any styling tool that produces heat. That would include all your curling irons, wands, flat irons, crimpers, blowout brushes, you get the idea!

With any hot tool, it is important to use them at the lowest heat setting possible that still allows you to get the desired effect. Heat is damaging and drying. I have used this before; we bake cookies at 350 degrees so why do we need to use 450+ degrees on our hair?

Always Use a Heat Protectant

Many individuals often forget to use a heat protectant on their hair when using a hair dryer, as they do not consider it a hot tool. However, using a heat protectant is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. It can be compared to using a primer on your face before applying makeup, as it helps to shield your hair from the harmful effects of heat.

Let’s talk about the consequences of not using a heat protectant. When heat is applied to your hair without protection, it can break down the keratin and damage the hair cuticle. As a result, your hair may become dry and frizzy in appearance. This can weaken your hair, causing breakage and split ends.

Do you know what a heat protectant does? Its primary function is to protect your hair by adding moisture and creating a protective layer. While it can’t prevent all damage caused by heat, it can help minimize hair breakage. The heat protectant also helps the cuticle to lay down, reducing porosity and frizz.

What To Look For In a Hair Dryer

When it comes to hair dryers, there are many options available. Ultimately, the choice you make will depend on your personal preferences and budget. However, I can offer some guidance on what to look for, especially if you are in the market for a hair dryer brush.

What to look for:

• Look for multiple heat settings. If the hair dryer does not have multiple heat settings do not buy it. You want to dry your hair on the lowest setting possible to prevent hair damage. That is especially true for hair dryer brushes.
• Look for multiple speed settings. You need a higher setting when starting out drying your hair to get the moisture out but a lower setting after your hair is about 75% dry. That is when you are using your round brushes and putting the finishing touches on.
• Check out the wattage. The higher the wattage the more power and typically quieter the hair dryer. I love a quiet hair dryer. They can tend to be more expensive but worth the money. I recommend a minimum of 1800 wattages. My favorite hair dryer is the T3 which you can find here.
• Don’t forget to check if your hair dryer has a cool shot button. This feature is often overlooked, but it can be very useful when using styling aids like round brushes. By using the cool shot button, you can set your hairstyle, add volume and shine, and minimize frizz.

When it comes to hot tools, I prefer to use a hair dryer because it allows me to have better control over the heat settings compared to other tools. Although I used to neglect using a heat protectant in the past, I now make sure to always use one.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please feel free to share your comments below!