If you have longer hair, or simply don’t have the patience to hold up a hair dryer to dry separate sections of your hair, a whole head hair dryer is what you need. You might have never heard of this fantastic contraption before, which is why we've covered everything you need to know about them in this guide.
Are Whole Head Hair Dryers Different From Other Blow Dryers?
Simply put, the answer is yes, but it’s a lot more complicated than that. Currently, there are two types of hair dryers used in salons and homes throughout the world - handheld blow dryers and free standing hair dryers. Handheld blow dryers are the types of dryers you’ll find in the average home, hotel room, or even some toilets - they’re shaped like a gun and you point it to the section of your hair you want to be dried.
On the other hand, you have free standing hair dryers, which work slightly differently. Instead of holding the device at all times, the dryer hovers slightly above your head. It maintains its position thanks to a connected stand that reaches the ground, hence the name. This allows you to do your nails, read magazines, and browse social media in the meantime.
The term “whole head” in hair dryers implies that it covers every inch of your hair or at least the roots. Freestanding hair dryers obviously fall into this category, but handheld blow dryers can also be converted into supporting whole head capability using a special accessory. It’s known as a bonnet, and as the name suggests, it covers your head, but not only your head - it can also dry the long strands of your hair if needed.
The way bonnets work is by funneling the hot air from the handheld blow dryer and isolating it in the area around your hair. By doing this, you don’t waste as much hot air, and more importantly, you get to dry your hair more evenly from top to bottom. The bottom of your hair may end up slightly drier due to proximity, but at least it’s a lot more hands-free than how you’d normally use a handheld blow dryer.
So in short, whole head dryers aren’t a “type” of blow dryer. Instead, it refers to hair dryers that are able to cover a large portion of your hair, if not all of it.
Are Hair DryerBonnets Safe to Use?
Some people may be worried about using bonnets because it’s a synthetic substance that’s exposed to hot air. This may sound like a recipe for disaster, but rest assured that the materials used in the making of hair bonnets are resistant to heat. So, even if you use the bonnet regularly, both your hair and your bonnet will remain in good condition.
When Should I Use a Whole Head Hair Dryer?
Since you can use handheld blow dryers in both the traditional way and with the help of a bonnet, it’s really all a matter of preference.
If you’re short on time and you need to do your makeup ASAP, you can do so while the bonnet’s drying your hair. You can also make calls, check your email, and more with a bonnet on. Bonnets also help dry long hair more evenly! However, if you wish to style your hair a certain way, that won’t be possible with a bonnet.
On the other hand, using hair dryers the old-fashioned way has its benefits. You can dry parts of your hair that are still somewhat wet more precisely, so they’re great as a way to finish off drying hair after wrapping it in a towel turban. It’s also very easy to use, and you don’t need any setup to get started with using it right after you shower.
In the end, you should pick whatever method floats your boat. As long as you get your hair dry in time, then either option is equally viable.
Is It Safe to Blow Dry Your Hair?
Finally, one common concern you’ll hear is that hair dryers and blow dryers have the potential to damage your hair, which is why you should avoid them at all costs. This is, technically, true - you can very well damage your hair if you heat it too much with a dryer. However, as long as you use the dryer correctly, your hair should come to no harm at all.
The important thing when drying your hair is to know the whens and the hows - when to dry your hair and how to do it. It’s not overly complex, but it does take a while to get used to. Once you’ve passed that hurdle, though, you can easily (and safely) dry your hair, with no risk to your hair’s condition whatsoever.
Furthermore, you can use heat protectants to prevent your hair from getting seriously damaged while applying heat to them. Alongside that, you can incorporate nourishing hair care products in your routine to replenish your hair strands.
