Hair dryers have become a staple in nearly every household, and their design has remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. However, in 2016, Dyson broke the mold with the introduction of its Supersonic hair dryer, which featured a unique design that resembled the brand’s bladeless fans. Since then, several companies have followed suit in creating lightweight, thin hair dryers that resemble heat guns.
Recently, three hair dryers that stand out in terms of their features and design are the Chi Lava Pro, Gama IQ2 Perfetto, and Bio Ionic Smart-X High-Efficiency Dryer.
The Chi Lava Pro, which retails at $337, is slightly lighter than the other two hair dryers. It features a unique LED screen that displays the precise temperature of the air, a rarity in hair dryers. In addition, it has four heat settings ranging from cool to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one significant flaw of the Chi Lava Pro is that the diffuser allows an excessive amount of air to flow through, which causes hair to blow around more than it should.
The Gama IQ2 Perfetto, priced at $430, has an elegant and sleek design. It features a safety feature that automatically shuts it off if it overheats, although this did not occur during testing. The dryer’s settings lock ensures that you can dry your hair without accidentally changing the heat or speed settings. Plus, it comes with a silicone mat that places the dryer in standby mode when you set it down and turns it back on when you pick it up. This feature is especially useful when sectioning off hair for a blowout. However, the magnetic filter cover tends to fall off, which can be frustrating.
The Bio Ionic Smart-X High-Efficiency Dryer, which retails at $329, has a sleek and modern look. It features a lock for the settings, which is something that all styling tools should have in our opinion. Unfortunately, it does not come with a diffuser, which is a standard feature at this price point.
While each of the hair dryers has a unique set of features, the ultimate hair dryer would combine all three of these standout features for the perfect blow-drying experience. Features such as an LED screen for precise temperature control, a safety feature that automatically shuts off the dryer if it overheats, and a settings lock would be indispensable in any hair dryer.
Additionally, hair dryers that come with diffusers should be the standard, as they can make a vast difference in the final result of a blowout. A diffuser helps to distribute heat evenly and reduces the forced flow of air, which can help tame frizz and define curls.
Another feature that could take hair dryers to the next level is a hands-free design. Imagine placing your hair dryer on a stand and controlling it with voice commands or hand gestures. This would be especially beneficial for individuals who have mobility issues or arthritis. By reducing the need to hold the dryer for extended periods, it could help prevent hand and wrist fatigue.
In conclusion, hair dryers have evolved significantly since their original inception in the 1920s. The introduction of Dyson’s Supersonic dryer in 2016 changed the market, prompting other companies to create thin, lightweight hair dryers that resemble heat guns. While dryers like the Chi Lava Pro, Gama IQ2 Perfetto, and Bio Ionic Smart-X High-Efficiency Dryer have unique features, a perfect hair dryer would combine them all. Additionally, diffusers should be standard in hair dryers, and features such as a hands-free design could help take the hair drying experience to the next level.
