Simple and yet… do you know what makes some hairdryers more suitable for certain hair types and styling needs than others? Do you know your ionic from your tourmaline from your titanium? And does it matter if you don’t?

Simon Bryer, international style director and co-founder of Hairfix, says, “Whilst I don’t endorse individual brands I do want to bang a drum for quality hairdryers. Why? Because a high quality model that's suited to your hair type can significantly improve the health of your hair. The right dryer will decrease your chances of ending up with brittle, fried and frazzled hair.”

That doesn’t mean that you need to spend a fortune but you do need to have an idea of what different types of dryer bring to the party so that you can choose the one that’s right for you. The key things to focus on are the material used inside, wattage, weight, and extra features that might make blow-drying your hair easier.

I just set my hairdryer to max and aim it at my hair, right?

Wrong! Heat should be varied according to your hair type and how wet it is. If you have thick or coarse hair or want to quickly remove excess moisture from very wet hair, you’ll need high heat BUT you must keep that high heat moving and avoid focusing in one area so that you don’t over-dry or burn your hair.

If, on the other hand, you have thin or fragile hair or you’re drying damp (as opposed to wet) hair, you’ll need to use a lower, cooler setting. And we all need cool air towards the end of blow-drying to seal the hair cuticle, set our style for long-lasting hold and to add shine.

Any old ion, any old ion…

“You should check the spec for your dryer because wet hair needs negative ions," adds Simon. "Wet hair is loaded with positive ions and negative ions ensure that the surface water comes away from the cuticle more easily and the remaining moisture is ‘locked’ into the hair. Your hair will feel drier faster but with lots of lovely moisture within and a shiny surface on the outside.” 

All heat is equal, isn't it?

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? This is where we begin to get a little more technical as some heat is kinder and some is quicker. It's all a question of what material is used to coat the heating element," says Simon.

Look for an ionic or tourmaline dryer if you have thick, frizzy hair or difficult to dry hair. Both types create negative ions that help break up the positively charged water droplets on your hair for faster drying and to combat frizz.

Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that provides the most intense ionic action. Tourmaline dryers are more expensive than regular ionic dryers but a good investment if you’re after a faster, shinier, less frizzy finish.

If you have fine or thin hair, ionic dryers aren’t for you as they’re not as good at building volume as other types.

Ceramic or porcelain dryers are good for fine or dry hair that dehydrates easily – and a safe bet for most hair types. They use infrared heat that’s efficient, gentle and evenly distributed. They also use negative ions to prevent frizz and allow you to dry your hair more quickly.

Titanium coating is similar to ceramic (but lighter) and used to distribute heat evenly. This is due to titanium's ability to maintain a high, constant temperature, which also means faster drying and less damage to hair. 

What's it with speed, watts and whatnot?

A high-wattage motor means greater wind power and less heat damage. A wattage in the range of 1300 to 1875 should do you well for home use.

You do need to adjust heat levels according to your hair texture, condition and the time you have in which to blow dry it. So, make sure you have a few speed and heat options and preferably a cool shot button to protect you from overheating your hair (start using this or a cool temperature setting when your hair’s about 80% dry), seal the hair cuticles for a smoother, shinier look, and to lock in your style and curl. 

Weighing it all up...

Ah, yes! Don’t forget to look at factors such as the weight of a dryer, its ergonomics, how long its cord is, whether the buttons are logically placed before you buy. Product reviews from users are invaluable here – as is the advice of your hairdresser.

The bottom line is that you don’t need to spend a fortune but do take care to buy a safe dryer from a reputable brand,

Simon says, “I’m a fan of tourmaline and ionic dryers. They aren’t always expensive, and checking what the dryer you’re buying is made from and whether it suits your hair type won’t cost you a thing but could save your hair.”

Having your hair in tiptop condition - younger looking and healthier feeling - is an easily achievable goal and there's a simple but hugely effective way to transform your crowning glory.

Say hello to the transformative powers of Hairfix's unique keratin. Our new Three Step Keratin Bonding Treatment is the easiest, gentlest way to transform your hair with keratin which rebuilds the protein structure of your damaged hair, restoring its loveliness. This is the Recovery Regime for all hair types, including ageing, damaged, lacklustre and over-processed hair. 

A truly divine detox and more - not only will our Three Step Keratin Bonding Treatment give your hair a divine detox but its unique keratin formula will bond to and repair damaged, fine or frizzy hair, making it smoother, shinier and stronger with just one extra step, used just once a week (or more if you prefer).

Step 1 Purifies your hair so the keratin treatment can bond to hair without the build-up that many keratin treatments simply cover over. This easy extra step is a a spray that you use on dry hair before you jump in the shower or bath.

Step 2 Reforms and Step 3 Enriches - your hair is now super-receptive to the repairing and moisturising properties of Steps 2 Reform and Step 3 Enrich. Hairfix's unique vegetable keratin compound has a molecular weight that bonds to damaged, fine and frizzy hair making it smoother and stronger.

The more damaged and fine your hair, the more Hairfix’s keratin bonds with it. You’ll love the results and we’re giving you the chance to buy our limited edition trial size Three Step Keratin Bonding Treatment for just £25 this January. But hurry and order yours whilst stocks last!

If your hair is fine or becoming finer, the answer is yes! This is a common problem beyond the age of 40 when hair shafts typically lose about a quarter of their thickness, roots shrink, hair loss increases and it becomes harder to get the volume and lift you used to. Fortunately Hairfix can help.

Hairfix Follicle Max Volume is a light spray containing Hairfix’s own blend of vegetable hair identical keratin and caffeine. Keratin improves the health and elasticity of your hair, giving it immediate volume. Caffeine, when topically applied, has been shown to counteract shrinkage and dormancy in the hair root – helping to protect against hair fall when washing, brushing and styling.

Follicle Max Volume is formulated for use on wet, towel-dried or dry hair and will give you thicker feeling, volumised hair and improved scalp health as you style. Unlike many volumising products, Follicle Max Volume does not coat and weigh hair down.

Simply spray onto each tress of hair before styling clean wet or damp hair or apply a few sprays when refreshing your style between washes. You should see be a visual improvement in the hair in the first week and with continued application at this rate, new growth may see results in 60 days.

Follicle Max Volume may be safely and easily combined with Hairfix's other Follicle products. Think of it as a styling and finishing spray and, according to your hair's age and thinness, choose from the following for the ultimate haircare regime:

Follicle Plus Anti-Age gel is an overnight treatment for all-over deep scalp activation and health maintenance when hair is ageing or even prematurely ageing so that it is generally becoming greyer and sparser. It is used 2-3 times a week.

Follicle Max Advance with double caffeine and antioxidant Nucleo Trico-Hyal is a directed treatment that specifically targets and boosts hair bulbs in the areas where hair loss is most noticeable - the hairline, crown and parting. It us used 2-3 times a week.

Follicle Plus Spray Shampoo & Conditioner are used for day-to-day washing and conditioning to enhance the health and condition of your scalp and hair bulbs and reduce hair fall whilst washing. .

Just as you remove your make up and cleanse your skin before applying moisturiser, you should do the same with your hair. Detoxing just once a week will rid your hair of pollutants and the invisible build up caused by conditioning and styling products and make it more receptive to repairing, moisturising products.

Hairfix Three Step Keratin Bonding Treatment is the only keratin system that gently removes build-up without using detergents that strip the hair. Plus, our unique vegetable keratin compound of wheat, soy and corn has a molecular weight that bonds more to damaged, fine and frizzy hair, making it smoother and stronger. Hairfix Three Step Keratin Bonding Treatment is also quick, easy and convenient to use.

Simon Bryer, International Artistic Director says...