The healthiest way to dry your hair is to let it air dry but since most of us do not have the time for this we use one of the quickest and easiest ways available today. A hair dryer of course! Although there are two kinds of dryers available in the market today -- the bonnet hair dryer, and the hand held blow dryer -- I think you would agree that most people use the latter in their homes. Hair dryers basically use a motor to blow heated air to dry your hair quickly.

These days, more than ever before, we have many options for this basic hair care tool. Not only can you get many different attachments you can also pick the technology so you can get the results you want. Dryers come with straightening attachments, curling attachments, diffusers and more. A diffuser is a great attachment for creating volume and body. For curly hair it is ideal as it enhances curls with a softer, diffused air flow so you will not end up with a frizzy mess.

You can get your basic hair dryer that uses hot air. If you do not blow dry every day or for too long and already have healthy hair, this should do fine for you. For people who are using a dryer everyday and for a long time as they are styling and changing their hair texture as they dry, look for an ionic or ceramic hair dryer or one that has both.

Ionic dryers blow charged ions with warm air to hair so the water molecules are broken down to smaller size that your hair can more easily absorb. The ions surround the hair shaft preventing loss of natural oils and retention of moisture. They also close the cuticle for a more smoother, shinier look. You will also notice reduced drying time and less frizziness and static electricity with this type of dryer. Tourmaline is one of the newest technology being used in hair dryers. Tourmalines are precious stones which are a natural source of negative ions.

Ceramic hair dryers are ones that have ceramic coils inside to maintain an even temperature and a consistent dispersion of heat so it does not damage your hair. Ceramic technology is also known to assist hair retain its natural moisture and oils and helps breakdown the buildup of bacteria buildup.

These days you can now find hair dryers that include both ionic technology and ceramics coils and are fairly reasonable priced.

Some things to look for when purchasing a hair dryer:

• How loud is it? Since you are going to have it so close to your ears, this should definitely be a consideration.

• How many heat settings and speed settings does it have?

• Does it have a cold setting or cold blast? Some dryers have a cold button that you do not have to hold down -- which is what I prefer.

• How heavy is it? Much lighter ones are available nowadays comparable to travel dryers.

• Is it ergonomic? You want to be able it hold it comfortably and in a natural position so you are not straining your wrist.

• Does it have a retractable cord? I happen to love this feature.

• Does it have a removable lint catcher?

Tips

• Never wrap the cord around the dryer as it may fray or damage cord causing a hazard. Of course a retractable cord is ideal and would eliminate this problem.

• Make sure to clean the hair dryer often, Too much lint of stray hairs can block airflow and cause the dryer to overheat. I prefer dryers that have a removable lint catcher for easy cleaning. Back when they did not have this option, I would use a vacuum.

• Try to give your hair a break from blow drying at least one a week. Even with all the new technology, heat is still damaging to your hair to some degree.