A staple styling tool in every girl’s beauty arsenal, a hair dryer needs to be cleaned appropriately for increased durability. No one is saying clean it every single day, but every so often? A hair dryer, like any other electronic appliance, demands maintenance. And it’s safe to say that most of you seldom – or worse, never – take the time to clean out your most cherished device.
The need for cleaning heightens when you have an attachment on your appliance, such as a diffuser or concentrator nozzle, which comes in direct contact with your scalp and strands and heats up during use.
- Why You Need to Clean Your Hair Dryer
A dirty blow dryer, aka the vents clogged up by your hair, dust, heat protectants, or hair spray, is a big no. Besides, it’s dangerous, as the obstruction curbs the outflow of air, causing the appliance to heat up to extreme levels. Consequently, your device can stop working – or worse – catch fire!
But it doesn’t end there. An overheated tool can have adverse effects on your hair health. Hot air can cause split ends, irreparable damage, and breakage. And if a dirty tool obstructs the natural flow of air, your hair will take longer to dry, so what is the point? If you notice your hair dryer turning off in the middle, it’s perhaps time to unplug and clean the device.
- The Different Hair Dryer Attachments
Your conventional hair dryer complements different kinds of attachments to give you myriad flattering hairstyles.
- Concentrators: Concentrators help concentrate the hair flow to specific sections of your hair, giving you more control while styling. For a smooth sheen, direct the nozzle towards the roots, making your way to the ends.
- Diffusers: If you’re a curly-haired girl, this one’s for you. Diffusers limit the intensity of airflow and tame frizziness. If you have coils, soft curls, or waves, replace your regular version with this specialised tool.
- Picks: A hair pick attachment helps generate more volume in your mane.
- Brush/Combs: A convenient version of the conventional tool, the brush or comb attachment mimics a regular brush, helping quickly dry your strands. If you desire straight hair, this tool is perfect for you.
- A 3-Step Guide to Clean Your Hair Dryer
To clean your dryer, you just need a lint-free cloth and water; the clean-up process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
- The first and most obvious step is to unplug your hair dryer before attempting to clean it. Water in contact with an electronic appliance can lead to a catastrophe.
- Remove the filter located at the back of the hair dryer. Twist it off, or else use a screwdriver to unfasten it.
- Rinse the filter with water to remove the dirt build-up. If you fail to detach the filter from the dryer’s body, you can use a toothbrush to eliminate the dirt. If your dryer is super-dirty, use a vacuum hose to suck out the debris. Lastly, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the droplets clean.
Tips to Keep in Mind For Hair Dryer Durability
- To maintain your tool, check for debris build-up fortnightly or once every month. Use a cotton bud to get rid of any dirt or hair.
- If you notice your device getting too hot or stopping between use, allow it to cool off before using it again. Doing so will help prevent product burnout and a potential hazard.
- If you use a hair dryer often, there’s no harm in getting it serviced every once in a while.
- Avoid using the electronic appliance in a steamy bathroom after a shower, as the moisture in the air can damage the motor.
- It’s not advisable to tightly coil the cords of the appliance around the device. Doing so puts too much pressure on the angles created. Fold the wires into loose loops and tie them with a band.
- Make sure you unplug your device after every use to allow it to cool off and prevent a calamity.
- Keep your blow dryer away from the water as it may cause electrocution.
- How Often Should You Clean Your Hair Dryer?
You should clean your dryer filter once every week, more so if you use it regularly. If you are sharing the appliance with multiple people, consider conducting a deep clean every one or two months. A deep clean shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
- When is it Time to Replace Your Hair Dryer?
If your hair dryer has stopped working or isn’t performing optimally (increased drying time or strange noises), it’s probably time to invest in a new one. Upgrade to a device that boasts additional features – best suited to your hair type and texture. The newer dryers rely on impressive technology that limits the amount of heat expended while helping you achieve the hair of your dreams. If the weather is wreaking havoc on your hair or you wish to try different hairstyles, consider investing in a more suitable appliance.
Conclusion
You’d find a hair dryer in every household today. Owning the best hair dryer is the easiest way to get salon-esque hair at home. But if you use the device regularly, you must clean it efficiently, too. It takes just a few minutes to eliminate dirt build-up and clogged-up hair from the appliance. Ensure you give the tool a break if it heats up between use, and avoid direct contact with water. Believe it or not, an overheated electronic device can have dangerous consequences. A short circuit? That’s not the worst that can happen. Before using a hair dryer and exposing your strands to high temperatures, apply a heat-protectant serum, oil, or spray to ensure optimal protection. Create a host of flattering hairstyles, such as beach waves or a sleek, straight look, with the help of your hair dryer. Begin with a low heat setting and amp up the temperature as required. Also, consider certain features when purchasing a best hair dryer, including wattage, size and cord length, attachment options, and heat settings.
