Hairdryers make life simpler by adding speed to a fast-paced life. hairdryers are not just meant to fix the problem of drying your hair, but there is more to it. Each hair type and lifestyle would demand a different type of hairdryer. If your circumstance needs hairdryer minus noise, then here is a detailed guide to pick and use some of the best quiet hairdryers.
With increasing noise pollution around us, considering the sound emitted from your hairdryer is vital to protect your hearing. Beyond the power and heat settings, taking into account the weight of the blow dryer improves comfort, while varying attachments allow you to play with different styles.
Comparison of the Best Quiet Hair Dryers
Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
POWER Twinturbo 2800 Coldmatic Hairdryer 314
| Best Overall | |
MHU Professional Salon Grade 1875w
| Runner-up | |
Centrix Q-Zone Dryer
| Best for the Money | |
Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hairdryer
|
Effects of Noisy Hairdryers
Hairdryers are considered to be quite noisy implements. Not only are they operated right next to your ear, pushing a large amount of air into the canal, they also reach decibels as high as 90dB. This is akin to very loud traffic or the sound of a passing motorbike. Coupled with the frequency at which hairdryers are used, they can be destructive to human hearing.
Every person is born with a finite number of hairs in the cochlea, the inner part of the ear. These hairs can be damaged by loud sounds and high-pitched frequencies. The hairs do not regrow and cannot be replaced. Therefore, the damage to these hairs is cumulative as more hairs die off with the continued exposure to loud sounds.
This means that the repeated use of loud equipment will increase hearing impairment over time. The regularity with which we use hairdryers, therefore, can be extremely dangerous to our hearing.
What Makes a Hairdryer Noisy?
The Hearing Loss Association of America has noted that while some hearing loss is induced by genetic factors, there are increasing instances of hearing impairment occurring on account of everyday loud noises, such as traffic, lawn mowers, blenders, and loud music.
While there are daily noises that are louder than hairdryers, these handheld machines still blast out decibel levels of around 85-90 decibels, which is surprisingly louder than a vacuum or an alarm clock. Using such a loud instrument on a daily basis close to your head can significantly impact your hearing.
Number of Blades
There are a few reasons why the technology in older hairdryers creates such loud white noise. Most hairdryers tend to use 11 blades or less. They do not cut through the air very effectively, creating a whirring sound due to friction.
Speed of Motor
The speed of the motor affects the tempo at which the blades operate. The slower the motor, often the louder is the hairdryer, as it pushes air toward the ear at frequencies within the human hearing range that can result in harmful effects.
Fixed Filters
Another poor feature in loud hairdryers that affects hearing, is the use of fixed filters. These are difficult to access for cleaning. A clogged filter will produce more noise as the air finds it difficult to travel through the particles of dust and lint, creating sound due to the friction.
Features to Consider When Buying a Quiet Hairdryer
Consider decibel levels when purchasing a hairdryer. While regular hairdryers can emit up to 90 dB, quiet hairdryers protect your ears, releasing between 70 and 80 dB.
Number of Blades and a Fast Motor
A quieter machine can be achieved by increasing the number of fan blades, so the fans cut through the air more easily. Faster motor speeds achieve the effect of creating a sound which is above the range of human hearing, cutting out the loud noise. These two features, combined with more effective filters, reduce sound. Try to source hairdryers with detachable or hinged filters as this makes them easier to clean, unclogging the dust and debris that creates friction when the air passes through.
Ceramic and Tourmaline Hairdryers
Look for ceramic hairdryers, as they distribute heat more evenly than traditional metal or plastic hairdryers. Moreover, tourmaline hairdryers will create a smoother finish. It creates this effect by sealing the cuticle of the hair, which locks the moisture inside through ionic technology. This technology works to dry the hair faster, neutralizing the positive ions collected from humid environments. It creates the desired sleek effect, while also creating body for thin hair.
Speed and Temperature Settings
To utilize the right hairdryer for your hair type, it is important to seek out hairdryers with multiple speed and heat settings. Healthy, luscious hair benefits from higher heat, while faster speeds will dry it quicker. Thin or damaged hair will stay protected on a lower heat. Faster speeds may dry the hair quicker, but lower speeds enable better and more controlled styling.
Wattage
The correct wattage for your hair type is integral to create the look you desire without causing hair damage. 1800 watts or more is a great choice for thin or damaged hair. Professional hairdryers tend to work on around 3600 watts. These are ideal for thicker, fuller heads of hair.
Design and Hair Type
The weight of your hairdryer can affect your user experience. Try to look for lightweight hairdryers, so they don’t make your arm ache, especially if you have long, thick hair which takes a while to dry.
Other Accessories
Varying attachments help to style your hair in versatile ways. Purchasing a hairdryer with a diffuser will enable you to fashion your hair in thick, bouncy curls or waves. A nozzle attachment helps to direct the heat to specific sections of the hair, creating a sleeker look while drying quicker.
Price
In terms of price, quiet hairdryers tend to be more expensive than regular hairdryers. However, while a small price to pay to protect your hearing, there is a considerable range in pricing. Quiet hairdryers can range from between $30 to $200. Try to look for a hairdryer with at least a year’s warranty as this enables you to understand the quality of the components inside and its longevity.
Quick Take - Best Quiet Hair Dryers
In a hurry? Here are the best quiet hair dryers:
Review of the Quietest Hairdryers
Let’s have a look at some of the best models of quiet hairdryer available.
Best Overall:
POWER Twinturbo 2800 Coldmatic Hairdryer 314
PROS
CONS
The TURBO POWER Twinturbo 2800 Coldmatic Hairdryer 314 is a versatile and eco-friendly hairdryer. Its K-Lamination Technology does not overheat and has low-energy consumption. The two-speed variables and cold shot button, combined with its Ionic Technology and four-heat temperatures make it a suitable option to provide sleek styles for all hair types.
This model features a removable air filter, which makes it easy to clean the clog. Mostly suitable for the straight look. It has two concentrated nozzles — wide and regular. It has a one-year warranty.
Runner-up:
MHU Professional Salon Grade 1875w
PROS
CONS
The MHU Professional Salon Grade 1875w features 2 speed and 3 heat settings, allowing amazing control for varying hair types. The 1875-watt motor decreases vibration, keeping the noise down to just 75dB.
For the frizz-free look, this model uses Negative Ion technology combined with Far-Infrared Heat Technology. Complete with air flow concentrator and diffuser, this model of hairdryer is perfect for versatile hair styles. This design also features an impressively a nine-feet long heat-proof cord.
Best for the Money:
Centrix Q-Zone Dryer
PROS
CONS
The Centrix Q-Zone Dryer boasts a two-speed high-performance motor which helps to reduce the noise emitted in comparison to other high-powered salon grade hairdryers. This model is ceramic, combined with tourmaline, creating the Ionic Technology leading to smooth, frizz-free hair.
Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this hairdryer is lightweight for an easier user experience. Featuring three heat settings, this design also comes with a cool shot button conveniently placed both on the front and back for more efficient styling.
PROS
CONS
A very affordable option for quiet hair drying, the Conair 1875 Watt Turbo hairdryer features an optional negative ion disperser to provide the desired sleek finish. Promoting two heat setting and two-speed settings, this hairdryer also features a cool shot button, which enables the user to freeze their hairstyle in place.
A minimal 1.89 pounds, this model is amazingly lightweight. It comes with a diffuser attachment which boasts a wide and narrow mouth, allowing the air to flow evenly throughout the upper and lower layers of the hair. It also comes equipped with a concentrator nozzle, allowing you to efficiently direct the heat. The filter in this hairdryer is hinged, making it easy to remove all dirt and dust, improving its performance.
PROS
CONS
Despite only using 1400 watts, the BIO IONIC Whisper Light Pro-Dryer dries hair in lightening quick time. This dryer features exclusive Nano-Ionic Hybrid Mineral Technology, which emits natural negative ions five times higher than regular hairdryers.
Combined with Far Infrared Energy, allowing micro-ionized particles to seal the cuticles of the hair, this hairdryer keeps hair moisturized. The Whisper Light features three fan speeds and a cool shot button to lock in style.
How Do I Reduce the Noise of a Hairdryer?
Irrespective of the type of hairdryer you pick, some tips could help in reducing the noise levels while using a hairdryer.
Larger Spaces
One of the most efficient and quick ways to reduce the noise of your hairdryer is to dry your hair in a bigger room. Small spaces encourage the echo of sound, causing the vibrations to bounce off the walls, increasing the sound levels.
Diffuser
Another great sound reducing tip is to use a diffuser. Despite a diffuser being for curly hair, using one on the end of a hairdryer will muffle the loud sound considerably.
Noise Reducer
There are universal noise reducers for hairdryers that can be placed on the end without impacting the power of the dryer. The main issue with using a noise reducer is that extra attachments cannot be utilized simultaneously.
Ear Plugs or Defenders
While it is not particularly easy to lower the noise of a hairdryer, there are ways to protect your hearing. Try wearing ear defenders or ear plugs when using your hairdryer, as this will block the loud sounds and help to protect the hairs in the inner ear from permanent damage.
Conclusion
With more studies coming to light demonstrating the damaging effects of loud sound on the inner ear, an increasing number of salons are switching to hairdryers that emit less noise. As the damage caused by sound is irreparable, it is important to protect our ears, especially when considering the number of noisy electronic items we use every day, such as a hairdryer.
Combining a low decibel hairdryer with some of the above noise reduction techniques, drying your hair becomes a much safer activity.
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