We all know that thermal styling can cause damage to your delicate tresses and that by choosing the right styling tools you can reduce that damage considerably. But how do you know which tools are the right ones? I mean, the packaging on most thermal styling tools announces that the dryer or curling iron contained inside is your best option. With all of the manufacturers touting their products as the best on the market, just how are you supposed to choose your tools wisely?

When it comes to hair dryers, there arent very many options at the department store but you will find a wide variety of prices there. While many dryers will look different in style and design, most conventional dryers are fundamentally the same no matter how much you pay for them.

If you want to save on hair damage by purchasing a hair dryer at a department store, you should pay attention to how hot the dryer gets since heat causes the most damage. Also, look for a dryer that has heat control settings and a cool shot button. If you have naturally curly hair, try to choose a dryer that comes with a diffuser to eliminate frizz. The rest of the frills you can do without.

Aside from the conventional blow dryer found in most department stores, beauty supply stores have started to carry state-of-the art blow dryers and thermal styling tools that utilize ceramic and negative ionic energy to style hair and keep it healthy. A blow dryer that uses this type of energy dries your hair in half the time using less heat. The construction of the ionic blow dryer also utilizes ceramic heating elements instead of traditional metal ones to infuse moisture and health deep into the hair strand while at the same time drying it.

While the ionic hair dryers are the best for your hair, they come with a hefty price tag: most models cost around $100. When compared with the fact that you can purchase a conventional hair dryer for about $10, the cost may not seem worth it for many people. But for those who dry their hair daily and want to keep their hair shiny and healthy, no cost is too high.

The bottom line to choosing the right hair dryer is this: Choose the least damaging hair dryer that you possibly can while staying within your budget. If you can afford more, it is best spent at the beauty supply than at the department store where you will spend more for looks rather than quality.