Five Ways to Use an At-Home Hood Hair Dryer
We’ve been gatekeeping a secret superhero tool in our hair arsenal - we’re sorry. But it’s time to spill the details on our favorite hack: the at-home hood hair dryer. We know many people use a hood dryer as a key component of their routine, especially our curly friends, but for those who aren't already in the know, we imagine that when (if?) you think of the hood hair dryer, you may envision a row of women flipping through magazines or gossiping under giant hoods at the salon in movies (or real life). Did you know they still make these? And, even better, they make collapsable versions to use at home. Whether you're aiming for sleek straight styling, bouncy curls, or simply looking to multitask during your drying time, this appliance has you covered (quite literally). We think everyone should have one of these babies, so we’re sharing five ways to make the most of your at-home hood hair dryer.
Dry Your Curls Without Breaking Curl Clumps (or Introducing Frizz)
We love the concept of the wash-and-go, but know thick curly hair can take forever to dry. But blowdryers, even with diffusers, can break up your hard-earned curl clumps, and in doing so, introduce frizz. Enter the hood dryer. After washing and conditioning your hair, detangle, then apply your favorite heat protectant and curl styling products. Then style your curls to get those clumps going. Obviously, we recommend Curl Definer for that job. Then head to your hood dryer and hang out! The distributed yet gentle airflow keeps your hair in place while circulating air and heat to speed up the drying process.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Give your strands some much-needed TLC with a deep conditioning treatment under the hood dryer. After shampooing, generously apply your favorite conditioner or hair mask from roots to ends. Put on a shower cap to lock in moisture and sit beneath the hood dryer for 15-30 minutes. The gentle heat from the dryer will help open up the hair cuticle, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeply and nourish your locks. Rinse thoroughly with cool water for soft, silky-smooth hair that's positively radiant.
Set Your Style with Rollers
We just saw an article on NYMag’s The Strategist where an editor shares that this is her secret trick to achieving the look of a blowout with out all the effort. For glamorous, long-lasting curls, enlist the help of hair rollers and your hood hair dryer. After applying a heat protectant, divide your hair into sections and wrap each section around a roller. Secure with a clip and repeat until your entire head is set. Sit under the hood dryer until your hair is completely dry – this ensures that the curls set properly and last all day. Once your hair has cooled, remove the rollers and gently tousle your curls for added volume and bounce. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for hold that defies gravity.
Save Time by Multitasking
Say goodbye to losing hours of your life with the blowdryer in your hands – with a hood hair dryer, you can dry your hair hands-free. We love to use this time to catch up on work emails, paint our nails, or (more likely) get lost in the TikTok abyss. Sit under the hood dryer on a low to medium heat setting until your hair is dry to the touch. Not only does this save you time, but it also helps reduce frizz and prevents damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.
Revive Second-Day Hair
On those mornings when you hit the snooze button one too many times, revive your second-day hair with a quick refresh under the hood dryer. Spritz your locks with a revitalizing spray or water to dampen them slightly. Sit beneath the hood dryer for a few minutes to help reactivate your styling products and smooth out any kinks or creases. Finish with a blast of cool air to seal the cuticle and add shine. In just a few minutes, your hair will look fresh and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Have we sold you yet? An at-home hood hair dryer is a game-changer for anyone looking to step up their hair styling game. From achieving the perfect blowout to reviving second-day hair, the possibilities are endless with this versatile appliance. Invest in a hood hair dryer today and free up your hands while getting your best results yet!