Hair dryers are essential tools that are part of most people’s daily hair care routines. They make for great products to stock as they have such a wide market. High-speed hair dryers are unique in that they offer faster drying and increase the smoothness of the hair for salon-worthy results.
In this article, we will look at how smart technologies are revolutionizing the hair dryer market. We will then explore the global hair dryer market, analyzing key segments, market growth, growth drivers, and forecasts for the future. The article will end with a buying guide with the top factors retailers should consider when selecting high-speed hair dryers.
Table of Contents
How smart tech is revolutionizing the hair dryer market
Overview of the global hair dryer market
8 factors to consider when selecting a hair dryer
Selecting the best hair dryers for your consumers
How smart tech is revolutionizing the hair dryer market
Smart tech has entered the hair dryer market and is revolutionizing it by powering next-generation innovations that enable smart- and fast-drying experiences while preventing hair damage.
Manufacturers have increased their investment in R&D, and this has resulted in the development of technologies in the smart moisture and proximity sensors used in high-tech hair dryers. These sensors optimize the amount of heat applied to the hair by detecting hair moisture levels and adjust the heat and air speed automatically.
Automation and artificial intelligence have also been deployed by hair dryer manufacturers as some high-tech hair dryers are now equipped with technology that regulates air velocity and heat to prevent hair damage.
Through these breath-through innovations, smart tech is now allowing hair dryers to not only dry hair quickly but also effectively, delivering healthier and shinier results.
Overview of the global hair dryer market
The value of the global hair dryer market was estimated at US$ 7.93 billion in 2021 and was projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% to reach US$ 12.45 billion by the end of the 2022–2029 forecast period.
The key drivers behind the growth within the market include growing product availability paired with rising consumer spending power. Lockdown mandates over the past two years prevented a significant number of people from visiting hair salons, resulting in increased demand for products, such as hair dryers, that enabled users to perform at-home hair treatments and maintenance.
The growing trend of smart drying tech is also seen as an important driver as it is drawing in younger consumer bases like millennials, who are major consumers of smart products.
The hair dryer market is divided into two major segments: corded and cordless. The corded segment still maintains the highest market share, with corded dryers being the most used product in the salon industry. In terms of distribution by regional markets, the North American market retains the highest market share, while Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market.
8 factors to consider when selecting a hair dryer
1. Power/wattage
The higher the wattage a hair dryer is equipped with, the more power and heat it can provide. A good range to choose from would be anything between 1,300–1,900 watts as most non-professional hair dryers have a wattage that falls within this range.
For users with hair that is thick and coarse, dryers on the stronger end are recommended, that is, 1,700–1,900 watts. For users with thin hair, dryers with lower wattage are ideal as they minimize damage. As a general rule, the higher the wattage the hair dryer has, the faster it will take the user to dry their hair.
Hair dryers with high-wattage motors boost more wind power and will help users cut down their styling times without applying excessive heat to the hair.
2. Heating technology
Hair dryers are now equipped with advanced heating technology that makes hair styling easier, faster, and more effective. Ceramic and tourmaline are the most popular technologies associated with hair dryers. Ceramic technology comes with powerful heat conduction properties that control the air dryer’s heat so it is distributed more evenly.
Tourmaline is a unique mineral that helps to smooth the hair by sealing the cuticles. It prevents frizzing while helping the hair retain moisture for healthier and shinier results.
Titanium hair dryers deliver heat at steady and even temperatures. They tend to get very hot, so they would not be ideal for users with fine or damaged hair.
3. Multiple speed and heat settings
Hair dryers that are equipped with multiple heat and speed settings allow users to adjust temperature settings based on their hair types or desired hairstyles.
In the same vein, hair dryers that come with several temperature settings, like three-heat/two-speed functions, provide users with more flexibility for their drying and styling.
Lower temperature settings help to prevent damage as the hair is exposed to less heat. These settings are better suited for hair that is damp but not wet.
4. Cool shot button
The cool shot button is a unique feature designed to cool down the hair and then set it. It is an extremely useful tool for users who wish to curl their hair with a hair dryer. If users are using a round brush for hair smoothing to add more volume and bounce to the hair, they can use the cool shot button as soon as the hair is dry and set the desired style.
Hair dryers with cool-shot settings blow unheated air onto the hair, enabling rapid cooling to set hairstyles and seal in shine.
5. Styling attachments
Hair dryers can come with a range of attachments and nozzles, which allow users to get different styling results. Concentrator attachments, for example, enable a more concentrated flow of air to a specific area on the user’s head. This is useful for hairstyles that only require certain parts of the hair to have a polished finish.
The wide nozzle helps to expand airflow, which is useful when drying long, thick hair. Diffusers are another useful attachment, as they reduce frizz and heat damage in wavy or curly hair for a bouncy finish.
The comb or pik attachments are useful for users with thick, curly, or African hair, as they help to stretch out natural curl patterns while the hair is being dried.
6. Size and weight
Blow drying is something that most users do every day, and some spend a large amount of time blow drying or styling their hair. This means that a dryer’s weight is essential to the user experience.
When sourcing hair dryers, avoid units that are huge, clunky, and heavy. Units that weigh a pound or less are ideal as they prevent shoulder fatigue and back pain from use. Lighter-weight models also improve usability as users can have a good grip for easier styling.
7. Portability
Travel hair dryers are great options that are specially designed for customers who travel a lot. These types of dryers fold, tend to be lighter in weight, and can come with retractable cords. These features add convenience for travelers as they can fit in limited luggage spaces.
8. Air filters
Some hair dryers feature removable air filters that allow for any dust or hair fluff that may have accumulated with use to be easily cleaned off.
The air filters are designed to capture particles like hairspray to protect the machine’s overall performance. They ensure the dryer remains clean so it continues working at peak efficiency.
Selecting the best hair dryers for your consumers
The use of hair dryers is expected to increase over the next few years. Within the professional field, the use of hair dryers is projected to grow by 5.3%, meaning that there will be increasing demand for high-speed hair dryers.
As you source hair dryers for your business, remember to consider the following key factors when making your selection:
- Power/wattage
- Heating technology
- Multiple speed and heat settings
- Cool shot button
- Styling attachments
- Size and weight
- Portability
- Air filters
