If you’ve been anywhere online lately, it would seem so big, long layers and voluminous hair reminiscent of blowouts from the 90s (think Cindy Crawford à la her Pepsi commercial days) is one of the most coveted styles. In fact, TikTok is filled with an abundance of techniques, product reviews and styling tools to help people achieve this timeless coif.
There’s one item in particular that’s been causing a hair-raising stir lately, and it’s a hands-free gadget that you’ve probably seen versions of in your local beauty salon. TikTok user and professional hairstylist Seth Garrington (who goes by the TikTok handle @simplysethh) recently debuted a gorgeous head of full, Dolly Parton-esque hair that Garrington said he was able to achieve with the Modern Elements hooded blow dryer — a professional-grade portable tool that can be used for a number of styling purposes and on all hair types.
“I love blow dryers because it’s an indirect heat source, resulting in less damage than say a styling tool or a blow dryer!” Garrington told HuffPost via email. “Plus, you can sit under it while you get other things done, like checking email or even just scrolling.”
Plus, models like this one from Modern Elements claim to cut down on drying time while promoting a smoother texture to strands compared to a standard blow dryer. This is because it uses tourmaline, a type of drying technology that emits infrared heat and negative ions, resulting in shiny curls. The tumble dryer, which is fully equipped with three quiet temperature settings and an adjustable stand, is full rolling which means you can use it in any part of your home.
Garrington was kind enough to provide one step-by-step guide on how to achieve the hairstyle that got this dryer 2.8 million views on the app in the first place. He suggests prepping barely damp hair with one K-18 heat protection shampoo and that frothy mousse from the black-based hair care brand Lotta Body before wrapping your hair Velcro rollsand then enjoy a relaxing moment under a tumble dryer.
Whether you’re looking to enhance a deep conditioning treatment, amp up an at-home color job, set your curls or hair in an unyielding and long-lasting style, or simply just dry your hair without tiring your arms, hooded dryers can be the ultimate beauty appliance to have on hand.
Modern Elements isn’t the only hooded dryer option out there if you’re interested in its styling potential but not the $100+ investment. Shop a couple of highly rated blow dryers in a variety of price ranges and enjoy the bouncy and beautiful hair of your dreams.
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Amazon
A stationary hair dryer from Conair
Complete with a generous hood to accommodate large roller sets and a height-adjustable arm, this hooded dryer uses 1875 watts to deliver smooth airflow and even distribution of heat – although it’s important to mention that it doesn’t mention tourmaline technology such as Modern Elements tumble dryer. Users can choose between two heat and speed settings and when not in use, the dryer folds compactly for easy and space-conscious storage.
Amazon
An integrated hair dryer with headband
The most economical and easy-to-store option on our list, the Granteva drying hood uses your existing hair dryer to deliver gentler diffused heat to hair. The hood has an adjustable headband and strap so it works for a variety of head sizes and styling needs, while reducing uncomfortable heat exposure to areas like the neck and ears.
