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Hairdryer - recommendations?

Tears_before_bedtime

I know this is weird, but I'm in the midst of burnout/burnout-recovery and finding things  that should be easy very difficult.

I need a new hairdryer and would appreciate any ideas. My old one "ate" a chunk of my hair and cannot be repaired (believe me, I've tried). It is dying and makes a horrible death-rattle while working at half speed.

Points to note:
● I have very, very long hair (can't do haircuts due to sensory issues). It takes hours to dry naturally and I hate the feel of wet hair, so I absolutely do need a new hairdryer.
● I was gifted this hairdryer second-hand 17 years ago and have an unreasonable emotional attachment to it.
● my ideal would be to replace with an exact replica, but they no longer make this model.
● I need a large sized dryer, with a good handle grip and buttons/switches with pronounced ridges (tactile/textured feel) and a good "click" when switched.
● it can't make high-pitched noises. It can be loud (if necessary), but lower pitch and no whining.
● I want it to last a long time. I hate waste and it will upset me if I have to replace it again within a decade.
● I don't want to spend a fortune, but would rather spend more now than have another tragedy to cope with in the next few years. Not "money no object", more: "money is there if warranted".

Any ideas? I don't know how I could "test" hairdryers before buying for noise/feel of buttons/ease of grip - is this possible, or are there any sites who review them from a "sensory" point of view?

  • in reply to Iain

    Much appreciated. I'll definitely take a look as I'm wading through all the choices atm and collating information to make a decision.

  • in reply to Lotus

    I think I'll try Boots - maybe, post Christmas, it won't  be too busy. I'm signed off work sick atm so can go during the day when most ppl are at work.

    Good to know the own-brand ones are ok. If the staff are ok, and I'm feeling up to it, I might even ask them about noise. Hopefully weight will be listed and I can see the buttons. I could get the measure of what's available that way.

    I'm at the "too much choice" stage of finding a new one. Been through denial (maybe it'll magically get better or I can use it at half efficiency), accepted I can't get an identical replacement (even on ebay) and nearly come to terms with the fact I'll have to bin the old one (will keep the carry case, which means it's not a total change of dryer). Why are these things so difficult!?!

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    Thanks for the tip. I will take a look

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I think you're on to something with looking at basic models used by professionals. Great idea - thanks. Need one that's basic, robust and not full of fancy bits and bobs that might break. 

  • Tears_before_bedtime said:
    Any ideas?

    From the following link (I have no connection with the company, just found them using a detailed search):

    https://soundproof.expert/quietest-hair-dryers/

    I have also included special considerations to keep in mind for autistic people.

    I hope this helps narrow down the list a bit

  • When my last hairdryer broke, I decided to go and look at them rather than trying to choose one online.

    I went to Boots and they had a large selection, but I got overwhelmed by the choice and the fact that they were playing music in the store whilst I was trying to process the pros and cons of each one, and nearly had a meltdown. So I just went for a Boots own brand fairly cheap one, as I also hate wet hair and couldn't put the purchase off.

    I can't remember exactly when I bought it, but it's definitely more than 5 years old and still going strong. I empathise with your situation and hope you find something suitable quickly.

  • I can’t suggest a hairdryer that would fit your requirements of sound and feel. Regarding reliability, I bought a Parlux hairdryer two years ago because they have had good reviews for reliability and longevity.  I am very pleased with the quality. 

  • I'd go for something simple, a basic whal, which are used by hairdressers, I take it you want somethng that blows and has few attachments, amazon sell them for under £30, being aimed at hairdressers they should last for a decent amount of time too.