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What Is a Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

A soft bonnet hair dryer is a haircare appliance designed to dry hair without blowing it around or straightening curls. The device typically consists of an electrically powered base unit that generates both heat and airflow and a hose that connects the base unit to a large head covering, or soft bonnet. In some cases, a soft bonnet hair dryer may also come with additional attachments, such as a brush, so that users have additional ways of drying and styling their hair. Although this device became less popular with the advent of blow-dry styles, many individuals who have naturally curly hair or prefer to curl their hair with rollers find this product to be indispensable. Some people also use a soft bonnet hair dryer in combination with deep conditioning products.

While blow dryers offer users convenience and affordability, they are not suitable for drying hair that has been set in curlers. In addition, many people with naturally curly hair find that blow dryers straighten their hair or cause it to frizz unless they use a diffuser or special styling tools. For these people, a hood or soft bonnet hairdryer enables them to dry their hair while still preserving their curls. Without this type of hairdryer, they would have to rely on air drying, which is time consuming, particularly when the hair is twisted around curlers. While using a soft bonnet hair dryer, an individual can keep her hands free so that she can read or perform other seated tasks.

Woman posing
Woman posing

Many hair salons use hard hood hair dryers for those customers who want their hair set in curlers or dried curly. While there are some hard hood hairdryers sold for the home market, these can be tricky to position and use. The soft bonnet design is lightweight, portable, and the bonnet typically can fit over any head or hairstyle. These units typically include other styling tools that individuals can use to vary their hairstyle. The base unit is usually designed with the compartment into which the user can pack the device's hose, cord, and accessories.

Even those who generally prefer to use blow dryers may find that they have a use for a soft bonnet hair dryer. Many deep conditioning treatments are more effective when combined with the heat generated by the soft hood hair dryer. The bonnet typically has an adjustable band that allows it to be drawn tightly over the head, heating the scalp during a deep conditioning treatment. This process can help users achieve soft, well-conditioned hair.

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