"There’s a certain way to use a hair dryer?" you may wonder. "My mom never taught me that. I thought it was just point and shoot." Of course, as with many other so-called basic skills, it just isn’t that basic. While you may not realize it, the type of hair dryer you use, the way in which you use it, and techniques other than the usual point and shoot are all of utmost importance.

The hand-held hair dryer was invented about 50 years ago, but nothing had changed much until the last couple of years. Today’s hair dryers are more technologically advanced: Ceramics and ion dryers are the way to go. Ceramic flat irons and ceramic coils in hair dryers are everywhere because of the numerous benefits ceramics provide. For one, ceramic coils create an even distribution of heat, which isn’t only healthier for hair, but makes drying quicker and easier. They also repel humidity and lock in hair color by sealing the hair cuticles. Ion dryers are also becoming more standard with professionals because not only are they much quieter-a must for salon gossip sessions-but they reduce static electricity, leaving the hair shiny and without dreaded frizz.

As far as technique goes, there are a few basic things to remember. Though ceramic dryers have made the dispersion of heat more even and therefore safer, it’s important not to concentrate too much heat on one area of the hair for a length of time. If the temperature focused on hair reaches above 350º F, water inside the hair shaft expands and bubbles, damaging the hair (a normal, clean hair dryer reaches about 300º F). This breaks the cuticle and gives hair a rough, dry look that’s irreparable and won’t be fixed until the hair is grown out and cut off. One way to avoid this is to make sure your hair dryer is cleaned often, so stray hairs don’t block the airflow and increase the heat output.

Also, it’s very important to make sure your hair is 80 percent dry before you start styling it. Although any form of extreme heat or brushing is bound to damage your hair somewhat, hair is at its weakest when wet. Wet hair becomes even weaker when high heat is applied. Once the hair is 80 percent dry, style your hair carefully and gently.

When it comes to diffusers and attachments, most people have no idea what they’re supposed to be using with their hairdryer. While diffusers are ideal for people with curly or wavy hair, they’re not limited to them. Diffusers are usually used to create curl, body, or texture. Volumizing diffusers use "fingers" to direct air to the roots for extra volume, and straightening diffusers (the concentrator type) are use to detangle and smooth textured hair. With diffusers, especially the concentrators, it’s important to use them on a low setting unless otherwise stated.

One last feature usually ignored on dryers is the "cool shot." You may have noticed the button and not really understood what it’s for, but it’s very useful. After drying and styling your hair, give it a quick blast all over with the cool shot button. This seals the cuticle and sets the style, making sure it holds, while giving it shine.

So now you’re either more afraid of your hair dryer than you were before or, hopefully, you feel informed and are excited to try some new techniques and attachments. A hair dryer is a great tool that gives us lots of creativity, and if we know how to use it properly, it can be used to its full potential. Now go tell your mom you know all about hair dryers. TPW