Source: Ulta Beauty / Ulta Beauty
As a straight, natural hair owner, finding the right amount of heat without overdoing it is crucial for healthy hair. My requirements are simple: heat styling tools that are gentle on my mane, dry quickly, and offer attachments that work for my 4c mane. So when I was gifted the DigitalAIRE Drying Wand from Conair, I was excited to see what all the hype was about.
The features of the Conair DigitalAIRE Drying Wand
In case you haven’t heard, Conair’s new product is designed to smooth, detangle and add volume to your hair while blow-drying. This device features advanced plasma technology and combines the power of positive and negative ions to eliminate flyaways and frizz. The dryer has a maximum temperature of 255°F and offers three airflow and four temperature settings to complement your routine. The device also has an air speed of 75 mph, allowing for quick drying.
Another standout feature of the device is its three attachments: a styling pick that detangles, separates and straightens hair, a smoothing brush with ceramic plates that smooths and straightens from root to tip, and a volumizing brush with curved bristles that adds body and movement. The dryer also offers an Ultra Care mode that alternates between cold and hot air to preserve the health of your hair.
Source: Ulta Beauty / Ulta Beauty
My blow-drying process
After exploring the benefits of the Conair DigitalAIRE Drying Wand, it was time to take action. I started with damp, freshly washed hair, sectioned it with twisters, applied Mielle Organics Thermal and Heat Protectant Spray ($11.15, Walmart.com) and began blow-drying on a medium blow-dry speed and third heat setting.
The first thing that stood out was the weight of the drying wand – it was non-existent. During a typical blow-drying session, I have to take breaks because my arms hurt. However, I was able to blow-dry my entire mane without stopping. The styling attachment was also convenient and glided through my hair without tangling. And while the drying wand gets hot, it’s not hot enough to burn your hands.
After blow-drying my hair, I applied Nae Naes Naturals Hair Boost Hair & Scalp Salve ($29+, naenaes.com) and a few drops of my Ayurvedic oil blend throughout my mane from root to tip. Then I blow-dried my mane again for a few minutes to allow the products to penetrate thoroughly.
My final verdict
If I had to rate the Conair DigitalAIRE Drying Wand, I would give it a 9.5 out of 10. Unlike other hair dryers, the fact that this product is really lightweight is a key advantage. As a natural who prefers to minimize heat usage, the hair dryer’s ultra-care mode and quick-dry features worked hand in hand to cut my blow-drying time in half. Plus, the styling attachment was gentle on my mane and didn’t leave any hairs behind.
Not to mention, the $149 price tag of this dryer wand is acceptable to most hair professionals. As someone who owns a $400 Dyson Supersonic dryer, I can say that Conair’s price rivals the cult favorite. After all, spending hundreds of dollars on a blow dryer is unthinkable for most people. In other words, the Conair DigitalAIRE dryer wand checks all the boxes.
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