Why professional hairdryers will blow you away

Shampoos, styling products and straighteners are all items that most clients would expect to see on your retail shelves, but many don't realise that the salon is also the perfect place to pick up a top-quality hairdryer - and the options available are far superior to high-street alternatives.

So what makes professional dryers outshine consumer options, and how can you boost your business by convincing your clients to invest in these essential electricals?

 

The Advantages of Professional Hairdryers

Longer Lasting

While most high-street dryers have what's known as a DC (direct current) motor, professional options run off a longer-lasting AC (alternating current) motor.

Wahl European artistic director Simon Shaw says: "Salon dryers are able to endure a high volume of usage, so while they're usually a higher retail price, they're an economic buy for the client."

Blowing Hot and Cold

The manufacturers behind some of the industry's leading hairdryers have carried out extensive research and development to ensure their products offer the best features to get the most out of their usage.  

Rob Sidebotham, professional division manager, BaByliss PRO says: "Unlike consumer brands, professional hairdryers include features only possible through sophisticated power and design, such as a true cold shot button. High-street hairdryers often just have a 'cool shot' option, but with salon models the motor is more advanced and can switch between temperatures quickly and effectively, so cold air can be used to lock in styles."

Cutting Edge Technology

Recent advances include the launch of products with ionic features, which help lock moisture into hair, preserving its condition; ozone technology, which reduces static; and tourmaline-infused components, which emit negatively charged molecules to smooth the hair cuticle.

Kala Laing, sales and education director of T3 distributor, SDL Hair says: "With the right products, working at a lower temperature will still produce enough ions to smooth cuticles, allowing your clients to protect and nourish their hair"

High End Design

It's not just the superior motors or mechanics that make professional dryers a perfect retail proposition. Models in trend-led bright colours and gorgeous designs stand out brilliantly on salon shelves.

Kadus national technical manager David Larcome says: "They come with all the accessories a client could possibly need and are even made in various colours to match bedroom décors."

While most clients are used to shopping on the high street for their hairdryers, there's no question that professional products offer more in terms of power, design and durability.

The challenge is to convince customers to pay that bit extra and buy their dryer from you.

"The salon provides an excellent platform to present and sell to your clients. Demonstrating a hairdryer's benefits and offering a professional recommendation can be extremely effective," says David Brunton, managing director at Hair Tools.

"Not all clients know they can buy professional hairdryers, so it's vital to create awareness." 

Top Tips for Retailing Hairdryers in the Salon

• Keep tester hairdryers in the salon so clients can try before they buy
• Better still, give them a consumer version to compare your products with and they'll immediately see the benefits
• Put a hairdryer-buying guide together, listing the benefits offered by professional models
• Speak to your product company to arrange promotional offers on a regular basis.
• Hairdryers often top Christmas wish-lists so make sure you stock up on seasonal specials
• Come up with a blow-dry guide, including step-by-step advice on creating looks. Boost your retail sales even further by recommending thermal styling products too
• Brighten up your retail display with some ultra modern or quirky designs in dazzling colours
• Use the hairdryers you sell in the salon, and talk through the benefits that make the difference to you, such as lightness, faster drying time and durability.