Hi, It’s Time to Level Up Your Hair Routine With These Bonnet Dryers

Between the Covid salon restrictions and the ~impending~ winter season, there's honestly never been a better time to invest in your at-home hair routine. And if you plan on doing any deep conditioning or heat styling in the coming months, I say it's time you finally get that bonnet hair dryer you've been eyeing all year. But if you aren't totally sure which bonnet hair dryer is best for your texture and concerns, you're in luck. Ahead, Jasmine "Jazzee” Santiago, a New York City-based hairstylist and texture expert, weighs in on everything you need to know about bonnet hair dryers, plus the best ones to shop right now.

How do you use a bonnet hair dryer?

There are actually two types of bonnet hair dryers: soft and hard. According to Santiago, soft bonnet hair dryers are especially great for deep-conditioning treatments (they sit nice and flush to your scalp, so they help open your hair cuticles and lock in hydration), whereas hard-top dryers are best for heat styling (they give you enough room to dry your hair without creating frizz or flyaways). Here's what to keep in mind before you try either:

Soft bonnet dryers:

Soft bonnet dryers are best for enhancing your deep-conditioning routine. Santiago suggests loading up on your favorite treatments and oils while your hair is soaking wet, throwing on a plastic cap, and sitting under your soft bonnet dryer for 20 to 30 minutes. You'll want to follow by rinsing your hair clean, shampooing, and, ofc, layering on your go-to leave-ins.

BTW: Santiago says this is especially important for anyone with 4C hair who plans on heat-styling their hair this winter. "The easiest way to prevent heat damage is to make sure your hair is really softened and moisturized before applying any direct heat," she says. "Prepping your hair by deep conditioning with a soft bonnet dryer is a great option for anyone wanting the versatility of a blow-dried or flat-ironed style without the fear of heat damage."

Hard-top bonnet dryers:

If you plan on using a hard-top dryer for heat styling, Santiago says the process is pretty self-explanatory. Unlike blow dryers or diffuser attachments, hard bonnet dryers make it easy to dry your hair evenly without any frizz. "Your hair isn't blowing around as much with a bonnet hair dryer, so it's easier to get a really good set that lasts two or three days," she says. Plus, since bonnet dryers don't come into direct contact with your hair, there's a lot less room for heat damage, since there's a bit of space between you and the hot air. All you do is hang out under your hard-top dryer until your hair is totally dry and your style is set (think: 15-30 minutes depending on the length and thickness of your hair). Easy enough, right?

What is the best bonnet hair dryer?

Welp, that depends entirely on what you're trying to do with your bonnet hair dryer: heat styling or conditioning. Still not sure? Keep scrolling for the seven best soft and hard bonnet dryers on the market RN, plus tips and tricks for using 'em properly.