Before you buy your next hair dryer make sure it's ionic. If you've never used one before you'll be amazed at just how much shinier, smoother and how much more body your hair has after using one. The secret is 'negative ions'. If you want fabulous hair, you've got to use an ionic blow dyer. Here's some recommendations of the best currently on offer.

Conventional blow dryers - like all heaters such as those found in your car - emit positive ions. Unfortunately for your hair, while the heat may dry it, the positive articles 'open up' the cuticle of each shaft of hair resulting in the loss of your hair's natural moisture, which in to turn leads to static and frizz, not to mention heat damage.

Negative ions, on the other hand, break down water droplets into much smaller ones, called micro-droplets. This cuts down on the amount of time needed to dry your hair. But, of even greater benefit, the water molecules are easily absorbed into the hair shaft. This leads to more shine, more body and less heat damage.

An ionic hair dryer is one that produces plenty of negative ions. You'll usually find that other materials such as ceramic and tourmaline are used in the various components of these tools, as these materials are great at producing even more negative ions.

If you're looking to buy a cheap but good appliance then take a look at the Andis Tourmaline Ionic Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer. It comes with 4 heat and speed settings as well as a cool shot button. You also get 3 attachments as standard: a ceramic diffuser, concentrator and pick. The company also specializes in making wall-mounted models. If you prefer this type then take a look at the Andis Hang-Up Pro Turbo w/ LED clock (HD-2C) or the cheaper and lighter Andis Euro HangUp 1875 (HD-9).

If you're prepared to spend more, then the BaByliss Thermal Ionic Hair Dryer (BAB5570) could be what you're looking for. It's of professional standard, featuring a very powerful 2000 watt motor, 6 heat and speed setting and cool shot button. It's a very nicely styled and easy to use appliance that scores highly in many consumer reviews.

If you're looking for the best - and this is a very subjective matter - it usually pays to pay more. Brands like CHI, T3 and Solano make styling tools that many top stylists actually use. The Solano Platinum Hair Dryer (model 201/747) is an excellent styler. It features an 1875 watt motor but it's been designed to be less noisy than other makes. You also get 5 heat and 2 speed settings. And, for those that like their appliances to look good, the Platinum won't let you down; it comes with a sleek chrome body and black handle and would look good in you bathroom, bedroom or a top hair salon.

There are many makes on the market today. Just remember, the best ionic hair dryer is the one that you find easy to use, delivers the results you want time after time and you think offer great value for money - it doesn't have to be one of the most expensive models either, many cheaper models can style your hair beautifully; it's all a matter of want you want in your dryer.

Follow the links to choose the best ionic hair dryer and read hair dryer reviews on top brands like the Andis, BaByliss, T3 and Solano hair dryer as well as many more.