BaByliss has gone one step further with negative ion hair dryers with the introduction of titanium used in the components of the PRO Nano Titanium range. Currently, there are two models on offer, the full-size, pistol grip BABNT5575N and the smaller, lighter BABNT5550. Which one will suit you best depends on what you want from a hairdryer.
Many manufacturers now make ionic hair dryers and if you're looking for a new dryer you should definitely buy an ionic appliance. Ionic blow dryers produce negative ions – unlike traditional models that produce positive ions. Simply put, positive ions are bad for your hair as they open up the cuticle which, in turn, dries out your hair leaving it with that ‘frizzy' look. Negative ions, on the other hand, seal the cuticle and break down water droplets into smaller ‘micro-droplets' that can be absorbed into each hair shaft thereby hydrating it to leave you with shinier hair that holds it style for longer. Ionic dryers also greatly reduce drying time saving you time and your hair from being subjected to high temperatures over a prolonged period.
With the introduction of the PRO Nano Titanium Dryer, BaByliss hair dryers have gone one step further. You get an ionic appliance but now many of the components used are made from titanium. Titanium is a strong as steel but is much lighter so the overall weight of the dryer is lighter – even though this range comes with an impressive, pro standard 1900 watt, high torque, and powerful motor. Titanium is also great at conducting heat and maintains its stability in very high temperature and it emits lots of beneficial negative ions.
Both the larger BABNT5575N and the smaller, lighter BABNT5550 use titanium and 1900 watt motors and come with a 4 year limited warranty, however there are some differences. Here's a quick run down of what each model offers so you can decide which is best for you.
The BABNT5550 is the smaller and lighter of the two but still comes with the same size motor of its larger companion. Weighing 14oz plus its compact size of 8″ H x 4″ W x 8″ L makes it a convenient travelling styling tool. The casing – like that of the BABNT5575N – is of Ryton, which is superb at withstanding high temperatures.
The BABNT5550 is a superb appliance. My only criticism is that it isn't the lightest dryer on the market – the T3 Tourmaline Featherweight Hair Dryer is lighter and slightly smaller, but having said that, the T3 only offers 2 speed and heat settings.
The BABNT5575N is the larger and heavier of the two PRO Nano Titanium models, though not by much, as it weighs only 2 ounces more. What it offers over its lighter companion is that it has a pistol grip handle – that to my mind – is more ergonomic, making it easier to use and less tiring. Like, the BABNT5550 you get 6 speed/heat settings and cool shot button. A really nice feature is that it comes with a built-in stand – two cleverly designed bars protrude slightly from the back of the dryer; it stands on its back, resting on the handle and motor housing with the nozzle pointing up.
My only criticism of this dryer is that you only get a detachable concentrator. I would have liked other attachments like a diffuser and pick to have been included.
As to which model is the one to buy depends on what you want. If you want a small, lightweight styler, then the BABNT5550 is probably your best option. However, with its pistol grip handle and built-in stand I would opt for the BABNT5575N. Whichever BaByliss hair dryer you choose, you can be assured that you'll be getting a great product at a price that is very much lower than many of its competitors.
