Blowdryer

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

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Then


In 1973 Conair debuted the Yellowbird, the first pistol-grip handheld hair dryer for use at home. The machine had an anemic motor that made blow-drying a drawn-out affair.

Now


Conair 276 Infiniti Pro Volume Boost Styler ($46, Conair.com) is lightweight and uses a motor typically found in professional hair dryers to produce stronger air flow. Ceramic plates help to evenly distribute heat, and ionic technology releases negatively charged particles to smooth frizz.