When Was The Hairdryer Invented?
Thomas StrangwoodShare
The hairdryer was invented in 1890 by Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy, a French hairdresser based in Paris. His original device was far from the compact tool we know today — it was a large, stationary machine used in his salon, consisting of a bonnet connected to a gas-heated pipe. It was the beginning of a transformation in how people dried and styled their hair.
Who Invented the Hairdryer?
Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy is credited as the inventor of the first hairdryer in 1890. His invention was designed for salon use only — it was far too large and impractical for home use. It worked by attaching a hood over the client's head which directed hot air from a stove or gas burner, drying the hair slowly from above.
The first truly portable, handheld hairdryer came later, in 1911, when Gabriel Kazanjian patented a handheld version in the United States. This was the design that would eventually evolve into the modern hairdryer we use today.
A Brief History of the Hairdryer
The hairdryer has evolved dramatically over more than a century. Here's how it developed decade by decade:
- 1890 — Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy invents the first hairdryer in France, designed for salon use
- 1911 — Gabriel Kazanjian patents the first handheld hairdryer in the United States
- 1920s — hairdryers become commercially available, though they're heavy, underpowered, and prone to overheating
- 1930s — hairdryers become more widely available for home use as manufacturing improves
- 1940s — bonnet-style dryers become popular, allowing hands-free drying at home
- 1950s–60s — hairdryers become smaller, more powerful, and a fashionable household item
- 1970s — the compact pistol-grip hairdryer becomes the standard design; wattage increases significantly
- 1980s — diffuser attachments are introduced for curly hair; prices fall and hairdryers become a household essential
- 1990s–2000s — ionic technology is introduced, reducing frizz and drying time; ceramic barrels become popular
- 2010s onwards — professional-grade technology reaches the consumer market; digital motor technology transforms the category
How Have Hairdryers Changed?
Early hairdryers were heavy, slow, and genuinely dangerous — many early models caused burns or electric shocks. The shift to safer, more powerful designs came gradually through the 20th century.
The biggest leap in modern hairdryer technology has been the introduction of ionic and infrared drying. Traditional hairdryers work by blasting hot air at the hair surface. Ionic dryers emit negatively charged ions that break down water molecules, allowing moisture to evaporate faster and more evenly — reducing frizz and heat damage significantly.
Today, professional hairdryers are lighter, faster, and far gentler on the hair than their predecessors. The difference between a budget hairdryer and a professional model is considerable, particularly for colour-treated, bleached, or fine hair where excess heat can cause real damage.
Choosing the Right Hairdryer
If you're in the market for a new hairdryer, here are the key things to consider:
- Wattage — professional models typically range from 1800–2400W; higher wattage means faster drying and less prolonged heat exposure
- Ionic technology — reduces frizz and drying time, particularly beneficial for thick, curly, or colour-treated hair
- Heat and speed settings — multiple settings allow you to tailor the heat to your hair type
- Cool shot button — finishing with cool air sets the style and adds shine
- Attachments — a concentrator nozzle focuses airflow for smooth blowouts; a diffuser is essential for curly and wavy hair
Browse our full range of professional hairdryers to find the right model for your hair type, or explore our heat protection products to keep your hair healthy while using heat tools. Free UK delivery on all orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the hairdryer invented?
The first hairdryer was invented in 1890 by Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy, a French hairdresser. His device was a large stationary salon machine. The first portable handheld hairdryer was patented in 1911 by Gabriel Kazanjian in the United States.
Who invented the hairdryer?
Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy, a French hairdresser, invented the first hairdryer in 1890. Gabriel Kazanjian later patented the first handheld portable version in 1911 in the United States. Together, these two inventions laid the foundation for the modern hairdryer.
What was the first hairdryer like?
The first hairdryer, invented in 1890, was a large stationary salon device consisting of a bonnet connected to a gas-heated pipe. Early handheld models from the 1920s were heavy, underpowered, and prone to overheating — very different from the powerful, lightweight dryers available today.
When did hairdryers become common in homes?
Hairdryers began to be used in homes from the 1920s onwards. They became a true household staple in the 1950s and 1960s as designs improved and prices fell. By the 1970s, the compact pistol-grip hairdryer had become the standard design found in most homes.
What is ionic hairdryer technology?
Ionic hairdryers emit negatively charged ions that break down water molecules in the hair, allowing moisture to evaporate faster and more evenly. This reduces drying time, minimises frizz, and causes less heat damage. Ionic technology became widely available in the 1990s and is now standard in most professional-grade hairdryers.
What should I look for in a professional hairdryer?
Key features to look for include wattage (1800–2400W), ionic technology to reduce frizz and drying time, multiple heat and speed settings, a cool shot button, and attachments such as a concentrator nozzle and diffuser. For colour-treated or bleached hair, always use a heat protection product before blow-drying.