Hood Hair Dryers: Which One is Right for You? Tested and Reviewed

Hood Hair Dryers: Which One is Right for You? Tested and Reviewed

Have you seen how many hood hair dryer options there are available online today and wondered which one is right for your needs? I’ve wondered that myself, so I went on a hooded hair dryer quest. Searching for the best options, buying what looked to be useful and I tested them out.

And now I am here to tell you what I learned.

• What a hood hair dryer does for vintage hairstyles?
• The different kinds of hood dryers for at home use
• Soft bonnet attachment review
• Dryer with bonnet attached review
• Hard hood dryer for the home review

Why should you consider a hood hair dryer?

The hood hair dryer is a vital tool in techniques for vintage hairstyling. Since so many vintage hairstyles are created with wet sets like pin curls and sponge rollers, the faster drying time allowed by a hood hair dryer can improve your results greatly.

Wet set curls tend to be more defined and long-lasting when the hair is dried evenly and thoroughly, which a hood dryer can achieve much better than a handheld dryer. Plus, the convenience of setting your hair and letting it dry while you sit comfortably under the hood makes it a must-have tool.

But even if vintage hair isn’t your main goal, a hood dryer can still come in handy for general hair drying, treatments, and even roller sets for sleek modern styles.

Watch these hood hair dryers in action

I compiled these hair dryer tests while I was researching for my latest YouTube video. I bought and tested new hood hairdryers for use at home and gave you all of my insights on what made them good and not so good. If you’d like to read about some weird ways women use to dry their hair, check out this blog post.

Some of the links in this post may earn me a commission. I link these items because of their quality and not because of the commission I may receive. I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions.

What types of hood dryers are available?

There are three main types of hood dryers you can choose from for home use today, each with its own benefits. Depending on your needs, home storage availability, and hair type, i.e. thickness, length, etc., one hood might be better suited for you than another.

1. Soft bonnet dryer that attaches to your handheld hair dryer
   This is a compact, portable option that uses your existing handheld dryer to create airflow into a bonnet that fits over your head. It’s an inexpensive and space-saving solution and it is great for traveling.
2. Soft bonnet dryer with its own attached drying unit
   This is the classic version you’ve probably seen in vintage hood dryer advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s. The bonnet is attached to a standalone drying unit and it’s portable and convenient for home use.
3. Hard hood hair dryer for home use
   This is the heavy-duty, more salon-style dryer, with a rigid hood that you sit under. These are larger, but they offer the most consistent and even drying for anyone serious about their wet sets.

To help you decide, I tested each type. Here’s what I found.

Test 1: Soft bonnet attachment for your handheld hair dryer

I started by testing three different soft bonnet attachments for handheld hair dryers.

The brands I tested include Tepenar, Granteva, and Beaute Seoul. On the surface, they all looked similar—each had the basics I really like, which are a chin strap and drawstring, which help hold the hood onto your head securely. The Tepenar and Granteva also both had a soft, comfort edging which made them more comfortable on the face.

But once I tested them out, the differences became clear and, unfortunately, online listings don’t always include information about this key issue with hoods.

The key issue with the Granteva and Beaute Seoul models is that the ventilation holes are concentrated at the top of the bonnet. This means that when you turn on your hair dryer, all the hot air is directed to the top of your head, leaving the sides and back barely touched. I noticed that the top of my head became uncomfortably hot, while the rest of my hair remained damp—far from ideal if you’re trying to achieve an even dry.

By contrast, the Tepenar bonnet has ventilation holes distributed more evenly throughout the hood. This small difference made a big impact. The heat was more balanced, and I felt much more comfortable while drying. It also has plenty of space inside for larger rollers, making it the clear winner in this category.

Final Thoughts: If you’re opting for a soft bonnet attachment for your handheld dryer, I highly recommend the Tepenar bonnet for its superior airflow distribution and comfort.

Side Note: These soft bonnet attachments work best with hairdryers that have a fanned nozzle at the end. They grip better to them.

Test 2: Dryer unit with soft bonnet attached

Next, I tried out a more traditional hood dryer—the Gold’N’Hot soft bonnet with its own drying unit. This type of dryer has that classic 1950s vibe, with the bonnet attached to a compact drying unit, which is perfect for storing in smaller spaces.

It comes with Cool, Low, Medium, and High heat settings for your chosen comfort level.

One issue I ran into was the elastic band in the bonnet, which was too tight for comfort. I ended up swapping the elastic out for a drawstring from one of the earlier soft bonnet models I tested, and the difference was night and day. Once the elastic was replaced, the bonnet was much more comfortable to wear, and I could use it without worrying about deep marks around my face.

The airflow isn’t particularly strong, but the heat levels are consistent and comfortable. If you prefer gentle airflow or have more fine, delicate hair, this could be a great option for you. For very long and/or thick hair, the low flow of the air might add to your drying time.

The compact design and easy storage are definite bonuses for those with limited space. The way these are designed is that they have little compartments where you can store away the cord and bonnet.

Final Thoughts: The Gold’N’Hot dryer is a solid choice if you want a classic soft bonnet with adjustable heat settings. Just be aware that the elastic might be too tight, and the airflow is on the gentler side.

Test 3: Hard hood hair dryer for home use

For the final test, I reviewed a Hot & Hotter hard hood dryer designed for home use. If you’re serious about your vintage styling or you frequently set your hair in rollers, this is the dryer you want to consider.

Many hard hood dryers I came across during my search had poor airflow distribution, with vents focused primarily at the top of the hood. This can lead to uneven drying, particularly for the back of the head, which tends to have thicker hair that needs more drying time. The Hot & Hotter dryer, however, has ventilation holes that are spaced throughout the hood. The result is an even dry across your entire head—no more damp curls at the nape of your neck.

It has Low, Medium, and High heat settings which also increase the fan speed with each level, making it a versatile option for both quick drying or slow, comfortable sessions.

The only drawback? It takes up a bit more storage space, but that’s a small price to pay for the professional-level results it delivers.

I would also note that this dryer can be adjusted at different angles. I keep it at the highest possible angle. That way the airflow goes around the hair area better. A task chair with adjustable height will make this dryer much easier to use this way.

Final Thoughts: If you have the space for it, the Hot & Hotter hard hood dryer is hands down the best option for those serious about their sets. It’s powerful, reliable, and provides an even dry.

Which Hood Dryer Is Right for You?

Choosing the right hood hair dryer depends on your styling needs and space. Whether you’re a vintage hair enthusiast or just want a reliable hood dryer for everyday use, there’s something out there for everyone.