Alright, it’s been almost two years coming. I’ve been eyeing this dryer since 2010, when I came across this thread on the CurlyNikki forums: Pibbs 514 Dryer. The thread was about the Pibbs dryer and whether it was worth the $300 investment. One poster responded:

I can’t say whether or not it gives the same exact results as the Pibbs because I’ve never tried the Pibbs but the SalonsRus salon dryer on wheels is amazing imo. It dries my roller set hair in an hour/hour 15 minutes max. With my old table top dryer it took over 2 hours (not really sure because I never stayed under long enough for it to dry completely). It also has an air control dial which allows you to change the direction of the circulating air so that all of your hair gets dry. It has a timer and also a temp setting. I can sit under the dryer without feeling like I’m in Hades. And the best part is it’s less than half the price of the Pibbs. I highly recommend it as an alternative. … [G]ot it online at salonsrus.com. They offer free shipping too (to anywhere in the continental U.S.).

Well, I went to the salonrus.site, which is now LCLBeauty.com, and located the dryer. The features listed were:

• 1200 Watts of Professional Power
• Durable Plastic Hood
• Adjustable Height
• Adjustable thermostat heats up to 165 degrees
• Timer with automatic shut-off
• Smooth casters for easy mobility

It was $99, but out of stock. When I returned to the site, it was back, but I waited too long and the price increased to $129.77 (shipping to the US was still free though). So, I bookmarked the site and there the dryer sat, collecting dust, for almost two years as I attempted to locate additional reviews and/or a cheaper, but effective, alternative. Neither search was very fruitful.

So, last year, I decided to give the Gold N’ Hot Soft Bonnet Dryer a whirl after Marsha’s review of it as it was cheaper and easier to return if it didn’t work (see here). The dryer worked okay, but wasn’t phenomenal as I still struggle with TnC sets that never dry. Also, it was a no go for an ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment as the bonnet rested against and started to stick to my drying hair. If you know anything about the two step, you know that you don’t want to have to pry it from your dried hair.

So, after my protein treatment in February, I started thinking about a hard bonnet dryer once again as I knew I would need one if I didn’t want to use a hand dryer (heat is required for the ApHogee Two Step Treatment). I went as far as actually buying one of the Gold N’ Hot Hard Bonnet Dryers on Wheels at Sally’s. But, I immediately returned it after it rang up for the $99 sale price without the 20% discount. The cashier decided to tell me that my coupon didn’t work on sale equipment AFTER she rang up the purchase. I was so peeved, I told her that I didn’t want it without the discount.

And so we come to today. The Gold N’ Hot dryer was on sale for $99 again at Sally’s. I hit the crack spot to pick up Wild Hair Growth Oil in the white bottle (I purchased the “Light” in the yellow) and started eyeing the dryer under the sales table again. I asked about returns and was advised that there was a 20% re-shelfing fee. I walked out with only the hair oil.

So, I’m sitting here playing around on FB and internet surfing and decide to click on my old bookmark. There it was, still $129.77 with free shipping. Impulsiveness set in and I did it!!! I FINALLY ordered the dryer.

Now … the waiting …

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Do you use a hard bonnet dryer? If so, which one and how does it work for you (ease of use, sufficient setting options, drying time, value for price, etc.)?