Abstract: In one embodiment a blow dryer includes a barrel having an opening. A deflector, having an aperture, positioned within or substantially within the barrel. The hand-held blow dryer can be utilized in at least a first or open mode in which air flow is directed through the barrel opening of the barrel, and a final or fully deflecting mode. Thus, in the fully deflecting mode most of the air is deflected by the deflector so as to diffuse the airflow. Additionally, the shape of the deflector allows the airflow to be maintained while the deflector is in any position, thus, allowing the airflow to flow past the heating coils in the barrel so that potential overheating of the blow dryer is reduced. In another embodiment, a gap is provided between two flaps which comprise the deflector so as to achieve the same result. In still another embodiment, rings are provided around the circumference of a barrel having holes in the barrel. The rings diffuse the air emanating out of the holes and also guide the hair for styling.

Abstract: A hand held blow dryer includes a barrel with a plurality of holes. A deflecting mechanism can be positioned within or substantially within the barrel, and an actuating mechanism can be operationally associated with the deflecting mechanism. The hand-held blow dryer can be utilized in at least a first mode in which air flow is directed through the barrel opening of the barrel, and a second mode in which the actuating mechanism is actuated to move the deflecting mechanism from at least a position in which the barrel opening is opened, to a position in which the barrel opening is substantially closed by the deflecting mechanism. Thus, in the second mode most of the air is deflected by the deflecting mechanism and forced through the holes of the barrel.