Abstract: A portable hard hat type hair dryer having control means for directing heated air either to the front, back and sides of the head, to the back and sides of the head only, or to the back of the head only. This hair dryer is further characterized by a pin-and-slot hinge connection between the upper end of the tubular air conduit and the dome-shaped hood, by sliding latch means for releasably connecting the hood to the base, and by an improved air flow arrangement. Means may be provided in the base for introducing steam into the hood prior to a hair drying operation.