Bye-bye blowdryer handle

It seems the winds of change are blowing in the blowdryer world—seriously. I featured Dyson’s new super-high-tech (and super-expensive) styling tool last week, and today’s I’m introducing you to another innovative offering, the Dura Chi Handshot Hair Dryer. With some major advances in both design and technology, I’m going to make a bold statement: I bet the blowdryer handle is going to be obsolete, and soon join cordless and cell phone antennas.

No handle means easier maneuvering, and in the case of the Dura Chi Handshot, it can mean hands-free use as well thanks to the included stand. Once you wrap your head around the fact that you hold it by the nozzle when you blow (don’t worry, it stays cool to the touch), you’ll want to get your hands on one just to try the touch-sensitive control screen. Yes, you adjust the dryer’s speed and heat settings with your fingertips (and then lock it so you don’t accidentally change anything mid-styling). As with other high-end heat-stylers, of course you get great wattage (1875, in this case), ceramic heat technology, ions and all that jazz.

If you don’t believe me that hairdryer handles’ days are numbered, Paul Mitchell offers a similar tool called the Neuro Grip for just about the same price—and you can already get your mitts on a $23 version by KISS. Welcome to the future of hairstyling, ladies!