Anyone who dries hair every day knows it: between an ordinary hairdryer and a salon one, you feel the difference in your hands even before you see it in the blow-dry. In the shop we are often asked where to start. Here are the criteria we use when recommending a model, with the figures the manufacturer declares for the Parlux hairdryers we stock.
Power and airflow: two figures, not one
Watts tell you how much energy the hairdryer can turn into heat and airflow. Airflow, measured in cubic metres per hour, tells you how much air actually reaches the hair. With plenty of air, hair dries faster even without pushing the temperature to the maximum. According to the manufacturer's data, the Parlux Alyon has 2,250 W and 84 m³/h, the Parlux Ethos 2,300 W and 88 m³/h, and the Parlux 3800 Ecofriendly 2,100 W and 75 m³/h. On paper the differences are small, but in your hand you feel them in working times and comfort.
Ionic and ceramic: what they mean
Ionic technology, which Parlux calls Air Ionizer Tech, is used, according to the manufacturer, to counteract frizz while drying. Ceramic, found in the models marked "Ionic & Ceramic", is generally chosen for even heating. On the Ethos the manufacturer speaks of a double coaxial-section heating element, designed to spread the heat even more uniformly along the airflow. These are genuine aids to the work, but they do not replace technique: the hand remains the most important part.
The motor and its lifespan
The motor is the heart of a professional hairdryer. The Alyon is fitted with the K-Advance Plus motor, with a declared average life of 3,000 hours; the 3800 declares 2,000 hours. For anyone using the hairdryer all day in the salon, a professional motor, designed for hours of continuous work, is the better choice. For home use, even frequent, a more basic model may be enough.
Weight, noise, cable and controls
A hairdryer is held in the hand for a long time, so weight and balance matter. The 3800 has a built-in silencer, while the Alyon has a front body designed not to heat up during use and an integrated cable guide. On the models we stock the cable is 3.30 metres long, handy for moving around the chair or the mirror. The cool shot button, which sets the style at the end of drying, is also a control you appreciate every day.
Concentrator and diffuser
The concentrator, that is the nozzle, is used for a smooth blow-dry and to direct the air onto the section. For curls and waves, on the other hand, you need the diffuser: in our diffusers section you will find those compatible with the different hairdryers. The MagicSense diffuser is designed by the manufacturer for Alyon, Ethos and Digitalyon.
What to look at before choosing
- How you will use it: all day in the salon or a few times a week at home.
- Power and airflow declared by the manufacturer, assessed together.
- Ionic and ceramic technology, if the hair tends to frizz.
- Declared motor life.
- Weight and balance: best to try it in your hand.
- Cable length and comfort of the controls.
- Compatible accessories, starting with the diffuser.
The most common mistakes
- Looking only at watts. Airflow and motor quality count too.
- Starting with dripping hair. The hairdryer should remove water, not wring it out: first comes blotting with a towel.
- Holding the nozzle too close or still. Better about ten centimetres away and the hand always moving, from roots to ends.
- Forgetting the filter. It should be cleaned every week: a clogged filter makes the motor overheat and shortens its life.
- Skipping the heat protectant. In the heat protectants section there is a choice of sprays to apply on lengths and ends before switching on.
Three models to look at
- Parlux Alyon Air Ionizer Tech: light and balanced, in many colour finishes.
- Parlux Ethos Air Ionizer Tech: the highest airflow of the three, in seven colours.
- Parlux 3800 Ecofriendly Ionic & Ceramic: with built-in silencer, a salon tool rather than one for occasional use.
All the models are in the hairdryers collection.
Come and visit us in the shop
The best way to choose a hairdryer is to pick it up. In Campobasso, at Viale XXIV Maggio 140, we are happy to show you the products in person and advise you without rush. If you prefer, you can call us on 0874 698703.