Hair dryers - are they all just the same really?

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My hair dryer is on its last legs and I'm looking at getting in a newer model. But I don't know whether to just get a cheap-&-cheerful or spend a fair amount to ensure quality.... I mean it's a device that just blows air, can they really differ that much?

I understand if there's more power then it'll blow faster, and therefore dry quicker than a cheaper low watt model. But other than that, what's the difference?

I'm seeing all sorts of descriptions about them being 'ceramic' 'tourmaline' 'ionic' all aimed at giving shiny frizz-free hair (which we'd all love!) - but do they really work?

What hairdryer do you use? And would you recommend / not recommend it, and why.

Thanks muchly!

I'm usually quite frugal with these things but the parlux range are amazing - pricey but amazing! My mum has had hers for around 10 years and I've had mine for 4!

Following with interest. At 42 I've only ever owned 2 hairdryers in my life and they've both been Boots own travel ones. I like them because they're light but my one is packing up now (after about 20 years!) and I wonder whether I should upgrade to something fancy. [santa]

That's one I've looked at actually, a Parlux. But they do seem very expensive for something that just blows air... what does it do that makes it worth the money? Is it just that it lasts several years? Or does it give you swishy dreamy hair!!! I'd pay anything for swishy dreamy hair!

I use ghd air. Always used cheap ones before this one but will never go back now! Doesn't get hot in your hand, switches cold to hot quickly, powerful so dries quickly. Godsend for thick hair

I had a ghd air and just moved to parlux. You won't ever go back to a cheapie once you've tried them!

I have very thick and curly hair so I needed something quite powerful. I've had cheaper ones before which supposedly had a more powerful motor but they just didn't compare. The parlux just managed to blow dry my hair straight so much faster, and didn't get too hot. My mum has the 2800 version, I got a smaller pink one, but I think hers is better

Go for parlux, cant go wrong!

The one I have at the moment is a Toni & Guy and quite frankly it's bloody awful.

The grill at the back has big round holes that sucks in my long hair when drying upside down. It only has two settings - lava hot gale force speed OR ice cold pathetic gust speed. It's as heavy as a brick, and my hair is very flyaway after. It's starting to give off that burning smell so I know it's about to die an undignified death soon.

I don't want to make another hairdryer mistake. And as I'm considering it as my Xmas present from DH I want it to be something worth the money. Will look into the Parlux's. Although I cam already gauge hubby's reaction... "HOW MUCH!!! For a hairdryer?!!"

I'm asking DP to get me a Parlux 385 Powerlight from their website. Unfortunately they don't seem to discount or so sales.,

Try Sally salon if you have one near you, that's the only place I can think who'll probably have them in a shop so you can see what you're buying and they can better advise on models etc

I'll Google that, thanks Yas

Bought a Tesco one 5 years ish ago and it cost about £7.
The GF turn it on and it dries her hair. I use it to dry DDs hair and it seems to work well.
I've never used an expensive one so can't compare

ETI hairdryers are great.

I've heard of ETI. They're a bit cheaper than parlux aren't they? What's good about ETI poorbuthappy?

Following too... Was just thinking this morning that mine's sounding a bit ropey & I'm worried it'll go pop soon.

Will look up Parlux. First time I've heard of them!

I have a Parlux - don't see that it's much different to the others I've used. I was a bit underwhelmed after hearing so many amazing reports Bout how good they were. Hot air indeed!

I've worked out (possibly) there are 2 sorts of hairdryers. Maybe someone knows different!

Domestic - buy in Argos, Boots, Tesco etc. Limited power, safe-for-the-public, idiot proof. May even say " salon professional".

Professional - used by actual salons - high powered, designed to be used all day and get the job done fast. Pack serious heat and speed, could probably fry your hair if you lose concentration. I think mine actually had a safety warning in it. Parlux, ETI (cheaper), etc , buy from Sally's or same brands from ebay/Amazon.

Since getting an ETI 2000 professional dryer and barrel brush my haystack hair has improved 100%.

It's worth buying the type that hairdressers use but not necessarily parlux. Sil bought one in a salon for much less than i paid for my parlux. I think hers is better. It nearly blew the head off me but my hair looked great after it.

I thought about asking DH for a parlux for Christmas, but it seems like such a huge amount of money just to dry your hair.

Everyone always says they're amazing - on this thread, too - but they don't say why, especially, other than they do a quicker job.

That's not enough of a reason for me - if they're able to make my thick, coarse, prone-to-frizz hair guaranteed sleek and swooshy for longer than hour after use, I might reconsider!

Parlux!!!! I got mine for my birthday, we were staying at bluestone in February it was freezing but for the first time ever I could dry my hair in about three minutes flat. I love it, its about four years old and I think it's saved me hours of time.

I have thick straight hair, so no idea about curls wish I had curls

My hairdresser said Babyliss is the best of the domestic brands.

Does this bit mean your hair gets wrecked though, on a posh one? Faster, powerful means poor old hair shaft doesn't stand a chance? Or is it more efficient?

I've got some generic silver hairdresser branded tractor so won't be commenting

I have a very powerful babyliss that I love. I have fine hair but lots of it so can take hours to dry. I do find that proper hair dryers make my hair look better than travel hair dyers or the small crappy ones in hotels.