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Elchim 2001 Professional Hair Dryer
My review is comparing the Elchim to my previous dryer (Chi).
What I'm working with: My caucasian hair is very long, layered and THICK. The strands are thin, but I have a ton of it. It's also naturally wavy and frizzes easily.
Weight: The Elchim is much lighter than my Chi. This is by no means a light weight dryer, but it is significantly more comfortable to hold than the Chi. It's smaller and easier for an amateur to wield.
Switches: The switches on the Elchim require a harder push than the Chi, which I like because it's less likely that I'll accidently turn it off while using it. I had that problem with my Chi because the switches are so easy to push. Also, the Elchim has more options (cool, warm and hot) compared to just warm and hot on my Chi. Of course I could hold that little button on the Chi for cool air, but I never did.
Drying power: The Chi is louder, but I think the Elchim is more productive. Drying my hair with the Chi took around 25 minutes, but then I had to flat iron and that took another 30-35. I can dry my hair to a finished look with the Elchim in 20 minutes.
Forgiveness: Chi's are great dryers for professionals who are able to always blow air down the hair shaft for that sleek look, but I just can't do it. My hair is too long. I'm guilty of doing the wild dry until it's damp and then I use a flat paddle brush and try my best to go down the shaft. The Elchim is completely forgiving in this department. WIth the Chi I ALWAYS had to use a flat iron because my hair was a frizzy mess, but with the Elchim I use a flat paddle brush and then throw it in a loose bun for 15 min to really smooth it down. It's perfect after that.
Volume: Because I always had to flat iron after using the Chi, volume was not an option for me. My hair is too heavy and such sleek flat-ironed hair always falls flat. But now that I don't have to use a flat iron with the Elchim I have a LOT more volume. Even my husband noticed it.
Results: The Elchim is my dryer of choice. Hands down. 100%. It's easier for me to use, more forgiving of my less-than-technical drying skills, and leaves me with gorgeous hair that I didn't have to work hard for.
Hope this helps!