Comparative test of Starwind SHS9817, VVK BHD3205i, Scarlett SC-HD70|16 hair dryers: MY INexpensive!

All manufacturers produce hair dryers that look very similar to those used in salons by professional stylists. Often there is something written in large letters on the boxes, suggesting that it is either a professional hair dryer, or a device that works just as well. This AC-motor, and high power of 2200 watts, and just the epithet “professional”, the inscription PRO, and the like. We tested three inexpensive models and found out what from the “professional” arsenal the consumer can expect, choosing a hair dryer costing up to 1500 Dollars.

TEST MEMBERS

BBK BHD3205i

Starwind SHS9817

Scarlett SC-HD70|16

WHAT WE TESTED

The focus was:

1 ergonomics: looked at how user-friendly everything is made, what difficulties may arise when working with a hair dryer

2 hygiene: we paid attention to the air intake grid ideally it should be removable and how easy it is to keep clean the body of a hair dryer

3 safety: the presence of an auto-off function in case of overheating, warnings about the dangers in the manual and on the body of the hair dryer. We turned on each hair dryer for 5 minutes at maximum speed at maximum temperature

4 the results of drying and styling: looking at how the modes work, whether they have enough power, how the cool airflow function works, etc.p.

5 the possibility/impossibility of using the hair dryer in a beauty salon by professional stylists

6 Noise level: measured with a noise meter app at a distance of 30 cm from the hair dryer at maximum speed at maximum temperature and when pressing the cold blast button.

THAT WE HAVE NOT CHECKED

We did not measure the power and speed of the air flow, but were guided by subjective feelings. Each hair dryer declared function of ionization: the generation of negatively charged particles – ions that help retain the hair’s natural moisture, remove static electricity and make hair smoother and shinier. Testing the effect of ions on the hair is very difficult and can only be done in the laboratory.

CONCLUSIONS

Ergonomic and hygienic

The matte coating of two models is pleasant to the touch, does not slip in the hands, looks more expensive and stylish but it leaves fingerprints especially on the matte black one . The smooth plastic glides, but it cleans better.

Hairdryers with normal non-AC-motors are considerably lighter than models with professional AC motors.

All the models have convenient mode switching, but one model does not have any indication whether it is the airflow or the temperature.

Cold air mode on all models has a separate button that must be held down, this is standard.

All three models have interesting stories with the air intake grille: each hair dryer is claimed to have a removable grille for easy cleaning, but something went wrong with all three: read the test, there will be no spoiler.

Safety:

All safety recommendations are clearly laid out in the instructions, and the mandatory certification by the European Customs Union’s Eurasian Economic Community has been passed. All dryers have an overheat shutoff feature. For some reason there is no “Do not immerse in water” mark on Starwind case.

Drying and styling results:

All models are satisfactory, but there are significant differences in drying speed the maximum power of all dryers 2200 watts, and the airflow at maximum in one model is significantly weaker than the other, and there is a “medium” .

So be guided by the power when buying a hair dryer is wrong.

As for styling, more opportunities for home styling gives one model with the narrowest concentrator and diffuser nozzle. The other two have wide concentrator nozzles, and one has an incomprehensible hole in the concentrator that prevents the concentration of airflow: it is important that the concentrator is it, and not just called.

The function of cold blowing is in all three dryers, but again, just looking at its presence is wrong, it can work great, mediocre reduce the temperature to warm or peculiar duplicate the first temperature mode – without heating .

The possibility of using the tested hair dryers in salons was not seriously considered – after all, these are inexpensive models. But at least one can be recommended as having several important professional features that make it more effective.

The noise level of the two models with a regular motor is lower than that of a hair dryer with a professional AC motor, and higher when the “cold air” button is pressed.

What is the difference between a professional hair dryer and a household hair dryer??

– AC motor Domestic hair dryers have mostly DC motors . AC motors are durable and last five years or more, they do not overheat .

– A long rotating swivel-mounted three-meter cord, so the technician can comfortably walk around the client from all sides and the cord isn’t kinked.

– The concentrator nozzle with a narrow 7 mm nozzle.