So Parlux are more well known for providing hairdryers to salons than anything else but all their dryers are available for home purchase. Parlux is an Italian company that have been selling hairdryers since 1977. The first hairdryer they ever released was called the “Super Turbo 1500” and literally put the company on the map. It wasn’t until 1998 that they started putting “Parlux” in front of each model with the release of the Parlux 2800. The newest model at the time of writing this article is the Parlux Alyon and we will be comparing the last 5 models released. Another great thing about Parlux is they tend to release multiple colours of their hairdryers. Always welcome if you fancy a change and can add a bit of colour to any salon/home.
Parlux Melody Silencer Noise Reducer
So for anyone that is not familiar with the Parlux range of hairdryers we thought we would mention the Melody Silencer before we even get to the hairdryer reviews. The Melody Silencer attaches to the back of the hairdryer and reduces noise. Great for salons or even at home if you need your hairdryer to be less noisy. It only weighs 52 grams so you do not have to worry about it making the dryer too heavy. Generally comes in around the £20 range so it is not expensive. Probably the best thing though is that it fits every single hairdryer Parlux sell. You still see people asking “does the silencer fit model xyz?” and the answer is always YES. It fits every single model and colour you can buy. Whether you need the silencer is entirely up to you and the circumstances in which you plan on using the hairdryer though. Some of the newer Parlux models have a built in silencer feature already so the Melody Silencer just makes it even quieter. Here is a short video showing you it in action.
Parlux Hairdryer Reviews
Parlux Alyon Light Air Ionizer Hairdryer
Product Highlights
So as we said above, the Parlux Alyon is the newest release at the time of writing so we thought it would be a good starting point. It comes in 9 different colours so you have a big selection here. Here are its specs:
- 2250w K-ADVANCE PLUS Motor for 3,000 hours of use
- AIR IONIZER TECH
- New Hair Free System ( HFS )
- Lightweight at only 425 grams
- Anti heating front technology
- Noise silencer built in
- 4 heat & 2 speed setting plus cool shot
- 3 meter long power cable
- 2 included nozzles
Lets see how this impressive looking beauty performs in the real world.
What we liked about the Parlux Alyon Ionizer
We have mentioned in other articles but feel the need to say again how important the “feel” of a good hairdryer has. We can only liken it to how Thor must feel when he holds his mighty hammer ( lame Thor joke we know but Chris Hemsworth is so hot ). As soon as you hold the Parlux Alyon it just feels great. Lightweight but balanced perfectly. It just keeps getting better when you switch it on. There is a controlled power coming from it thats great. The anti heat technology is great especially if its for a salon where you are using it for hours each day. The new hair free system is a small coil filter found under the back fan. If any hair gets into the drier it wraps around this coil to prevent it getting into the internals of the hairdryer and is easily removed and cleaned each day. The new 2250w K-ADVANCE PLUS motor means the dryer should last for 3,000 hours. With plenty of settings and its Ionic Ceramic technology provides flawless salon quality finishes. The Parlux Alyon is a brilliant hairdryer. At the time of this article you are looking at paying a bit over £100 for this dryer. (2019). Remember though, all Parlux hairdryers are similarly priced as they are professional salon quality products. Its a long term investment and you should be expecting to still be using it for years to come.
What we did not like about the Parlux Alyon Ionizer
So a small thing we would like to mention that applies to all Parlux hairdryers really. You have to purchase the diffuser separately. Unlike other brands though, Parlux does not have a universal diffuser that fits all their models. The diffuser you buy for this Alyon also fits the Parlux Advance but not any of the other models. The diffusers cost just over £10 so its not a huge negative and we would not hesitate to buy any Parlux hairdryer as the quality of their products are amazing. We just think Parlux could also offer each dryer as a package that comes with its corresponding diffuser and even add the melody silencer into the package. It saves folk having to purchase 3 different items. As we say though this is just a small quibble.
Pros
Cons
- 2250w K-ADVANCE PLUS Motor
- Air Ionizer & Ceramic Technology is great
- Lightweight and balanced to feel great
- Hair Free System filter works well
- Anti Heat technology works great with long use
- Noise silencer does make it quieter
- Need to purchase specific diffuser separately
Parlux 3500 Ceramic Ionic Hairdryer
Product Highlights
So the Parlux 3500 is the oldest of the 5 dryers we are reviewing in this article and comes in 2 different models. The “standard” and “Ionic” versions. The correct name for the standard version is the Parlux 3500 Super Compact. Here are its features:
- 2000w K-lamination motor for 2,000 hours of use
- 4 heat & 2 speed setting plus cool shot
- Light weight at only 510 grams
- Small factor at 8.5 inches length and height wise
- 3 meter power cable
- 2 included nozzles
What we like about the Parlux 3500 Ionic
Considering its been 10 years since the Parlux 3500 launched its still a very capable hairdryer. It has the good balanced feel to hold and is lightweight. Its still very powerful enough to be used in modern day salons.
What we did not like about the Parlux 3500 Ionic
See the above “Parlux Alyon Ionizer” negatives. We also feel like the Parlux 3500 is a bit on the high price scale considering it is over 10 years old at the time of writing this. Price seems to be around £80 – £90. ( 2019 ).
Pros
Cons
- Powerful 2000w K-lamination motor
- 4 heat & 2 speed settings with cool shot button
- 3 meter long power cable
- 2 styling nozzles included
- Small and light compact size
- Need to purchase diffuser separately
- For the age of product the price is still somewhat high
Parlux 3800 Eco Ceramic Ionic Hairdryer
Product Highlights
So the Parlux 3800 Eco was the product that Parlux launched with their new Eco friendly model of doing business. Every product released since has been 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly. It was also the model that Ceramic & Ionic technology became standard in all their hairdryers going forward. Full features are:
- 2100w K-Lamination motor for 2,000 hours of use minimum
- Ceramic & Ionic technology
- Built in silencer
- Lightweight at only 500 grams
- 4 heat & 2 speed settings with cool shot button
- 3 meter long power cable
What we liked about the Parlux 3800 Eco
So the Parlux 3800 is a very good hairdryer. Having the Ceramic & Ionic technology as standard gives a brilliant salon quality finish in less time than a standard hairdryer. The feel i mentioned before is fully here too. That great weight balance you find in top of the range hairdryers. This is also the first Parlux dryer with the built in silencer so its certainly quieter than the 3500. Salons the world over use this hairdryer and that ones that dont have probably upgraded to a newer Parlux model.
What we did not like about the Parlux 3800 Eco
Scroll up to “Parlux Aloya” negatives for diffuser related issue.
Pros
Cons
- 2100w K-Lamination Motor
- Ceramic & Ionic technology works great
- 4 heat & 2 speed settings with cool shot button
- Powerful & well balanced
- 3 meter power cable
- Diffuser must be purchased separately
Parlux 385 Power Light Ceramic Ionic Hairdryer
Product Highlights
So at the time of writing the Parlux 385 power light is Parluxs biggest selling hairdryer. Its also the first Parlux model that came in such a large range of colours. It weighs only 452 grams which is 15% less than the 3800 above. Other features include:
- 2150w K-LAMINATION Motor
- Only 425 grams in weight
- Ceramic & Ionic technology
- 3 meter power cable
- 4 heat & 2 speed settings plus cool shot button
- 3 meter cable
- Built in silencer
What we liked about the Parlux 385 Light
With the 385 power light, Parlux have basically taken the huge selling 3800 eco and refined it. Its more like a few small upgrades but thats not a bad thing. Its slightly lighter, slightly more powerful and slightly better. A brilliant hairdryer for home and salon and we can see why it has been so successful.
What we did not like about the Parlux 385 Light
Scroll up to “Parlux Aloya” negatives for diffuser related issue.
Pros
Cons
- 2150w K-LAMINATION Motor
- Lightweight at only 425 grams
- Lots of speed, heat and cool settings
- 3 meter power cable
- Well balanced and powerful
- Diffuser has to be purchased separately
Parlux Advance Light Ceramic Ionic Hairdryer
Product Highlights
Last but not least we come to the Parlux Advance Light. Featuring the new 2200w K-Advance motor and also softer switches than previous Parlux models. Features include:
- New 2200w K-Advance motor
- Weighs 450 grams
- 4 heat & 2 speed settings with cold button
- 3 meter power cable
- Built in silencer
- Ceramic & Ionic technology
What we liked about the Parlux Advance Light
So the Parlux Advance is very similar to the previous model , the Parlux 385 Power Light. It has a newer motor and different switches. This newer motor uses less electricity so it goes well with Parluxs Eco friendly goals. Its got all the settings you need and also has that great quality balanced feel. It is another great salon quality hairdryer from Parlux.
What we did not like about the Parlux Advance Light
Scroll up to “Parlux Aloya” negatives for diffuser related issue.
Pros
Cons
- New 2200w K-Advance motor
- Only weighs 450 grams
- New softer switches
- 4 heat & 2 speed setting with cool shot
- 3 meter power cable
- Powerful & well balanced salon quality
- Need to buy diffuser separately
Final Verdict
As we find a lot when we review Salon professional hairdryers, they are all very similar. Parluxs range of dryers are no different. They are started on a solid base of features and with each new model they make slight changes that are usually for the better. The Parlux 3500 is the oldest hairdryer in our list yet it is still a great product if you could pick it up a bit cheaper. The Parlux 3800 eco, 385 power light and advance light are VERY similar. The 385 is slightly better than 3800 and the advance light is slightly better than the 385. As we say though you would be happy with any of these 3 models. We feel that the Parlux Alyon is the best Parlux hairdryer you can buy though. As we always do, if someone sat all 5 hairdryers on a table and told us we could only take 1 then it would be the Alyon. Its the latest model at the time of writing and everything has been tweaked to perfection. If you are willing to spend a bit more and treat yourself then It really is an amazing salon quality hairdryer that is right up there as one of the best hairdryers you can currently buy.
Winner – Parlux Alyon
Images courtesy of Parlux
