Not just hot air – this hair dryer dries your hair with light
For three weeks I exposed my hair to light instead of blow-drying it. Here’s my take on the Zuvi Halo.
I’m not very demanding when it comes to drying my hair. As far as I’m concerned, a hair dryer has one job: to dry my hair – as quickly as possible. But if I can avoid using one, I do. That’s why my hair dryer spends most of the summertime in my drawer. I prefer to let my hair air dry. And that’s where the Zuvi Halo comes in:
The Zuvi Halo dries hair using infrared
The Zuvi Halo is a hair dryer that uses infrared light (IR) instead of hot air to «light» your hair dry. The manufacturer promises quite a few perks:
*+38% shinier hair
*+17% smoother hair
*+57% colour retention
*+9% stronger hair
However, this all comes with a high price tag that would deter me, a self-proclaimed hair pragmatist. For this review, I’m curious to see if the Zuvi actually delivers on its promises.
Source: Anna Sandner
The manufacturer has provided the hair dryer for a three-week testing period, after which I’ll return it. I use the light hair dryer just like I’d normally use my admittedly old, cheap no-name normal hair dryer. To be precise, I blow-dry my hair for five to ten minutes every one to two days – just until it’s reasonably dry.
Source: Anna Sandner
Light instead of hot air ft. an unpleasant sound
At the beginning, I’m rather sceptical as to whether drying my hair with light instead of air will really make a difference. After all, heat is heat – and whether it comes in the form of air or light can’t really play a major role. Then again, when I let my hair air dry instead of blow-drying it, it does make a difference.
So, I’m cautiously excited and get started. I’m immediately blown away – quite literally, as contrary to my expectations, the Zuvi also creates a stream of air. I’d assumed it only emits light. To be fair, this makes it a lot easier to use, because I can feel where I’m aiming. Using light would make it difficult to even notice which spot I’m currently «lighting».
Unfortunately, I see the disadvantage of this in the noise. The Zuvi emits a hissing sound that I find highly unpleasant and rather off-putting.
The Zuvi Halo uses IR to dry your hair, coupled with a stream of cool air. The noise it makes, however, takes some getting used to and I find it unpleasant.
My initial scepticism quickly evaporates
In spite of all my scepticism, the Zuvi Halo actually ends up being quite the pleasant surprise. Already after the first week (that is, five uses) I can tell the Zuvi’s good for my hair. My hair does indeed look fuller. I suppose that’s the «+9% stronger hair» that was promised. And there’s also a kind of sheen that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.
Another improvement I quickly notice? My hair tends to get frizzy after blow-drying. Or I suppose I just have frizzy hair in general. But much less so in the summer, when I let my hair air dry in the sun. So, I was hoping for a similar effect from the IR. And indeed, my hair is smoother and less frizzy after the first week. That’s a big plus for me, because it saves me having to straighten it. The product description claims that drying with light causes less moisture to escape from the hair. That may well be the reason for my success with reducing frizz.
Source: Anna Sandner
After another three weeks, my impression from the first week solidifies. My hair looks healthier, fuller and smoother. I’m surprised that there really was a change. I give the Zuvi somewhat of a wistful goodbye when returning it after my review.
The lowdown
The Zuvi Halo is definitely a high-quality product that won me over despite my initial scepticism. Only the hissing noise is unpleasant and might keep me from buying the dryer. Now, if neither the noise nor the steep price scares you off, this light hair dryer is a handy helper to have in your bathroom.
Header image: Anna Sandner5 people like this article
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
