WHEN YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED SOMETHING
Today's post is a little different. I very rarely blog about a product - I
don't sell my soul on here to promote stuff that gets offered to me in my
email box........unless it's something super special that I can't resist.
And this is one of those rare occasions.
Several weeks ago I was contacted by a company called Zuvi who make very
expensive hairdryers. Those of you who know me will be aware that I'm very
frugal with my money - I couldn't understand what this product would do that
my good old dryer wouldn't. I wasn't sure whether I should say "Yes" and put it to the test.
Here's what happened......
SAYING "YES" TO TESTING THE ZUVI HAIRDRYER
When Zuvi initially approached me, I turned them down. I'm no 20 year old
Instagram/TikTok influencer with long, sweeping locks and pouty lips and a
pretty face. I don't do those snazzy little stop-start timelapse videos. I
told them I was over 50 and so were those who read my blog. I didn't want to
sell myself as something I'm not.
The funny thing is that they got straight back to me and said that they were wanting
to share their product with women of my age because they'd had a lot of
positive feedback about how it improved the look of hair in older women. I
know my hair isn't as lustrous as it used to be, it's duller, frizzier, and
just "less" than when I was younger. So I figured if this dryer could make
my hair smoother and shinier - with less heat - then it was definitely worth
trying out. So, I changed my "No" to a "Yes" and within a week I had a
parcel being delivered to my door.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
First of all, it came beautifully boxed. Everything was secured in its
own little compartment, it came with instructions on how to use it, and three attachments that connect magnetically. I'd already checked out the Zuvi website beforehand, so I knew it
worked slightly differently to a "normal" hairdryer and I needed to pick
the right settings for it to dry my hair properly.
|
| What was in the box - and what happened when I turned on the light |
The reason why you have to pick your settings is because it uses sunlight
and a warm breeze to dry your hair. What???? Yes! It actually lights up
(minus the UV rays) and the heat comes from the light - meaning less
blasting with hot air and a whole lot less heat damage. It looked amazing
and I couldn't wait to try it out. Unfortunately my hair is dead straight,
so the diffuser wasn't going to be very helpful, but the nozzle attachment looked really useful.
SHARING THE NEWS
When I told my daughter-in-law and my daughter that I was getting this
fabulously expensive hair dryer sent to me they were both a little
gobsmacked. They're fairly careful with their finances and (like me) they
couldn't believe a hairdryer could give that much bang for the buck. Here's
what they actually said:
How on earth can a hair dryer cost that much? I mean, what does it do? Use the captured breath of unicorns?
- Hannah
It looks incredible! I'm assuming it deposits glitter as you blowdry for the ultimate sparkle sensation?
- Erin
So.....it was time to get my hair wet and try it out. I didn't expect miracles on Day 1 (even
from unicorn breath). Here's what happened and my honest opinion on whether
it lives up to its price tag.
DRYING AND STYLING WITH THE ZUVI
There are five settings on the dryer and a "how to" guide if you
need more info -
I thought I'd need the Fast setting to dry the majority of my hair, and then I'd follow up with the Style setting and concentrating nozzle to tuck my ends under or out as recommended in the guide. But, I ended up just using the Fast setting from start to finish (I've been using the styling nozzle when I tidy my hair after my shower on non-hairwashing days). I was blown away (small pun!) by how the dryer worked - there was no hot air blasting me in the face and scalp - it was just mild heat from the light combined with a warm stream of air. I could put it close to my scalp and close to my hair without that burning hot feeling that comes when you do that with a blow dryer. I could style it without my hair being blown all over the place in the process.
To be honest, it was the most pleasant hair drying experience I've ever
had. It surpassed the hairdresser and her concentrated hot air dryer, it far
surpassed my mid-range dryer. It literally felt like I was standing in a
sunny spot with a breeze blowing onto my hair. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous
- but that's the only way I can describe it.
DID IT GIVE ME "BANG FOR MY BUCK"?
There were surprising things I loved about this dryer - firstly it's super
quiet. Because it's using light to facillitate the drying process, it's not
needing a loud, blasting of hot air, so there's hardly any noise. Secondly,
there's so much less hot air blowing onto my face and hair. I'm menopausal
and my hot flashes are triggered when I get overheated, so having a gentle,
warm breeze in my face was soooo much nicer than the usual furnace needed to
get my hair dry or styled. Thirdly, it's very lightweight and user friendly.
I loved the textured handle, the longer cord, the reduced overall size, and
the prettiness of the light - so much nicer than my old dryer. Fourthly it just felt like I was being
so much kinder to my hair.
WOULD I BUY IT?
As I mentioned previously, I'm very frugal with my spending. I can't see
myself putting out hundreds of dollars for a hair appliance. That being
said, I'd be thrilled if I received one as a birthday gift. Often at our
age, we can afford to treat ourselves to something lovely for a special
occasion - this ticks that box well and truly for me. So when you click on one of the links (they're in pink closer to the top of the page) and see the price, don't immediately click away - think about that next big birthday, or whether you want to treat yourself. We often put ourselves last when it comes to spending money (I know I do) but maybe it's time to re-think that and go with the occasional splurge.
My hair feels lovely already - softer and less frizzy, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how
much healthier it is in a few months' time. It might not use the breath of
unicorns, or sprinkle sparkle as it dries, but it certainly feels like a
great choice for my "older" hair - and it will help me keep it at this
longer length into the future (I'm not ready for the short granny perm just
yet).
 |
| Off to work with soft, smooth hair |
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I would have thought the same thing as you; a hair dryer is a hair dryer! LOL. Good thing you gave it a shot! It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne - I think any high end product is going to give something a little more special. A lot of older women have more cash to splash on themselves - or have a special birthday coming up - something like this is definitely worth a shot. :)
DeleteGreat review Leanne, you've almost sold it to me! I'm off to look at the links and I agree with Erica, your hair looks lovely in the photo :) Well done on changing your no to a yes!
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - it's a big purchase, but one that would probably last for many years to come. I can't wait to see what my hair's going to look like after a few months (and a few trimmings to get rid of the older, dryer hair). Thanks for your lovely compliment about my photo too xx
DeleteYour hair looks great! I rarely use my hairdryer so it would be wasted on me...but then again, soft & non frizzy? Maybe...
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - I actually thought of you when I saw the diffuser attachment - all you curly girlies would be diffuser users - I've never been able to find a use for it with my dead straight hair.
DeleteLeanne, now that I have cut all my hair off, it takes about 2 mininutes to dry. I do like the idea of less heat and smooth hair though, so I will check it out. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - I thought I was fine with my good old blow dryer - but this is next level. It may not be needed now - but definitely worth keeping in mind if you grow your hair back down the track :)
DeleteI honestly cannot recall the last time I blow-dried my hair. I've been an air-dry girl for so long, because of my curls. These days, 90% of the time my hair is in a pony tail anyway. If/when I decide to look like I style my hair.... I might consider something like this. But yeah - sticker shock on the price!
ReplyDeleteYes the price made me wince - I'm such a bargain buyer! But, there are a lot of women who have money to burn at our age, and having great hair is definitely incentive to burn a bit of dough. I guess quality always comes at a price.....
DeleteThank you for the thorough review, Leanne. Your hair looks great. I have wavy hair and dry it every day with a diffuser. It may be worth the splurge for me. I'll check out the links.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - I'd LOVE to have a few curls - it'd be worth the need to use a diffuser! Definitely check out the links and keep it in mind for Christmas or a birthday down the track - we're worth it!
DeleteHi Leanne, you look lovely in your photo and your hair looks really good. Thanks for the review, I have very straight hair and I think my hair would benefit from less intense heat when blow drying it.
ReplyDeleteI've always been careful with money but as I've got older, I've decided that sometimes it is better to buy a more expensive product, especially when it is an item that is an investment in ourselves. I don't think you can put a price on looking nice in terms of confidence and feeling better about ourselves.
Hi Elizabeth - my daughter said much the same thing. Her husband bought her an expensive hair styler when they were engaged, and 10 years later it's still going strong and she still loves it. Sometimes we have to weigh up the dollars and realize that we're not young struggling parents anymore, we've got less to spend our money on, and the occasional treat can definitely be worthwhile. :)
DeleteDitto what Jo said. I seldom use my diffuser but if I was guaranteed soft, non-frizzy curls from a blowdryer-diffuser, I would be totally sold! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - I wish I had curly hair so I could tell you if it worked or not for soft curls. I think you'd still need the diffuser - but there's so much less dry heat - and I love that. It feels a lot nicer than any blow dryer I've used previously. I'm looking forward to seeing my hair after a few months of use.
DeleteLooks like a great product, Leanne. Your photo is lovely andthe hairdryer obviously does the job.x #model
ReplyDeleteHi Sue - it's a lovely hairdryer and I especially enjoy how quiet it is. I think I'm becoming more noise sensitive as I age!
DeleteI love that you went in sceptically but got sold on the expereince (speaks double on behalf of the dryer). I don't dry my hair but if there was one that did blow glitter all over you, I'd be totally down for that!! Ha!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia - I'd definitely be up for a bit of unicorn breath or glitter, but I'll take sunlight and not being blasted by heat as a consolation prize :) And less noise is a winner for me too.
DeleteI don't use my hairdyer at all, but I have to say a quieter one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI love the quietness of it - and not being blasted in the face with hot, dry air. It's been a very pleasant collaboration.
DeleteHi Leanne, your hair looks lovely after using the dryer. After reading your description, I can understand how it would make a difference to ageing hair. I did almost have a coronary when I saw the price, but each to his own. These days the price of most things, shocks me.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer - the price blew me away too - but I figure sometimes when there's a big birthday and you don't want jewellry etc then this might make a good alternative. If it lasts for 10 years or so then I guess it pays off - especially if it's kinder to your hair. I'm also surprised at how many people happily pay big dollars for things these days - so this is a small purchase for them.
DeleteI'm really interested and may put that on my wish list for a luxury treat for myself. I often joke that my hair is the one thing I've always got going for me, so I am willing to spend a little more to take good care of it. Visiting from WWandP today
ReplyDeleteHi Kym - I feel a bit the same way. I like keeping my hair a bit longer as I get older....but it's definitely dryer and duller than it used to be. Blasting it every day with hot air wasn't helping, so I'm hoping that being kinder with this dryer will help keep my hair at this length for the years to come. I hope you splurge on yourself with it - I think you'd love it.
DeleteGood going on giving something like this a go. I liked how you wrote about it how interesting to see the outcome. I admit I spent a lot of money (about $200) over 10 years ago on a hairdryer my hairdresser used in the salon, and with the right brush and some mousse, I am happy with the outcome. I hope you are going to keep enjoying yours... So good to see your post this week for Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up on Denyse Whelan Blogs. I look forward to you joining us next week too! Denyse.
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - I did that thing where I second guessed it all - was I too old? what could I say that hadn't been already said? what about not having a lot of SM etc? They were really positive about wanting to share their product with older women and let us experience how nice our hair can still be. Who can resist a high end product that actually works being offered to them to try out? I couldn't! :)
DeleteI love your picture. I'm with you about spending hundreds for a new hair dryer. If I'm ever contacted, though I'll say yes to an experiment. :)
ReplyDeleteI would never buy something this expensive - but I'd be thrilled if I was gifted it (like this) or by someone I love for a birthday. It's lovely - but a bit out of my budget range. :)
DeleteHi Leanne, Thank you for your weekend coffee share. I rarely use a hair dryer these days. It sounds like a great product and your photo is lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - I think hairdryers might be like bras - as you get older you use them less frequently - but when you do, you want it to be a great experience :)
DeleteI have two left feet when it comes to doing my hair. And it probably looks like I style it using my feet rather than my hands. I cannot use a curling iron or flat iron to save my soul. Still hanging on to my old faithful hot curlers but they are hard on my hair. This looks like a wonderful invention. How interesting that it uses light and runs so quietly. And that it doesn't damage your hair. Thank you for introducing Zuvi to me!!
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie - I've never mastered a hair straightener, and most of the curling type ones are a waste of time with my straight hair. I just loved this one, but it wasn't cheap..... still, sometimes it's nice to treat ourselves to something special.....
DeleteThat sounded like a nice & fun product to test. Karen
ReplyDelete