CHI is one of the top beauty brands of all time. Stylists use the CHI brand in their salons. If you have the money, certainly buy more than one! You can gift them to friends and family. They’ll love you for it.
It’s likely that you only have money for one or two. In that case, the dryer has to give you all the features for your best hair day ever. Dry, frizzy hair has different requirements than healthy hair. Thick hair needs more heat than thin hair. It’s important to have the right heat/speed options for your specific hair requirements.
These reviews dig deep into the world of CHI styling tools. Hopefully, there’s much for you to consider here. With your specific hair in mind, learn what features you need for perfect blow outs that rival any salon.
Table of Contents
Best CHI Hair Dryer Comparison Table
| Name | Motor | Settings | Notable Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHI Rocket | 1800 watts | 2 Speed | Cool shot button | Check price |
| CHI 1875 Series | 1875 Watts | 3 heat / 2 speed | Powerful DC motor | Check price |
| CHI 1400 Series | 1400W | 2 heat / speed | Dual Voltage(110-240v) | Check price |
| CHI Touch 2 | 1875w | 2 Heat / 3 Speed | Touch screen | Check price |
| CHI Deep Brilliance | 1875w | 2 Heat / 3 Speed | 11-foot cord | Check price |
| CHI Handshot | 1500w | 2 heat/speed | Hands-free stand | Check price |
| CHI Tech | 1400w | 2 heat/speed | Dual voltage | Check price |
| CHI Tech | 1400w | 2 heat/speed | 2-piece set | Check price |
Top 8 CHI Hair Dryer Reviews
CHI Rocket Hair Dryer
If your main aim is to dry your hair with a polished finish, the CHI Rocket Hair Dryer could definitely be the best model to side with. It comes with an 1800-watt motor that is powerful enough to remove all kinds of frizz, and can remove all the static in your hair that may arise due to your pillowcase. With its ability to produce ionic energy, the device can also promote the production of moisture, aiding those with damaged hair.
In addition to having a remarkable motor, the CHI Rocket Hair Dryer fits perfectly in one’s hand and is close to feeling weightless. When measured, the device only weighs around 2.2 pounds, being one of the lightest CHI models that have been released to this day. The model also comes with a cool shot button, which typically helps curly heads with retaining more moisture when drying their damp hair.
The device offers two speed settings to users; high and low. Although the button placement is a bit odd, CHI’s Rocket Hair Dryer contains an Infared light indicator that brightens up or down based on the amount of ionic heat of the device.
Furthermore, the device also comes with a cone-like attachment, that cuts down the duration of the drying process in half when utilized, and specializes in getting rid of awkward flyaways around the hair.
Great Positives
The 1800-watt motor definitely walks the walk by making the CHI Rocket Hair Dryer fast, efficient, and effective at its job. The device tackles frizziness and static in one’s hair with moisture, due to its ability to produce ionic energy.
Another positive is the user experience it provides. Since it only weighs 2.2 lbs, navigating the tool is a walk in the park. You can dry your hair using the heat settings or the cool shot button in a jiffy with its seamless hardware.
Finally, in addition to sealing your hair with a polished finish, the comb attachment of this CHI hair dryer will shorten the duration of hair drying with its lateral quickness.
Mild Concern
The only concerning factor about this device is the placement of the power button. Since it is right in the middle of the frontal region, users might have a hard time with utilizing the device without accidentally turning it off every now and then.
CHI Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer
A great model of CHI that can work wonders for your flat hair is it’s Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer. The device is powered by a 1875 watt-engine and is a specialist when it comes to retaining moisture. With its CHI Ceramic technology, the Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer can also give more volume to one’s hair, which can be music to your ears if you’re tired of styling your flat-shaped hair.
In terms of settings, CHI’s Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer is plentiful. It comes with three heat settings that you can dry your hair shaft with, and two speed settings that can take it slow or wrap the drying session up within the span of minutes. Just like most models of CHI, this installment also comes with a cold shot button, which stands out when assisting those with curly and wavy hair.
As it weighs a little less than 1.1 lbs, the tool is rather easy to work with. It also comes with a few attachments such as an air nozzle concentrator that enables users to dry one section at a time, and a diffuser that can cater to damaged hair with ease. Flexibility is also a special feature of this CHI model, as it comprises a cord that is 2 metres long.
Another great aspect of CHI’s Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer is its maintenance. Within the build is a removable filter, that protects the motor from collecting dirt, oil, and any sort of buildup that can hamper the device’s shelf life.
Great Positives
With its Ceramic technology, it can elevate the roots effortlessly, regardless of the hair type. The motor comprising 1875-watts is great at saving time, but even better at polishing one’s hair by retaining moisture.
In addition to having three heat settings and two speed settings, the CHI Advanced Ionic Compact Dryer comes with an air nozzle concentrator and diffuser, both of which can dry the cuticles without absorbing natural oils.
Finally, this CHI model comes with a removable filter, making the cleanup process rather easy. The filter shields the motor by absorbing any form of dirt, residue and pollution, which also increases the product’s shelf life.
Mild Concern
Despite being beneficial for one’s hair, the air nozzle concentrator and diffuser could be hard to use because of their massive size, which might fall off frequently when attached to the CHI Compact Hair Dryer.
CHI 1400W Series Foldable Dryer
Having puffy hair could be one’s worst nightmare, especially when you’re miles away from home. However, if you’d like to travel with a companion that will always take care of your styling needs, the CHI Foldable Dryer is all you need!
As its main aim is to help those that constantly travel for work, the motor it consists of could be a bit underwhelming, and is only of 1400 watts. However, if you do purchase it, you won’t need to invest in a voltage converter, as it’s a dual-voltage device.
In hand, the CHI Foldable Dryer fits perfectly and feels relatively weightless, standing at a weight of 1 lb only. It also has two heat and speed settings, all of which can dry your hair with grace.
With this device, consumers will be rewarded with a nozzle for concentrating on one section at a time, and also receive a drawstring bag so that traveling with it is less hectic. Furthermore, since it is a portable device, the cord around the handles is also relatively short, standing at a height of only 7 inches!
Great Positives
Weighing at 1 lb and consisting of a 7-inch cord, this CHI Foldable Dryer is one of the most travel-friendly dryers in the scene. While the engine is relatively less powerful in contrast to other models, the device keeps up with its predecessors by offering the same amount of heat and speed settings.
Due to its lightweight build, this device is also one of the easier CHI models to use regularly. It also comprises a nozzle that can dry each segment of one’s hair without absorbing any moisture.
In addition to providing an extra attachment, the device also comes with a traveling bag, which is a component to look forward to if you travel a lot.
Mild Concern
While the CHI Foldable Dryer is definitely a bang for its buck due to all the benefits it brings to the table, the motor it contains could be ineffective for fine to thin hair, making it a time-consuming product to invest in for many.
CHI Touch 2 Hair Dryer
When it comes to innovation, CHI has a really unique spin on control with this blow dryer. The Touch 2 has ceramic technology as well as adjustable speeds and temperatures. They’ve given this dryer a new design with an ergonomic handle.
The touch screen is 2.4 inches across the top of the hair dryer. The speed of the air is controlled by the screen. There are a range of heat temperatures accessed through the touch screen, too. It’s arranged like a speedometer, so you can get the exact heat and speed your hair demands.
Along with the speed and temperature, you can adjust other things in the touch screen. There’s a screen option for ions. You can dial the ions up or down. There’s even an option to remove the ions completely. That might be necessary if you’re trying to get volume in your hair. With this dryer, you’re also getting a cool shot screen.
Lastly, the CHI Touch 2 has attachments. Since this is a dryer for all hair types, the attachments reflect that. Thin hair can benefit from a diffuser, which is included. A concentrator is included, too. That is good for all styling beyond the diffuser.
Great positives
It’s tough to decide where to begin with this hair dryer. It has some really incredible features. Let’s start with the screen. That’s one of the technological advancements coming out of the CHI factory.
It has a screen where you can touch to shift the temperature or the speed. This is a dryer with the versatility to be used by an entire family in one home. It’s really no wonder that the dryer is used by stylists.
Change the speed, heat, ions, or cool shot with the touch screen. You can also blow dry hands-free. On the back of the hair dryer, there’s a flat surface for using the dryer without holding it.
A hands-free device with touch screen isn’t what you’d normally expect in a hair dryer.
Mild concern
It’s hard to change the options while using the dryer. It’s still possible to do it. It’s just not seamless. You’ll need to look down at the screen to make the adjustments. The sheer amount of customization makes it a concern that won’t stop you from loving this dryer.
CHI Deep Brilliance Hair Dryer
The Deep Brilliance dryer has a strong motor, varied air speeds and heat. This hair dryer isn’t one with advanced technology. It doesn’t have a touch screen. It definitely has its place in the styling world. Not everyone wants new tech. They want a reliable hair dryer that gets the job done.
That’s what you’ll find with this dryer. The AC motor is 1875 watts. An AC motor is heavy, but has a really long expectation of life. The AC motor powers the speed and temperature settings. It’s really fast drying. You can expect to cut down on your styling time with this dryer.
Women who have thick hair often worry about dry time. This styling tool is pretty fast drying. There’s also an ergonomic handle for gripping with ease. It won’t cramp your hand or arm. Other features include a removable filter for cleaning and an 11-foot cord. That’s just one reason that stylists choose this dryer in their salon.
The hair dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle. It’s going to smooth hair for further styling. Even if you want to go wavy, you need to start with a smooth, shiny base. The Deep Brilliance comes with a comb attachment, too.
Get CHI Deep Brilliance at Amazon
Great positives
The powerful AC motor is going to give you a ton of heat and air speed. It actually can be too much for some people with thinner hair. Consider your hair texture when purchasing the Deep Brilliance from CHI.
With this dryer, you’re going to cut way down on your styling time. Over the next 10 years, who knows how much extra time you’d get in your life. The 11-foot cord means there’s no tripping or maneuvering to get the dryer around all sides of your hair. That’s another time saver.
The hair dryer has additional features that make life easier like the ergonomic grip handle. There’s also a cool shot button. CHI has a line of Deep Brilliance products to go with this hair dryer. They’ll further enhance the shine of your hair.
Mild concern
The air from this powerful device might be too powerful for some people. The blast of air can be very strong. It can be too strong for thin or damaged hair.
CHI Cordless Handshot Hair Dryer
You might be wondering if there’s a really good travel hair dryer out there. You don’t have to wonder any longer. There definitely is, and it comes from CHI. The cordless hair dryer is compact, portable, and has great travel features.
The motor is close enough to standard home dryers that you won’t notice the lower wattage. It’s 1500w. It has one button that works with heat and speed. There’s high and low for speed/heat and cool shot for sealing your style.
With a ceramic heater, though, you’re getting a heat that works quickly. The low-wattage motor won’t keep your hair from drying quickly. That’s important when you’re traveling. It’ll dry very fast and also seal your style.
As mentioned, the dryer has great travel attributes. On the back of the device is a stand for hands-free drying. It has Rapid Clean Technology, too. The LED lights kill bacteria and microbes that might try to invade the dryer. It also comes with a comb and concentrator attachment.
Great positives
The ceramic heater is where this dryer stands out in the crowd. It delivers heat into the hair shaft. That keeps the outer cuticle from being damaged.
With this travel dryer, you’re getting many great qualities you’d expect from a full-sized device. It can travel to the gym tucked into your gym bag. It won’t weigh you down.
The comb attachment and concentrator are going to give your hair sleek styling. The device will deliver a shiny, straight base for many other styles.
Mild concern
The fact that this dryer doesn’t have a handle can be hard to manage at first. It takes time and use to get used to not having a handle. It’ll stand up and blow dry while you curl with your brush. You’ll love it once you get used to the difference.
CHI Tech Travel Ceramic Hair Dryer
If you need a more traditional travel dryer, this one is compact and lightweight. It has a handle, so it can be easier to use. It has many other awesome features that make it an incredible travel hair dryer. It’s lightweight and creates sleek styles.
The motor is 1400 watts of power. That’s what some other companies use for their full-sized dryers. You’re getting that kind of wattage in a travel dryer. It has dual voltage, so you’re able to take this with you anywhere in the world.
In a CHI travel dryer, you want the great attributes you’d get in a full-sized dryer. It’s a lightweight design with adjustable heat and air speed settings. It’s just the one button for heat and speed. There are other features that are unexpected, though. For example, there’s a blue LED light with antimicrobial cleaning.
With this travel dryer, the handle collapses. It’ll fit in your overnight bag or carryon travel bag to the airport. A concentrator attachment is included with this dryer. The dryer has a loop for easier storage at home or in a hotel room.
Great positives
If you love to travel, this is going to be the perfect hair dryer for you. It’s very light and able to fit in any bag. The handle folds in case your bag is filled with too many clothes or shoes. Who wants to go on vacation without their favorite dance shoes?
The dryer has a ceramic heater for faster drying. The 2 air speeds and temperature settings are going to be enough for drying and styling. The ceramic heater is going to provide natural ions for fast drying and shiny hair.
The blue LED light is going to ensure that you don’t get any microbes from dust or dirt. You don’t want that blowing around your face and hair.
Mild concern
The cord of this hair dryer could be improved. It’s a 6.5-foot cord that is flat. That can often lead to tangling. It would be better if it were longer and round. When traveling, you’ll have to make sure the plug is close enough to a mirror.
CHI Tech Hair Dryer and Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
For this review, you’ll want to refer back to the previous product review. The hair dryer is the same wonderful 1400w travel device. It comes in a set with a CHI straightener. You’re getting two incredible products from CHI.
The straightening iron is a 3/4” styling tool that is made for travel. It’s slim and lightweight. It has ceramic plates that are going to deliver infrared heating. What that means is that the heat will go directly into the hair shaft. It keeps the cuticle from becoming damaged.
Heat is a steady temperature of 392F. That’s a good temperature for most people’s hair. It’s not too hot for damaged hair. The heat is still strong enough for thick hair. The ceramic plates will stay a constant temperature without hot spots.
With ceramic plates, the straightener is delivering negative ions, too. Negative ions are going to make your hair healthier-looking. It’ll be shinier and less frizzy when you’re done. Between the hair dryer and the portable straightener, you’re going to have stunning vacation hair.
Great positives
You can’t get past the fact that you’re getting a set of styling tools from CHI. That has to be the first thing you notice. They will both fit into the drawstring travel bag that’s included with this set.
A compact hair dryer and thin straightener are going to make it much easier to style on the road. They both have features you’d expect in a full-sized dryer and flat iron.
The ceramic heater delivers smooth, gentle heat that won’t scorch your hair. That’s nothing you have to concern yourself with when you’re on vacation.
Mild concern
A travel blow dryer might have lower wattage, but it’s still giving you heat and air speed. A travel flat iron is slim and has small plates. If you have thick or long hair, it can take extra time to straighten with a thin flat iron. It’s still going to work, but it will take a bit more time.
Why CHI is a Top Brand in the Hair Dryer Industry?
CHI is a company made up of hairdressers creating tools and products that other hairdressers will love. Since 1986, they’ve been delivering incredible products. The company has 27 patents that have revolutionized the styling industry.
Unlike some other companies, this one isn’t only focused on the mechanical aspects. CHI has always been instrumental in training stylists and influencing style. This translates into their styling products like the hair dryer.
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They Make Professional Styling Tools
As a home user, you’re getting a hair dryer that salon stylists use daily. They love the professional motor that will last much longer than some other motors. The motors range in wattage. The higher the wattage – the more power you’re going to get.
CHI has very powerful motors. Imagine you’re rushing because you’re late for work. Your CHI dryer will get you out of the house within minutes. The wattage ranges from 1000 for travel dryers to 2000 for some of the bigger models.
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Most Dryers are Lightweight and Compact
You’d think that a powerful motor would be heavy. That’s not the case with many of the CHI dryers. They are lightweight, so you won’t have to break your arm holding them. That is one of the reasons that stylists love CHI.
The hair dryers are compact, too. They have ergonomic designs to help those who have a problem holding a hair dryer. Many of the hair dryers have a curved handle, which fits into your hand comfortably.
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You Can Count on the Durability and Performance
It’s not hard to find hair dryers that have bad reviews because they quit after a few months. You won’t find that with the CHI brand. They’re the ones that will last for years without issues. It’s important to find a reliable brand of hair dryer.
With a reliable brand, you’re not going to wake up one morning to a dead styling device. Instead, you’re getting a dryer with great durability and superior performance.
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The Company Cares About the Newest Technology
Not only does the company care about the newest technology, they’re usually in front of other companies. CHI comes up with a new type of tech. Others are right there trying to duplicate their success. The owner of the company wants to create devices that are free of dangers and give users incredible hair.
That’s why there are low EMF devices. Users won’t have to worry about electromagnetic fields causing health issues. The hair dryers also have rapid clean technology. LED lights will keep the dryer clear of microbes. Most CHI dryers have ionic technology, too.
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Each Hair Dryer has Speed and Heat Settings for All Hair Types
Whether you have fine/damaged hair or thick, healthy hair, you’re going to need specific heat and speed options. Each hair dryer has speed and heat settings on separate buttons.
The hair dryers have some variation of a ceramic heater. Those with ceramic heaters provide far-infrared technology. That heats the hair strands from inside, which maintains the strength of the cuticle. It keeps hair from becoming frizzy and dry.
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All the Attachments You Could Want or Need
Placing an attachment on the barrel of your hair dryer gives you a versatile styling tool. They each have an important purpose. The kind you need will depend on your hair’s unique requirements. There’s the diffuser for delivering volume as well as keeping curls springy.
The concentrator and smoothing attachment focuses the air and heat in a direct way. It’ll help deliver ions to a section as well as create certain styles. For example, straightened hair will start with a smoothing or concentrator attachment for your blow out.
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CHI Company Awards
Finally, CHI stands out because of the many awards they’ve won. The company, Farouk Systems Inc., has been nominated for dozens of awards. The company has excelled for their styling products like their hair care line, which was featured in Miss Teen USA.
They also distribute dozens of awards to styling artists around the world. The awards usually involve a mentorship with their professional stylists. It’s a coveted award that many artists would love to receive. They want stylists to have the best education and nurture artists of the future.
About CHI
CHI is a Houston-based brand that specializes in manufacturing styling tools and products related to hair care. Prior to founding CHI, Farouk Shami spent his days as a hairdresser. However, things changed instantly when he discovered just how much the beauty industry lacked in the hair department. And once he explored the potential of American technology throughout the mid-80s, Farouk kick-started CHI in hopes of improving the hair industry with a series of useful styling tools.
While it did take the brand a while to establish its presence during the early years, CHI is definitely known as a veteran in the hair industry with a reputable legacy. Although the brand is mostly renowned for its hair dryers, CHI also receives high praise from hair enthusiasts for its hair products that replenish, rejuvenate, and rehydrate one’s hair!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions regarding CHI’s hair dryers that you should definitely skim through if you found the pieces of information mentioned above useful!
Which CHI hair dryer is good for travel?
From the list mentioned above, the most suitable option that can be a great sidekick for those that travel frequently is CHI’s Foldable Hair Dryer. Despite containing an underwhelming motor, this hair dryer is the perfect fit due to its weight, which stands at 1 lb.
Additionally, it also contains a 7-inch long cord that can easily fit in a densely packed bag with ease.
Lastly, if you have no room for the device, you can take advantage of the drawstring bag that comes with the packaging!
Why is CHI so popular?
When push comes to shove, CHI is definitely one of the best brands to rely on for issues related to hair care. Their hair dryers don’t just comprise powerful yet noise-free motors, but also produces ionic energy to get rid of frizziness and dismiss flyaways in one’s hair. Most of their hair dryers are also glorified for lowering EMF emissions, which reduces symptoms of headaches, anxiety and prevents a loss of libido.
Conclusion
By this time, it’s my hope that you’ve found the CHI dryer you’ve always wanted. It should have ionics, attachments, speed/heat settings, or a strong motor. The hair dryer of your dreams might have all of these features, or it might only have one or two.
You have to balance features, availability, style, and price to find one that’s absolutely perfect for you. Choose the one that you can take with you if you’re a traveler. Pick the styling device focused on thick hair if that’s what you need. These dryers were picked exclusively for their range of features.
Further Reading:
6 Best Chi Flat Irons for Every Hair Types
Top 7 Best Bonnet Hair Dryers in 2023
Top 7: The Best Hair Dryers Under $100
