Prior to using this Xtava Allure hair dryer, I was using a old hair dryer that worked well in its prime, but was loosing its finesse. So for the past 2 years or more I have not touched a hair dryer. Air drying is fine, but when you are in a hurry, or are looking to style your hair a special way, sometimes you need a hair dryer. I was happy when this arrived on more doorstep, and excited to try it out!
Fast forward to the next day after arrival of the unit. I had wet hair, and decided to give this try. I plugged it into my outlet, turned on the power switch and nothing. So I tried 2 other outlets... still nothing. Finally it donned on me that perhaps I needed to push in the red button on the plug since it was kind of sticking out further than the yellow button (the reset and test buttons). I did that and it started working. So problem solved with that. I began drying my hair, and the next thing I know my smoke detector is going off. I turn off the unit, and I reset the smoke alarm. The smoke alarm in that area in the house is a few feet away from the bathroom door. I checked immediately for smoke, or any sign of anything being wrong, but there wasn't. I have used tools that heat up in the past, and upon first use they can create a funky smell that smoke alarms pick up on. No biggie. I simply moved to a new area of the house, and the rest of the test went smoothly.
I used it both as is, and with the nozzle. I actually have never owned a hair dryer with a nozzle before, so this was quite nice. I could direct the air flow right to the area needed. I have baby fine hair, that is on the thicker side, and collar bone length. It took me about 5 minutes to dry my hair once I was situated in the new part of the house. My hair didn't feel fried after use which is of course great.
All functions on this unit worked great, however I did have to keep referring to the user guide to remember what buttons did what. I think that they could improve the function buttons to better label what each is.
I really like this hair dryer, and I am happy to have it. If I was to be technical with my star rating, it would get 4.5 stars from me, simply because of the problems I had upon first use. But after all that it seems to be doing fine, and I am pleased. This is a good dryer if you are looking for something with no frills, that will get the main job done of drying your hair.