Elchim has made professional hair dryers in Milan since 1945, and its dryers are fixtures in salons and hair schools. ProHair carries six current Elchim dryers from Capilex, the brand's Canadian distributor. They differ in motor, weight and control, not just colour. This guide explains what separates them so you can choose once.
First decision: AC motor or brushless?
A classic AC motor is powerful and proven. A brushless (BLDC) digital motor has no carbon brushes to wear out, so it is lighter and is rated for far more hours of use — Elchim tests its brushless motors for more than 5,000 hours. If you blow-dry all day, or your wrist tires easily, brushless is worth the premium.
3900 Healthy Ionic — the all-round salon workhorse
Strong airflow with an ionic and ceramic system that cuts static and frizz, two quick-lock concentrators and a cold shot. Elchim says it reduces drying time by more than 30%; Vogue UK named it "Best All-Round Hairdryer" in 2021. Choose Charcoal Black, Black and Silver, Venetian Rose Gold or Titanium. Shop the 3900 Healthy Ionic.
3900 Light Ionic — quieter and lighter
The same ionic ceramic finish with a new AC light motor tuned for balance and less engine noise. The pick if noise or weight bothers you but you do not need a brushless motor. Shop the 3900 Light Ionic in Pastel Blue Fifties.
Xlite Plus — brushless, under 400 g
An Italian brushless digital motor in a body that weighs under 396 g, with heat optimised to seal the cuticle. Ideal for long, thick or coarse hair when you want speed without a heavy tool. Shop the Xlite Plus.
8th Sense Run — brushless, built for every hair type
A brushless motor tested for over 5,000 hours, a heat-control system designed for thick to fragile hair, an ionic ceramic system and a laser-cut rear filter. Finalist at the 2021 Elle Beauty Awards Italy. Shop the 8th Sense Run, Lily Rose Edition.
8th Sense — 36 settings
The original 8th Sense gives 36 heat and speed combinations, so baby-fine, fragile or damaged hair can get gentle settings while thick hair gets full power. Shop the 8th Sense.
2001 High Pressure — the school classic
Two speeds, five temperatures, high-pressure air compression and a motor guaranteed for 2,000 working hours. A two-time Allure Best of Beauty winner and the simplest, most affordable way into Elchim. Shop the 2001.
Quick decision guide
- One dryer for everything, frizz control included → 3900 Healthy Ionic
- Quieter, lighter, still AC → 3900 Light Ionic
- Lightest possible, long thick hair → Xlite Plus
- All-day salon use, fragile to thick hair → 8th Sense Run
- Maximum fine control → 8th Sense
- Simple, proven, student or budget → 2001
Finish the kit
For curls, add the matching Cocoon diffuser (see our compatibility guide). For round-brush blow-dries, the Elchim wooden thermal brush has a ceramic barrel made for Elchim airflow. And most Elchim dryers accept the Hot Honey Care concentrator — see which Hot Honey Care pod suits your hair.