Decoding the Technology of Heat Styling Tools

Using the right tools for you hair can make a world of difference. As you go about your healthy hair journey, it is important that you pay attention to what things you use in your hair. This is particularly important if you are using heat.
I'm sure you've wondered what all those names that seem to be thrown around on the blowdryers, hooded dryers, flatirons, and even vent brushes, mean. Well, to summarize, the technological advancements that are present now, weren't available in the past.  Those heat tools from before were extremely drying and damaging, often leaving people with dry, brittle,  damaged hair, because of the nature of the tools.
Today, we have a lot more at our disposal. Although too much heat is still damaging overtime, the latest technology does more to slow the process and to add some benefit to the hair. Therefore, if you are opting to use heat, it's best that you use a tool that utilizes some of the latest technology.

Here is a summary of the different technology on the market.



Ceramic: Provides rapid even heating to shorten the hair's exposure to heat and to prevent "hot spots" in the hair. In regards to flatirons, most are ceramic coated. The difference between a cheaper and a more expensive ceramic iron is that the more expensive ones may have more layers of coating. Once those layers get chipped, as they may overtime, the underlying plates become exposed, making the hair susceptible to more damage. Therefore, the more coatings, the better protected. There are 100% ceramic plates but they are extremely fragile and expensive. They must be treated with the utmost care.


Ionic: This refers to negative ions being emitted.  This is important because damaged hair has a positive charge (ahh...sweet old chemistry) and as we know,  positive and negative charges come together to become neutral. Ionic technology neutralizes the charges on your hair, thus decreasing frizz, providing a smoother appearance, sealing in moisture and providing shine (remember, this is what happens when cuticles close). This counters the effects of positive charged hair (frizzy, dry, brittle, etc). It does this in less time (thus decreasing heat exposure). This is produced by all ceramic flat irons.


Infrared: Provides even heat while heating the hair from within. This is a gentle way to heat hair,  Another inherent feature of ceramic tools.


Tourmaline: A grounded mineral that is infused into some ceramic plates because of it's ability to emit negative ions when heated. Therefore, it boosts the output of ions thus enhancing the effects of ionic technology while  producing an even faster heating time and greater shine.


Titanium: A metal that provides even heat and has high ionic output. The fact that it provides even heat ensures that your hair doesn't suffer from hot spots in some areas which would lead to areas of dryness and damage. Usually smooth, mirror like plates.

Titanium oxide: Deflects and reflects light; a common product found in sunscreen. Thus provides some degree of heat protection. Also prevents chemical buildup that may lead to odor development.

Nano technology: nano refers to small. So pay attention to what the word is attached to. Nano silver is something that you may see. Silver prevents bacterial growth.


So, next time you consider buying  a heat styling tool, do your hair a favor and buy a tool that will give it a little extra TLC.



Happy Growing,


B