What is ION technology and what does it do to your hair?

A hair dryer is an important accessory in every bathroom. Not only do we use it to dry our hair, we also use it as a styling tool. You may have it in your hand every day, but do you know everything about the tool that makes sure you never have a bad hairday again?

You may see it on the packaging of a hairdryer or in an online sales pitch: this hairdryer has ION technology. What is this technology and why should you buy a hair dryer with ION technology? We are also curious what the wattage says about the strength of the hairdryer. And why do some hairdryers have a cold air button?

ION Technology

Static hair is a common consequence of blow-drying your hair. Static hair is a friction between negatively charged particles and positively charged particles. Without realising it, your body continuously absorbs electrons. You have to get rid of these electrons somehow.

Getting rid of electrons is often easy when the humidity is high, then the electrons move to the drops of water in the air. Water is a good conductor for electricity. In winter, the humidity is often low, so the electrons are less easily discharged. You build up more static electricity. That's why your hair tends to be static in the autumn and winter.

Many hair dryers nowadays feature ION technology. This technology reduces static electricity by generating negative ions. By generating these negative ions, your hair does not become static. Also, the drying time is shorter.

What happens exactly: the negative ions are released when you blow dry your hair. These particles that are released cause the hair cuticles to close. This results in beautifully shiny and soft hair. In addition, the ions ensure that the water drops on the hair are quickly halved, which makes sure that your hair is dried in an instant. Ion technology also restores the natural moisture balance of your hair.

The advantages of an ionic hair dryer

The ionic function closes the scales of the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair that protects it): this is what stops the hair from frizzing and prevents the charge of static electricity. 

The result is hair that is not only more disciplined and easier to style, but also shinier because the surface is now smoother (since the scales are closed), reflecting the light better. 

Closing the scales also helps to protect the hair’s core from the heat, which is harmful if the drier is used repeatedly.

Finally, the ionising function speeds up the drying time, thereby reducing the hair's exposure to heat and minimise the impact of the exposure on its vitality.

When should you avoid using an ionic hair dryer?

Although the ionic function is harmless and boasts effects that are highly-prized for certain hair types or hairstyles, drying with negative ion emissions is not suitable for every profile. In fact, sometimes frizz is the desired effect, especially for fine hair that struggles for volume. In this case, the ionic function will systematically prevent the hair from having the slightest chance of retaining the light touch that blow drying can give it. 

Similarly, not all the different wave profiles of curly or frizzy hair are compatible with using an ionic hair dryer, since it can damage the hair’s natural curls and its hold. 

All of which means we strongly recommend seeking the advice of a professional hairdresser in these instances.