Ionization in a hairdryer: what is it and what is it for? Ion hair dryers overview
Hair dryers with ionization function appeared relatively recently and immediately won the attention of professionals. Positive feedback from specialists quickly became known to a wide range of consumers, after which people began to actively purchase devices for home use. At the moment, the demand for them remains quite stable, which indicates their obvious benefits for healing and strengthening hair.
What is it and what is it for?
A hair dryer with ionization of an air stream is an electrical household appliance designed to dry curls and create styling. Unlike a conventional hair dryer, which dramatically dries the hair shaft, the ionizer dries the strands gently and without damaging the hair structure. So, when drying curls with a traditional device, intensive evaporation of moisture occurs, first from the surface of the hair, and then from itself. As a result, the curls, which are 10% water, become thinner and lifeless. As a result, they begin to be severely chipped and lose their natural shine.
Moreover, from the intense exposure to hot air, the scalp dries up greatly, which leads to the active secretion of subcutaneous fat, designed to protect it from dehydration. As a result, the skin becomes oily and the hair has to be washed more often. The solution to these problems was facilitated by the creation of a hair dryer with an air flow ionization function, which prevents overdrying of curls and has a powerful healing effect.
The flow of ionized air does not pick up moisture from the hair, making it look beautiful and healthy.
Another weighty argument in favor of using a hair dryer with ionization was the problem of static electricity in the hair. Static electricity is generated when wearing synthetic clothing and wool hats, when brushing with a plastic or metal comb, and when hot air is applied to hair.
As a result of such measures, the hair receives a large dose of positively charged particles with the formation of a sufficient amount of free electric charges. This leads to the fact that the hair literally "stands on end" - that is, it fluffs up strongly and sticks out in different directions.
Besides, electrified hair attracts dust particles, making the hairstyle unkempt, and also sticks to glasses and makeup... As a result, in order to cope with a naughty head of hair, a person has to use hairspray, which is not always convenient. The ionized air jet neutralizes positively charged particles, acting as an antistatic agent.
As a result, the curls do not accumulate an electric charge, they remain smooth and obedient.
It is necessary to use a hair dryer with ionization of air flow for people with weakened hair structure., as well as on the eve of dyeing and perm. Good results are obtained by using the ionizer in cases of hair tangled, lack of root volume, thinning of strands from the effects of a curling iron, imbalance in the water balance of the skin and with difficulties in styling. After several procedures, the restoration of the shine and elasticity of the curls, as well as a decrease in the splitting of the hair shafts, is noted.
Ions promote a tighter adherence of the cuticle scales to each other, which leads to the effect of smoothing the hair and increases its reflectivity.
How do Ionic hair dryers work?
The principle of operation of models with ionization depends on the design of the ionizer itself and is of 2 types.
- In the first case, hot air blown by a mini-compressor goes along the body of the hair dryer and meets a grate with a special spraying on the way.... As a result of exposure to hot air, the grate heats up, and its coating begins to emit negative ions. The ions, in turn, are picked up by the air stream and exited along with the stream. Their presence gives a powerful conditioning effect and protects hair from the negative effects of drying hot air.
- In the second case ions are produced by a special ion generator, the size of which barely exceeds the size of a five-ruble coin... It starts simultaneously with the start of the hair dryer and operates until the device is turned off.
Enriched with ions hot stream enters wet hair and breaks water droplets into many microparticles... Then some of them evaporate, and the other part is absorbed by the hair shaft and nourishes it with the necessary amount of moisture. In other words, due to the ionization of the air flow, the hair is simultaneously wetted from the inside and dried from the outside. It is impossible to achieve such a unique effect with an ordinary hair dryer.
In addition to moisturizing and antistatic effects, ions have a deodorizing and bactericidal effect, helping to reduce the amount of active oxygen that causes hair aging.
Views
The classification of hair dryers with ionization of the air flow is carried out according to the mechanism of ion production. On this basis, 2 groups of devices are distinguished.
- Models with an electronic negative particle generator are produced in a wide range and represent the most numerous category of devices. These samples cost 20% more than conventional hair dryers and are often purchased for home use.The disadvantage of such devices is the fact that if the generator fails, the user can find out about this solely by the deteriorating condition of the hair, since when the generator breaks down, no external changes occur, and the device continues to work in the same mode.
- Tourmaline models are somewhat more expensive than the devices of the previous group and belong to a semi-professional instrument. They are equipped with a tourmaline-coated grate, which at high temperatures begins to emit negatively charged ions. Unlike the previous type, such models are not threatened with the failure of the ionizer, since the tourmaline coating will work exactly as long as the hair dryer will work.
The only drawback of such hair dryers is their price, due to the fact that tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral and is quite expensive.
Professional hair dryers are equipped with both electronic ion generators and tourmaline grids, which significantly increases the efficiency of use and endows them with high working qualities. These models are often equipped with a ceramic heater that evenly distributes heat and prevents thermal shock to the hair. This function minimizes the risk of overdrying the hair and prevents the loss of internal moisture.
The best manufacturers and models
The modern household appliance market offers a wide range of hair dryers with ionization of an air stream. Below are the most popular models in high demand among ordinary users and professionals.
- Model Philips HP 8243/00 made in China and is a compact device with a comfortable ergonomic handle. The hair dryer is equipped with an ionizer, a ceramic heater and two attachments - a diffuser and a narrow concentrator. The device is capable of working in turbo mode of cold airflow, has 3 air flow speeds and ThermoProtect overheating protection. The model is available in black and gold colors, equipped with a 1.8 m wire, weighs 600 g and costs 2,490 rubles.
- Hair dryer with ionizer Remington Keratin Protect Dryer AC 8820 made in China, boasts a powerful electric motor and high build quality. A distinctive feature of the model is the presence on the body of a ceramic ring enriched with keratin and almond oil, which are released when heated and mixed with the air flow. The hair dryer has 2 speeds, is equipped with a cold blowing function and is capable of working in 3 temperature modes.
The model is equipped with 3 attachments - a concentrator, a narrow concentrator and a diffuser, has a removable protective grill and a loop for hanging on a hook. The product is produced in beige metallic color, weighs 615 g and costs 6 490 rubles.
- Professional model of the Chinese assembly Rowenta Infini Pro CV 8653 is produced in black, equipped with a 2200 W electric motor and is capable of operating in three temperature and two speed modes. The model is equipped with a diffuser, a concentrator and a narrow concentrator, and has a cold blower function. The length of the power cord is 1.8 m, the weight of the hair dryer is 600 g, and the cost is 3,690 rubles.
- Hairdryer with ionization Bosch Classic Coiffeur PHD 7961 designed for professional use, has a 2300 W electric motor. The model is equipped with an ultra-thin concentrator that allows you to perform flawless styling and give your hair the desired shape. The product is assembled in China, is capable of working in 3-speed and 2-temperature conditions, and is equipped with a cold flow function. The hair dryer is available in black and red, has a 1.8 m cord, weighs 890 g and costs 3,005 rubles.
- Italian professional model for barbers Parlux Ardent Equipped with a 1800 W motor, it features quiet operation and a long service life of more than 2000 hours. The product is made in a vintage style and covered with a gray polished graphite layer.The hair dryer has a one-year warranty, is equipped with one concentrator and is equipped with an instant cooling button. The length of the power cord is 3 m, the weight of the device is 430 g, and the cost is 8,497 rubles.
How to choose?
When choosing a hair dryer with air ionization there are a number of important points to consider.
- If the device is selected for home use, then you should not buy too powerful models. For the owner of a short hair, a hairdryer with an electric motor with a power of up to 1200 W will be enough, for long hair a motor of up to 2000 W is suitable. Products with power above 2000 W are intended for professional use and are not needed at home.
- It is recommended to pay attention to the way the speed and temperature are controlled. and choose models with autonomous regulators. This will allow you to select the thermal mode of the air stream regardless of the blowing speed, which is very convenient in the process of creating a hairstyle.
- If you can choose between a tourmaline ionizer and a generator, then it is better to stop at the first option. More modern specimens are coated with a combined compound consisting of a mixture of Teflon and tourmaline. Such spraying is highly efficient and will last a very long time.
- It is advisable to pay attention to the case of the hair dryer and choose models from heat-resistant and shock-resistant materials.
- You should also look at the completeness of the device., the number of nozzles and the ease of their attachment. The presence of a technical passport and a warranty card is also required.
Operating rules
Using a hairdryer with ionization function is quite easy. To do this, you need to follow the safety rules and follow a simple algorithm.
- First, the hair is washed well using a suitable shampoo, then a conditioner or a nourishing mask is applied.
- The curls are dried with a soft terry towel and straightened along the entire length. Divide them into small strands and apply a thermal protective compound.
- Drying begins at the coldest temperature setting, and ionization starts automatically.
- The bangs are dried with a comb, slightly lifting the hair at the very roots and giving it the required volume. In order to ensure the free passage of the hot stream, a comb with rare teeth is used.
- To dry the rest of the strands, take a round styling brush and work it along the entire length of the hair.
- The back of the head is dried more thoroughly, since in an undried form, it gives the hairstyle some untidiness and lack of volume. To do this, the side strands are fixed with hairdressing clips and a hot stream is sent to the back of the head, lifting the hair with a brush at the very roots.
As for safety precautions, it is no different from the rules for operating a conventional hair dryer and includes a number of requirements:
- before using the device, make sure that the power cable and plug are intact;
- in no case should you use a hairdryer while sitting in a filled bath;
- connect the device to the network, as well as switch modes using the keys, only with dry hands;
- during work, it is necessary to ensure that the wire is not twisted and is not located near heaters and sources of open fire;
- after the end of the work, first turn off the start button and only then remove the plug from the network.
Review overview
Ionized hair dryers have the most controversial reviews. Some users believe that this feature is ineffective, and they did not feel any difference compared to a conventional hairdryer. Others, on the contrary, felt the life-giving effect of ions from the first application and praise their models very much. Most buyers note that the effect of ionization is still there, but it does not appear immediately., but only after regular use of the ionizer for a long time.
Howbeit, professional hairdressers who know a lot about the health and quality of hair prefer to use these particular models... They note an obvious improvement in the appearance of the curls, which is especially noticeable in autumn and winter - at a time when the curls are subject to constant contact with hats and a lack of vitamins in the body. According to experts, the improvement of the hair structure occurs after the first use of the hair dryer.
Such a range of opinions is most likely due to the quality of the ionizer, which is undoubtedly higher in professional models than in amateur models.
The following video will tell you how to choose the perfect hair dryer.