What is air ionization in a hair dryer and why is it needed?
A drying device with an air ionizer is practically no different from a regular one. The only difference is the presence of an additional function, enriching the air flow with negatively charged particles. Ionization in a hair dryer means that the device can condition the hair directly during the drying process, prevent it from becoming electrified and retain the natural moisture inside the strands.
How the ionizer in a hair dryer works and works
The design of the ionizer depends on the design of the device. Negatively charged particles can be generated:
- a built-in emitter, which is mounted inside the device and starts working simultaneously with it;
Most budget hair dryers with ionization are equipped with an emitter - a grating with a special coating, ions are released under the influence of hot air from the surface of the mesh nozzle.
Ionization using a special grating is considered the most effective
Ionization hair dryers provide the same high-quality and fast drying of curls as conventional models. But their safety of use is higher; they do not damage the structure of the strands. Water evaporation during the drying process occurs only from the surface of the hair; the moisture inside does not disappear and nutrition is not disturbed.
The benefits and harms of an ionizer in a hair dryer
Devices with ionization function strengthen hair health and improve its appearance:
- Negatively charged particles are responsible for the good adhesion of the hair fiber scales to each other. The curls become denser and do not frizz, and acquire a beautiful shine.
- Ionization prevents strands from drying out. When using the device, dehydration does not occur and the ends do not split.
- The ions entering the hair along with hot air improve the condition of the curls with increased oily scalp. Excessive production of sebum usually occurs against the background of disturbed water balance; the body tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. But ionization in a hairdryer provides protection from drying out. Therefore, the level of oiliness in strands and skin also quickly normalizes.
- A device with ionization helps solve the problem of static electricity. When wearing woolen or synthetic hats, as well as when using plastic and metal combs, the hair literally “stands on end” under the influence of positively charged particles. Ionization, in turn, has a neutralizing effect and protects curls from such unpleasant phenomena.
When used correctly, a special hair dryer is practically incapable of causing any harm to the strands. However, it is recommended to use it for preventive purposes, to maintain hair health during frequent dyeing, perm, and when using straightening irons and curling irons.
Attention! If the curls are already severely damaged, first of all, you need to start restoring them, and temporarily stop using a hair dryer, including an ionizer.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hair dryers equipped with an ionization function are preferable to purchase. This is not a marketing trick at all, but a very real way to make your hair well-groomed and protect it from damage. The only disadvantage of such hair dryers is their higher cost. Among the advantages of regular ionization are the following:
- maintaining the natural level of moisture, since under the influence of negatively charged ions, all the water on the surface of the hair shaft is converted into tiny droplets that can penetrate deep into the stratum corneum,
- prevention of increased fragility and cross-section of strands,
- smoothing in the process of ionization of cuticle scales that form the protective layer of the hair shaft,
- reducing excessive activity of the sebaceous glands, which occurs due to dry scalp and hair. The rate of contamination of strands is also reduced because negatively charged ions repel dust and dirt particles from the hair. Thanks to this effect, you can wash your hair less often,
- providing a more durable and aesthetically attractive styling. Electrified hair, styled in a hairstyle, looks sloppy and dull, as it fluffs and clings to each other.
It should be understood that a hair dryer with an ionization function is not capable of restoring already damaged hair. The device only helps to ensure further protection of the strands from negative operating factors.
Negative ions neutralize and remove static from the hair, making the strands less frizzy and smoother. Ionization can be active - the emission of negative ions and passive - the neutralization of positive ones due to the coating material.
Alexey Yarotsky, hairdresser and makeup artist
https://consulting.diva.by/showthread.php?p=998757
What types of hair dryers with ionization are there?
Hair dryers with an ionization function are usually divided into two categories according to the type of production of negatively charged particles:
- With electronic emitter. A separate ion generator is built into the device body, which is put into operation simultaneously with the device itself. The efficiency of such models is quite high, but they also have their disadvantages. The emitters fail over time, but this fact does not affect the functionality of the hair dryer in any way. You can understand that ionization no longer works only by deteriorating hair condition.
Electronic ion generator is the most budget solution for hair dryers - With tourmaline lattice. In some models, the outlet hole is covered with a mesh cover with a special coating. When exposed to hot air, the grate heats up and the coating begins to emit negatively charged particles. Tourmaline ionization in a hair dryer is more reliable; it will not begin to work worse even after a considerable period of time, unless the device itself fails.
Models with a tourmaline-coated grille are more expensive than those with an electronic generator - With double ionization and ceramic heater. These hair dryers belong to the professional category; they are equipped with a tourmaline grille and a particle emitter at the same time. In addition, they have a ceramic heating element, which is responsible for uniform heat distribution.
Professional hair dryers are the best way to protect your hair from drying out.
When purchasing a device, you need to consider the condition of your own hair. If the strands are weakened, then it is better to purchase a more expensive device that provides the most gentle drying and reliable protection against dehydration.
How it works
Ions neutralize static voltage. In dry rooms, positive charges and electrification are formed. The ionizing element acts on the fibers with negative ions, suppressing the level of static electricity.
On a regular hair dryer there is no special coating on the grille. The grate heats up, ions are released and fall on the surface of the hairs. Thanks to the tourmaline coating, hot air is distributed evenly and prevents overdrying.
Even an expensive professional hair dryer with several drying modes cannot guarantee safety.
How to choose an ionic hair dryer
When choosing a device with an ionization function, you need to focus on a number of basic parameters. These include the power of the device, its type and capabilities.
Power
Hairdryers with a performance of up to 2000 W are optimal for use on long curls. For short hair, 1200-1500 W will be enough.
Possibility of adjusting temperature and speeds
The most convenient devices are those that support several blowing modes and switching between hot, warm and cold air. They can be individually customized to suit the characteristics of your own hair.
Number of nozzles
An ionic hair dryer is used not only for drying hair, but also for shaping hairstyles. A large number of attachments in the kit allows for pre-styling for curls of any type.
Tips for using a hair dryer with ionic function
This hair dryer will be especially useful for those who suffer from the following problems:
- constant hair tangles,
- lack of hair volume at the roots,
- thinning of strands from frequent use of curling irons and straightening irons,
- violation of the water balance of the scalp (excessive oiliness at the roots and dryness at the ends of the strands, the appearance of dandruff and rapid contamination),
- difficulties with styling strands in your hair,
- dullness and loss of shine and elasticity,
- consequences of frequent hair coloring and perming,
- splitting of the hair shaft (section).
For owners of thick and long hair that actively accumulates static electricity, a hair dryer with an ionization function is simply irreplaceable. Otherwise, all the beauty of shining and voluminous strands will be lost due to the influence of positively charged particles.
I have a hairdryer with ionization - my hair is actually less electrified when styling, before this I had no this function, the difference is noticeable.
YuliyaK
https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/women/fashion/118427/
I generally don’t dry my hair without a hair dryer with ionization, it just feels like straw afterwards... After a hair dryer with an ionizer, my hair is shiny and doesn’t get dirty for a long time. In short, take it with ionization, you won’t regret it.
Liljuls
https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/women/fashion/118427/
If I dry it with an ionic hair dryer, my hair is smooth, shiny, and elastic. But if a hairdryer without ionization is all it is, the hair becomes kind of fluffy, dry, shaggy...
Morskaya
https://consulting.diva.by/showthread.php?p=998757
Instructions for use
Ionic conditioning of hair during the drying process is performed as follows:
- Wash your hair using a shampoo suitable for your hair type.
- Then use a conditioner or nourishing mask.
- Dry your hair slightly with a soft terry towel.
- Spray the entire length of your hair with a heat protectant.
- Start drying your hair on the lowest temperature setting. The ionization function should be turned on immediately.
- Dry your bangs and hair near your face with a comb, lifting the strands at the roots and achieving volume.
- To dry the entire length of the strands, use a round styling brush.
- Hair on the back of the head needs especially careful drying. Otherwise, the styling will look sloppy and bulky. To do this, secure the side strands with plastic hairdressing clips and, directing a stream of hot air to the back of the head, lift the hair with a brush at the very roots.
The longer you hold a strand of hair curled on a brush under the stream of hot air generated by a hairdryer, the more pronounced curl you will get as a result.
Using a hair dryer with an ionic function, hair looks healthier and smoother after drying. The cuticle scales are smoothed, the strands are perfectly even, but not overdried, the ends are slightly curled inward.
Video: Elena Krygina tells and shows how and why to use a hair dryer with an ionization function
Top 5 best ionic hair dryers
The leading positions in the consumer rating are occupied by devices from the middle price category. When readily available, they offer a wide range of capabilities, come complete with additional attachments, and demonstrate reliable performance.
Philips HP8664 VolumeBrush
This convenient hair dryer in the form of a brush supports the function of ionization and automatic rotation of nozzles. The device allows you to dry, comb and style your hair at the same time, while protecting it from electrification and dehydration.
The diameter of the brush is 50 mm; the hair dryer is best suited for use on long strands. The kit comes with an additional attachment for creating wavy curls. The device supports several operating modes and provides high-quality, gentle care.
You can buy a hair dryer with ionization from Philips from 3,900 rubles
Hottek HT-967-100
The semi-professional hair dryer supports the ionic function, which protects hair from tangling and gives it a natural shine. The device operates at two speeds and in three temperature modes, including cold air blowing. Supplied with nozzles - a concentrator and a diffuser, it provides quick but gentle drying of hair.
The price of a Hottek hair dryer starts from 2400 rubles
BaByliss 6610DE
The productive device operates at a power of 2100 W and supports switching between six modes. You can adjust the temperature in three stages, and the air flow speed is adjusted with two buttons. Ionization and cold airflow are provided, both functions protect hair from damage and drying out. The device comes complete with a diffuser and a concentrator nozzle; among the advantages, one can note a fairly long cord of 1.8 m.
You can buy a hair dryer with BaByliss ionization from 3,200 rubles
Philips BHD282 DryCare
The convenient multifunctional device supports adjustment of air flow and temperature, and there is a slider to turn on ionization. It has a power of 2300 W and is suitable for quickly drying short and long hair. The advantages of the model include a long cord of 2 m, which allows you not to depend on the location of the outlet, and low weight - the device weighs only 500 g.
You can buy a hair dryer with BHD282 DryCare ionization from 2800 rubles
Braun HD 730 Satin Hair 7
A stylish and comfortable hairdryer with ionization support operates at 2200 W. Supports three temperature programs, allows you to adjust the air flow at two speeds. Emits negatively charged particles during the drying process, you can also use cold air to give maximum smoothness and manageability to your hair.
The device is equipped with a 2 m cable, dries curls quickly and gently. The disadvantages include a significant weight; it is difficult to hold the device in your hand for a long time.
The average price of a hairdryer from Braun is 3,700 rubles
Rating of the best inexpensive hair dryers with ionicization
Hair dryers equipped with a negative particle generator or a grille with a special coating are, by definition, more expensive than conventional ones. However, there are relatively cheap models that do not cause significant damage to the budget.
Polaris PHD 1667 TTI
The domestic inexpensive hair dryer weighs only 270 g, but at the same time has good functionality. The device provides quick and gentle drying of hair, can supply cold air and switch between modes. There is built-in ionization, which allows you to take care of the health and attractiveness of your curls.
The device has a folding handle; if desired, you can use it not only at home, but also on the road; it can easily fit into any bag or suitcase. According to reviews, the device makes almost no noise during operation.
You can buy a hair dryer with Polaris ionization from 870 rubles
Redmond RF-511
An inexpensive Russian hair dryer is equipped with an ionization function and a cold blowing mode. In addition, the model provides overheating protection, which increases service life. Included with the device, the manufacturer offers attachments - a diffuser and a concentrator. The grille at the outlet is removable, which makes cleaning the device easier.
You can buy a hair dryer with Redmond ionization from 1900 rubles
Philips HP8233 Thermoprotect Ionic
The mid-budget hair dryer supports two hot air intensity modes. The model has cold airflow, three temperature options, as well as ionization, which makes hair more manageable. The device is equipped with a removable filter that facilitates the process of periodic cleaning. The set includes a diffuser and a concentrator, so you can use the device, including for creating quick styling.
Important! Users note the reliable operation of the device and ergonomic shape, as well as the absence of an unpleasant odor during use.
You can buy Philips Thermoprotect Ionic from 2600 rubles
Top 3 best professional hair dryers with ionization
Professional devices with ionization functions are quite expensive, but the demand for them is still high. These hair dryers are very reliable and also universal, they are suitable for all hair types.
Parlux 385 PowerLight Ionic & Ceramic
The ionization mode in the Italian-made hairdryer is maintained by a ceramic coating on the outlet grille. When using the device, the hair is not electrified, remains shiny and voluminous and is easy to style. The device has six temperature modes and switches between two speeds, which allows you to optimally configure it for use on specific curls.
The kit includes two slotted concentrators to facilitate the installation process. The hair dryer is quite lightweight, only 490 g. Among the features, one can note an innovative motor with overheating protection and low energy consumption.
You can buy a professional Parlux hairdryer from 8,200 rubles
Moser Ventus 4350-0050
The German professional hair dryer is moderately priced, but has a wide range of functionality. The device is quite powerful, supports six temperature levels and several blowing speeds, and is equipped with two removable concentrators, standard and narrow.
Ionization in the device occurs due to the heating of the ceramic and tourmaline coating of the nozzles. When exposed to heat, materials release negative particles that are beneficial to hair. As a result, the strands do not get tangled or electrified, remain smooth and obediently fit into any hairstyle.
The average cost of a Moser hair dryer starts from 3,500 rubles
Remington AC5999
Professional inexpensive 2300 W hair dryer supports ionization, three temperature and two speed modes. Provides high-quality care for healthy and weakened hair, equipped with a diffuser that facilitates the process of drying and styling strands. The device has a very long power cord - as much as 3 m, thanks to which you can go quite far from the outlet.
The price of a Remington ionization hair dryer starts from 3,000 rubles
