Frequently asked questions
Are infrared hair dryers worth it?
Yes, according to the hairstylists we spoke with, infrared hair dryers are great for protecting already damaged hair and preventing future damage. If you’re someone who styles their hair often with a curling iron or straightener, blow-drying with an infrared dryer first will help give you smoother, softer hair with fewer flyaways because it gently evaporates moisture while dramatically reducing heat damage.
Is infrared heat actually better for your hair?
In many cases, yes. Traditional dryers heat the surface first, which can dry out the cuticle. “Infrared works more evenly through the hair, so you’re reducing drying time and minimizing damage,” says Cavalcante. And the results make a noticeable difference: hair will look thicker, stronger, and less dry.
Which is better, an ionic hair dryer or an infrared hair dryer?
Neither is better; they serve different purposes. Ionic technology is great for controlling frizz and enhancing shine, while infrared technology focuses on how heat penetrates and dries the hair (in a gentler, less damaging way). “The best results usually come from dryers that combine both even heat and frizz control—you get efficiency, smoothness, and less damage overall,” says Cavalcante.
What are the downsides of infrared heating?
“Like with any heat tools, everything in moderation is always best. Too much of any heat product isn’t good for your hair,” says Ruiz. No matter what tool you’re using, make sure you’re thoroughly coating your hair with a heat protectant like the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection Spray, which is essential to a healthy, frizz-free finish. “The tool supports the result, but the foundation is always in the hair products and hair styling technique,” says Cavalcante.
We tested infrared dryers by evaluating the tools’ temperature settings, drying times, and hair-friendliness. The best blow dryers had low temperatures or were easy to control and did a stellar job of cutting our drying times in half or by at least a third. The infrared dryers we tested were also extremely gentle, didn’t leave our strands feeling fried or weak, and made our hair feel stronger, thicker, and more resilient.
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