Tech companies love jargon and when it comes to hair dryers the pseudo-science knows no bounds.
We’ve had “ionic” dryers and now there’s infrared. From my research, the dryers that call themselves ‘infrared’ vary between those that emit a satisfying red glow and those that utilise ceramic or tourmaline, two coatings on the heat element that encourage the emission of infrared heat.
When it comes to straighteners all those that call themselves infrared emit an infrared light.
How do infrared hair dryers and straighteners work?
The claim is that unlike conventional dryers, which rely on high temperatures to evaporate surface moisture, infrared technology directly targets water molecules within the hair strands, resulting in faster drying times.
The heat penetrates the hair shaft more effectively than traditional methods, ensuring moisture is retained within the strands and reducing the risk of overheating and damage to the hair cuticle. By sealing the hair cuticles and preserving moisture, infrared heat also enhances shine and makes the hair smoother.
Are infrared hair dryers and straighteners better for your hair?
By drying the hair from the inside, infrared dryers reduce the likelihood of drying out the hair's surface or causing thermal damage. This results in less frizz and more moisture retention, making hair look and feel healthier. The straighteners also help to steam product residue off your hair, giving it a fresh start.
An added benefit is that infrared is also used in hair regrowth technologies, as it stimulates the scalp and increases blood flow, which in turn has a positive effect on stalling hair loss and encouraging hair growth. Great news for anyone worried about hair loss.
Can all hair types use an infrared hair dryer or straightener?
Infrared hair dryers and straighteners are suitable for all hair types, from thin and fine to thick and curly. They are particularly beneficial for damaged or dyed hair, as they minimise additional stress on the hair.
Best infrared hair dryers at a glance
- Best for styling versatility: Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro - £249.99, Amazon
- Best for a sleek finish: Voduz 'BLOW OUT' Infrared Hair Dryer - £79.99, Voduz Hair
- Best for energy saving: Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro - £129.99, Amazon
- Best for curly hair: Bellissima Ceramic Hair Dryer - £100, Argos
- Best for frizz reduction: Sutra Infrared Blow Dryer - £96.99, eBay
Best infrared straighteners at a glance
- Best for straightening: Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straightener - £129.99, Boots
- Best for creating waves: Belilissima Italia Creativity Infrared Straightener - £70, Argos
- Best for temperature control: Silk’n Infrared Hair Straightener - £120, QVC
We've rounded up the best options below if you’re considering investing in an infrared hair tool to tame your mane.
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Best infrared hair dryers
Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Infrared & Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler – NHD999
Best for: Styling versatility
- Settings: Three heat settings, three-speed settings
- Power Wattage: 2000W
- Cool Shot: Yes
- Accessories Included: Styler attachment, concentrator nozzle, diffuser
At just 350g this is by far the lightest infrared hair dryer we could find. It is also the quietest at just 74 decibels (and the only hair dryer our dog didn’t run from the minute we turned it on).
It is considerably more pricey than the other dryers on the list, but it comes with accessories that make it worth the additional cost. Think of it as a budget-friendly alternative to Dyson air wrap. It has two styling attachments (one for the left side of your head and one for the right), that use air to wrap the hair around to provide easy curls and waves. It also comes with a diffuser and concentrator nozzle, ideal if you like to regularly change your look.
Also useful is the 2.8m salon-length cable, meaning it can stretch from the nearest plug to wherever your mirror is (handy in badly thought-out hotel rooms) and it is small enough to stow in a suitcase.
Buy now £249.99, Amazon
Zuvi Halo hair dryer
Best for: damage-free volume
- No. of temperature settings: Four ‘modes’, rather than heat settings
- Power: 680W
- Cable length: 1.5 metre
- Weight: 0.534KG
- Cool shot: Yes
- Accessories included: Yes
Using patented LightCare Technology instead of intense heat, the Zuvi Halo dries hair in the same way as the elements (wind and sun) would, but with infrared light. It also offers far more control with a choice of four modes to best suit your hair type (soft, style, fast and care), and there are an array of attachments to help finesse different kinds of hair.
While it's on the pricier end of the spectrum, if you're someone who regularly dries their hair and are starting to become conscious of the damage it's causing, the Zuvi Halo could make all the difference to your getting ready routine and scalp health.
Buy now £231.00, Zuvi Halo
Voduz 'BLOW OUT' Infrared Hair Dryer
Best for: a sleek finish
- Settings: three heat, two speed
- Power Wattage: 2200W
- Cool Shot: Yes
- Accessories Included: Concentrator nozzle, diffuser
At £79.99 the Voduz Infrared Hair Dryer is among the cheapest on the list and yet has wowed customers if the 138 five-star reviews on its website are to be believed.
Users report it transforming “frizzy, puffy hair” into “smooth and silky” hair and many declare it the best hair dryer they have ever owned, saying it dries their hair in half the time.
It comes with a salon-length three-metre cable and hook to hang it when not in use. The inclusion of a cool shot button helps to set styles in place for longer-lasting results. Additionally, its ionic technology reduces frizz and static, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and healthy-looking.
Also available in white.
Buy now £79.99, Voduz
Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro Hair Dryer - NHD90
Best for: Energy saving
- Settings: Three heat and two speed
- Power Wattage: 1300W
- Cool Shot: Yes
- Accessories Included: Concentrator nozzle
At just 1300W, this hair dryer uses 40 per cent less energy than some hair dryers and yet the drying time is halved thanks to the infrared technology and the fast speed setting.
It weighs 520g meaning it’s light enough to manoeuvre easily, although it is slightly bulkier than its airstyle cousin. This is one of the hair dryers that actually emits a red light when drying and so the scalp gets the restorative benefits of the light, which can aid hair regrowth.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon
Bellissima Ceramic Hair Dryer
Best for: Curly hair
- Settings: Two speeds, three heat settings
- Power Wattage: 2300W
- Cool Shot: Yes
- Accessories Included: Concentrator nozzle, ceramic nozzle and ceramic diffuser
The Bellissima Ceramic Hair Dryer comes with a ceramic diffuser making it a great option for those with curly hair who need the diffuser to create bouncy, defined curls.
It’s on the heavier side at 1.03kg, but the handle is curved for ease of grip and the switches can be easily activated with your thumb. If it’s straight hair you are after, there is also a ceramic nozzle that channels the infrared heat for precision styling.
The copper accents on the dryer make it an attractive addition to your dressing table and there’s a hook if you wish to hang it.
Buy now £100.00, Argos
Sutra Infrared Blow Dryer
Best for: Frizz reduction
- Settings: Two speed and three heat
- Power Wattage: 1875W
- Cool Shot: Yes
- Accessories Included: Concentrator nozzle
Like the Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro, this dryer also emits the red glow of infrared light, encouraging hair regrowth, while reducing drying times and heat damage. It also boasts ionic technologies for the ultimate frizz-free finish.
Despite the relatively low wattage, it still packs a punch and the airflow feels powerful at the highest setting. This dryer is a good choice for those seeking professional results without adding lots of product to the hair.
Buy now £96.99, eBay
Best infrared straighteners
Belilissima Italia Creativity Infrared Straightener
Best for: Achieving bouncy waves
Settings: 11 heat settings from 130C to 230C
These straighteners are rounded, which means they produce full, bouncy waves when used at an angle without any of the ridges you can get when trying to curl your hair with more rectangular straighteners.
Two plates allow the infrared light to emit through the middle on both sides of the hair section. The Creativity Infrared Straightener rapidly reaches the bottom temperature of 120C and from there you can increase the heat in 10C increments to a maximum temperature of 230C using the LCD display.
The copper accents make this an attractive addition to your dressing table, while a lock keeps the straighteners closed if you want to store them away in a drawer.
Buy now £100.00, Argos
Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straightener
Best for: Achieving a lasting straighten
Settings: Six heat settings from 180C to 230C
The flat titanium plates of this straightener glide easily over the hair and leave hair shiny and smooth. The nanotechnology in the 100 per cent titanium plates remove unwanted odours and harmful chemicals from your hair. Integrated microsensors in the plates ensure the temperature is evenly distributed – this means you won't have to worry about hot spots that can damage your hair.
The straighteners advertise 10 heat settings (from 150°C) but they heat to a base temperature of 180°C in just 30 seconds, so most people will increase the temperature from there in 10°C increments to the hottest temperature of 230°C.
The infrared straighteners come in an attractive solid grey box with a heat mat for placing them on to cool down.
Buy now £129.99, Boots
Silk’n Infrared Hair Straightener
Best for: Temperature control
Settings: 12 heat settings from 120°C to 230°C
Heating to an initial temperature of just 120°C, these straighteners are a good choice if you have coloured or heat-damaged hair. The 12 temperature settings allow maximum flexibility in using just enough heat to get your desired result. The straighteners will also remember your temperature setting and will heat to that temperature next time you turn them on, meaning less fiddling with numbers and quicker hair styling.
The irons come in a heat-protective carry case, which folds out into a mat that you can use as you are styling, saving your surfaces from scorch marks. The barrel is rounded to produce large waves as an alternative to straightening and there is a lock to keep them closed when you are not using them.
Buy now £120.00, QVC
Verdict
If you don’t want to clutter up your space with lots of different products, the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro is the way to go, given it’s a hairdryer and styler in one. It’s also dinky, which means it can slip into an overnight bag and you’ll never again have to trouble yourself with those silly hair dryers attached to the walls of airport hotel bathrooms.
As far as the straighteners go, the Bellissima Italia Creativity Infrared Straightener was my favourite. It is the cheapest at about £70 and performs well at both straightening and creating waves in your hair.
