It’s Cool to Be Kind: Why Infrared Styling Is The Care Our Hair Needs

It’s no secret that high heat from straighteners is one of the top reasons for causing damage to our hair. Jo Robertson, Education Director at Wonderful Brands explains how InfraRed technology can revolutionise hair styling for professionals and their clients.

Having been in the industry for more than 30 years I have always been interested in the development of technology in haircare. Specifically, how new technologies can help to protect the structure of the hair despite being styled over and over again.

The last couple of decades has seen hair straighteners surge in popularity, both in and out of the salon. However, for some people, this has led to an overuse of high heat. Generally, we see many clients prioritising style over the health of their hair and not surprisingly come to us seeking hair repair products and treatments. But prevention is better than a cure.

At Wonderful Brands we are always on the lookout for products that are both a problem solver and give amazing results. That’s we became the UK distributor for Upgrade, an Italian electricals brand that specialises in InfraRed styling tools.

How low can you go?

Before encountering Upgrade, I knew of InfraRed technology being used for medical benefits but had not seen much in the hair industry.

The brilliant thing about InfraRed is that it allows less heat to be used on the hair during styling, which not only makes it safer but delivers fast results and ensures healthier hair.

Here comes the science bit! InfraRed is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and so it’s the same form of heat emitted by our own bodies. It’s the heat we feel from an environment warmed by the sun, and the wavelength most efficiently absorbed by the body and hair. Plus, it is 100% safe and natural.

When InfraRed is used in a hair tool, electromagnetic waves enter deep into the cortex whilst the heat from the plates work on the outside of the hair to close the cuticle. This means you’re able to straighten faster, using less heat, which minimises damage to the hair. InfraRed stylers actually use 30°C less heat than traditional straighteners and tongs, but achieve the same or better results while protecting the integrity of the hair.

What does it mean for the client?

From brand to brand, there’s lot of differing information regarding heated tool temperatures. Some set an optimal temperature, and others allow you to pick your heat. For the average person, that just wants to style quickly and achieve results, this can be a bit confusing. InfraRed tools like Upgrade’s InfraRed styler and InfraCurl, help to simplify the heat debate.

InfraRed tools give people peace of mind that they are limiting damage to their hair while still creating long lasting results, thanks to the gentler heat that penetrates the hair more deeply and evenly.

What does it mean for the hairdresser?

With the explosion of colour in our salons we know how important it is that clients use the right heat for their hair at home. Too much heat will cause colour fade and result in irreversible damage. Being able to recommend a styling tool that emits less harmful heat, while still delivering the same amazing results, is a dream come true for stylists that want to protect clients’ colours.

What’s more, clients with dry or frizzy hair will find that InfraRed hair tools will help to seal in moisture and weak hair will benefit from a gentler heat. Happy clients with healthy hair and longer lasting colour – what’s not to love!

InfraRed technology is a real gamechanger in the hair industry. For me, it signifies the true intention of the hairdresser – to not only create incredible styles but to look after and protect their client’s hair now and always.