The Facts

• Ionic hairdryers have increased in popularity since 2006, with ongoing buzz from marketers and companies who make advancements to the dryers. There are several types of ionic dryers ranging from around $30 to hundreds of dollars, which makes consumers question the value of such a product. Still, many people rave that these dryers far surpass traditional ones, and make hair styling easier.
  
  

Function

• Ionic dryers are becoming favored over traditional ones because they supposedly keep hair healthier. These dryers work by sending negative ions to positive ions in wet hair. When these two types of ions combine, water is broken down faster, and moisture is sealed in the cuticles of each strand of hair. Traditional hairdryers produce positive ions; therefore it is thought that you only get the benefit of hot air, which can damage the hair, and nothing more.
  
  

Types

• There are several different kinds of ionic hairdryers available. Some have metal, ceramic or tourmaline coils, yet still emit negative ions to the hair. Tourmaline is comprised of crushed gems and is generally the most expensive of the ionic hairdryers, because tourmaline produces the highest number of negatively charged ions. Other ionic hairdryers contain ceramic. Any hair styling tools that contain ceramic are thought to be more beneficial than metal ones, because they heat hair evenly, thus resulting in shorter drying time and less damage.
  
  

Benefits

• Many assert that using an ionic hairdryer results in less frizziness and an increase in shine to the hair. This is because the negative ions released from such dryers work with the water in hair to lock in moisture, which makes hair shinier. Since the ions, in essence, work with water molecules instead of against them, drying time is faster. It is said that this type of hairdryer is ideal for straight and smooth styles.
  
  

Speculation

• Although numerous people claim to have experienced great results from an ionic hairdryer, many scientists are not convinced that the technology really works. According to David Akerman from MadSciNetwork: "...water is ionic enough that any additional 'negative ions' supplied by a hairdryer (if they even exist) will have no effect." Also the price disparity among the brands of dryers ($30 to $300) makes people question the true effectiveness.