Is Infrared Technology the future of healthy heat styling?

Do you remember when, in another post, I mentioned the possibility of someday owning an in-home sauna?  That day hasn't arrived (yet) but while researching the options I discovered that most personal, in-home saunas use infrared technology to create heat.  Infrared is very different from traditional heat because of its deep penetrating qualities. It warms our bodies from the inside out.  This helps to increase stimulation and detoxification.  Most believe that infrared technology is far superior to traditional heating methods.  After learning this, I kept this little tidbit of info in the back of my mind for future reference.

Fast forward a month or two and I receive an email from a reader who I've been corresponding with for quite a while.  She introduced me to a "flat iron" called the Feather Flat. She talked about how well the iron performed at creating straight, silky, bouncy hair.  I researched the merits of this iron far and wide and came up with the personal conclusion that I didn't want to risk burning my hair using an iron that is heated using a stove.  All was not lost.  My appetite for a superior iron led me deeper into my search. Finally, I stumbled upon a new technology that could be the best thing that happened to the flat iron since steam.

This flat iron, ladies, incorporates infrared technology which could mean great things for those who use heat.  According to this site, infrared heat differs from traditional heat in that operates using longer wavelengths which will enable a deeper penetration.   Take a look at what KQC has to say about how infrared impacts that hair.

| KQC’s X-Heat Technology uses the longer wavelength from Far Infrared technology to generate deep penetrating heat. This penetrates directly into the cortex of hair cuticles, heating from the inside out. It creates an effect that relaxes and softens hair. The hair is heated evenly, giving a gentle fast styling in half the time thereby reducing heat exposure. Water molecules on the surface of the hair break apart into smaller droplets and get absorbed into the hair. Moisture is then locked within the cuticles to give a protective barrier to reduce chemical and bacteria build-up. |

I'm a little skeptical about whether heating the hair from the inside out is a good thing.  On the other hand, every time I use a heating tool, the bulk of the heat is directly solely on the cuticle layer (which is the most fragile part of the hair strand).  In the case of the infrared sauna, this inverted heating technique provides tons of positive health benefits.  Those who've tried infrared irons and shared their experiences/reviews have nothing but great feedback.  I'm excited by the fact that the cuticle layer is better protected using infrared irons because the primary heating method isn't directed solely at the cuticle layer.  I'm a sucker for technology so I am hereby granting space on my "currently craving" list for an infrared iron.   I checked out a few online which range in price from around $70.00 to $250.00.  Some of the higher end irons have glass plates instead of ceramic or titanium.  If I'm going to purchase yet another iron (I think I have 4 now), I might as well invest in one that will make the most positive impact.

I feel somewhat compelled to explain why I own so many flat irons.  Simply put, this plethora of straightening tools is the result of my quest for healthier options for my hair.  First is was the SEDU iron (which I still love), then I got one with titanium plates at a hair show (titanium plates are supposed to stay smoother over time vs. ceramic). Then I bought a tiny one for travel (which I never use).  Finally, I purchased a steam flat iron (which is my current iron of choice).  Although I have plenty, I'll always make room if another option comes up that better protects my hair during the straightening process.

I realize that I haven't done a proper introduction and review of my steam iron so that's next on my list.  Is anyone else as curious about infrared flat irons as I am?