First up, let's take a look at Oil-Infused Brushes and Combs. I've tried several of these by Ricky's of New York, but they are popping up everywhere now. These brushes and combs are made with different oils infused into the bristles. Now don't get me wrong, these styling tools aren't dripping with oil. In fact, it's such a small amount of oil that you can leave it sitting safely on counter tops and it isn't going to leave a mark. Brushing or combing your hair with one of these will leave a little bit of shine and fight a little bit of frizz. I've never been able to make my hair feel greasy with any of these tools (keep in mind, my hair is thick and dry), but I'm not sure you could if you tried. I keep one of the combs with me at all times to shine up my hair on days when I need a little styling help. These brushes and combs range from $5-$30. If you don't see them at your local Target or Walmart, be sure to look in the Ethnic hair care section. I've seen them everywhere!
The one thing Dr. Atomalox wanted to make sure we all understood was that the hair must come in contact with the tool for it to work. So in the case of brushes and flat irons, it is possible for ionic technology to work. It is far less likely for ionic technology to be effective when used as part of a hairdryer, because the ionic-infused air rushing out is quickly adding its unbalanced charge to everything around it, not just to your hair.
I was recently blown away by all the types of Ionic brushes available at Target. Conair, Goody and others have a plethora of tools to try. I picked up the Goody brushes. According to the package, the Goody brushes contain tourmaline, a mineral which is often used in ion-infused products as a way to change the electrostatic charge of the hair. But do they work? Here is what I found.
It totally depended on my hair. I tested this brush on the hair of about 10 people. Every single person's hair looked much better after I had brushed it (duh.) However, some hair reacted differently to the brush. On some people, the brush just seemed to brush the hair. On others, it made a much bigger difference, making the hair seem less frizzy and "smaller". I can say that on everyone, it had no affect on those little broken, shorter hairs that tend to pop up a few inches from your part. You may have to try one or two of these brushes to find one that works for you (if your hair is even damaged in a way where this would work for you). It's hard to judge the amount of mineral used on the brush or the quality of the mineral used. I am definitely a fan of the Goody brushes.
Either way, I got different results on everyone, depending on their hair type. I can't even try to determine why those who had a better reaction got one. Everyone had slightly frizzy, processed hair, so I'm not sure why this technology was more effective on some versus others.
What do you think? Would this work for you or will you pass? It's scientifically possible, we know that. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
All items were purchased by me, with the exception of the Braun Satin Brush.
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I've been looking at the oil-infused brushes for awhile now. I'll have to pick one up at Rickys and give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI did just that in the testing phase!! I literally sent out an all employee email asking people to come to office so I could rub a balloon on their head. Thank goodness they are use to me, or I'd worry...Since I couldn't get permission to use the Tesla ball at a nearby museum, I thought a balloon would be a good test. It definitely had different reactions on different people. On some, it made a major difference. On others, it didn't do any more than regular brushing would do. I think it would be more effective with winter hair versus humidity hair. Either way, a lot of it must have to do with your hair and the type of damage that it already has.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparisons. I really enjoyed reading your 'scientific' way of testing too. Shows what ends (of the hair) a beauty blogger to go through to get to the truth!
ReplyDeleteYou know how when you rub a balloon on something it'll make your hair stand on end? That's just a charge difference. I imagine that ionic brushes would work fantastically in the winter when everyone's hair is full of static! I think perhaps I'll grab one of those brushes when the air starts to turn drier.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't talked about the difference between battery operated and non battery operated ionic brushes, do the ions last less long over time?
ReplyDeleteYou have not mentioned about the difference between battery operated and non battery operated ionic brushes, do the ions last less long over time?
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that the ions produced by batteries would last longer than ions produced by minerals. I would *think* the minerals could wear away or flake off of a brush that just creates ions with minerals embedded on a brush.
ReplyDelete