At a recent gathering of beauty school students, I overheard one aspiring beauty professional say to another “It’s important that the blow dryer is ceramic, ionic and tourmaline.” I went up to her and asked why or if she had more information. She said, “No, but I know they are important.”

There are many things we all know to be important but never really know the WHY. I checked in with Karen Delzell, The Cricket Company Vice President of Marketing, to get a bit more information about “ceramic”, “Ionic” technology and the semi-precious material “Tourmaline”.

 “Many professional hair stylists are very familiar with all three materials used in professional styling tools,” says Delzell, “however many new stylists are not familiar with some or all of the material advances. That being said, technology is constantly evolving and it is vital to all stylists to stay educated on how different materials can advance styling outcomes.” Delzell points out that the Cricket Centrix boasts all of the above in addition to being light weight and quiet, Here she helps us break down each of the advances and adds why it is good for the client and the stylist.

CERAMIC

What is it? Ceramic is a composite material usually made of clay. It can be used in the body of a dryer, the heating element, or as a coating on internal parts. It creates a far infrared heat that penetrates the hair shaft, preserving hair's natural moisture and luster.

Good for the client and stylist? The benefit of ceramic is that it heats up quickly and evenly across its surface.

IONIC

What is it? Ions refer to any particle with a negative or positive charge. Negative ions interact with wet hair by breaking up the water molecules, allowing the smaller droplets to penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft. Ionic technology takes a natural occurring phenomenon when hair is wet and breaks up the water molecules, allowing the smaller droplets to penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft.

Good for the client and stylist? Ionic technology reduces the hair's surface tension, leaving locks shiny and frizz-free.

TOURMALINE

What is it? Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral which generates only negative ions when heated. While some of the best ionic dryers are made with tourmaline, they are not all equally effective. Internal parts of dryers may be molded of tourmaline, or some parts may just be coated with a mineral compound. Because tourmaline is a rare gemstone, the price of these hair dryers can get quite steep, depending on the quantity and the way it is incorporated into the dryer.

Tourmaline crystals have been crushed into a fine powder and transferred to the major components of the appliance. The tourmaline technology maximizes the negative ion output and closes the cuticle layer, creating smooth hair.

Good for the client and stylist? A Tourmaline blow dryer has been found to blow dry up to 40 percent more quickly than its non-tourmaline cousin. The speedy and productive results are good for the client and the stylist.