You might be wondering what ions have to do with hair care. The last time you probably heard of the term is in your high school physics classes. However, you may be surprised to learn that this very scientific concept can actually provide a lot of benefits for those looking to take better care of their hair. In this article, we will give you a basic definition of ions, and why ionic brushes work so well when used on hair.
Defining Ions
To put it into simple terms, ions are single atoms or groups of atoms that have been charged either negatively or positively. Like magnets, ions that have opposite charges are attracted to each other. Ions tend to be missing a subatomic component such as a proton or an electron, which is why they tend to look for these parts elsewhere.
Understanding Hair
According to WebMD, hair is similar to fiber. Each strand is tightly bundled together in the middle, and a cuticle protects all of this on the outside. Hair is made up of three main layers: the medulla (inner fibers), the cortex, and the cuticle. Certain beauty procedures, such as bleaching, perming, and highlighting, can damage these layers, changing the natural structure of your hair.
How Ions Work on Hair
Have you ever tried that trick where you rub a balloon on your jeans and then hold it over your hair, causing a number of strands to stick to the balloon? This is due to the effects of static electricity, according to an article by the Scientific American. When you rub the balloon onto your pants, you cause a negative charge to build up and produce the static electricity. The balloon is then able to attract the positively charged ions on your hair, causing your hair to stand up.
Thus, frizzy and brittle stands of hair usually seem to stand up because they contain positively charged electrons. Your hair is trying to look for the negatively charged ions that will complete the equation.
Why Ionic Brushes Can Help
According to WiseGeek, ionic brushes have bristles that emit ions, which then work together with the other molecules that can be found in your hair. Most models require some form of power, either provided by batteries or by an electrical outlet. The idea is that the ionic brush should be able to give your hair the ions that it is looking for. Thus, it should be able to straighten your hair out by closing off the hair cuticles and locking in moisture. This will make your hair look a lot less frizzy and much healthier as a result.
Let Ionic Brushes Heal Your Hair
There are many good models out on the market, all made with the end user in mind. If you have thin hair, you may want to try a model with lower wattage. If you have thick hair, try a unit with a higher wattage. Try to find an ionic brush that works for your needs.