Technology is radically transforming every aspect of our lives, and the beauty industry is no exception. This was amply evident at the IFA 2024, where a unique fusion of form and function was on display. A major highlight was the innovation in hair styling devices, moving far beyond the conventional pistol-shaped handheld hair dryers.
Technology giant Dyson’s ingenious reimagining of the haircare space has played a significant role in this transformation. Products like the Dyson Supersonic or Dyson Airwrap introduced haircare engineering without parallel. But Dyson’s prices were hefty, and it was only a matter of time before other brands stepped up with alternatives more affordable.
Three new hair dryers stood out due to their unique approach to haircare engineering. Dreame’s foldable Pocket high-speed hair dryer. This hairdryer effortlessly combines portability with advanced specification. Despite weighing only 10.5oz / 300g, this high-speed motor, offering 110,000 RPM, is as powerful as full-sized dryers. The hinged nozzle caters to the traveling needs of users. However, the $159.99 / €159 price tag could be a setback for some.
Another impressive haircare device shown was Shark’s new FlexFusion multi-styler. Packing nearly every imaginable attachment for a haircare device, it is a bit bulky. Interestingly, FlexFusion has settings for both wet and dry hair. It combines the functionalities of a hair straightener and hot brush, taming frizz and granting an excellent blowout. With a price of £369.99 (approximately $490 / AU$720), it offers a wide range of attachments compared to the simpler sibling, the Shark FlexStyle, priced at $249.99/£299.99.
Finally, the Laifen Mini – a travel-sized version of the renowned Laifen Swift hair dryer – takes an innovative stance on this conventional appliance. It weighs only 299g/10.56oz, but is equipped with a 110,000 RPM motor. The design is adorable, it is versatile, and it combines great features with solid specifications at an affordable price of €99.99. However, it is currently only available outside of the US due to voltage differences.
To conclude, technology is breathing new life into the once-stagnant area of haircare, introducing a wide range of innovative appliances in the beauty industry. These devices balance a blend of novel features with high-standard specifications, all encompassed in inventive designs. It is truly an exciting time for hair care enthusiasts, eagerly waiting to try these outstanding hair dryers and multi-stylers.
