Quick answer: infrared, ionic and ceramic aren't competing choices. Infrared is about how the heat reaches your hair, ionic means the tool releases negative ions to help tame static and frizz, and ceramic (along with titanium and tourmaline) is the material of the plates, barrel or bristles. Many Le Chic tools combine two or three of them.

Infrared heat

Infrared tools are designed to spread warmth evenly through the hair, reducing hot spots, for a smoother, shinier finish. Le Chic infrared tools include:

Ionic (negative ion) technology

Ionic tools release negative ions as you style. They're designed to help reduce static and frizz for a smoother, glossier look. You'll find it in the IoniK Ceramic Flat Iron, the Très Chic Ionic Comb and Très Chic Luxe, the AirBrush, the Helix, the Styliste and the Zephyr Salon Turbo Blow Dryer.

Ceramic, titanium and tourmaline surfaces

  • Ceramic: smooth plates, barrels or bristles with consistent heat. A good choice for fine, thin or color-treated hair on a lower setting. See the IoniK Ceramic Flat Iron (floating ceramic plates), the Tressa (ceramic-coated plates) and the ceramic bristles of the Très Chic.
  • Titanium: usually the better match for thick, coarse or curly hair. See the Styliste Infrared Titanium Flat Iron.
  • Tourmaline: used on the barrels of our Twister curling irons for smooth, bouncy movement, and alongside ionic and ceramic technologies in the Zephyr Salon Turbo to help boost shine and tame frizz.

Which should you choose?

Start with your hair type, then the shape of tool you like to use. Our guide to the best Le Chic tool for your hair type walks through it, and the comparison chart lists every tool side by side.

Heated tools get very hot: keep them away from water, children and pets, use a heat protectant, and start on the lowest setting that works. See our product safety tips. Every Le Chic hair tool is covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty once you register it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between infrared, ionic and ceramic hair tools?

They describe different parts of a tool. Infrared describes how the heat is delivered, ionic describes negative ions released to help reduce static and frizz, and ceramic (like titanium or tourmaline) describes the surface material of the plates, barrel or bristles. Many Le Chic tools combine more than one.

Is an infrared flat iron better than a ceramic one?

Neither is better for everyone. Infrared tools such as the Nova Infrared Flat Iron are designed to spread heat evenly through the hair, while ceramic plates like those on the IoniK Ceramic Flat Iron suit fine or color-treated hair on a lower setting. Choose by hair type and the features you want.

Do ionic hair tools reduce frizz?

Ionic technology is designed to help reduce static and frizz for a smoother look. Results vary with hair type, humidity, technique and the products you use.

Is titanium or ceramic better for thick hair?

Titanium plates are usually the better match for thick, coarse or curly hair, like on the Styliste Infrared Titanium Flat Iron. Ceramic plates are a good choice for fine, thin or color-treated hair.

Do I still need a heat protectant with infrared or ionic tools?

Yes. Use a heat protectant with every heated tool, and start on the lowest setting that works for your hair.

Results vary. This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.