9 Benefits of Tourmaline Gemstone in Hair Tools & Products
10 min readWhat are the biggest benefits of tourmaline gemstone in hair tools and products? Learn everything you need to know about the gemstone tourmaline.
Tourmaline has quietly taken the hair care industry by storm thanks to its highly beneficial properties. This gemstone, which is a part of the crystalline silicate mineral group, is also known as "tura mali" or "stone of mixed colors", and offers remarkable advantages when used in hair tools and products.
From its amazing ability to produce negative ions to its natural heat distribution properties, tourmaline has found its way into the beauty industry and is here to stay.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest benefits of tourmaline gemstone, and how you can use it to reap all of its benefits. So, let’s dive right into it:
1. What is a tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that belongs to a complex group of borosilicate minerals. It is found in a variety of colors, ranging from vibrant hues such as pink, green, and blue to more common colors like black and brown.
One of the unique characteristics of tourmaline is its ability to display multiple colors within a single crystal, making it a highly sought-after gemstone in the world of jewelry.
2. What are the applications of tourmaline in the beauty industry?
The multiple benefits of tourmaline gemstone make it an important part of the beauty industry. It has a wide array of applications, including:
- Thermal hair styling tools - tourmaline has ionic properties, which means that it emits negative ions when heated. This makes it perfect for heat styling tools like dryers, flat irons and curling irons because it helps to retain moisture, neutralize static electricity, and reduce frizz, among other benefits.
- Hair care products - tourmaline is also used for hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and serums. It allows for moisture retention and a better absorption of nutrients, as well as better cleansing from product buildup.
- Skincare products - this beautiful gemstone has unique properties that make it an essential ingredient for a lot of skincare products as well. On top of its purification abilities, it is believed to be able to stimulate blood circulation, improving the skin’s overall health and appearance.
However, the uses of tourmaline don’t end there - you will also find it in the form of heated gemstones or as an ingredient in massage oils in spa treatments. It is also used in aromatherapy practices due to its energy-enhancing properties.
3. What are the benefits of tourmaline in hair products?
Needless to say, the applications of tourmaline are endless! Now, let’s take a look at the tourmaline gemstone benefits in hair products:
3.1. Seals in moisture
As we mentioned earlier, tourmaline is known for its emission of negative ions, which counteract the positive ions in the hair.
Essentially, it seals and smooths down the hair cuticles (the outermost layer of the hair shaft), preventing moisture from escaping. In other words, tourmaline creates a protective barrier to lock in the hair’s natural moisture, as well as the hydration provided by hair care products.
The end result is a better-hydrated hair with a healthy glow. Sealing in moisture is especially important if you frequently heat-style your hair in order to minimize damage.
So, if you are looking for a great way to leverage the benefits of tourmaline and its negative ion conditioning properties, we recommend getting a tourmaline-plated flat iron like the NUME Megastar Flat Iron.
3.2. Reduces frizz and static electricity
The same ability for negative ion emission that tourmaline has translates to less frizz and static electricity.
That’s because these common hair problems are caused by the buildup of positive ions on the hair strands - atoms or molecules that have lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positive electrical charge.
Tourmaline emits negative ions that effectively counteract the charge of positive ions in the hair, smoothing down the hair and reducing frizz and flyaways.
3.3. Makes hair appear smoother and shinier
Among the biggest benefits of tourmaline gemstone is that it makes hair appear glossier and shinier through its ability to smooth the hair cuticles.
The hair cuticle is the outermost protective layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scales. Positive ion charge raises and lifts them, while negative ion charge makes them lie flat.
When the cuticles lie flat and smooth, they reflect light evenly, resulting in a shiny and lustrous appearance.
3.4. Reduces drying time
The exciting part is that the benefits of tourmaline don’t end here.
Tourmaline also helps reduce drying time in hair by enhancing the efficiency of water evaporation. When tourmaline is incorporated into hair dryers like the NUME Signature Hair Dryer, it generates negative ions when heated.
These negative ions break down water molecules on the hair into smaller droplets, allowing them to evaporate more quickly. As a result, the water present on the hair shaft is effectively and efficiently evaporated, leading to a faster drying process.
3.5. Provides an even heat distribution
Among the biggest benefits of tourmaline gemstone is that it provides an even heat distribution when used in thermal hair styling tools.
When tourmaline is incorporated into the construction of heat tools such as hair dryers, flat irons, or curling irons, it helps to create a more uniform distribution of heat across the hair strands.
That’s because this beautiful gemstone is a natural conductor of heat. When heated, it absorbs and distributes heat evenly, ensuring that the temperature is spread uniformly across the surface of the tool.
This prevents localized hot spots that can lead to hair damage and uneven styling results.
Tourmaline also emits far-infrared heat when heated, allowing it to effectively penetrate the hair shaft without causing excessive damage. It heats the hair from the inside out, reducing the risk of surface overheating and ensuring consistent heat distribution.
3.6. Minimizes heat damage
Among the most important benefits of tourmaline is that it minimizes heat damage. Exposure to high temperatures can cause damage to the hair because it strips away its natural moisture, making it dry and dehydrated.
High temperatures can evaporate the water content present in the hair shaft, leading to moisture loss and leaving the hair feeling dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage.
However, tourmaline helps to lock in the natural moisture of the hair through its negative ion emission and far-infrared heat abilities, effectively minimizing heat damage.
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3.7. Protects from environmental factors
Among the benefits of tourmaline in hair products is its ability to protect it from environmental factors. By smoothing the hair cuticles, tourmaline creates a barrier that prevents external elements from penetrating the hair shaft.
This barrier helps to shield the hair from environmental factors such as pollutants, dust, and dirt, which can lead to dullness, dryness, and damage.
In addition, tourmaline shields the hair from UV radiation by creating a smooth and even surface on the hair cuticles helps to reflect and disperse UV radiation, minimizing its impact on the hair.
3.8. Enhances hair texture
As we discussed earlier, tourmaline emits negative ions when heated or incorporated into hair products. These negative ions help to neutralize the positive charge in the hair, resulting in the smoothing of the hair cuticles.
When the cuticles lie flat and smooth, the hair strands become sleeker and more uniform, enhancing the overall texture of the hair. It also improves frizz, makes hair more manageable and easier to style, and gives it a silky feel for you to enjoy all day long.
3.9. Provides long-lasting results
Next on our list of benefits of tourmaline is its ability to provide long-lasting results so you can enjoy your hairstyle for longer.
The smoothness and reduced frizz achieved with tourmaline contribute to better hold and longevity of the hairstyle. When the cuticles are smooth, the hair strands interlock more efficiently, helping the style to stay in place.
Additionally, reduced frizz means that the hair is less likely to lose its shape or become unruly throughout the day. In addition, it provides a layer of heat protection - excessive heat exposure can make your hairstyle deteriorate faster.
4. Which is better - tourmaline, ceramic, or titanium hot tools?
This is one of the most commonly discussed questions in the beauty industry, and we can see why - all three materials have their own advantages and disadvantages.
However, let’s take a look at which one is better and why;
4.1. Ceramic Hair Tools
Ceramic hair tools are known for their even heat distribution and gentle styling capabilities. The ceramic coating on these tools helps to minimize heat damage and hot spots, resulting in smoother and less frizzy hair.
They are suitable for most hair types, especially those that require low to medium heat settings. Ceramic tools provide a consistent temperature and promote a more balanced heat application, allowing for safer and healthier styling.
4.2. Titanium Hair Tools
Titanium hair tools excel in their ability to generate and maintain high heat levels quickly. This feature makes them ideal for thick, coarse, or hard-to-style hair.
Titanium's exceptional heat conductivity ensures fast and efficient heat transfer, reducing styling time.
However, caution must be exercised when using titanium tools, as they can reach very high temperatures and may potentially cause damage to fine or delicate hair if not used properly.
4.3. Tourmaline Hair Tools
Tourmaline hair tools offer unique benefits due to their infusion or coating of tourmaline gemstone.
Tourmaline emits negative ions and far-infrared heat, which help to neutralize positive ions, reduce frizz, and seal the hair cuticles.
This results in smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair. Additionally, tourmaline provides protection against humidity and environmental factors that can compromise the hairstyle. Tourmaline tools are suitable for all hair types, particularly those prone to frizz and static.
The verdict? If you are looking for a material that provides fast, effective and damage-free heat styling, tourmaline hair tools are the best option for all hair types.
FAQ
What is tourmaline ceramic?
Tourmaline tools are ceramic tools coated with the gemstone tourmaline. It combines the benefits of both tourmaline and ceramic, such as tourmaline's ability to reduce frizz and ceramic's even heat distribution.
This fusion enhances styling results and promotes healthier-looking hair.
What type of flat iron is the least damaging?
Tourmaline flat irons are considered the least damaging type of hair straighteners because of their ability to emit negative ions and lock in the natural moisture of the hair.
What does tourmaline do for hair?
Tourmaline in hair tools emits negative ions and infrared heat, reducing frizz and heat damage. This enhances hair smoothness and shine, making styling more effective and less damaging.
Why is tourmaline used in hair straighteners?
Tourmaline is used in hair straighteners for its ability to emit negative ions and infrared heat. This results in less frizz and static, smoother hair, and reduced heat damage.
It helps in achieving sleek, shiny hair with less styling time and healthier results.
Is tourmaline safe for humans?
Tourmaline is generally safe for humans when used in products like hair straighteners. It emits negative ions and infrared heat, which are considered safe for hair styling.
However, direct ingestion or inhalation of tourmaline particles should be avoided for safety.
Is tourmaline good for frizzy hair?
Yes, tourmaline is beneficial for frizzy hair. It releases negative ions that neutralize positive ions in frizzy hair, leading to smoother and shinier strands. The gentle infrared heat minimizes heat damage, further reducing frizz and enhancing the overall health of the hair.