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The Future of Hair Styling: Multi‑Styler Straighteners with Infrared Heat

Explore the next generation of hair styling tools featuring infrared heating, gesture‑controlled multi‑styling, and integrated drying technology.
5 February 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Introducing the Multi‑Styler Concept

TechRadar’s homes editor Ruth Hamilton recently got a glimpse of a prototype that could change how we style hair. While the device isn’t yet market‑ready, its design hints at a future where a single appliance can straighten, curl, and even dry hair.

Infrared Heat – The Core Technology

Infrared heating is already used in many modern straighteners for faster, more even heat distribution. The prototype builds on this by asking a key question: “What gesture will let users create multiple curl styles?”

Gesture‑Based Styling

Developers are experimenting with touch‑free gestures that could let users switch between straightening, curling, and wave‑creating modes without pressing buttons. This could make styling quicker and more intuitive.

Integrating a Dryer

Another ambitious idea is to embed a dryer within the same barrel, allowing users to go from wet to dry hair in a single pass. This would reduce the need for a separate hair dryer and cut down styling time.

What’s Next?

The prototype is still in early stages, but the concepts point toward a versatile, space‑saving tool for both home users and professionals. Future development will focus on refining the gesture system, ensuring safety with high‑temperature infrared, and perfecting the dryer integration.

Key Takeaways

  • Infrared heating provides fast, even heat.
  • Gesture control could replace traditional buttons.
  • Combining a dryer could streamline wet‑to‑dry styling.
  • Still in prototype phase – commercial release pending.