L'Oreal has introduced its infrared light hair styling technology product, Light Straight + Multi-styler, at CES 2026. This straightening styler utilizes patented infrared light technology, signifying a major technological breakthrough in the century-old hair tool industry. The heating plates of traditional straighteners typically reach temperatures of 400°F (approximately 204°C) or even higher—surpassing the threshold for keratin denaturation, which leads to cuticle damage, breakage, and loss of shine. A 2024 L'Oreal US consumer survey revealed that 58% of the women polled attributed their hair damage to high heat. The Light Straight + Multi-styler's glass plates maintain a temperature no higher than 320°F (around 160°C), a significant reduction compared to conventional straighteners, while leveraging near-infrared light to deeply penetrate the hair fiber, reshaping the hydrogen bond molecular structure that determines hair's shape and texture.

According to L'Oreal's instrumental testing data, the performance of the Light Straight + Multi-styler is remarkable. The product operates three times faster than the market-leading high-end straightener and leaves hair twice as smooth. The near-infrared light used by this handheld device is a type of light with a wavelength just beyond the visible spectrum, enabling deep penetration into the hair fiber. This achieves the desired styling effect while protecting the hair's natural cuticle, resulting in hair that is smoother, shinier, and stronger. The product is also equipped with built-in smart sensors that utilize proprietary algorithms and machine learning technology to adapt to the user's hand movements, maximizing the personalized experience.

The Light Straight + Multi-styler is set for a global launch in 2027, with further details such as pricing to be announced on L'Oreal's official website. Having already received a CES 2026 Innovation Award, this product is L'Oreal's second styling tool to employ infrared light technology, following the launch of the AirLight Pro hair dryer at CES 2024, marking the company's efforts to build a comprehensive infrared light hair care product line.