L’Oréal has unveiled a groundbreaking new hair straightener at CES 2026, promising a revolutionary approach to hair styling with its innovative glass plates and patented infrared technology. This new device, the Light Straight + Multi-styler, is designed to deliver exceptional results while significantly reducing heat damage, a common concern for users of traditional hair tools. The core of this innovation lies in its ability to straighten hair effectively at lower temperatures, a stark contrast to conventional straighteners that often operate at much higher heat levels.
This advanced technology aims to protect the hair’s integrity, preventing breakage and maintaining shine. The company claims the Light Straight is not only faster but also leaves hair smoother than leading premium stylers. During demonstrations at CES, the device showcased impressive efficiency, smoothing hair in a single pass, which suggests a significant improvement in styling performance.
Featured snippet paragraph: The L’Oréal Light Straight + Multi-styler uses patented infrared light technology combined with glass plates to straighten hair effectively at lower temperatures, around 320F (160C), which is significantly cooler than traditional straighteners that operate at 365F (185C) and above. This allows for less hair damage.
Unlike traditional straighteners that rely solely on high heat, the L’Oréal Light Straight + Multi-styler incorporates a specific, high-powered type of infrared light. This technology, which was previously very expensive, works synergistically with the heat generated by the device. The infrared light penetrates the hair, helping to temporarily modify its bonds while simultaneously contributing to the heat, enabling lower overall operating temperatures.
This synergistic effect is the key to why the straightener can operate at temperatures up to 80F (40-50C) cooler than conventional options. This reduction in heat is crucial for minimizing damage to hair cuticles, which can lead to brittleness, breakage, and a dull appearance over time.
While the working prototype features red LEDs, the final product will emit a blue light, creating a visually appealing, futuristic aesthetic that aligns with other L’Oréal tech innovations like the AirLight Pro hair dryer.
Although marketed as a ‘multi-styler’, its primary function is straightening. However, it also possesses the capability to curl hair, similar to other flat irons. L’Oréal is exploring further applications, including potential wet-to-dry straightening and enhanced curling functions through interchangeable styling attachments.
This technology represents a significant reinvention of the hair styling category, which has seen little fundamental change in its core technology for a long time. The primary purpose is to provide superior results with demonstrably less damage to the hair, a significant benefit for consumers.
L’Oréal has secured over 170 patents for the specific light technology employed in their beauty devices, including this hair straightener and a new LED facemask. The company anticipates that light-based technologies will become increasingly prevalent in the beauty industry as researchers explore various wavelengths for skin and hair applications.
Guive Balooch, Global Vice President of Tech and Open Innovation at L’Oréal Groupe, expressed excitement about the broader implications of this technology. He believes that the development of this high-performing, patented wavelength is just the beginning, and it’s encouraging to see the potential for light to be leveraged for beauty benefits.
While the exact launch date for the Light Straight + Multi-styler is set for 2027 globally, pricing details are yet to be confirmed. However, it is projected to be positioned in the mid-to-premium segment of the market.
Consumers looking for advanced hair styling solutions that prioritize hair health will be keenly interested in this innovative L’Oréal product. The combination of infrared light and lower temperatures offers a compelling alternative to traditional hair straighteners, potentially setting a new standard in the industry.
The development of this technology highlights L’Oréal’s commitment to research and innovation in the beauty sector, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with advanced scientific applications.
