Sure, Boston has bragging rights as home to the country’s
first public library and subway system, but in the glamour department, we’re
sadly behind the curve on our claims to “firsts.” Trends usually explode in
either New York or LA and then ever so slowly make their way to the Bean. But
thanks to Avi Elkayam and Seth Selman of Avanti Salon (11 Newbury
Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, 617.267.4027), Boston can now claim a brand-new
beauty first. While on a scouting trip in China, Elkayam, who is also owner of
Hair by Avi, a company that provides hair tools for the pros, spotted a rather
peculiar device in a salon’s back room and was immediately intrigued. The Ultrasonic
Haircare Treatment Iron (try saying that three times fast) looks
like your run-of-the-mill flat iron, but it’s actually made with two high-tech
plates, one projecting infrared rays and the other producing ultrasonic
vibrations at a speed of 36,000 pulses per second. But it’s not an MIT-grade
science experiment — just a smart use of technology. When the two plates come
together on damp, conditioned hair, they lock moisture into the hair follicle,
providing major deep conditioning. The jolt from the vibrations and infrared
rays is also said to stimulate hair growth, smooth unruly strands, and
strengthen weak, over-processed hair. The device will be sold to hair care
professionals nationwide this summer, but it’s currently being used exclusively
at Avanti. Ask for the “Fusion Iron Hair Conditioning Treatment” ($70). Do we
buy it? So far, we do — the Avanti staff has already gathered dozens of pretty
impressive testimonials. It may not be quite as much fun as your other
vibrating device of choice, but it promises to be just as effective.
