Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna

Sauna culture has a long history. Thousands of years ago, people discovered that hot air and steam could relax the body, leading them to heat stone piles to increase the air temperature. Over time, sauna technology evolved, and people began using stoves and hot stones to heat the sauna, making it more durable and stable. Today, sauna culture is widespread, and two of the most common types are traditional sauna vs infrared sauna. Each has unique benefits and functions. Let’s explore the differences between them.

Traditional Sauna

Traditional saunas come in various styles, including outdoor barrel saunas, square saunas, and olive-shaped saunas. They primarily use heated stones or stoves to generate hot air, raising the internal temperature significantly. The high heat causes intense sweating, which helps eliminate toxins, cleanse the skin, relieve fatigue, and promote relaxation.

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas are available in different forms, such as wooden infrared sauna rooms and portable infrared sauna tents. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air, infrared saunas use carbon fiber heating panels or infrared heaters to emit infrared radiation. This radiation penetrates the skin directly, generating heat within the body to promote blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, and support overall wellness.

One key difference is temperature. Traditional saunas operate at high temperatures, typically between 80°C and 100°C, inducing profuse sweating within 8 to 15 minutes. In contrast, infrared saunas function at much lower temperatures, around 45°C to 65°C, yet still encourage sweating after about 30 minutes. Because infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than warming the surrounding air, they do not need to reach the same high temperatures as traditional saunas.

Which Sauna is Right for You?

Both traditional and infrared saunas offer detoxification, muscle relaxation, and stress relief. However, they cater to different preferences:

Traditional saunas are ideal for those who enjoy high heat and intense sweating.
Infrared saunas are better suited for individuals sensitive to high temperatures, as they provide similar benefits at a lower heat level.
Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and physical tolerance. Whether you prefer the deep heat of a traditional sauna or the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna, both offer valuable health benefits.

How Long Does It Take to See the Benefits of an Infrared Sauna?

Due to their lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas, infrared saunas are more widely accepted, and an increasing number of people are choosing to purchase outdoor infrared sauna rooms. However, the effects of infrared saunas vary from person to person, meaning the time it takes to experience benefits differs.

In general, most people begin to notice some benefits after several sessions, but the exact timeframe depends on individual health, constitution, frequency, and duration of sauna use.

Some individuals may feel immediate effects after their first session, such as relaxation, stress reduction, and muscle pain relief.

For others, it may take multiple sessions before noticeable benefits appear.

Infrared sauna benefits are cumulative, meaning consistent use over time leads to more pronounced effects. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to maintain regular sessions with a consistent frequency and duration.

What to Wear in an Infrared Sauna

When using a far-infrared sauna, what you wear depends on personal preference and comfort. You can choose specialized sauna suits, sportswear, shorts, or T-shirts, but it’s best to opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to ensure proper ventilation and comfort.

 

Since infrared saunas generate higher temperatures, wearing thick clothing may hinder sweat evaporation, leading to discomfort. Cotton and other breathable fabrics are ideal for absorbing sweat and keeping you comfortable.

 

Additionally, avoid wearing metal accessories, as they can reflect far-infrared radiation, potentially affecting the sauna’s therapeutic benefits. Ultimately, choose attire that keeps you cool, comfortable, and allows for maximum sweat evaporation.

Is the Sauna Bad for Your Hair?

The high temperature and humidity in a sauna can have some adverse effects on your hair, including:

Dryness and Frizz – The heat and humidity can cause moisture to evaporate from your hair, leading to dryness and frizziness.

Scalp Health Issues – Prolonged exposure to heat may result in a dry scalp or dandruff, affecting overall scalp health.

Hair Color Fading – High temperatures can accelerate color fading, especially for dyed hair.

How to Protect Your Hair in a Sauna?

While saunas may have some negative effects on hair, these are usually temporary and can be minimized with proper care:

Wash your hair beforehand to remove dirt and chemicals that could react with heat.

Apply a protective layer such as hair oil or conditioner before entering the sauna to help retain moisture.

Limit sauna time to prevent excessive heat exposure.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of a sauna without compromising your hair’s health.

Custom Outdoor Family Portable Sauna Room

A portable sauna room is a movable or foldable sauna device that allows for easy assembly and disassembly. It can be conveniently placed at home, enabling users to enjoy a sauna session anytime, anywhere. Due to its exceptional convenience, portable sauna rooms are becoming increasingly popular. They can also be customized to meet personal preferences, with size adjustments based on available space and usage requirements.

 

Multi-person sauna rooms, such as 2 to 3-person models, can also be customized, allowing friends and family to enjoy a sauna together. Sharing a sauna experience fosters intimacy and strengthens friendships, adding fun and laughter to daily life.

 

Additionally, incorporating sauna accessories can enhance the overall experience and maximize its therapeutic benefits. For example:

 

Sauna stones placed on the sauna stove help increase heat and humidity, improving overall comfort.

Sauna headrests provide support for the head and relieve neck pressure, enhancing relaxation.

Sauna essential oils add to the experience—lavender promotes relaxation, while peppermint provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation.

With customization options available, you can create your ideal outdoor family portable sauna room, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.