If you’ve ever owned a hairdryer that felt more like a design object than a basic bathroom tool, chances are you’ve got Dr. Julie Chung to thank.
As the co-founder and original muse behind T3 Micro, Julie helped redefine what hair tools could be – elevating them from cheap plastic workhorses to sleek, high-performance essentials that actually do your hair justice. It all started with a night out in L.A., when Julie – then a medical student, now a renowned eye surgeon – was left unimpressed by her frizzy blowout. Her partner (and now husband) Kent Yu took note, had a lightbulb moment, and the T3 Featherweight was born.
Fast-forward two decades and Julie’s come full circle, rejoining T3 to help steer its next chapter as the brand doubles down on AI-powered innovation and hyper-personalised haircare. Her dual background in science and beauty gives her a uniquely sharp perspective – equal parts tech-savvy and user-first – and she’s not afraid to credit her 9-year-old son (who casually builds drones in his spare time) as her unofficial CTO.
But don’t just be swayed by her Silicon Valley credentials. Julie’s take on tech is deeply practical. She’s a mother, a multitasker, and someone who very much lives in the real world – where good hair, quality sleep, and a phone that actually works are non-negotiables. Whether she’s brushing out frizz with her Aire 360, blocking notifications with Focus Mode, or voice-dictating emails mid-blowdry, Julie is all about integrating innovation into everyday routines.
Here, she shares the gadgets she swears by, the apps she actually uses, and why smart airflow might just be the future of beauty tech…
The Download With Julie Chung
3 Gadgets I can’t live without are…
My iPhone – It keeps everything (and everyone) moving – from calendar alerts to last-minute school pickups to inspo saves.
My Aire 360 – Specifically the Aire Brush attachment. I use it every time I wash my hair or else the frizz wins. It’s fast, it smooths, it gives me that polished-but-effortless look.
My Oura Ring – I love knowing how well I’ve slept – or didn’t – and using that to pace my day. Sleep, but make it optimized.
My favourite softwares and apps are…
Notion – My external brain.
Instagram – It’s research. It’s storytelling. It’s where the brand breathes3.
A life changing tech tip is to…
Turn ‘Focus Mode’ on. I set mine to cut off social apps and non-essential pings during deep work.
Also ‘Voice Dictation’ for emails or ideas while I’m doing my hair…
T3’s latest launch, AIRE 360
I stay updated with latest tech trends from…
My 9-year-old. He built his first computer at 5 and is currently designing his own drones. I joke that he’s my CTO.
The emerging technologies I’m excited about are…
Adaptive heat + airflow: What we’re building into tools like Aire IQ. Your hair gets exactly what it needs, no more, no less.
AI: Data driven product development using AI and hyper-personalised hair care through AI powered diagnostics.
I have been inspired by…
Creativity, Inc. – Beautiful lessons on building and protecting creativity.
The Glossy Podcast – Fashion and beauty through a business lens.
Honest feedback from hairstylists and consumers alike. They’re my favorite R&D lab…
Dr. Julie Chung and husband Kent Yu
Fashion tech I’m loving…
Virtual try ons!
Beauty tech I’m loving…
Beyond the Aire 360… I’m loving LED light therapy masks – the science is solid, and it feels like a spa moment at home.
AIRE 360
The Modems’ Byte-Sized Questions:
💻 iOS or Android?
iOS – seamlessly chaotic.
🎧 Earbuds or over-ear headphones?
Over-ear. It’s the universal “I’m busy” sign.
📱 Text or voice notes?
Text
📸 Phone selfie or proper digi cam?
Phone selfie
💡 Dark mode or light mode?
Light mode
💄 Filters or no filter?
Depends on the day
💳 Apple Pay or designer wallet?
Apple Pay
📺 Netflix marathon or TikTok scroll?
TikTok
📖 E-book or Audiobook?
Audiobook.
🎶 Spotify playlists or YouTube deep dives?
Spotify.
🖥️ Desktop setup or laptop on-the-go?
Laptop on-the-go.
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