Infrared Sauna vs Finnish Sauna: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been looking at sauna options, you’ve probably noticed there’s more than one way to get your sweat on.

Two of the most popular options are infrared sauna and traditional Finnish sauna. Both involve heat, both will make you sweat, and both can be a great addition to your wellness routine. But the experience is actually quite different.

At Clear Mind Studio, we offer both, so we’re not here to convince you that one is better than the other.

The better question is: which one is right for you?

Here’s what you need to know before you book.

What’s the Difference Between an Infrared Sauna and a Finnish Sauna?

The biggest difference is how they create heat.

A traditional Finnish sauna heats the air around you to create a much hotter environment. It’s the intense, dry heat most people picture when they think of a traditional sauna.

An infrared sauna works differently. Infrared panels produce radiant heat that warms your body while the surrounding air remains at a lower temperature.

The result?

Both get you warm and sweaty, but they feel very different.

Infrared tends to feel gentler and easier to sit in for longer, while Finnish sauna gives you that unmistakable, intense sauna heat.

What Does an Infrared Sauna Feel Like?

If you’re new to sauna or don’t love extremely hot environments, infrared sauna can be a great place to start.

Because the air temperature is lower than in a traditional Finnish sauna, the heat generally feels gentler.

You can settle in, switch off and let the warmth gradually build rather than being hit with intense heat as soon as you open the door.

And yes, you’ll still sweat.

For many of our clients, the appeal of infrared sauna isn’t about pushing themselves or seeing how much heat they can tolerate. It’s simply about having some uninterrupted time to slow down.

At Clear Mind Studio, your infrared sauna is completely private, so there’s no communal sauna or awkward small talk.

Just you, the heat and some time where nobody needs anything from you.

Why Do People Book Infrared Sauna?

People use infrared sauna for all sorts of reasons.

Some include it as part of their recovery routine, some enjoy it after exercise, and others book because they simply love how they feel after spending some time in the warmth.

Common reasons our clients book infrared sauna include:

• Relaxation and switching off

• Warming up tired or tight muscles

• Supporting their recovery routine

• Enjoying some quiet time

• Adding heat therapy to their regular wellness routine

• Wanting a gentler sauna experience

You don’t need to be an athlete or have a particular wellness goal either.

Sometimes sitting somewhere warm and quiet for a while is reason enough.

What Does a Finnish Sauna Feel Like?

A Finnish sauna is a very different experience.

This is traditional high-temperature sauna heat, so you’ll notice the difference as soon as you step inside.

The air itself is hot and the experience is considerably more intense than infrared.

For people who love that proper sauna feeling, this is exactly what they’re looking for.

At Clear Mind Studio, our Finnish sauna is also private, so you get the traditional sauna experience without sharing the space with strangers.

And there’s another important difference.

Our Finnish sauna can be paired with an ice bath.

Finnish Sauna + Ice Bath = Contrast Therapy

If you’re specifically looking for contrast therapy in Perth, this is where we’d point you towards the Finnish sauna.

Contrast therapy involves alternating between hot and cold, moving between the Finnish sauna and ice bath during your session.

Hot.

Cold.

Hot again.

It’s a completely different experience from simply sitting in a sauna, and it’s become increasingly popular with people adding hot and cold therapy to their recovery and wellness routines.

At Clear Mind Studio, the Finnish sauna and ice bath are located together in your own private contrast therapy room.

That means no communal ice baths and no sitting in a sauna with a room full of strangers.

You can move between the sauna and ice bath at your own pace and enjoy the whole experience privately.

So, Which Sauna Should You Choose?

It really comes down to the experience you want.

Choose an infrared sauna if:

• You prefer gentler heat

• You’re new to sauna

• You find very high temperatures uncomfortable

• You want to relax and switch off

• You want to add sauna to your regular wellness or recovery routine

• You want a private sauna session without the intensity of traditional sauna heat

Choose a Finnish sauna if:

• You love traditional high-temperature sauna

• You want a more intense heat experience

• You’re already comfortable using saunas

• You want to combine sauna with an ice bath

• You specifically want to try contrast therapy

There isn’t a winner.

They’re simply two different experiences.

Infrared Sauna vs Finnish Sauna: Quick Comparison

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely.

You don’t need to decide you’re an “infrared person” or a “Finnish sauna person”.

You might choose infrared when you want a gentler session and simply need some quiet time.

Another week, you might want the intensity of the Finnish sauna and ice bath.

It depends on what you feel like you need that day.

Where Can I Find Infrared Sauna in Perth?

Clear Mind Studio offers private infrared sauna sessions in Perth at our Inglewood and Fremantle studios.

Unlike a communal sauna, your session is booked just for you.

You’ll have your own private space, allowing you to properly switch off without sharing the experience with strangers.

It’s one of the things we’ve always believed wellness should give you: a little space away from everything else.

Where Can I Find Finnish Sauna and Ice Bath in Perth?

Our Finnish sauna and ice bath experience is also available at Clear Mind Studio in Inglewood and Fremantle.

The sauna and ice bath are together in a private room, allowing you to alternate between hot and cold during your contrast therapy session.

If the thought of getting into an ice bath in front of other people has been putting you off trying one, you don’t have to worry about that here.

It’s just you.

What Should I Book for My First Sauna?

If you’ve never used a sauna before and aren’t sure how you’ll handle the heat, infrared sauna is probably the gentler introduction.

If you already know you enjoy traditional sauna or you specifically want to experience hot and cold therapy, choose the Finnish sauna + ice bath.

And if you still have absolutely no idea, ask us.

We’d much rather help you choose the experience that suits you than have you book something just because you think you’re supposed to.

Infrared Sauna vs Finnish Sauna: The Bottom Line

Neither infrared nor Finnish sauna is automatically better.

They’re different.

Infrared sauna offers a gentler heat experience that’s ideal if you want to relax, warm up and enjoy some uninterrupted time to yourself.

Finnish sauna gives you the traditional high-temperature sauna experience and is the option to choose if you want to combine heat with an ice bath for contrast therapy.

At Clear Mind Studio, you can experience both privately at our Inglewood and Fremantle studios in Perth.

So really, the only question left is:

How hot do you want to get?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is infrared sauna better than Finnish sauna?

Neither is necessarily better. Infrared sauna provides a gentler heat experience, while Finnish sauna uses much hotter air and provides a traditional sauna experience. The best choice depends on your preferences and what you want from your session.

What is the main difference between infrared and Finnish sauna?

The main difference is how they heat you. Infrared saunas use radiant infrared heat, while Finnish saunas heat the surrounding air to a much higher temperature.

Which sauna is better for beginners?

If you’re new to sauna or don’t tolerate intense heat particularly well, infrared sauna can be a gentler place to start.

Can I do an ice bath with an infrared sauna?

At Clear Mind Studio, our private contrast therapy experience pairs the ice bath with our Finnish sauna rather than the infrared sauna.

Where can I book an infrared sauna in Perth?

Clear Mind Studio offers private infrared sauna sessions at our Inglewood and Fremantle studios in Perth.

Where can I book a Finnish sauna and ice bath in Perth?

Clear Mind Studio offers private Finnish sauna and ice bath contrast therapy sessions at both our Inglewood and Fremantle locations.