Hair Styling Tools

While it can sometimes take a little or a lot of extra time to tease your hair (depending on the style), it can make such a huge difference in the outcome.  The key in creating any style, however, is what styling brushes are used to pump up and tease the hair.  Yes, I said styling brushes and not styling combs.  In addition to this there are some simple rules of thumb to follow and selecting the right haircare products for finishing touches.

If you are starting from scratch, meaning your hair is due for a shampoo, the best aid in obtaining the best teasing results  starts with using the right shampoo and conditioner.  You want these haircare products to have body building and volumizing ingredients.   Next, when doing the blowout, use a large round styling brush, pulling your hair up and out to achieve more lift at the roots.  Depending on the style, use whatever styling tool that you have to either curl, wave, or straighten the body of your hair.  You are now ready for the “tease”.

1.  Gather your hair at the crown of your head and separate out in two or three inch sections those areas of your hair that you want to tease.

2. This next step is where you use the appropriate styling brush that is determined by the style.  If you want an airy, wispy look which is usually associated with a chignon style, you will want to use a paddle brush.  Take each section of hair and rather than starting at the roots pull the hair up and brush down each section from the ends of the hair toward the roots.  Continue this process until all sections that you want teased are completed.

3.  If your style is based solely on volume, and it’s lift you are looking for, the best way to achieve this is to section off the hair that you are wanting to tease in small amounts.  Starting with the back sections first, raise the strands of hair up and taking a flatback teasing brush (Spornette Little Wonders are the best) start pushing the brush through the section from the tips of the hair into the roots.  Once that section is complete, lay it toward the back of your crown and then repeat the same process with each forward section.  Once you have the sections teased and laying down, smooth other with the brush so that the top layer is covering all of the teased hair.

As an aside, it sometimes works best to lightly spray each section of teased hair with some hairspray so that the teasing doesn’t drop and maintains stability.  One additional side note is that if you don’t have to wash your hair, don’t. Sometimes teasing works best with day or two old hair.

As with any electrical appliance, there are usually care instructions included in the packaging when your purchase it.  And, if you are like most of us, these instructions get tossed and when you need them you ask yourself why you didn’t just file them away.  Well, for those of you who fall into this category, here are some simple rules of thumb for taking care of your hair dryer so that it will hopefully last just a little longer as a result of that extra attention you give it.

1. Most hair dryers now come with a removable cover on the air intake screen where the dust, lint, and occasional hair accumulate.  By removing the cover and gently removing the debris, you are keeping the airway path open for maximum airflow.  Perform this cleaning at least once every two weeks to a month, especially if you keep your dryer out in the open and not stowed away in a drawer.
2. Do not wrap the cord of the dryer around the dryer.  The tension of doing this obviously stretches out the cord and adds to an earlier weakening of the cord where it is attached.  If you are not keeping the dryer plugged into the outlet at all times, take care to use a twist-tie or some time of band to coil up the cord.  Make sure that the cord has some leeway where it attaches to the dryer to relieve any tension.
3. When stowing away your hairdryer, be sure to not place it in a location where it is sitting on top of items or where items can easily shift and lay on top of it.  This is especially important in the area of where the intake screen is located.  If you don’t have enough counter space to keep your dryer out when not in use, consider purchasing a dryer holder that can be mounted on the wall or even looking at the selection of wall mounted hair dryers available for purchase.
4. Keep the hair dryer clear of any moisture. Most of us use our dryer in the bathroom, and naturally there can be water droplets on the vanity and in the sink.  While most of the time this is not an issue, however, there are times during the drying process that we lay the dryer down.  If there is water in that particular spot, it can make its way into the dryer and cause potential shortages.

While these are just a few simple tips to follow, it can make all the difference in keeping your hair dryer working well and certainly longer than if you had not taken these steps.

Whenever there are ads on television or in magazines all you see are women with lush, thick, and most of the time long flowing strands of hair.  The reality of it all is that there are many of us who just don’t fit that profile.  There are probably just as many of us who have thin, fine hair and are many times struggling with styling it.  Using a hair dryer becomes a challenge because the power is just too much for the amount of hair we have to deal with.  That coupled with the frustration of trying to hold a styling brush in one hand and the dryer in the other, the experience is less than a positive one.  And, the problem doesn’t go away and we face it each and every time we have to wash, dry, and style our hair.  So are there other options?

If you ask me, hot air brushes were designed for us women who have thin, fine hair.  Why?  Well, for starters, hot air brushes range anywhere from 250 watts to a maximum of 1000 watts of power.  Why is this a consideration?  Most hair dryers range anywhere from 1300 to 2000 watts of power.  This is typically far more than is needed for people with thin, fine hair.  Secondly, the hot air brush is an all-in-one hair styling tool.  This hair styling tool is a hair dryer and styling brush combination.  You don’t need anything more than one hand to hold the tool and the other to be able to  take sections of your hair to wrap around the brush and work with it as you go.  While the hot air is blowing out from the center of the brush, it is not only drying your hair but styling it at the same time.  This is the same result that you would be achieving by holding a styling brush in one hand and the hair dryer in the other.

Hot air brushes are available with two different kinds of bristles for you to choose from.  One is the nylon bristle and the other is flexible ball-tipped bristles.  Both will result in frizz-free styling.   Another option of a hot air brush is that they range in barrel sizes from 3/4″ to 1 1/2″ so you can select the right size barrel for your particular length of hair and/or desired size curl.  Most models come with a curl release  button so that if the hair starts to get caught up in the brush you can easily release the hair.  Another great feature is that newer versions of hot air brushes are now available with ceramic and ionic technologies so these are even better for the health of your hair.

The price range for hot air brushes runs anywhere from $20.00 to $38.00, which is very affordable when you look at the fact that a hair dryer ranges anywhere from $40.00 on up, coupled with the fact that a good styling brush would cost you upwards of $10.00.  But most importantly, think of the reduced frustration you will experience.  For me that is worth more than the price of the hot air brush and then some.

It seems all we ever want to do is eliminate the frizz when it comes to styling our hair.  While haircare products are important, using the right hair styling tool is equally as important coupled with the right cut and hair styling process.

If you don’t already have your thick hair cut in layers, you may want to consider doing so as this will reduce the bulkiness of your hair.  Beware of stylists that want to use a razor as this will definitely cause some ragged ends. Keeping your hair hydrated with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will weigh your hair down and thus reduce the puffiness.  Make sure you use an anti-frizz serum (PI Super Serum) before you dry your hair as this will help seal the cuticle.

After blow drying your hair, take a ceramic plate flat iron and straighten two-inch sections at a time.  If you want a slight curl to your style, dry 90% of your hair.  Next part your hair down the middle from the crown to nape.  Mist your hair with some setting spray and twist each side of your parted hair into a low, loose bun.  Attach a  hair diffuser to your hair dryer and finish off drying your hair.  After ten minutes uncoil the buns and give your hair a run through with your fingers and you are done.

Is it time to replace an old styling brush, or are you looking for something new to accomodate a new style or cut?  

Shopping for a new brush may not be as simple as you would like for it to be, but if you take some of the following tips and suggestions  under consideration, it might save you some time deciding what is the best brush for you.  Some of the considerations in shopping for a new brush are what hair type you have, the length of your hair,  what style you are trying to achieve, and what exactly will the function of the brush be.

HAIR TYPE

Boar bristle brushes are probably one of the only type brushes that provide benefits for almost every hair type.  This natural bristle brush was designed to clean, condition, and polish your hair.  While the paddle type boar brush is great for brushing through your hair and attracting dirt and dust (meaning it cleans your hair), it also provides a benefit of polishing and conditioning your hair.  This happens as a result of the density of the fibrous bristles, which automatically pull out any dirt and dust.  

If you have normal to thick hair you may want to consider brushes that come with both nylon and boar bristles because sometimes a natural bristle brush may not get all of the tangles out.  Detangling with natural bristles is actually better for normal to fine hair.  If your hair is coarse and thick, a nylon brush may work best because it tends to be on the stronger side.   

HAIR LENGTH

Whatever your hair length is, is what typically determines the size of the brush barrel that you will need.  This is also associated with whether or not the brush you are looking for is for styling or just for your everyday brush-through once you are out and about and need to tidy up your style or if there is no style, just to detangle the hair.  Paddle brushes are great for the detangling of hair.  Round brushes are needed when using a hair dryer to style while drying your hair.  

HAIR STYLING

When it comes to styling your hair, thermal round styling  brushes are the best.  Depending on what the style is and the length of your hair will determine the size needed.  Round brushes come in a variety of sizes and types of bristles to accomodate all hair lengths and styling needs.  Typically a 1 inch barrel is the smallest and some of the largest barrel sizes reach in the 4 inch to 5 inch range.  Obviously, the smaller the barrel for the shorter hair up to the larger barrel sizes for the longer hair.  However, that is not to say that someone with shoulder length hair might want to use a 1 inch or slightly larger size barrel to make sure they get the hair to curl under or curl up.  The larger size barrels are going to give you volume. 

Outside of the round brush and the paddle brush, there are also brushes designed just for teasing your hair.  In fact, Spornette makes the Little Wonder which is truly the best brush I have ever tried for teasing my hair.  It surpassed any comb that I have ever used for this very purpose.

As with anything, a consultation with your hair stylist is always a good thing to do prior to you actually buying a new brush.  You want to make sure that what you are wanting to buy is actually going to do the job because in most cases a brush is a non-returnable item.

Organization can be a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to the clutter that is either on your bathroom counter or if you are a salon professional, at your workstation in the salon.  Over and over I hear the same complaints about hair styling tools being left laying out on the counter at home.  And, in some of the older salons, stylists are getting bogged down with their tools and need something to keep them organized at their station.

So what is available for us neat freaks or for those who are looking to stop being harped on for leaving out our hair dryers, curling irons, etc.?  The hair care industry has been busy over the last couple of years and fortunately for all of us, there are several options for organizing our hair tools.  And, it isn’t necessarily limited to just hairdryers or curling irons.

For starters, if you are only looking to do something with your hair dryer, Hairware by Spilo, has just the right holder for you.  These sturdy metal holders can either be mounted on the wall (there is a left wall model and a right wall model) or a model that sits right on the counter.  They can actually hold a large curling iron or flat iron as well.

Hairware by Spilo comes to the rescue once again.  If you are looking for a multi-tool holder, there are two options available.  One is the Spilo Hairware Electric Lucite Tool Holder and the other is the Spilo Hairware Lucite Tool Holder.  The obvious difference between the two is that one has a triple electrical outlet and other does not.  Both tool holders feature two chrome tubes with one jumbo size to hold up to a 1 1/2″ curling iron or a 1″ hot air brush.  Each has a middle compartment to hold your hairdryer.  These lucite holders can be wall mounted through screw holes or table mounted with double-stick tape (both included).

And, last but not least, if you are looking for something to just hold your hair straightener and/or curling iron, Le Angelique has two holders to fit the bill.  One holds a 1 ” straightener exclusively, and the other will hold a larger straightener or a 1″ straightener and perhaps a smaller curling iron.

Obviously, there is something for just about each scenario, and all are reasonably priced.  So, if you are looking for something unusual as a holiday gift, perhaps one of these organizers will take the guess work out of what to buy.

If you don’t already know what a diffuser is, it is a hair dryer attachment that goes on the nozzle of your dryer.  Many of the models that are now being sold come with them, but there are still those that don’t.  The other thing to take into consideration is that there are several different types of diffusers and it basically boils down to personal preference.  If your blow dryer did not come with a diffuser, it is important to make sure that the shape of the nozzle of your dryer is one that will accommodate those that are being sold as a universal fit.  Typically the universal fit type is one that will fit the basic round nozzle dryer that does not change shape or size in the nozzle area for at least the first three or so inches of the nozzle.  If your dryer is the type that does not have the round circumference on the nozzle, you may want to check with the manufacturer of your dryer to see if they sell diffusers specifically designed for your dryer as an add-on attachment.  Or, there is this handy item called a Hot Sock Diffuser that fits on the end of any dryer and usually costs about $5.00.  It is great for traveling also because it is lightweight and takes up no space at all.  However, since it does not have fingers, the uses are restricted if you have straight hair and are trying to create a style other than straight.

So why would you want to use a diffuser on straight hair?  For one, it can create extra volume.  This is done by moving the section of hair upward with the hair diffuser while you are drying it.  If you want to create some wave or other pattern to your hair, you would simply rotate the diffuser in a circle around the various sections of your head while drying.  These are best achieved by using a diffuser that has the fingers.  And, most of us just thought a diffuser with fingers was only for those who have curly hair.  It is important to note that you don’t want to have your dryer setting on the highest heat because with the close proximity of the dryer to your hair you do not want to risk burning your scalp.

One additional tidbit of information regarding using diffusers is that you can still use a diffuser even if it doesn’t fit the nozzle of your dryer.  If you don’t mind using two hands, hold the diffuser with one hand and place it on the scalp using whichever motion as described above to create the style, while holding the dryer with the other hand as close as you can get it to the opening of the diffuser.  Too often we don’t maximize the use of hair styling tools that we already have on hand, and in this day and age, being as thrifty as possible and dealing with a few minor inconveniences never hurt anyone.

If you haven’t already decided on what you want to be for Halloween, there are a couple of ideas where using a hair crimper will add to the overall completion of your Halloween costume.

So for starters, how about dressing up as the bride of Frankenstein?  It may not be that easy of a task, but it could be a very dramatic look, and who knows, you may really enjoy the outcome.  To create the bride of Frankenstein hairdo be aware that you will be being doing a lot of teasing of your hair.  While this style can work well with a variety of hair lengths and hair types, shoulder-length hair works best.  If you hair is longer, it might be more of a challenge.  Are you ready to see what is needed, well here goes…

ITEMS NEEDED:  Crimping iron, ultra maximum hold hairspray, teasing brush or comb, hair pins, white colored temporary spray color to add streaks to the style.

1. Spray your entire head with hairspray lightly.
2. Take your hair and divide into 1 to 3 inch sections and start crimping from the roots down.  Crimp until all sections of hair are done.
3. Tease your hair to the max at the crown and all the way to the roots.  This process is for creating a base.  Spray heavily with hairspray.
4. Tease the surrounding sections of your hair lightly and spray well so you can pin them to the base you have created.
5. Take your hair and work the style into a cone shape.  Tease if necessary and then apply hairspray to the outside sections.
6. Once you have the desired cone shape, spray yet again to make sure the style lasts for whatever amount of time you are going to be partying.
7. The final step is taking the white colored spray and spraying a white line that starts above your ears and continues upward diagonally to the ends of your hair.

Ok, so if you’re not into the Bride of Frankenstein, or if it looks like too much work, how about going as something reminiscent of the 1980′s?  Looking punk, or wearing your tresses crimped will certainly bring some laughs and fun into your style.  The picture below is that of Jody Foster in the 80′s.  If you have short to medium length hair this could work along with wearing the 80′s wardrobe.  This hairstyle only requires crimping each section of your hair with no teasing of the hair or excessive amounts of hairspray.  You simply want to section your hair and pin it up as you crimp each section.

Last but not least, please remember to use haircare products that provide protection for your hair.  Just as with any hair styling tool, using crimpers will not damage your hair when used occasionally, but any time you apply extra heat to your hair, it is always best to treat your hair with respect and do not allow your hair to get overheated or dried out.  On that note, have a Happy Halloween and most of all HAVE FUN!

Are you tired of the straight sleeky looking hair style and are you ready to try something new?  With the variety of new and not-so-new hair styling tools available, one doesn’t have to do anything permanent or semi-permanent such as getting a perm in their hair.  3 barrel wavers are just one of the more innovative tools available that provide those of us with enough hair to use one, some fun, trendy,  and even retro looking styles.  The hairstyles you can create will look great on all ages from children to seniors and it doesn’t matter if your hair is short or long.

Triple barrel wavers can be used to create several different styles or if you are just looking to create some volume you can use the waver at the scalp just under the top section of your hair.  Unless you are using the newer deep wavers, the 3 barrel waver will provide you with some soft horizontal waves that look natural and inviting.  Some call the affect that the waver leaves an “S” wave, and others just call the look retro from the 1940′s.  Whatever you want to call it, you can mix up the uses and angles that you are using the waver and create and design some styles all your own.  But for the basic use of a 3 barrel waver, follow HotTools.com’s  instructions below:

1. Wash and dry your hair as you normally would.
2. Starting at the top of the head, use horseshoe sections around the top of your head, pre-section the hair all the way down to the hairline.
3. Begin as near to the scalp as possible and place a 1/2 inch section of hair in the iron clamp and hold it for 5 seconds.
4. Release the hair and move the iron down the section of hair equal to the width of the iron.
5. Move to the back section keeping the top section of hair secure with a hair clip.
6. Release the next pre-sectioned hair and repeat.
7. Continue in this fashion all the way up the head to the top.
8. Finish by releasing the last section and repeating steps 3 through 5.

If you want a softer look once you have completed the waving process, simply break up the waves by running your fingers through them.

The previous instructions will give you a headful of extremely wavy hair.  However, if you are looking for that messy, sultry, hot look, then follow the step by step instructions below:

1. Wash and dry your hair as you normally would.
2. Part your hair into sections.
3. Take the bottom sections of your hair and curl each bottom section in the waver.  Apply some hairspray after each curl to hold it in place.
4. The next section up from the bottom you are going to only use the waver halfway down from the roots so that you are leaving the ends of these sections straight.  Again, apply the hairspray.
5. The top layer sections of hair should be waved from the roots to the ends of the hair.  However, in each of these sections leave out some occasional strands to avoid too much poof and giving it that messy look.  Apply hairspray to this layer of hair as well.
6. For the finished product, lean your head over and fluff your hair a bit and then bring your head back upright.  If you are satisfied with the look, apply one last layer of hairspray and you are done.

It is always important when doing any styling of hair with hot tools, to be sure to use some protective hair care product prior to styling.  Whether it is a serum, a spray, or whatever form it comes in, either apply it to the entire head of hair or by section as you use the hair styling tool.

Time always seems to be something that most of us don’t have enough of.  It seems like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything and that includes styling our hair.  The following are just a few tips on some shortcuts that I have uncovered and wanted to pass along.  Allure magazine frequently provides some very helpful tips for the hair styling industry.  Their August 2010 issue featured “13 Hairstyling Shortcuts” and these are some of the tips that I have found to be very helpful and relevant using haircare products and hair tools that you already have and use on a regular basis.

REVITALIZING BOUNCE BACK INTO YOUR HAIR

Your hairstyle has lost its bounce because your hair has fallen and lacks pizazz.   If your hair is at least neck length or longer, all it takes is two simple steps to get that lightness and buoyancy back to your hair.  First plug in your large barrel curling iron.  Flip your head over and spray your hair with a light-hold hair spray.  Flip your head back to the upright position and taking a large section of hair (it should only take six to ten sections of your hair to do) and wrap the section around the curling iron barrel.  Hold for 10 to 15 seconds or slightly longer if curl isn’t taking.  Once you have curled each section, run your fingers through the hair and shake it.  If you want extra fluffiness, you will need to brush out the curls after they have cooled.

FIGHTING FRIZZ FAST (After Washing Hair)

One of the most effective ways to quickly get rid of frizz is to use a blow dryer.  When your hair is not quite dry, take  skinny sections of the outer layers of your hair and wrap each one around a large round hair brush. Using the high heat option, blow-dry with the concentrator attachment.  If your hair is still somewhat frizzy, take a dime-size amount of hair serum (I use Potions International Super Serum) and rub it between your palms.  Next run your palms over the outer layer of your hair and if necessary follow with a flat iron.

FIXING WACKED OUT BANGS

Bangs have a way of sometimes doing their own thing.  To get them back to looking like bangs and not wingdings, wet them at the roots.  Pull on the bangs with your fingers as you are drying them with your hair dryer.  Hair stylist Orlando Pita tugs the bangs from left to right and then right to left.  For those of us who have cowlicks or other areas that create a problem, Mr. Pita says “make sure the roots are dried first in the direction you want the bangs to end up.  Then continue to dry the ends with a small round brush.”  Remember to point the dryer down so as to avoid creating a dorky looking curl.