Hair Styling Tools

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.

Pin curls have been a popular and elegant hairstyle since the 1920s. It is a style that you can easily achieve at home with the right tools and proper instructions. For wet set pin curls you will need setting lotion, a tail comb, and lots of bobby pins. Wash and gently towel-dry your hair so it is clean and damp before you begin. Apply setting lotion if your hair is fine or has trouble holding a curl.

Lay out your tail comb and bobby pins within reach. With the tail comb divide the hair into one inch sections. Wrap a section around your finger tightly, close to the head. Slip your finger out of the curl and secure it in place with two bobby pins criss-crossed over each other. Repeat until all the hair is secured. Now you just have to wait until your hair has dried. This can take a long time, but wet set curls last a lot longer then dry set curls. When your hair is completely dry, take out the bobby pins, gently comb through the curls and spray a bit of hairspray for extra hold.

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.

The coach/choreographer of my college dance team was very strict about our appearance for performances. In addition to wearing the right uniform and dance shoes, we had to use specific make-up and wear specific earrings. Our hair also had to be curled, half-up, and secured with rhinestone encrusted clips. It became quite challenging to get my naturally straight hair to hold a curl.

Fortunately, one of my teammates introduced me to steam hot rollers. They’re so simple and easy to use. They work quickly and the moisture adds volume. All I had to do was give a quick once over with hairspray and I was good to go for the rest of the day. Before, I used to get up an hour early to set my hair in traditional curlers, spray the heck out of my hair, and have to leave the curlers in through morning rehearsal. Discovering steam hot rollers saved me a lot of time and frustration.

To be perfectly honest, it isn’t always the type or size of curling iron that will make your curls last.  Yes, there are curling irons that are better than others.  And, yes, the size of the curling iron will make a difference depending on what size curl you are going for as well as what type and length your hair is.   However, it really starts to make the difference from the point you are in the shower, to the last finishing touches of hair care product that you apply to your hair.

As with any hair care product, if it is heavy in consistency, your hair will be weighed down.  Thus, when you are going for curly tresses you will want to start off with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner that readies your hair for the drying and curling processes.  These types of shampoos and conditioners tend to be on the lighter weight side.  After towel drying your hair and before using your hair dryer, spray your hair with a lightweight heat protecting product.  If you already have slightly curly or wavy hair, or even if you don’t, I highly recommend Potions International Super Argan Spray-In.  This not only will help protect your hair but it will help intensify the curls.  If you have a diffuser for your dryer, attach it and dry your hair.  If you don’t, just scrunch your hair as you are drying so you are not blowing out any wave or curl that you already have and it tends to keep the hair tamer.

Now that your hair is dry, it is time to curl your hair.  As to the size of the curling iron, it does depend on what size curl you want.  The bigger the barrel, the larger the curl.  However, remember once again that the weight of your hair will pull the curl out, especially if you have long thick hair.  If you are only going for a loose curl and don’t want the curl to be kinky, then I would suggest nothing larger than a 1 1/2″ barrel, but going as small as a 3/4″ to 1 ” can work too because once again the weight of your hair will pull it out unless you are using a ton of hairspray.  The key to curling your hair is being patient.  Yes, it does take time.  You will want to curl your hair in sections starting with the underneath hairs first.  Pin the top sections up on your head as you will be working your way up.

Oh, and by the way, what type curling iron is best?  Nowadays it is all about ceramic.  If you want to be kind to your hair and cause less damage, then ceramic is the way to go.  I know many hair stylists and those of us who haven’t bought a curling iron in ages are still using the metal barrel curling irons.  If it is only occasional, you are probably ok, but if you curl your hair on a regular basis, it is time to donate and update.

If you are one of those people who have really stubborn hair that just doesn’t like a curling iron, hot rollers are an alternative way to get the curls you want.  Just as with a curling iron, you can use the smaller size rollers to get a longer lasting curl.

The final touches require an extreme, super, or maximum hold hair spray.  And when I say spray, I mean really spray.  A pssst here and a pssst there won’t cut it.  Lay the spray on heavy to be absolutely sure your hair stays.  If you want some falling out of the curl, then obviously a lighter amount of spraying is all that is necessary.

If you are anything like me, I’m always rushing around every morning getting ready for work.  Even the best laid plans seem to fall short at times due to some last minute clothes or hair crisis in the morning.  And, I hate to admit it, sometimes even lost car keys or glasses.  I promised myself I would not be like my mother – LOL.

So, what helps me be able to multi-task while getting ready for work or whatever I’m getting ready for?  Alas, my flocked hot rollers seem to save the day.  In fact, I love my BaByliss hot rollers 20 piece set that consists of velvety soft flocked rollers that are extremely comfortable on my hair.  The 20 pieces include 8 large, 6 medium, and 6 small size rollers.  They come with butterfly clamps or the traditional metal pins.  I prefer the clamps because I just think they are easier and faster to use.  With the 3 different sizes I can accomodate those areas of my hair that I am needing volume, and then those areas where I want a little more curl.  It literally only takes a few minutes to get my hair up in the rollers and then I can be applying my makeup, and doing any last minute accessorizing of my outfit for the day.  Once that is done, it is time to take out the rollers and run a brush through my locks, spray my hair and I’m off. 

If you have mornings like I do and you just don’t have time to be using that curling iron, or straightening iron, I highly suggest you invest in a set of hot rollers and trust me, it will save you valuable time!

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.

If you have extremely healthy hair and you are looking for an inexpensive way to own a professional model curling iron, then Helen of Troy curling irons are the way to go.  The particular curling iron I’m about to describe is the Helen of Troy Pro Spring Curling Iron and it comes with a triple-plated chrome barrel.   Chrome plated curling irons are some of the most commonly used and also the least expensive of curling irons available.  And, if you are looking for one, Helen of Troy is your best bet.  Helen of Troy has late 1960′s origins but has been creating popularity in hair styling tools since the early 198o’s.  They are the creators of the Hot Tools brand so when it comes to quality hair styling tools you can’t go wrong.

The Helen of Troy Pro Spring Curling Iron actually comes in seven sizes and they are as follows:

• 3/8″     –  Micro mini creates soft, tight curls, bangs and wisps
• 1/2″     –   Mini creates extra-tight curls
• 5/8″    -   Midi creates smooth tight curls
• 3/4″    -   Regular is for all hair lengths
• 1″        -   Jumbo creates full curls and waves
• 1 1/4″  -   Mega creates large, loose curls
• 1 1/2″  -   Super-Mega is for longer hair

Other great features of this particular curling iron are that it has a contoured ergonomic handle making it easy to use.  As for heat settings it comes with a high and a low and you can feel comfortable knowing that it has a long-life heating element.  Each iron comes with a cool tip for styling control.   One additional nice feature is that these curling irons do heat up fast.  I have also received great feedback from a number of people who have used these irons and say that they are the only curling irons that actually produce a lasting curl.

These curling irons can be found for as low as $10.00 and up depending on their size.  Economical enough to buy more than one so you have a variety of sizes available for use.

There are hair dryers that have 600 watts, 1300 watts, 1600 watts, 1875 watts, 1900 watts, and 2000 watts.   And there may be others, but who is counting?  The more important question is how much wattage does one actually need to dry their hair.  And, does it make a difference as to how much or how little hair you have?

Wattage in hair dryers is actually referring to the amount of power that is being output.  Consequently, an 1875 watt blow dryer is less powerful than a 2000 watt dryer, a 1600 watt dryer is less than an 1875 watt dryer, etc.  Knowing this, then the question is what works best on any particular type of hair or amount of hair?

FINE, THIN, DAMAGED, or FRAGILE  CURLY HAIR: If your hair type falls under any one of these descriptions then a hair dryer with 1200 to 1500 watts is all that you really need.  You might also want to consider towel blotting your hair to remove any excess moisture and then when drying to use the slowest and coolest setting to prevent further damage.

MEDIUM STRAIGHT or TEXTURED HAIR: If you have either  of these types of hair and it is neither fine nor damaged, you can dry your hair with any wattage range depending on the speed that you are using or the desired style.

THICK or WAVY HAIR: Or, if your hair takes a long time to dry, a minimum of 1875 watts should be used.

Two additional considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a hair dryer is how many heat settings and how many speeds the dryer has.  At a minimum you want a dryer that has at least two heat settings.  If your hair is fine, thin, damaged, or fragile curly, you will benefit from cool or cold settings as these will prevent further heat damage and if you have fine hair, the cool air will plump up any limp strands.  If you has thick strands you should use the full heat settings.  The hot air blowing out of a dryer helps to create a style and the cold air locks the style in.  That is why so many hairdryers come with cold or cool shot buttons so that you have the option to easily press that button once you are ready to lock in a particular section of hair that you are styling with your hair brush while drying.  When it comes to the number of speeds you want in a dryer, you want at least two speeds.  The two speeds will consist of high and low.  If your hair is fine, thin, damaged or fragile, your hair will benefit from the slower speeds.  If your hair is thick or takes longer to dry, the speed needs to be medium to high.

Always take precautions when blow drying your hair.  You don’t want to over-blow your hair which ultimately means that if you are trying to style your hair and you are using the higher wattage along with the higher heat and faster speed, you risk not being able to properly set the style you are working on.  Additionally you are running the risk of overheating your hair.  So to take a couple extra precautionary measures, remember to keep the dryer moving around your hair and don’t hold the dryer extremely close to your hair. Lastly, always use  protective haircare products that you apply to your hair before drying.

Photo used above is courtesy of:  http://www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-photo-girl-blowing-dry-her-hair-rimagefree8108175-resi2740994

For many young women in today’s world, they have never experienced a life of getting up and getting ready for work or school and not had the luxury of being able to straighten their hair before they step foot out their door.  Straightening irons can probably be found in almost 75% of the households where a female resides.  And, let’s not forget the males.  There are many men who use flat irons to help with their hair styling needs as well.

There are obviously many benefits to owning a hair straightener.  Probably the most important one for those who want straight hair is the fact that they can straighten their hair anytime.  It doesn’t have to be just after you have washed and dried your hair, or even just after washing it (if you use a wet/dry model flat iron).  If it’s not time to wash your hair and you are tired of the curly style from the past day or two, all you have to do is plug in your iron, spray on some hair product and straighten away.  There are no chemical processes to use to achieve the end result, and if you use a quality professional flat iron, your hair will look shiny and there should be no traces of waves or curls once you are done.  I do want to point out that if really is important to use a quality hair straightener and at a minimum be sure it is a ceramic one.  You can actually purchase a ceramic flat iron for as little as $25 – $30.  While it may not have all of the bells and whistles that a more expensive professional model might have, at least you will not be ruining your hair.  Using a ceramic flat iron means that you will be getting even heat distribution across the plates so that there will be no hot spots to damage your hair. You will also find that they heat up quickly and are lightweight.

Straightening irons are available in a variety of sizes and finishes.  You can buy one with a plate size of 1/2″ all the way to 2 1/2″.  There are ceramic, tourmaline,  and titanium plates all of which are the best for your hair.  You can even buy them in animal and other assorted prints.  Some hair straighteners now offer the capability of curling your hair because they have rounded edges to the plates or the plate wraps around the edges of the iron.  When using the proper technique you can flip or curl under your hair.  In this case, your hair straightener becomes a multi-use tool.  Ah……the benefits of living in the 21st century.