Hair Styling Tools

Even though it’s not an election year, my friends and I decided to play up our sense of patriotism and knowledge of the past by dressing as presidents and first ladies for Halloween. My male friends are going as Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama respectively, while the other girls are going as Dolley Madison, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. For my part, I’m planning to transform myself into Jacqueline Kennedy.

Jacqueline’s distinctive bob was perhaps her most memorable feature – discounting the pillbox hat, of course. It didn’t take too many styling accessories to replicate her hairdo, but I’ll be spending plenty of time perfecting the look by blowing my hair carefully with a round brush. In the past, I’ve picked costumes that require much more elaborate hair styling, and I won’t be making that mistake again. Now we just need to figure out a way to play “Hail to the Chief” as we arrive at each party.

Are you to that point where holding your hairdryer up to dry your hair is starting to wear on you?  Do you already have arm and wrist problems and just don’t know which lightweight professional hairdryer to use? 

In today’s marketplace we are very fortunate to be able to choose from many options.  Over the years the manufacturers of both professional and non-professional versions of hairdryers have been able to answer the cries of both professional stylists and at-home stylists begging for a lighter weight hairdryer.  So, the end result has produced a variety of hairdryers that can weigh 16 ounces or less.  They also don’t have to be big and bulky. 

The lightweight versions of hairdryers come in mini size, sleek and futuristic looking, basic looking but still lightweight, and some have every feature you could possibly ask for.  Some of these professional lightweight dryers are pricey, and some are very affordable. 

Whatever it is you are looking for in a lightweight dryer, I’m sure there is something out there for you.  If you are not absolutely sure about one, just go to almost any of the websites that sell professional hairdryers and read the feedback and comments that customers have posted regarding the particular dryer you are interested in.  

How many times do we open up our vanity drawer and as we are starting to brush or comb our hair, we tell ourselves that we really need to clean that brush or comb?  We then use the item and then proceed to place it back in the drawer until the next time.

Why is it so important to keep our combs and brushes clean?  The reason is simply that a clean comb and clean brush contributes to good hair health.  Just think about it.  You wash your hair because it is dirty, so why would you want to use a dirty hairstyling tool on a clean head of hair?  If you are anything like me, thinking about cleaning my hairstyling tools was usually the last thing on my list of to-do’s, until I started spending more money on my professional hairstyling tools and wanted to make sure they lasted longer. 

The bristles of a brush and the teeth of a comb naturally gather dust, but they also get coated with hair styling products that you use, such as gels, mousses, serums, sprays, etc.   Also, when you brush your hair in between washings, natural hair oils, dirt, bacteria and dry skin flakes will accumulate on your brush.  So, if this isn’t something you want to continue to do, then it’s time to take care of business.

One of the first things that will make the task simpler is to start by removing all of the hair from your brush.  This can be a much easier task if you use a hair brush cleaner.  One that I found and now can’t live without is the Brush Cleaner by HairArt.  You can find it online or in some of the beauty supply stores in the hair styling accessories section.  This tool will help remove all of the hair from your styling brush.  The next thing to consider is what type of brush you are cleaning as there are different methods used for cleaning different types of brushes.  With the exception of rubber cushioned brushes, wooden bodied brushes or combs, and natural boar bristle brushes (these cannot be immersed) you can  simply soak all other types of brushes and combs in a sink filled with warm water and  either your favorite shampoo or about a half a cup of baking soda.  Let them soak for about fifteen to thirty minutes and then rinse again with warm water and let them air dry on a towel. 

Another method that is used to clean all types of brushes and combs is to aim only for the bristles and just dab a small amount of shampoo onto the bristles and teeth of the brush and comb and rub them gently against each other to clean them.  Hold them under the running warm water to rinse out the soap and let them air dry on a towel.  If you still find that some of the hair product goop is still present, take a cotton swab and dab it in some alcohol or vinegar to remove the excess.

Taking these few extra steps at least once a week should prolong the life of your combs and brushes and hopefully make you feel better about keeping your hair healthy and clean.

Some of the latest trends in hair fashion seem to be going towards adding extra heighth to a particular style.  Whether your hair is down or up, the fashion is to tease from about halfway back on the crown of your head and add heighth going on back.

The task may appear to be too difficult for those of us who don’t have a lot of extra hair.  However, new to the marketplace this year is a new gadget called the “Bumpit”.  It apparently is quite the craze and after taking a look at one I can see why.  This hair volumizer is actually an insert that you leave-in.  It is a self-gripping and you hide it under your hair.  The manufacturer, Big Happie Hair, has thought of everything.

Bumpits come in an assortment of shades to blend in with your hair color.  They are available in light blonde, medium/dark blonde, brunette/auburn/ and black to color match any shade.

For me one of the most important things about styling my hair is to do whatever is necessary to achieve the look I’m going for, but at the same time the process needs to be simple.  Using a Bumpit is very easy because all you have to do is part your hair at your crown and gently tease your hair.  You insert the Bumpit behind your part line, bring the teased hair back over the insert, spray your hair and go.  A process this simple couldn’t get any easier.

So, if you are up for trying some of the latest looks in adding heighth to an existing hairstyle or trying out something new, Bumpits are the way to go.  Bumpits can be found in most of your major retail stores in the hair styling accessories section, beauty supply stores and online for around $10.00.  

Has your hair stylist ever sat you under a hair dryer in the salon to perhaps dry your hair or have a hair treatment process while sitting there?  If so,  have you ever asked yourself the question, “I wonder if they make these dryers for home use?”   Or, if you are a hair stylist and you are operating out of your home or working in close quarters, have you been in search of a transportable hooded hairdryer? 

Well, if you are looking for an at-home version of a hooded dryer you are in luck.  BaByliss Hair Dryers has just the item you are looking for.  And, if you were concerned about how much space this hooded dryer would occupy, there are no worries there. 

This professional rollabout hair dryer comes with 1600 watts of power and has a built-in airflow diffuser that lets you enjoy professional quality and salon-results.  Take a look at the following features of this hair dryer and you decide whether or not it is the right one for you.  This hair dryer is available online and typically costs around $135.00.

• Ionic Technology – Reduces Frizz and Dries Hair Faster
• 3 Temperature Settings – Your Choice To Suit Your Hair Type
• Adjustable Bonnet With Lift-Up Visor – For Easy Fitting
• Removable Inlet Grill – Ease in Cleaning
• Heavy Duty Anchor Bolt To Lock Base And Poles In Place – Durable and Sturdy
• Snap-in Wheels With Open Track – Easy To Assemble
• Two Locking Wheels – Prevents Base From Moving While In Use
• Durable Base – Provides Easy Maneuverability And Prevents Tipping
• Adjustable Height – Adjusts To The Height That’s Right For You Or Your Client
• Swiveling Stand – For Ease In Moving Around 

Is your hair shoulder length or longer and are you looking for a variation to that same everyday look of straight hair?  Or, does some scheduled event dictate a somewhat more classier looking hairstyle to go with that special outfit you have planned to wear?  Well, if you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, going “Old Hollywood” just might be the answer.

If you are anything like me, I keep my eyes glued to the fashion magazines, I watch the daily Entertainment programs to keep up on current trends, and I definitely watch all of the awards programs i.e.,, the Academy Awards, the Emmy’s, etc.  In watching these programs over the past several years and even more recently, I have noticed that more and more of the hairstyles that are worn are reminiscient of the styles worn by actresses from the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Stars such as Veronica Lake and Lauren Bacall wore their hair parted on the side with soft waves starting several inches below the roots and cascading down.  This was definitely one of the signature looks of the time.  If you think this is a look you would like to try, it is easy to do and only requires the use of a triple barrel curling iron.  

To create the “fluffy wave” look take the triple barrel curling iron and clamp it along hair that is already dry and start well below the roots of your hair.  As you wave each section of your hair, clip it to your head.  Once your hair has cooled from the curling, release each pinned up section and brush.  It couldn’t get any easier than this and the end result is certainly representative of those “Old Hollywood” styles. 

Triple barrel curling irons (also known as 3-barrel wavers or triple barrel wavers) can usually be found in beauty supply stores or online in the professional curling irons sections. 

Have you noticed lately that your hair is appearing much dryer and lacks that luster and shine you once had?  Is your hair starting to thin out?  Well, if the answer is “yes”, there are a number of factors that could be contributing to this. 

When we are experiencing a change in our hair health, there is a list of causes that can be contributors to this. 

• Have we made a change in the hair product we’ve been using?
• What is the climate that we have been exposing our hair to?
• What kind of styling tools are we using and how often?
• Have we been experiencing a lot of stress lately?

While the previously mentioned questions typically will lead you to the cause, the solution may require several attempts at solving the problem.  However, restoring your hair’s health is a fairly easy process and in the end you will be glad you took the time to figure out what you need to do.

Professional stylists and scientists and major hair product companies say that two years worth of damage can be taken off in approximately one month with the following steps. 

1. To replenish luster to your hair, look for shampoos and conditioners that contain dimethicone (ashine enhancer) and cetyl alcohol (a moisturizing ingredient).
2. Even if you are not shampooing your hair daily, apply conditioner to your hair as water tends to dull and dry your hair.
3. Be sure you are holding your hairdryer at least 24 inches from your head while drying your hair.
4. Try to avoid wet-to-dry flat irons as these can also damage the hair.
5. Try to reduce the number of times you are using hair styling tools to 2 to 3 times a week.
6. When using professional hair styling tools, be sure that you are using haircare products such as a heat-protectant spray to shield your hair strands.
7. Try a weekly deep-conditioning treatment on your hair.
8. Try to avoid UV rays.  Hair is stripped of moisture, shine and pigment when the hair is constantly being exposed to the sun.
9. Try to reduce the number of times you have your hair chemically processed.
10. Avoid tight rollers, ponytails, weaves, and braids.  These cause breakage but also can destroy your roots permanently.
11. Consume a high protein, low-fat, low-carb diet and take vitamin B daily.

While not all of the above recommendations may not specifically apply to you, try the ones that do apply and here’s to good hair health!! 

If you have been shopping for professional curling irons, you are already aware that there many types, brands, features, and sizes to choose from.  So there you are, either standing in the aisle at your beauty supply store, or sitting in front of your computer monitor and not sure what size barrel to select.  The description for the curling iron on the outside of the box doesn’t really tell you anything, and/or the description on the website says that the size you are looking at is for short hair.  You have short hair, but it’s not really short, short.  You are looking for a barrel size that will give you some curl, but you don’t want a really tight curl.  You see that the smaller size barrels are probably what you should select, but is there really a big difference between the 3/8 inch barrel and the 1/2 inch barrel, or the 5/8 inch barrel and and the 3/4 inch barrel?

If you are anything like me, you need more information than what has been provided.  While some websites provide you with more information, there are some that provide little or no information.  If you are in the store, you pretty much run into the same problem with little or no information on the hair styling tool box.

Well, the purpose of this article is to provide you with an easy to read chart to help you with your next curling iron purchase.  Take a look at the chart below and the next time you are shopping, this will hopefully help you to select the right size or sizes that you will need to style your hair just the way you want it.

CURLING IRON BARREL SIZES FOR HAIR LENGTHS AND CURL SIZES

3/8″ Barrel Size:      Very Short hair styles and very small tight curls

1/2″ Barrel Size:      Short hair styles and very small tight curls

5/8″ Barrel Size:      Short to medium hair lengths and small curls

3/4″ Barrel Size:      Medium hair lengths and medium loose curls

   1″ Barrel Size:      Medium to long hair and large or loose curls

1 1/4″ Barrel Size:   Medium to long hair and big loose curls.  Also great for adding volume and lift at the roots  

 1 1/2″ Barrel Size:  Medium to long hair and big loose curls.  Also great for adding volume and lift at the roots

   2″ Barrel Size:     Medium or long hair and extra large loose curls and waves.  Also great for adding volume and lift at the roots

Is this really a question that can be answered?  Well, I guess it depends on the end user.  Also, what is the objective?  If it is to curl hair, then the question again boils down to the end user.  Perhaps the best way to answer these questions is to explain the differences between brush irons and curling irons and let you, the reader, decide.

Brush irons are just like a round brush with the only difference being that the bristles on the brush are soft and ball tipped.  The bristles are not bendable like you would envision a regular nylon bristle or boar bristle to be.  The other key difference is that the brush iron heats up, unlike your regular styling brush.  Brush irons typically come with a High and Low setting and like curling irons, are available in sizes generally from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches.   There are some models available that have a variety of heat settings. 

As with curling irons, brush irons were designed to curl/style hair that is already dry.  The key difference between the curling iron and the brush iron is that you are wrapping your hair section by section around a styling tool that has bristles or in some cases people call them teeth, rather than with a soft barrel of a curling iron. 

If you are using a traditional curling iron,  you are using a lever to open up the clamp of the curling iron so that you can place the section of hair that you are curling/styling inside of it and then letting go of the lever so that the clamp closes down on the section of hair.  There are many curling irons in the marketplace and some come only with a high and low heat setting, while others have a temperature dial that enables you to select the desired temperature.    There are also many types of curling iron barrels available.  Some are ceramic coated, teflon coated, and even tourmaline ceramic coated.  

While there are similarities in both styling tools, there are some differences.  It becomes an individual preference and everyone’s hair reacts differently to different styling tools and the heat that is generated.  Sometimes it also boils down to the user’s capability in using the actual styling tool.  On a personal note, I never did get the hang of the curling iron and would end up with major creases in my hair.  That is when I discovered the brush iron and since I was able to accomplish the goal I set out to do, and that was to curl my hair, the brush iron was the answer for me.   At least now, with a little education on what is available, I’ll let you decide which one is right for you.

Has your hairstyle gone stale? Revitalizing your locks is often as easy as finding a source of inspiration. If you want to keep up with the times, look no further than the decadent ’dos of today’s fashion elite: movie stars and models. There are a number of ways to go about doing this, but you should begin by seeking out fashion magazines. Pay close attention to the advertisements rather than the articles. Photo spreads highlight a celebrity’s most desirous features – including the hair.

It goes without saying that you can find many more hairdos worth emulating on the Internet. Most gossip and fashion mags have online presences, so you can track down your own semi-unique style in a matter of moments. Once you’ve found your famous muse, gather up your hair styling tools and get to work. Then call up some friends and go out on the town to show off your new look.