Hair Styling Tools

Tangles in hair is always a problem, but it seems even more so for those of us who have long, thick, or curly hair.  Once you have washed your hair, applied your conditioner, there still seems to be a tangled mess. 

There are many methods one can use to detangle their hair, and there are also styling combs or detangling combs that can work as well.  There are also a few helpful hints to consider making the process of detangling your comb a successful one as well as to prevent them in the first place.

Before washing your hair be sure to brush through your hair thoroughly, or if you don’t use a brush use whatever tool you use to glide through your hair, i.e.  hair pik, etc. so that you can get any loose hairs  Remember that it is never good to brush through your hair when it is wet.  Doing this will damage the hair. 

When washing your hair, use a detangling haircare product or deep conditioner that has detangling ingredients after you have completed the shampoo.  Sometimes detangling haircare products are the type that you spray on after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair.  Shop around to find the right type for your particular hair type.  There are many options available and there is the right one for you The next step is to run your fingers through your hair to help to try and separate some of the tangled hair, however, be careful as to not yank or pull your fingers through to the point of tearing your hair.  This is when the wide tooth detangling comb comes into play.

Take one section of your hair at a time and with the wide tooth comb start combing in a downward motion through the section from the tip of the hair, working your way up to the roots of your hair.  If your hair is dry and wetting your hair is not an option, try rubbing a few drops of hair serum or shine serum  in your hands and then run your hands through your hair.  In most cases the serum will help you to dentangle your hair with a comb.

Some people are a hassle to buy gifts for, and no matter how hard you try you just can’t find something they’ll like: my mom is not one of those people. She begins making her list months before her birthday, and her biggest problem is that she wants too many things. When her birthday rolled around last month, I decided to get her a flat iron that she had been wanting, which I figured would be a simple enough task.

I went to a department store and was alarmed when I found an entire aisle devoted to ceramic flat irons. The task of choosing a model was daunting, and I eventually closed my eyes and chose one at random. If you are looking for a new flat iron, I recommend looking around on the internet to find a model that meets your needs, because there are definitely more than a few options out there.

As you already know, there are so many haircare products in the marketplace that are advertised to help with repairing damaged hair, curbing frizz, moisturizing dry hair, adding shine, and the list goes on an on.  If you are anything like me, you’ve tried at least a dozen of ones that have been recommended or after reading the description and instructions on a bottle, you’ve decided it might be worth trying.  While I have had some luck with a few brands, I have never been totally satisfied until now.  After a recent visit to a national hair show, I was introduced to a new product line by the name of Potions International. 

Some of you out there might already be familiar with the Potions International Skin Care products that are endorsed by Lesli Kay from the television soap The Bold And The Beautiful.  Well, Potions International has been working very hard at creating a line of haircare products that are becoming quite popular and for a good reason.  First of all, Potions International products are made in the United States.  Another great reason for using their products is that they are made with all traditionally natural ingredients as well as some newly discovered natural ingredients.

Ok, so what about this fantastic super serum?  The name is simply “Potions International Super Serum”.  This haircare product is unlike any other I have used.  Let me list the reasons I am sold on this product:

1)  Non-greasy formula – Seriously, this serum does not feel greasy or stay on your fingers with that oily/greasy after feeling.  It even quickly absorbs into the skin so you can only imagine how quickly your hair absorbs this product.

2)  Appy to both wet or dry hair – I have applied this product to the ends of my hair prior to blow drying and also after blow drying.  The serum works either way.  When my hair is wet it seems to help smooth out the style.  Applying it after help to calm down any frizz or flyaway hairs without that oily or greasy appearance.

3)  Has UV protection - Not many if any of the haircare products boast of this feature.  Let’s face it, any heat, and most especially sun exposed hair adds to drying out our hair.  The fact that this product has this built-in is just a bonus!

4)  Alcohol and Paraben Free – Why is this so important?  Well, for starters, alcohol is an ingredient that is known to dry out your hair and with prolonged use of the product that contains the alcohol, the damage increases.  Why is paraben harmful?  Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers.  Need I say more?

5)  Enriched with organic Argan Oil - What does Argan Oil do for the product?  From anti-aging and antioxidant properties to hair and nail treatments, this oil is a wonder ingredient.  Safe and natural, light and hydrating, argan oil has many uses in the beauty world. 

6)  Fresh Scent – So many of the haircare products out there have fruity, or in some cases no scent at all.  I found this Super Serum to simply smell fresh.  It is a very pleasant, non-antagonizing scent.

Obviously I like this product and I love the way it makes my hair feel soft and look shiny.  Now that I’ve given you my reasons for using this product, now the challenge is for you to give it a try and let me know what you think!!  I would love to hear what you have to say so PLEASE COMMENT!!

If you are like most of us who need to add some height or extra oomph to their hair, back combing or teasing our hair is definitely an option.  I know I have always used combs to accomplish this and never really thought about styling brushes.  However,  I was just recently introduced to a brush by my hairdresser that worked so well on teasing my hair that I decided I needed to write about it.

For those of you who haven’t already seen this brush, it is called Spornette’s Little Wonder Brush.  This little brush is approximately 9 inches in length, but more importantly, the tail handle measures approximately 4 1/2 inches, which is just ideal for picking up hair sections.   The bristles on this brush are both tourmaline enhanced nylon bristles with adjacent rows of boar bristles.  The combination of these bristles easily pick up the section of hair that needs to be teased.  The density of the bristles lend itself to making this task a simple one.  All you have to do is hold up the section that you have selected to be teased.  Take the brush and starting several inches from the scalp brush against the hair in a downward motion toward the scalp.  You will see that you are instantly creating small tangles, which is what creates the volume and holds the hair in place.  Be careful as you do not want to make the tangles so tight that the hair ends up breaking off because you had to use force in brushing or combing it out.  Once you have teased the hair to your satisfaction, you can then smooth over the areas of hair that will cover the teasing,  apply some hair spray and you are done.

Spornette’s Little Wonder Brush comes in three different bristle colors.  You have your choice of blue, pink, and yellow.  It is a fun little brush that packs a big punch.  It will fit very easily in a purse and can be taken with you anywhere.  It is also a  very affordable brush so you just might want to buy a couple to have on hand or be able to tote around with you.

In the hair styling industry there are always new products that are hitting the marketplace every time you turn around.  Like anything else, modern technology plays its part in creating something that is bigger or better than before.  One of the latest products to hit the marketplace are the Hot Tools Pink Titanium professional curling irons.

Most people in the hair styling business as well as consumers are already familiar with Hot Tools styling appliances.  For those of you who are not, it makes sense to give you some background to explain why I would feature an article about their products.  Hot Tools curling irons were the first irons in the industry to use an electronic heating system for fast heatup and heat restoration.   This patented Pulse Auto Heat Control provides the user an iron that keeps its heat so stylists can work quickly and with consistent curl results.  Hot Tools’ specialty irons provide stylists with the right tool to create a wide variety of special curl types that are popular in today’s hair fashions.

So what features does the Pink Titanium curling iron have that sets it out from the rest?  First of all, it is important to explain what the element of titanium does for the curling iron.  Titanium, sometimes called the “space age metal” has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant metal.  Titanium is as strong as some steels, but is 45% lighter.  Thus, titanium provides lightweight strength and durability to this Hot Tools curling iron.  Additionally, the titanium styling surface provides for shiny, beautiful hair and snag-free styling.   And, the corrosion-resistant factor will protect your iron from styling products that you use on your hair.

As with all of the Hot Tools styling appliances that feature the Pulse Technology, this curling iron “gets hot and stays hot”.  Speaking of hot, this curling iron heats up to 450 degrees, however, there is a rheostat control that allows you to start heating up at 280 degrees and you can select whatever heat you want up to the maximum of 450 degrees.  Just a word of caution, depending on your hair type, try out the different heat options to find what works best for you.  Many users do not need the maximum heat as the curl will take at a lower setting. 

Other important features of this titanium curling iron include an extra long cool tip to protect your fingers from getting burned while curling.  The extra-long thumb grip makes for easier handling as well as the powerful spring clamp holds the hair in place while setting the curl.  The usual bells and whistles of the power indicator light, a separate on/off switch, foldaway safety stand, and 8 foot professional cord are standard. 

The Hot Tools Pink Titanium Salon Curling Iron is available in 4 barrel sizes to meet your every styling need:  3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/4 inch and 1 1/2 inch.    

For those of us who have fine, thin hair, don’t give in or give up as there are ways to make our hair look thicker, have body, bounce, and not look flat.  It is also important that we address ways to hopefully slow down the process of our hair thinning out further over time.

HAIRCARE PRODUCTS

As with any type hair, proper haircare products are a must.  To find what works best for you may involve trying out several different products to find the right match.  If you have a professional hair stylist, you may want to ask them for suggestions.  Some of us tend to shy away from suggestions made by our hair stylist because it means buying product that they are selling right in the shop and it tends to be pricey.  Don’t let this deter you from trying it out.  Write down the suggestions and then shop around online as you can always find the products for less money and in some cases a lot less than what you would be paying for in the salon. 

As for the proper shampoo, look for specialized volumizing shampoos and shampoo frequently.  Using a conditioner is where is gets a little tricky.  Some conditioners tend to weigh the hair down and also when applied to the scalp you can end up with a greasy look.  The key here is to find a lightweight conditioner and apply it sparingly to the ends of your hair only.  If you are someone who does shampoo frequently, or even every day, it is best to not condition each time you shampoo.  Try conditioning every other time you shampoo to see if this makes a difference.  Also, if you find a conditioner that you use on a regular basis, there may also be another type of intense conditioner that you use on a less often basis.  Reserve this type of conditioning treatment to once a week or once every other week.

As for mousses, gels, and other serums and sprays, you will need to use caution again that the product is not something that is going to weigh your hair down.  Most of these type products are applied right after shampooing and conditioning your hair.  These products have been created to help make your hair appear to have more fullness and body.  

HAIRSTYLING TOOLS

Obviously, the best way to keep fine hair from drying out and splitting is to let your hair dry naturally.  While this may work for those of us who have very short hair, or extremely long fine hair, the majority of us need to use a blow dryer to get the volume we need. 

So, if you must use a hairdryer you need to remember that extreme heat will make your hair brittle and cause it to break if you are not taking extreme care.  When drying your hair it is best to use a diffuser attachment which allows you to use heat to volumize.  Another tip is to bend over and dry your hair from the underneath initially so that you can create the look of more volume.  Most importantly, remember to hold the dryer as far away from your hair as possible to avoid the intense heat.

Using the right type hairdryer is also a very critical element in caring for fine hair.   If you understand how ionic technology works in a hairdryer, you will find that if you don’t already own one, buying one may be next on your list.  A stream of negatively charged ions is injected into the airflow and onto wet hair.  The negative ions break apart water molecules, making them smaller so they are more easily absorbed by the hair or dried through evaporation.  As a result, hair cuticles stay moist and thus, less brittle with your hair drying quicker.

Lastly, using the right round brush while drying your hair with the dryer will definitely help to shape and smooth out the hair. 

HAIRSTYLES, CUTS, AND COLOR

In creating the right hairstyle for thin hair be cognizant of the fact that fine straight hair shows every scissor mark.  So it is important that you are comfortable with the stylist and be sure that they will be giving you a precision cut.  DO NOT allow a fine razor cut as this is only used to thin the hair out and you don’t need any more thinning. Baby fine hair can be part of the newest hair style trend, the inverted bob. The classic bob haircut’s defining feature is the obvious clean-cut lines at the ends of the hair.There are many variations of the bob: your best choice for fine hair would be keeping the length above chin level.  Usually a good short blunt haircut is what stylists lean towards, however, another option would be to have your hair cut in layers and angles.  This type of style can provide you with an up-to-date hairdo without your hair looking fine. 

Wearing your hair long when it is fine and thin usually doesn’t do your hair appearance any justice.  Wearing your hair longer tends to add weight at the ends.  The heaviness pulls at the roots and ultimately causes you to lose more hair.  If you want to keep your hair long, you need to schedule frequent trips to the stylist for trims to avoid your hair looking stringy.  This advice actually goes with short fine hair as well.  You may also want to consider wearing a short heavy bang as this can provide the illusion of thicker hair around the face.

Have you considered a perm?  In today’s marketplace perms add volume and shine, however, your hair needs to be in good condition before you take this step. How about highlighting your hair, or adding color?  Choosing the right color can actually make your hair appear thicker.  Be careful to not color and perm at the same time as fine hair is too delicate for this over processing of chemicals.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Once you have figured out what products work best for your hair type and you find the right style, cut, or color that makes you feel good about yourself and your appearance, be sure you allow yourself enough time to continue to properly care for your hair.  Your daily routine may require getting up a little earlier, and scheduling more frequent visits to your stylist may cut into your budget a bit, however, aren’t you worth it?

You can’t help but notice just about everywhere you go this month that it is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Whether it be the grocery store, the hardware store, and yes, even at Beauty Supply Stores and online professional hair styling tools websites.  There are so many things you can purchase that have the breast cancer insignia on it and in many cases the particular item has been made in the color pink.

Many of the large corporate manufacturers of hair styling tools have joined in the all important cause to support breast cancer foundations by donating a percentage of sales of certain products.  Many websites have joined in this by doing their own donations based on the sales of certain products or just contributing a percentage of their sales.  This is such an important cause as the number of cases of breast cancer that are found each and every day are just staggering.  And, it is not just women that are being diagnosed with this disease.  Men too, are finding that they can contract breast cancer.   

As with all donations, a percentage goes to research and a percentage goes to helping those that are not fortunate enough to be able to pay for an annual mammogram.  Whatever the donations are applied to, it is all for a good cause.  Strides are being made on a daily basis and in this ever changing world and with all of the advanced technologies, we can only hope that a cure is not far in our future.  

 So, if you are in the market for a professional hairdryer, flat iron, curling iron, or even styling tools such as brushes, check out what is available online and you too can feel good about donating to a worthy cause!! 

For those of you who are not familiar with Solano hairdryers, now is the time to bring yourself up to speed.  Most professional stylists who use a Solano hairdryer know what they like about them, but for those of us who are at-home stylists, it is important to know that these hairdryers exist and why you can count on them.

Just to give you a little background, Solano International is the company that manufactures these long-life dryers.  They are made in Italy and are handcrafted by Italian Artisans.  Solano prides itself in the fact that although some of their dryers are considered a bit pricier than others, the end user knows that they are buying a product that has been designed with the latest cutting edge technologies that are necessary to create beautiful, healthy hairstyles day in and day out.  The fact that this company has been in business for over thirty years is reflective of their dedication to providing some of the best professional hairdryers in the industry.  Solano is truly a trusted and dependable brand in the industry.

Currently, Solano manufactures approximately nine different style hairdryers.  It is apparent when you review their inventory that they have covered all of the bases with regard to what stylists are looking for in a dryer.  Whether it is the original 1500 watt hairdryer, or the 1875 watt 3700 Moda model, it is apparent that Solano is listening to what stylists need. 

One of the key features of a Solano hairdryer, which can be found in the Super Solano, the Super Solano Extreme, the Top Power 3200, the Super Solano 3600 Ion, and the Super Solano 3700 Moda is the weight balanced AC motor.  This feature along with the placement of the handle are critical elements for someone who is holding a dryer all day long and can’t afford to get tired holding the appliance.  Solano has also addressed the weight issue with some of the other models they produce such as the Super Solano 3500 Lite which is extremely lightweight.  This particular model also has one of the newest technologies, which is the Silver Nano technology.  Silver Nano technology eliminates approximately 99% of the bacteria that is found in your hair.  This results in cleaner and  shinier hair that will hold the style for longer periods of time.

Other technologies that Solano hairdryers include are tourmaline which adds shine to your hair, negative ions that improve moisture and reduce static electricity, and far infrared heat that dries the hair from the inside out, ensuring fantastic results.

Solano also cares about the environment.  Many of their models are made lead-free and tout the fact that their hairdryers emit a very low amount of EMF (electro magnetic field) emissions, which can harm our environment. 

So, if you are in the market for a good professional hairdryer, I don’t think you can possibly go wrong by trying a Solano hairdryer. 

With new seasons come new styles, but luxurious curls never truly go out of fashion. Still, there’s nothing more off-putting than substandard curls that go flat instead of maintaining their structure. You can utilize hot rollers to create a hairdo that impresses your friends, co-workers and maybe even that special someone. Begin by plugging in the hair rollers and washing your hair.

Blow dry thoroughly and apply volumizing mousse into your from the roots to the tips. This will smooth out your locks while also providing body and bounce. After parting your hair down the middle, clip one side and separate the strands on the other side into sections. Put the roller at the end of a given strand of hair and wrap the tendrils around the roller. Clip the roller in place and repeat the process with the remaining sections. Allow 2 to 4 hours to achieve stunning curls.

I remember back when I was in high school, and no, I’m not ready to reveal how many years ago that was.  Anyway, it was trendy at that time to have long straight hair.  It didn’t matter whether your hair was suited for a longer length or not, it was just the style you wore so you could easily fit in with the “in-crowd”.   What stands out most in my mind, however, is that I was always sitting there looking at my split ends and pulling them apart to get rid of them.  Obviously, that was not the right thing to do.  Also, we did not have the variety of haircare products that are now available in the marketplace to aid in dealing with dried out hair and split ends.  The only solution at the time was to just make sure you were using a type of conditioner and to keep your hair trimmed on a regular basis.

Well, here it is 30 something years later (oops, I wasn’t going to reveal how long ago my high school days were) and yes, keeping your hair trimmed is still important, however, hair stylists have perfected the way in which they are cutting the hair.  Also, what hasn’t changed is that we all are experiencing the same exposure to the sun that we always have and as we all know, sun exposure/uv rays are damaging to the hair.  Since we are on a roll here, what else is causing our split ends?  Those of us who color our hair on a regular basis are split end prone.  How about those of us who wash our hair daily or every other day?  With the washing comes the drying, and if you use a hairdryer to blow dry your hair, the continued artificial heat is also playing havoc on the ends of your hair and drying them out.  If you use an inexpensive styling brush or hair brush, you could also be contributing to the damage of your hair.  Even excessive brushing of your hair, especially when it is wet will also wreak havoc on your hair.

So, now that we know what’s causing the problems with split ends or just plain dry, brittle hair that breaks off, what is the reason for this happening?  In a nutshell,  damaged ends  occur when the protective cuticle of the hair has been stripped away from the hair fibers.  Knowing now why and how damaged ends occur, the more important information is how to keep dry, brittle hair from happening and how to keep our hair healthy.  Take a look at the following list and if you aren’t already following these tips, try them out and see if the condition of your hair improves dramatically.

1)  Maintain a somewhat regular hair appointment schedule to keep your hair trimmed.

2)  Avoid excessive coloring treatments of hair.

3)  Do not brush your hair while it is wet.

4)  Try to deep condition your  hair at least once a week.

5)  Try to minimize exposure to the sun.

6)  Use a natural bristle brush that does not pull or yank at your hair.

Obviously, many of these helpful tips boil down to just using common sense, however, as we all know, the majority of the time we are getting ready to go somewhere, we are in a hurry and some of the quick steps to getting out the door are used.  Thus, if you can’t always follow all of the tips, at a minimum be sure to buy good hair care products that will help save your hair, especially if you use many of the hot styling tools that we all use to facilitate our particular hairstyle.