Hair Styling Tools

First of all how many of you know what a styler hair dryer is?  There are several companies that make these but you don’t always hear alot about them. 

The styler hair dryer is not your typical looking dryer.  It was designed to use with attachments that come with the dryer.  These attachments usually include a fine tooth comb, a wide tooth comb and a finishing brush.  Sometimes there are a couple of different types of finishing brushes that are included.  One of them has bristles that are set far apart and the other looks like a regular square shaped brush.  These interchangeable parts are attached to the side of the dryer where the airflow of the dryer blows through the attachment onto your hair.

There is a definite population of individuals who have curly hair and like to wear it straight.  They prefer to not use flat irons and feel that the only way to properly manage their curl is to use a styler dryer.  Of course, each person has their own way of straightening or styling their hair with this dryer, but as a general rule, the following steps can be used. Also, I suggest putting the on/off control on the outside of the handle, rather than inside, as someone like me, who uses the brush attachment to straighten my hair when wet, uses it underhand. Thus I keep hitting the control and shutting the unit off accidently. If the brush would stay on better, I’d rate the unit a 5.

1. Wash and condition your hair and then towel dry by blotting.  Comb through your hair using a detangling comb or brush.
2. Apply either a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to the ends of your hair.
3. Attach the finishing brush to the dryer and start drying your hair in sections.  The heat setting and speed setting will depend on the density of your hair and how quickly you want to dry your hair.  
4. After each section of hair is dry it is best to clip it off to the side so it is easier to move to the next section.
5. For increased volume lift your hair up and brush from underneath with the dryer.
6. Once your hair is completely dry and styled, apply your favorite anti-frizz serum.   

Belson Gold ‘N Hot Hair Dryers are one of several manufacturers of a styler dryer.  Most of these dryers can be found with either 1600 watts or 1875 watts.  Some are dual voltage and can be used internationally.  They range in price from $25.00 to $40.00.

Any world traveler has inevitably experienced the headaches and logistical difficulties of coping with the differing voltages between countries. Overlooking the necessity of packing the proper attachments for your cell phone or laptop can foil your journey in a foreign country. Thanks to recent innovations, however, these headaches are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Dual voltage flat irons, radios and other electronic are becoming readily available, eliminating the need for converters. These appliances will operate on 110/125v as well as 220/250v. Thanks to this new technology, when you travel abroad from now on you’ll have one less thing to remember.

Are you interested in having a hairstyle that looks like you have waves of ringlets all over your head?  Well if the answer is yes, then the spiral curling iron is just the right hair styling tool for you.  Before you decide to do something like this, know that this is not a fast process and that like anything else, the more you practice the easier it becomes.  In my mind, it is well worth the time spent because the end result is really nice.  In fact, this is a great look for school formals, proms, wedding parties, etc. if you have medium to longer length hair.  You can also put your hair up with these spiral curls.

Hot Tools curling irons has just recently introduced the Blue Ice Titanium Spiral Iron which is a great addition to their popular line of curling iron appliances products.  What is nice about this particular spiral iron is the titanium qualities.  The titanium surface allows for maximum heat distribution and snag-free styling.  The spiral iron itself in its unalloyed condition weighs 45% less than other metals but is just as strong. Other nice features of this new iron is that it has an extra long cool tip as well as an extra long thumb grip for easier handling.  This particular iron is selling for about $45.00

Using a spiral iron is relatively easy, but as I mentioned previously, it just takes time.  The best way to get the results you want is to start with a clean head of hair.  After shampooing and conditioning, it is best to use a gel on your hair before you blow dry it so that when you start curling the curls will hold better. 

The first thing you are going to do is to take some hair clips and clip up the majority of your hair on the top and sides leaving the underneath layers of hair free.  These are the sections you are going to curl first. 

Taking the spiral iron and placing it so that it is parallel to your head you will take one-inch sections of hair and wrap your hair around the barrel toward the scalp keeping the iron parallel to your head.  The amount of time you need to leave your hair wrapped around the barrel will vary depending on your hair type.  Usually a curl will take anywhere from 15-30 seconds depending on how much hair you have put around the iron.  Once you have held it for the appropriate amount of time (you will determine this after the first couple of curls), release the hair from the iron.  Continue curling the underneath sections and then move to the next sections of hair until you have completed curling the sections you want curled.

Do not comb or brush through the curls as they will come out.  You may want to run your fingers through your hair to apply some finger styling and then lightly spray your hair with whatever finishing spray or hair spray that you like to use.  Do not go overboard with the spray or it will weigh down your style.

Traveling light is the name of the game and also having the right hair dryer along with you is equally as important.  Most of the time when you are staying in a hotel, hair dryers are provided but they usually don’t have the bells and whistles that we are all looking for.

If you know anything about hair styling tools the name Hot Tools comes up over and over again.  Hot Tools, a division of the Helen of Troy company, has a multitude of hair styling tools to accomodate almost every type of styling that you are interested in.  So, it goes without saying, if you are traveling, then Hot Tools hair dryers are something you should definitely consider.

One of the most popular Hot Tools hair dryers is still the Anti-Static Ionic Travel Hair Dryer.  It seems to have been around forever and yet still is going strong.  This lightweight dryer has 1875 watts of power, which is typically more than you will ever get with the hotel dryer.  The fact that it has ionic features is a definite plus because not only will it dry your hair fast but the negative ions that the dryer emits helps to reduce the size of the water droplets on your hair.  This process allows more water to be absored which in turn helps condition, soften, and make your hair shinier while adding volume.  What more could you ask for? 

There is more.  This dryer folds up and fits conveniently in your luggage.  A real space saver.  And, this dryer can be found for roughly $30 – $35 online and in some cases less.  Lastly, if you are traveling internationally, this also has dual voltage so all you need to do is buy an adapter plug that is suited for the country you are visiting.  What’s stopping you from buying it for your next trip, and the trip after that…..Happy traveling and with the peace of mind that your hair will not be neglected.

If you are looking for that free flowing and what appears to look like almost a natural wave actually takes very little time at all.  However, to be successful means using the right haircare products on your hair.  Using a smoothing shampoo and conditioner and applying them to every strand of your hair, will definitely reduce the amount of time it takes to dry your hair.  That is, of course, if you are also using an ionic hair dryer.

To achieve this flowing natural wavy look, the first step is to apply a dime-size amount of your favorite styling cream to your hair.  You will want to start a few inches below the roots so that you will be able to maintain volume at the crown of your head.  Blow-dry your hair using your fingers instead of a brush.  Next take a curling iron that is 1 1/2″ in diameter and only curl the upper layer of your hair.   If you don’t want to use a curling iron and you have some hot rollers, roll the upper layer of your hair with these and while they are cooling you can be applying your makeup or whatever else you have left to do to get ready.

After the curlers have cooled off, or you have completed curling the sections of hair with the curling iron, run your fingers through the curls.  Lean over and shake your head allowing the hair to flow freely.  Once you have raised your head you may want to run your fingers through your hair again for some final touches.  If you don’t mind that loose free-flowing style then don’t apply any hairspray, otherwise lightly mist your hair with just enough to hold the waves if your hair is so heavy that any curl or wave you have created would simply fall out.

Now you are ready to enjoy that free-spirited style while maintaining a fairly healthy approach to styling.

What really is the difference between consumer grade hair clippers and professional hair clippers?  Nowadays the biggest difference is that the professional units have enhanced insulating for internal electrical components to prevent the clippers from overheating during periods of prolonged use.   Another difference is that some manufacturers of hair clippers have also replaced some of the plastic parts in consumer grade hair clippers to metal parts in the professional grade so that the clippers are more durable and will last longer.  Both of these differences are due to extended use by barbers and professional stylists.

When it comes to quality in hair clippers, one must always consider the end user and the intent.  Typically the at-home individual consumer leans towards purchasing a clipper kit that includes several accessories.   These accessories include several guides for different length cuts, oil, and sometimes a comb.  These kits can cost anywhere from $20.00 to $50.00.   Most professional hair clippers do not include accessories and usually must be purchased separately.   Depending on what you are looking for in a professional model hair clipper, the price can vary anywhere from $40.00 to right at about $100.00.

There are several clipper companies that have been around for quite some time.  Andis got their start back in 1921 and Oster followed not long after in 1928.  Since then many other companies have joined the industry such as Wahl, Forfex, and HAI.  All of these companies have their popular models and varying types of trimmers that perform different functions.

If you are in the market for hair clippers, the deciding factor can be determined by many things but most of the time it boils down to what you can afford and for what particular function you need the clippers.  Before buying, talk to your barber or hair stylist to see what they recommend and while you are at it ask for a couple of different recommendations, especially if price is a factor.

Spring has sprung and it won’t be long before Summer.  Many of us who take our vacations during this time of year have our trips already planned or are in the process of planning them now.   As you go through your checklist of necessary items to take, make sure that if you are traveling outside the United States or Canada and you use a curling iron, it is important that the curling iron have dual voltage capabilities.

Believe it or not, there are many that travel out of the country and take their curling irons with them only to find out that the plug doesn’t work in the outlet when they go to use it.  There are also those that do know that the outlets require a different adapter plug and bring the right adapter plug along but when they plug in their curling iron it still shorts out, and in some cases shorts out the entire electrical system where they are staying.  So, in order to avoid ruining your curling iron or causing what could be a major inconvenience electrically speaking, it is best that you purchase a dual voltage curling iron for your trip.  

In the United States and Canada,  and perhaps a few other countries, the voltage used is 110 volt/60 hertz electricity.  The rest of the world, including Europe, runs on a 220 volt/50 hertz electrical system.  If your curling iron does not state anywhere that it can accomodate up to 220 volts of electricity, then your curling iron is not considered dual voltage.  You can usually find this information in the informational packet that comes with the curling iron or on an informational panel that is on the body of the curling iron. 

Dual voltage curling irons are curling irons that have been designed to accomodate two different voltage requirements.  On some curling irons you might find a switch that is designed to regulate which voltage to use.  Most dual voltage curling irons that are now designed to be used universally have been built to accomodate up to the 220 voltage.  Therefore, there is no switch to use and the only thing that you need is the right adapter plug for the country you are visiting. 

Most dual voltage curling irons found in the marketplace are no different than the curling irons you are accustomed to using here in the United States.  Some ceramic curling irons are available with the dual voltage feature and can be found in a variety of sizes.  A decent dual voltage curling iron should cost you no more than $30.00 to $35.00 online.

Like most people in this day and age, I am always looking for ways to go green and reduce my carbon footprint. I do all of the stereotypical things of course—like driving a Prius and utilizing reusable grocery bags—but I also like to go outside of the box. For example, I use my hairdryer at least once a day, and as such, I assumed my energy usage from that appliance alone was relatively high.

Eliminating the hairdryer from my daily routine was out of the question, so I decided to research more eco-friendly options. After scouring the internet, I came across Silence HP hairdryers. Not only is the dryer energy efficient and whisper quiet, but it also utilizes state-of-the-art technology that dries my hair in half the time while retaining its moisture.

For those of you who already use a flat iron, did you know that there are ones that you can use while your hair is wet or damp?  With all of the modern technology that keeps infusing itself into hair appliances, why not?

After doing some further research, there are several wet to dry flat irons in the marketplace and basically the feedback is that by using a wet to dry flat iron you are avoiding prolonged heat exposure and friction from first drying your hair and then straightening it.   Thus, applying high heat to your hair only once does minimize the heat damage.  This actually makes some sense.

So exactly how does this type of straightener work?   The flat iron is manufactured with excess moisture extracting channels and holes that squeeze out unwanted moisture.   In particular, Turbo Ion’s Croc Titanium Wet to Dry Flat Iron features a patent pending, built-in turbo ion generator which emits 5 million negative ions per square centimeter.   The Croc’s titanium coated plates provide superior distribution of heat along with a negative ion boost.  Choosing from their 1″ or 1 1/2″ plate models provides you with the option that best suits your particular head of hair.

As previously mentioned, steam vents that are built into the plates allow moisture to escape safely from your wet hair while styling.  This in addition to the fact that a built-in turbo ion generator that generates six times more negative ions than regular irons, seals the cuticles of your hair to prevent split ends, reduce frizz, and retain your hair’s natural moisture, oil, and color, is a no brainer.

To think that the entire process of  washing your hair, towel drying, and then going right to straightening your hair  and your done, will actually save a  huge amount of time for those of us who have long and thick hair.  It is definitely something that should be checked out by those of you who need that extra time in the morning or whenever it is that you do your hair.

If you are in the market for a new hair dryer and are ready to spend a little more to not only keep your hair healthy, but are in need of a hairdryer that will dry your hair quickly, you should definitely consider looking at the Turbo Ion Croc Dryers.

Turbo Ion, the manufacturer of the extremely popular Croc flat iron, has created two dryers that are top of the line.  Each have their own unique features and are not only great for the professional stylist but for at home use as well.

When talking with people about their hair dryers, many are always complaining that their dryer just doesn’t do the job.  Comments such as “my dryer takes forever to dry my hair,” or “my dryer completely dries my hair out,” are statements I hear over and over again.    Let’s face it, most of us are always in a hurry, and we do care about how our hair looks.  Shiny, healthy looking hair is what everyone wants and it starts with using a quality hair dryer.

So, why an ionic hairdryer?  Ionic hair dryers emit millions of charged ions in the airflow that comes out of your dryer and land on your individual hair strands.  The ions break down the water droplets while enabling each hair strand to more easily absorb any remaining moisture.  This results in your hair looking like it has more body and volume while at the same time keeping the hair well hydrated.  You will not find this in your conventional non-ionic dryers.

The ionic process is actually reducing the amount of time it takes to dry your hair and thus reducing any damage from the heat from the hairdryer.  Ultimately, you will see a remarkable reduction in split ends, no frizz, and a healthy looking head of hair.

Check out the two CROC hairdryers below and see if one of these will satisfy your requirements.

The CROC Designer Dryer

• 100% ceramic balls and an ionic generator strategically built into the dryer  results in maximum ionic benefits.  The ceramic balls filter the air containing carbondioxide to a combination of pure oxygen and negative ions that help to purify and repair the hair.
• This dryer has been built with a double housing structure, which makes it the most durable well constructed dryer in the marketplace.  As a result of the dual housing, the heat is also not transferred to the handle and outer body shell of the dryer.  This enables the dryer to provide ultra hot temperatures for lightening quick finishes, while the body of the dryer remains cool to the touch.
• A specially designed channeled end cap and blade help to reduce noise and produce better air flow.
• Easy to handle lightweight, ergonomic design.
• 1875 Watts and available in Red or Black
• Made in Korea

The CROC  TID 2500 Dryer

• This ultra powerful dryer reaches wattage up to 2500 watts.
• Super quiet dryer at 65 decibels.
• This dryer too has been built using an ergonomic design that prevents stress on the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.
• The compact size of this dryer also makes it easy to handle along with the anti-sliding heat dispersing stripes for improved handling.
• The switches on this dryer are copper-beryllium for intense use and prevention of accidental switching.
• The nozzle on the dryer is fast cooling and the cool shot button is soft and easily accessible.
• Made in Italy