Hair Styling Tools

With Summer officially over ( even though in some parts of the country onc could question this with the elevated temps continuing to linger) it’s time to recover from those months in the sun!  Here are five steps for healthier hair this fall.

Chill Out!  While we all love a hot shower, think again before you turn the knob. Super hot water can irritate the scalp and open the cuticle of your hair resulting in spilt ends and faded color.

Color Code  Spending long periods of time in the sun can mean fading for your colored tresses. Use a color preserving shampoo and conditioner to protect and extend the life of your color.  We recommend any of the Potion International’s shampoos or conditioners.

Get Snippy!  Getting a trim after the summer months is so important for getting healthy hair for fall. By cutting off split ends, you’ll not only improve your hair’s health but your scalp will thank you, too.

Go Ahead, Give it a Rest!  Let your hair rest for fall by skipping a wash every now and then! Using a dry shampoo will help you to avoid using hot hair styling tools which will only further dry out hair and actually cause split ends.                                                        

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  Chlorine, the sun, and styling products can all make your hair feel extra dry by the end of the summer. Invest in a hydrating mask, like Potions International’s Power Construct to bring moisture back to your thirsty locks.

Let’s be honest, there’s not much that beats a great salon blowout.  No matter how you entered, you can always count on leaving with not only an amazing head of hair, but usually a spring in your step and a renewed feeling that all is right with the world.  With these easy tips, you can recreate the luscious locks and positive mental attitude you get with a salon blowout in the comfort of your own home!

First, don’t rough-dry: When your hair is wet, don’t shake the  hair dryer (like when using a diffuser). Instead…

Angle your dryer: Smooth out even the wildest waves by using a round brush (we love the Spornette Ultralite Brush) and pointing the blow-dryer nozzle in a perpendicular direction.  Remember to avoid blowing the air directly at your hair.

Lastly, hair has a memory: If you repeat something over and over, your hair will remember it and follow the pattern.  For instance, you can flatten a cowlick by pulling it straight a few times. Note: Hair retains information until the next time it comes into contact with humidity.

Heat has a tendency to make hair puffier.  It’s recommended to rinse your hair with cool or luke warm water, which will help smooth the cuticle and keep frizz at bay.

After your shower, and before adding any haircare products, remove excess water by gently towel drying your hair.  This allows for some natural fullness at the roots.

Many times a leave-in conditioner or styling spray won’t tame those fly-aways.  Try some mousse scrunched in for beachy waves, or opt for a smooth, polished look by adding a serum (We like Potions International Super Serum!).  Either way air dry and be on your way!

Dry hair tends to have “fuzzier” frizz…to combat the fuzz, here are a few suggestions to keep those curls calm!

Applying the right haircare products is essential in retaining your hair’s natural moisture.  So, it’s best to shampoo no more than every other day using a sulfate-free formula.  Try using Potions International Super Moist Shampoo. It is Sulfate, Paraben and Sodium Chloride free.  PI’s Super Moist Conditioner has the same qualities so use this to condition your hair as you normally would.

While hair is wet, apply a combination of gel and a very small portion of  Potions International Super Serum.

Use your fingers to twist your curls in order to help them dry in a more controlled way.  Next, attach a diffuser to your hair dryer to keep the curls in tact while drying, or simply let your hair air-dry, careful not to disturb the curl.  When you have completely dried your hair, lightly dab some more PI Super Serum to your hair using your fingertips or the palms of your hands.

With this tip of the day your curls will go from frizz to fab in no time at all!

The classic braid is a fashion staple this fall…It’s simple, feminine and perfect for work OR play!  Getting the look is oh-so-easy in just three steps!

-Part your hair where it naturally falls.  To add a little extra volume, take a section of hair from the crown and back comb once or twice (Try using the Spornette Little Wonder Teasing Brush!).  If you’re hair is fine or super straight, you may want to use some haircare products such as a texturizing spray to keep the hair from slipping from the braid.

-Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and divide it into three even sections.  Braid the sections softly to avoid losing the volume you added at the crown.  And, as an alternative, rather than the braid hanging down the middle of your back, gather the hair for your ponytail and pull it to one side of your head or the other so that you can have a side braid as shown in the pictures.

-Use a clear elastic band to fasten the end and mist with a light hair spray.  For a softer look, pull a few strands free from the braid to frame your face.

Just like that you have a versatile style ready to go wherever you do!

Paddle brushes, vented brushes, round brushes, oh my!  When it comes to choosing a brush, the choices are endless…and often times, confusing!  Here we compare four common brushes and help “detangle” the brush buying experience!

Oval, Mixed Bristle Brush

Perfect for: All hair types and everyday brushing.  The combination of boar bristles and nylon bristles both distribute your hair’s natural oils and detangle any knots.

Not ideal for: Blowdrying.  The heat of the dryer may cause the rubber base to melt.

Vent Brush

Perfect for: Short to chin length hair.  The wide set bristles, loosen up hair and give it extra volume, whether used with or without a blow dryer.

Not ideal for: Long or unruly hair.  The bristles won’t grip the hair tight enough to smooth and tame the strands.

Round, Mixed Bristle, with Ceramic Barrel

Perfect for: Achieving volume.  The round shape helps to lift hair at the roots.  The ceramic treated barrel evenly distributes heat to keep from frying hair.

Not ideal for: Short hair-it can make it mushroom.

Round, Boar Bristle Brush

Perfect for: Straightening curly or thick hair.  When used with a blow dryer, the bristles will grab the hair but won’t make it stick straight.

Not ideal for: The novice.  Without experience, you run the risk of getting your hair tangled in the brush.

Armed with these brush basics, your next shopping trip should result in a brush perfectly suited for your needs!