Hair Care Tools of the Trade

When it comes to beauty hair care is an important step in making oneself look the part, but there are some tools that are needed for styling that coif. Whether you like a straight look, a wavy look or a curly look, you will need some styling tools to achieve your goals. These tools include electrical tools like straighteners and curling irons and manual tools like brushes and combs.

Blow Dryers

Blow dryers do just what their name suggests, they blow the hair dry. Blow dryers have come a long way over the years, going from bulky hoods that you would sit under to hand held machines. Blow dryers should be about 1,200 watts, though the stylists seem to prefer 2,000 watt ones. Never hold the dryer right up to your scalp, keep it 3 to 6 inches away to prevent burning. If you want to use your blow dryer to help enhance waves or curls you should get a diffuser for it.

Hot/Steam Rollers

Use rollers on dry hair. Hot rollers are a great way to get a temporary curl look for a day or evening, while steam rollers tend to be more gentle on the hair and are a good choice for someone with thinner hair.

Curling Iron

Use a curling iron for waves or curls, and it makes for a faster transition for straight (or messy) than using the rollers. Curling irons should only be used on dry hair. There are different sizes available, like ¼ inch and 1 inch, which can make tighter or looser curls.

Straightener

For those of you that are not happy with your kinky, curly or wavy hair there is a savior! That saving grace is the straightener, a tool that heats up and flattens your hair one lumped section at a time.

Crimpers & Wavers

If you grew up in the 80's you know exactly what I am talking about. These tools are designed much like straighteners, but instead of flat panels that straighten the hair they have ridges. Farther spaced ridges are for wavy hair, closer spaced are for crimped hair. Wavers are still fairly easy to find, but crimpers are nearly obsolete!

Hair Brushes

There are numerous types of hair brushes. The half round is the most common and is used for general brushing and in conjunction with blow drying. The round brush is mainly used with blow drying to add some subtle curl. The vent brush is good for use with wet hair or to add lift. And the flat paddle brush removes curl when used with a blow dryer.

Combs

Another abundant tool of the hair care trade. Use a pick for curly hair. Rattail combs are great for hair styles with a part. A wide-toothed come can be used on wet hair and is wonderful for spreading out gel evenly through the hair. For people with knots, tangles and snags a detangling comb should be used.

Hair/Bobby Pins

These little devices help hold a style in place. Hair pins are more invisible, so they work better for a fancy up-do that need some help!