Most days, you just reach out for your comb and take a swipe down through your strands before heading out. Still, there are times you’ll want to look sharp, more dramatic, or more comfortable, and such a need calls for tried-and-tested hair styling tools. After all, what could be worse than a hair nest sitting on your head all day, or say, having flyaway hair when all you wanted is sleek tresses?
Whether you’re aiming for a go-to ‘do for work or trying out new looks that complement your every mood and occasion, here’s our guide to using hair styling tools that will save you a trip to the salon any day.
What Are Hair Styling Tools?
While you may think about hair styling tools as only those that you plug into the electric socket, they encompass more than just appliances. These tools can range from mechanical and non-electric to heat-powered and pressure-assisted. Each of these tools allows you to manipulate the appearance, texture, and volume of your hair.
How Hair Styling Tools Work
Depending on their purpose, these tools may use heat, air, pressure, or a combination of these elements to style and hold your strands in place.
When heat is applied directly to your hair, it breaks down the hydrogen bonds that hold its natural shape. This allows your locks to be molded and shaped into a new style as they cool down and the bonds reform.
Meanwhile, hair dryers use a powerful airflow to remove moisture and promote faster drying. Additionally, diffusers attached to your hair dryers can break up water droplets and distribute airflow evenly, minimizing frizz (if you have dry and coarse hair) and maximizing volume (if you’re aiming to amp up your otherwise lifeless strands).
If your hair is heat-averse, tools that don’t require higher temperatures like rollers and clips are your best bet. They work by applying controlled pressure to specific sections of your hair, holding them in place as they cool and set with a trusty hair spray for women.
Hair Styling Tool Variations
Styling your tresses may seem fun if you’re just watching a YouTube tutorial, but in reality, it still requires practice and care. This is especially true when you’re banking on your hair styling tools to do the trick on your stubborn locks instead of paying a premium for a salon visit. So, without further ado (and to start styling your do’), here’s a list of tools to add to your vanity desk alongside your ever-reliable comb.
1. Hair Brush
If you’re in a hurry to look more put-together straight out of the shower, a hairbrush is your best ally. Used on towel-dried or blower-dried tresses, this tool detangles knotted ends and smoothens out frizzy hair.
How to Use/Best For
Hair brushes can be used on wet or dry hair and for styling, albeit it depends on the brush type you use. A wet detangling brush has flexible bristles that can unknot your strands with less breakage. On the other hand, a boar bristle brush helps distribute natural oils from your scalp and adds shine to your hair, especially to revive your hair color. Another brush called the Denman brush allows you to define your curly hair.
Maintenance/Storage
Clean your brushes regularly after every use so they don’t accumulate balls of hair. Pull out each fallen hair strand from the bristles and wash with mild soap. Make sure to dry them first before storing them in your vanity to avoid moldy odor and bacteria buildup.
Other Tips
Use a paddle brush for straightening your hair. If you want to create more volume and waves, opt for a round brush.
2. Blow Dryer
It may have earned its moniker for delivering desired results on still-wet hair, yet a blow dryer packs a punch especially when used in conjunction with different nozzles. The hot air it expels not only eliminates moisture but also reinforces the shape and volume of your hair.
How to Use/Best For
Use different attachments to allow concentrated airflow or add volume to your tresses. For instance, the concentrator nozzle is great for styling the direction of your hair. Meanwhile, the diffuser attachment is ideal for curly hair that drops in coils, as it reduces frizz and enhances natural waves. Otherwise, you might just need a volumizing nozzle that lifts your hair from the roots for additional bounce and body.
Maintenance/Storage
Remove lint from the filter regularly so that they don’t block the airflow on your next use. Store your blow dryer along with its nozzles in a dry place, preferably hanging or in a drawer.
Other Tips
A cool hack to set your style while adding shine is to use the cool shot button. For diffuser attachments, make sure to tilt your head and let curls sit in the diffuser cup to achieve defined, gravity-defying curls.
3. Hair Volumizer
This can be an electric wand similar to a hair iron, but with plates that lift the hair up and away from the roots to achieve more body and an appearance of thicker locks. Instead of flattening out your strands, it adds volume through careful manipulation aided by heat.
How to Use/Best For
If you have fine or flat hair, you’ll benefit big time from a hair volumizer. You can apply products such as root lifters and volumizing sprays to the roots before blow-drying for maximum lift.
Maintenance/Storage
Keep your device clean and free of grease due to spray residue. Make sure to store your hair volumizer in a dry, safe place.
Other Tips
Try blow-drying your hair upside down before finishing with a round brush for extra volume.
4. Flat Iron for Hair
A straight-haired magic wand, this hair styling tool comes with two heated plates used to straighten or style hair with minimum frizz.
Best For
Although hair irons are best known for straightening frizzy hair, you can also use them to create waves with a few inward twirls while clamping your tresses between the iron plates in one straight swipe. This dual feature makes it a go-to hair styling tool for all hair types.
Maintenance/Storage
Clean the iron plates with a damp cloth when cool. Store it in a dry area, with the cord neatly wrapped. Avoid storing it away while still hot! Let it cool first so you won’t risk starting a fire on flammable objects nearby or injuring someone.
Other Tips
Consider using a heat protectant spray and keep the iron moving to avoid heat damage. You don’t wanna risk split ends from repeated exposure to scorching plates.
5. Texturizer
It can be any chemical treatment or styling product that softens hair texture or adds grip and definition to hair. They may include hair mousse, hair gel, or specially formulated spray that can be applied to your tresses prior to blow-drying or curling.
Best For
This hair styling tool is Ideal if you’re trying to achieve a more manageable hair texture or creating a tousled style reminiscent of beach bumming days.
Maintenance/Storage
Follow specific product storage instructions, especially when used in conjunction with heating tools. Store your sprays and gels away from direct sunlight and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Other Tips
While scrunching was a huge trend in the early 2000s, you need not fear sporting natural-looking waves done this way. Apply your mousse or spray on damp hair and scrunch up your tresses to achieve the look.
6. Hair Rollers
Scared of using iron curlers? Then switch back to the good ol’ hair rollers your grandma once used to turn heads back in the day. These are cylindrical hair styling tools typically made of plastic that you can use to create waves or coils sans the damaging frequent heat styling.
How to Use/Best For
Want to save time for an important occasion the morning after? Sleep on foam rollers! They are excellent for overnight use without hurting your head and neck, while still locking in your tresses in tight curls.
Maintenance/Storage
Clean them regularly and store them in a drawer or box to keep them dust-free.
Other Tips
Heat hair slightly before using rollers for a stronger and longer-lasting curl. You may also use a hair gel or spray with an extra-strength formulation to keep the coils in place for longer hours.
7. Curling Iron
The electric counterpart of hair rollers, a curling iron is a hair styling tool with a cylindrical barrel used for curling hair by wrapping your hair sections around it and applying heat.
How to Use/Best For
Got limp, lifeless tresses? Achieve more volume and drama with elaborate curls or easy waves using your electric curling iron.
Maintenance/Storage
Wipe the barrel with a damp cloth ONLY when cool. Store with the cord securely wrapped. Avoid placing the iron near flammable objects while still hot.
Other Tips
If you want to experiment with different curl types and alternate the curl direction for a more natural look, use a selection of barrel sizes or section your hair proportionately before curling.
8. Hair Dryer Brush
This is a hybrid tool that combines a blow dryer and a round brush for simultaneous drying and styling. Surely, you’ve run out of lazy excuses not to come to any event looking sharp and glamorous.
Best For
A hair dryer brush is ideal for achieving a salon-like blowout at home. You can even lend it to your girlfriends as it is suitable for all hair types, although especially beneficial for those with frizzy or unruly hair.
Maintenance/Storage
Clean bristles and air intake regularly, as stray hairs will often find their way into the dryer part of the tool. Store away in a dry place when not in use.
Other Tips/Techniques/Hacks
Work your hair in sections and keep the brush moving to prevent overheating, while similarly ensuring even drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use high heat settings on fine hair?
It's best to use lower heat settings to prevent damage.
How often should I replace my hair styling tools?
Every four to five years, or if you notice performance issues.
Are expensive hair tools worth the investment?
Yes, especially if they offer advanced features that protect hair health.
Can I use a flat iron on damp hair?
No, always dry your hair completely to avoid damage.
How can I minimize heat damage?
Use a heat protectant spray and choose tools with adjustable heat settings.
