Hair Styling Tools

Hair dryer  

The technology of a hair dryer has improved vastly and the modern hair dryer features a range of heat and speed settings together with a narrow styling nozzle to provide a precision controlled air stream. 

Far from just drying the hair they are now able to add lift and volume and to control frizz.  The best way to use a hair dryer is to power dry the hair on a high setting, finish on a lower heat and then switch to cool to set.  Taking care not to hold the dryer too close to the scalp, aim the air flow down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and encourage shine.  Diffusers are devices which fit on to the nozzle of a hair dryer and they are particularly useful for curly or permed hair as they disperse the flow of air so that the force of the heat does not flatten the curls.  Infra dryers are a new concept in hair drying and they are fitted with a diffuser and an infra red lamp to dry the hair with gentle rays rather than hot air.  

Heat Styling Brush

Easier to use than curling tongs, hot brushes are available in various sizes to create tight or loose curls.  Normally used on dry hair, they are also excellent for adding volume, body and bounce as the heat penetrates through the hair.  Cordless hot brushes which use butane cartridges or batteries are useful if you are on the move. 

Curling Tongs

Curling tongs are available in different barrel sizes depending on the type of curl you want to achieve, the smaller the barrel the tighter the curl.  After drying divide hair into sections and wind round the pre-heated barrel and hold for around 10 seconds before releasing.  Take care not to burn your scalp as tongs become extremely hot.

Heated Rollers

These are available in sets normally comprising of 20 rollers in three different sizes with matching clips.  There are two types of heated roller, one contains an element inside each roller and the other is wax filled and retains the heat for a longer period.  Hot Sticks or Benders are smooth rods which are heated up and wound round sections of hair to produce body and waves.   

Hair Straighteners

Hair Straighteners, also known as flat irons, are now probably the most popular hair styling tool. Used after drying, hair straighteners clamp sections of hair between two flat ceramic plates creating smooth, sleek hairstyles by literally ironing out frizz or curl.  A gentle styling spray is recommended to minimise heat damage.  Crimpers are similar products but used to create waves or ripples.