Simple hairstyling tools & tips on how to use
Heat styling tools are essential for creating a variety of hairstyles by manipulating the natural texture and shape of hair. These tools work by applying direct or indirect heat, which temporarily alters the hydrogen bonds within hair strands, allowing for shaping, curling, straightening, or adding volume. This process allows hair to be desired style.
There are several main types of heat styling tools
- Hair dryer
- Flat iron (straightener)
- Curling iron/wands
- Hairbrushes
- Hot air brush
- Crimper
- Diffuser
- Hair straightening brush
- Flat Irons (Hair Straighteners)
Flat irons have two heated plates that press and glide through hair to straighten it and reduce frizz.
Types of Flat Irons
- Ceramic Plates: These distribute heat evenly, reduce frizz, and are gentle on all hair types.
- Titanium Plates: These heat quickly and stay at a consistent temperature, which is good for thick, coarse hair.
- Tourmaline Plates: These release negative ions to reduce frizz, making them ideal for fine or damaged hair.
How to Adjust Flat Iron Heat: Use lower temperatures (250–300°F) for fragile hair and higher temperatures (up to 450°F) for thick hair.
How to Use a Flat Iron: Always apply a heat protectant. Avoid using it on wet hair unless the tool is meant for that.
- Curling Irons and Wands
Curling irons and wands create waves and curls by wrapping hair around a heated barrel. Wands do not have clamps, offering more flexibility.
Types of Curling Irons:
- Ceramic and Tourmaline Barrels: These heat evenly and reduce frizz, suitable for most hair types.
- Titanium Barrels: These heat quickly and are best for thick, coarse hair.
- Gold-Plated Barrels: These are used for professional styling and hold heat well for long-lasting curls.
- Barrel Sizes: Smaller barrels (0.5 to 1 inch) make tighter curls, while larger barrels (1.25 to 2 inches) create loose waves.
How to Use a Curling Iron: Keep the iron moving to avoid hot spots. Start curling at the mid-length or ends of your hair, not the roots.
- Blow Dryers (Hair Dryers)
Blow dryers use heated air to dry hair quickly. They are often paired with brushes to add volume and smoothness.
Types of Blow Dryers:
- Ionic Dryers: Emit negative ions to reduce frizz and enhance shine, good for thick, frizzy hair.
- Ceramic Dryers: Distribute heat evenly and are gentler on fine hair.
- Tourmaline Dryers: Emit far-infrared heat to reduce drying time and lock in moisture, effective for all hair types.
Heat and Speed Settings: Many blow dryers have different heat and speed settings. High heat works best for thicker hair, while lower settings suit finer or damaged hair.
Attachments:
- Concentrator Nozzle: Directs airflow to focus on drying and smoothing.
- Diffuser: Spreads airflow to enhance curls without frizz.
- Comb or Pick Attachment: Adds volume at the roots, great for textured or curly hair.
How to Use a Blow Dryer: Dry hair in sections for better control, and keep the dryer moving to prevent heat damage.
- Hot Air Brushes
Hot air brushes combine a blow dryer with a round brush to style and dry hair at the same time, adding volume and creating a blowout effect.
Types:
- Round Hot Air Brushes: Add volume and curl, with larger barrels for loose waves and smaller barrels for tighter curls.
- Paddle Hot Air Brushes: Flat and wider, ideal for straightening or smoothing hair.
Materials: Commonly have ceramic and tourmaline coatings to reduce frizz and distribute heat evenly.
Usage Tips: Work in sections for better control and start at the roots for volume. Best used on damp, towel-dried hair.
- Hot Rollers
Hot rollers create curls or waves by heating each roller and setting it in the hair until it cools, helping the shape last longer.
Types:
- Ceramic and Tourmaline Rollers: Heat evenly and reduce frizz for a smooth finish.
- Velvet-Covered Rollers: The velvet coating helps prevent tangling and is gentler on fine or damaged hair.
Roller Sizes: Smaller rollers create tighter curls, while larger ones add volume and loose waves.
Usage Tips: Use on slightly damp hair and let the rollers cool completely for long-lasting curls.
- Crimpers
Crimpers create a wavy, zigzag texture by pressing hair between heated ridged plates, popular for adding volume or achieving a specific style.
Materials: Ceramic or tourmaline plates are preferred to reduce frizz.
Usage Tips: Use crimpers sparingly on the top layer of hair for texture or at the roots for volume. Always use a heat protectant and avoid daily use to prevent damage.
