Tools to Tame your Locks

We have come a long way from hot rollers and velcro-based curlers. In todays hair care isles you will find items that sound like they were NASA’s brainchild. The terminology is confusing, but what’s worse is finding the right tool for you – that is where we can help! This is your go-to guide to take the turmoil out of the terminology and turn your mane into a head of hair any girl would envy.

First, lets start with the terms:

Ceramic – the heat source in your tool is made with ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic will regulate itself and will prevent over-heating (decrease in heat = decrease in damage). Ceramic will also make your hair smoother, shinier, and seal in the moisture.

Ionic – negative ions are used to shrink water droplets and neutralize static-causing positive ions. This cuts the drying time and prevents frizz.

Nano – water molecules are broken down into tiny particles. This allows more moisture to seep into your hair and decreases frizz.

Tourmaline – this is a stone that releases negative ions and far-infrared (aka long wavelength) heat. It knocks out static producing positive ions, reduces drying time, and closes hair cuticles leaving your hair silky smooth.

So what are the best tools for your hair?

Curly Girls – go for tools that say ceramic, ionic, or nano. These properties will smooth the hair and drop the drying time. Ionic dryers will save you time and ceramic or tourmaline curling irons can give your hair a more defined look.

-                Dryer: Chi Rocket Professional

-                Curling iron: Amika Curler

Stick Straight – tools with any of the properties are great for your hair. Try tourmaline to reduce drying time lessening the damage done by heat.

-                Dryer: Revlon Tourmaline Ionic 1875 Watt Dryer

-                Straightening iron: Sedu Icon Prive

Limp/Fine Hair – try using a round ceramic brush to give your hair volume and dryers with different heat settings are important for your thin delicate strands.  Preventing your hair from overheating will help deter breakage and maximize its growing potential. Using a dryer with multiple properties will help prevent static.

-                Dryer: Conair Infinity Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Styler 223X

-                Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Mega

Girl-on-the-go –No need to subject yourself to damaging effects of a hotel wall-mounted dryer. Different ceramic dryers and flat irons now come travel-size!

-                Dryer: Andis 1875 Ceramic Folding Dryer with retractable cord.

-                Straightening Iron: Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium

Bonus: To dry hair in even less time try a brush with synthetic and bore bristle combo. Bore bristles are gentle on the hair and synthetic bristles will dry hair faster!

The Three Biggest Hair Myths... Put To Rest.

One : A cold water rinse will give you shiny strands.

This has been a rumor in hair salons for ages, how does it work? The frigid water temperature will force your hair cuticle to close so that it lays flat and reflects light, as opposed to enlarged and dull looking. A scientific fact that makes that impossible is your hair does not contain cells that can react to hot OR cold water temperature. To insure a high shine finish, use treatments or styling aids that are rich in oils or contain silicone which both smooth the cuticle. Avoid dyeing hair and utilizing hot styling tools too frequently.

Two : Monthly trims will boost your growth.

This one is simple. Trimming the ends of your hair does not affect the follicles in your scalp, which determine if your hair grows rapidly or very slow. Across the board, hair grows approximately 3 millimeters in a month whether or not you've trimmed it. Regular cuts get rid of split ends which reduces breakage. Breakage makes hair look damaged, short and unruly. Schedule a trim every 12-14 weeks and ask your stylist to take only the split ends off and clean up the layers (if you have them).

Three : If you always wash with the same shampoo, it'll stop working.

Filling your shower with 4 luxe brand shampoos isn't necessary to keep your hair feeling clean and revitalized. However, your shampoo will work regardless of how often you use it. If you have recently dyed your hair, you should incorporate a "color care" shampoo for at least 1 week after you apply the color (Kerastase Bain Miroir $36 @ Kerastase-USA.com). For everyday care, stick with your personal favorite and use a rich conditioner on the ends for a smooth finish.