Although many people think of the blow dryer and the curling iron as the top hair styling tools, there are many implements to achieve special looks and effects from wedding hair styles to a daring do for a night out clubbing with friends.
When you review all the available tools from types of hair curlers to flat irons and hair crimpers, you may be surprised at the number of options available to you.
What are all these styling accessories?
Almost all hair styling tips mention the use of one or another styling aids or hair styling tools. From the type of brush you select to the use of hot rollers or techniques and aids for creating braided and plaited effects, all this equipment and its use can be confusing. In addition, product terminology adds another layer of confusion. For instance, any hair care implement that generates heat to change the shape of your hair is a hairsetter. In product advertising, however, the term is applied most frequently to variations of hot rollers.
Here are some of the major styling accessories and a description of their basic use. Remember that any device that creates heat will dry your hair, especially if it is used daily. These devices make moisturizing your hair an essential part of your hair care regimen.
Hair Crimpers Create Waves
Hair crimpers are almost identical in appearance to flat irons and are used in much the same way except that the hair is pressed for a few seconds to put waves in instead of taking them out. Many flat irons come with attachments that will convert them into crimpers and it is possible by straightening some portions of the hair and crimping others to create the multi-layered, dichotomous look present in many modern, chic hairstyles. (Hair crimping can also be accomplished with a curling iron placed across the hair with no rolling. See the discussion of curling irons below.)
Flat Irons Defeat Kinky Hair
A flat iron is a hinged device, looking something like a clamp, which generates heat to temporarily straighten hair. Any device that applies heat to the hair should be used with caution. Wash your hair and use a product to control frizz, then blow your hair completely dry on the low setting. Allow the hair to cool before you start to use the iron.
The iron is a very simple device but you may want to practice with it while it is cold just to get used to the weight and feel. Draw thin sections of your hair through the closed jaws of the iron and comb your hair after each pass. Work from close to the roots to the end of your hair and use sections of hair slightly smaller in width than the iron itself. Be careful not to burn your scalp. Move the iron slowly but steadily over your hair. Don't pause or leave the iron in one place. That's all there is to it. In the absence of high humidity, your hair will stay straight and sleek for that special occasion.
Flat irons come in a variety of configurations. Generally those lined with a ceramic material are of the best and most affordable quality. Expect to pay $100 or more for a good flat iron. Many irons have variable heat settings, a nice feature to help protect the hair from damage. Some products advertise that they can be used on wet hair but be very cautious. Hair is at its most fragile when wet and the combination of heat and moisture can essentially fry your hair.
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