Hair Styling Equipment

Proper hair styling equipment is essential for a great look A great hair style takes more than the proper hair cut and appropriate hair care products without the proper hair styling equipment even a great style can have a bad hair day

Depending on your individual hair style and styling needs you may use a number of different tools to style your hair including

Hair Dryers

Curling Irons

Hot Rollers

Flat Irons

Hair Brushes

Hair Picks

Combs

Hair Crimpers

Hair Trimmers

Each piece of equipment performs a specific task to help keep styles looking their best and understanding what equipment is best for what type of style is the key to a great look

Electric Shavers

The earliest electric shavers seem very primitive compared to what is available on the market today The earliest forms of shavers were really not even electric at all They were not powered by an electrical cord a motor or even a battery Instead they were handpowered usually by manually pulling a string that caused the shavers blades to rotate

Different styles of electric razorsAnother difference between old shavers and modern day shavers is that the old versions were not meant to be used with any type of water soap or cream They were for dry skin only Today shavers are commonly but not exclusively used in conjunction with shaving cream or shaving gel

Over the course of several decades the concept of an electric powered razor evolved from a hand powered apparatus to a shaver that can be used wet or dry in or out of the shower and with or without a pivoting head

Contrary to popular belief there are distinct differences between razors meant to be used by a woman and razors meant to be used by a man

The first obvious difference is that electric shavers for women are quite a bit less Costlyer than shavers for men The reason for the price difference is that women primarily use the razors to shave their legs and under their arms The hair in these areas is much easier to shave than hair that grows on a mans face Therefore womens shavers can be manufactured with less powerful motors Hence they are less Costlyer

Other common features on a womens shaver are pivoting heads which makes shaving under the arms much easier

In order to ensure that a mans electric razor produces the same close shave as handheld one with an actual razor blade there are a few tips to follow The tips are simple and easy and can ensure that a man gets just as close of a shave with an electric razor as he would with a manual one

Proper techniques ensure a smooth close shave Make sure the razor is clean and sharp There are screens on electric razors that can be lifted off All of the old hair that has been shaved off should be removed Sometimes dust and lint also collect under the screen and that should be brushed out as well In order to make sure the shave is always as clean as possible the cutter should also be replaced about once a year

A mans face should away be clean and dry before using an electric razor If soap and water are not accessible a preshave lotion solution or powder may be used

Make sure to move the electric razor in the opposite direction of the hair growth against the grain For example if the hair is growing in an upward direction the razor should cut that hair in a downward direction

Try to use an electric razor continuously and not switch back and forth between an electric and a manual razor The skin needs time to adapt to any type of razor and alternating the use of two different kinds can cause severe irritation

When looked at statistically a relatively small percentage of people actually use electric razors The numbers are about 10 percent of females and 30 percent of males

Some of the reasons that the numbers are so low may have to do with the following facts

Most believe that the closest shave can only be achieved by a manual razor

Electric razors can cause ingrown hairs

Disposable razors or razor blades are not as expensive as the electric version

However… there are also many benefits to using electric razors including

Electric shavers can be used anywhere and anytime

Its extremely difficult to get nicked or cut with an electric razor

They contain more features that can easily be used for sideburns and moustaches beards

Nose Hair Trimmers

HairNose hair trimmers are a discreet type of personal grooming shaver that both men and women may find more necessary as they age The nasal membranes can be delicate however and choosing which trimmer to use is a decision that should be based on health comfort and personal preference

Nose hair or nasal cilia protects the delicate membranes of the inner nasal passage Dust dirt and debris is caught by nose hair and prevented from clogging nasal passages and the hair also traps moisture and humidity to keep the delicate nasal membranes lubricated and healthy Trimming nose hair too frequently or too short can damage the membranes causing inflammation and enhancing cold or allergy symptoms

Nose hair growth is regulated by the female hormone estrogen Both men and women produce estrogen though men produce significantly lower quantities of the hormone just as women produce significantly lower quantities of the male hormone testosterone As estrogen levels decrease men produce less estrogen as they age nose hair grows longer and coarser This is why most nose hair trimmers are marketed toward men they typically have more problems with overgrown nasal hair than women

It is a common myth that if nose hair is trimmed or removed it will grow back longer and darker than it was initially In fact trimmed hair is neater than untrimmed hair or strands that are randomly plucked and trimmers can help individuals maintain a dignified appearance quickly and easily

There are several types of trimmers available on the market today The most frequent designs include

Batteryoperated trimmers with either rotating or oscillating blades most use AA or AAA batteries

Batteryfree trimmers that operate with two hands one to guide and one to manually rotate the blades by rotating the trimmer handle

Batteryfree trimmers that operate by squeezing mechanical wing handles to create the rotation or oscillation

Slim trimmers specifically designed to be discreet for travel

Which type of trimmer to choose is based on personal preference and comfort All trimmers offer more features than just blades however and popular designs include

Safety guides to prevent the blades from contacting nasal membranes

LED lights for better viewing and subsequent control

Miniature vacuums to remove hair while trimming

Brushes to properly clean blades

Comfort grip handles for greater control

Attachments to modify the trimmer for sideburns moustaches ears or other facial hair

While most brands of nose hair trimmers are similar different manufacturers do incorporate subtle differences for their customers personal preferences Popular brands include

Groom Mate Different varieties of batteryfree trimmers for men and women

Panasonic Wet and dry trimmers with lighted accessories for trimming nose and ear hair

Emjoi Slim trimmer models and other personal grooming tools

Wahl Lighted trimmers with eyebrow combs and sideburn adapters

Remington Angled and other ergonomic models from the leading electric shaver manufacturer

Tweezerman Manual and batteryoperated models along with many other personal grooming products

Depending on the manufacturer and the exact features of the model most nasal hair trimmers range from $1030 each Additional accessories may cost extra and interested individuals can find trimmers at drug stores and in chain stores near tweezers shavers and other personal grooming products

It may seem easy to use a nose hair trimmer but there are tips that can ensure a clean easy trim without risking infections or damage to the sensitive nasal membranes

Clean the nose gently but thoroughly before and after trimming to remove excessive dirt debris and trimmed hairs

Do not use a trimmer with a clogged or runny nose or if you are prone to nosebleeds

Use the trimmer in a well lighted area for maximum visibility and consider using a magnifying mirror if necessary

Be conservative when trimming remove only the minimum amount of hair necessary to achieve your desired aesthetic appearance

Do not force the trimmer deeper into the nose than it can be inserted comfortably

Use a model that fits comfortably in the nostril one that is too loose or too tight will not be able to trim hair effectively

Do not use scissors or tweezers to remove nose hair Plucking can create small tears in the nasal membranes which can lead to infections and scarring

Clean the trimmer thoroughly with warm water before and after using to prevent spreading germs or bacteria

Haircutting Scissors

HairHaircutting scissors are the basic essential tools that every stylist must have but theyre also worth keeping in your medicine cabinet even if you arent a professional Whether you have a minor hair emergency on your hands fancy a little change of style or happen to be an expert at cutting your own locks you can always count on a pair of high quality scissors to help you achieve your best look

Scissors are the hairstylists artistic tool of choice With a great pair of scissors the stylist can create veritable magic by changing styles completely or making minor adjustments The quality and end result of a haircut depends highly on the quality of the scissors An especially creative cut may require several different types of scissors but even the most basic hair cut demands something that provides an accurate clean cut

What about haircuts that are unfortunately created by lower quality scissors The end result usually isnt pretty Dull blades or inferior quality products can greatly impact the cut and may even damage the hair and cause split ends Clearly its worth it to invest in a durable pair of scissors

Not surprisingly there are many types of haircutting scissors available on the market They include

Thinning Shears

Styling Shears

Tempered Shears

Lefthanded Shears

One glance at these scissors will tell you just how different they are from each other Each is designed to perform a specific task some are used to create subtle effects while others are perfect for basic haircuts

Barber Shears

Barber shears are the industry standard Theyre ideal for haircutting because they produce results cleanly and precisely in one fluid stroke Hairstylists choose the right shears based on a number of criteria including the type of style they specialize in and the way they hold the scissors

The price of scissors runs the gamut from very low to surprisingly high If youre a beginner or just need a basic pair to see you through a few touchups or minor trim at home a lowend pair found at your local drugstore for example is a suitable choice Top quality shears on the other hand are not made for everyone Theyre especially suited to serious stylists and cosmetologists Prices vary but may tip the $500 mark for some scissor styles

You have some choices to make before you select the right pair of scissors Of course youll also want to shop around for the best rates Beveled blades feature one serrated edge and are ideal for layer cuts tapered cuts and the scissor over the comb method Convex blades are razor sharp and promise a clean smooth flawless cut They are ideal for slide cutting Opposing grips feature handles of the same length that are symmetrical to the center screw It is perfect for individuals who cut with the thumb and middle finger Offset grips feature a short thumb handle and a longer finger handle This allows natural fluid movement and is ideal for individuals who cut with the thumb and ring finger Crane grips feature a long finger handle and an angled thumb This ensures less strain on the wrist and shoulder and allows a freer open cut Standard thumb scissors feature a removable and reversible finger resting piece that can be attached to either the left or right This allows individuals greater versatility with left and right hand use

Cutaway thumb scissors do not feature the reversible finger resting piece but does provide exceptional comfort

Anatomic thumb scissors allow for greater radial movement due to its curved design Thus it provides more freedom of movement for the stylist Rotating thumb scissors are a new advancement in the haircutting industry They reduce hand and wrist strain and feature an open hand grip design which reduces thumb travel and creates a more comfortable experience for the stylist Choosing the blade length is really a matter of comfort and preferred styling methods You will find you probably need to utilize several different types of scissors but your hand should feel comfortable no matter what size it is.

Short blades are useful for detailed touchups such as cutting around the ears or very close to the skin This type of blade is recommended for all stylists chances are it will be used frequently for more intricate cutting The blade should be no longer than 5 5 inches Long blades are ideal for cutting thick hair slide cutting scissor over comb methods and bobs to name a few The above mentioned traits are the standards for selecting a pair of scissors Some other features that stylists may choose to focus on include the production material of the shears the method of production of the shears and the tension system the shears provide

Hair Dryers

HairHair dryers are the most common type of hair styling tool available but not every dryer is suitable for every head of hair Before purchasing a new blow dryer consider how you use the tool how your hair reacts to it and what you can do to protect your hair from heat damage There are several types of blow dryers available and you should choose the one that best suits your drying and styling needs Standard models offer a variety of features such as

Multiple heat settings including a cool setting to help set curls or gel

Assorted attachments for different styling needs

Voltage adaptors suitable for travel

Safety sensors and fan cages

Higher quality models may feature specialty technology such as ionic dryers which use negatively charged ions rather than the positive ions emitted by standard dryers in order to help preserve the hairs moisture and dry hair more quickly Another specialty design is the ceramic dryer which provides more even heat and has more sophisticated temperature regulators to prevent damage

Hair dryers range from under $10 to over $150 depending on the model and its features Specialty dryers with advanced technology are generally more expensive and must usually be purchased from a salon The less Costlyest models are also the least beneficial for hair and while they may provide initial savings the damage they cause could lead to substantial costs in terms of additional conditioners and deep treatments to overcome heat damage A midrange dryer is the best choice for most users and the best way to cut costs is to select a model that offers only the features you regularly use rather than upgrades that will not affect your styling habits

The best way to choose your perfect hair dryer is to judge how you will use it While inexpensive models may be inappropriate for extensive styling their lack of temperature settings can scorch hair they are suitable for someone who only uses a dryer infrequently or someone with short hair who can dry their hair quickly If you often use a dryer to style your locks and add more volume you may prefer a midrange model that offers more attachments and options The most expensive dryers are best for individuals who use them for extensive styling or whose hair is extremely sensitive to heat damage

Used properly a dryer can help smooth hair add volume and even condition hair when combined with heatactivated conditioners and other hair products To use the dryer effectively direct the hot air flow down the strands from the root toward the tip reversing the direction will inflate hair follicles and cause frizzy dull hair For more even heat application and control keep the dryer at least eight inches from hair at all times unless the styling technique specifically calls for closer use Wrapping hair around a wide brush can help control the strands to apply heat evenly and add volume

To avoid excessive heat damage try to limit the amount of heat that is applied to hair Letting locks dry naturally even partway before using a dryer will help minimize damage Keeping the tool further away from hair helps prevent scorching and use the lowest possible heat setting to accomplish the styling task Do not apply heat to hair for lengthy periods of time keep both the dryer and the hair moving to prevent concentrating the heat in one location If you use hair dryers frequently consider using heatactivated leave in conditioners to safeguard your tresses from severe damage

In addition to heatactivated conditioners regular dryer users should consider investing in periodic deep conditioning treatments as well as a daily conditioner Because frequent dryer use can deplete hairs natural moisture a moisturizing shampoo may also be a wise investment If you are unsure whether or not your hair has been heat damaged consult a professional stylist at your regular salon and ask for recommendations about protective measures

Hair dryers are the most frequently used hair styling tools but improper use can result in severe heat damage and dull lifeless hair To use a dryer effectively choose the model that best suits your needs and try to limit the amount of heat you apply Adding heat treatment products and conditioners can help moderate damage and careful use can result in superior hair styles that never look like a dryer has been used at all

Hair Trimmers

HairFrom basic models to full kits with a variety of clipper sizes and accessories hair trimmers are a great way to save a few bucks on a haircut and make general grooming easier

TRIMMERS

If you want to maintain a short easy hair cut you may discover that trimmers completely replace your barber or hairstylist On the other hand a trimmer may just hold you over between hair cuts Hair clippers are also an excellent tool to have on hand for small grooming needs such as sideburn or nose hair trimming Hair trimmers run the gamut in functionality and price ranges Depending on your needs you may find a basic trimmer will do the trick but if you need additional attachments or a more powerful motor you may opt for a higherend model The following are just a few of the many available options

As with any purchase a small amount of research will pay off before buying Review trimmer availability at Amazon com and other online retailers then check the customer reviews Those who have used the product will offer helpful feedback about the trimmer that you are considering Some important factors to consider when shopping for your hair trimmer include

Price

If you have a certain budget to stick to there is a nice range of price points to choose from

Styling

Some models are more ergonomically designed and lightweight than others which may or may not be a consideration for your purchase

Attachments Accessories

Depending on your needs you may want extra bells and whistles such as additional sizes of clipper attachments guide combs to create blended styling a cape or even a case to hold everything

Noise Level

Most modernday hair trimmers have very quiet motors but there are some models that claim to be extremely quiet

Hair Type

Some trimmers are better equipped to handle thick long hair while others are recommended for the challenge of trimming wet hair

Some electric shavers do double duty providing a clean close shave while including a trimmer for additional grooming This is a handy tool if you dont need the full functionality of trimmers but need to do some facial grooming such as evening a sideburn or trimming a moustache

To prolong the life of your hair trimmers you will need to clean them regularly Refer to the manual for specific directions but generally you will need to clean trimmers thoroughly after each use removing any clipped hair and using a small cleaning brush to clean more precisely Additionally trimmers may need to be oiled at regular intervals to ensure that they continue to run smoothly If you are using a cordless trimmer be sure to recharge the batteries so that the unit operates well for the next trim

For best results you should opt for styling tools that can give professional results which often means more expensive equipment similar to what your professional stylist would use in the hair salon This may seem costly at first but better quality equipment will last longer gives more styling options and is a better investment for a great style At the same time it is not necessary to purchase high end equipment for simple styles the key is to look for features you need and avoid extra gimmicks that add to the price tag but not to your style

Even the best hair styling equipment can have disastrous results if not used properly however Before using a new tool ask your stylist for tips on how to use it properly and thoroughly read the manufacturers instructions and style guide if available Getting the technique right for a new piece of equipment may take some practice and experimentation but in no time at all youll find yourself able to craft stunning coifs like a pro