Creating great hairstyles at home is easier than ever with the right tools. Whether you’re looking to achieve sleek, smooth hair, bouncy curls, or voluminous waves, having the essentials in your styling kit can make all the difference. Here’s a rundown of must-have tools for at-home hair styling, along with some tips on how to get the best results.
1. High-Quality Hairdryer
A reliable hairdryer is the foundation of any styling routine, whether you’re drying your hair for a quick out-the-door look or creating a sleek, blowout finish. Look for a model with multiple heat settings, a cool shot button to set your style, and attachments like a diffuser or smoothing nozzle.
Why It’s Essential:
• Helps you achieve smooth, frizz-free results.
• Reduces drying time, which helps prevent heat damage.
• Allows you to create different styles, from straight to curly, with various attachments.
Pro Tip:
• Use the nozzle attachment to direct airflow down the hair shaft, which helps to smooth and add shine.
• End with the cool shot to lock in the style and add long-lasting shine.
2. Flat Iron
A Straightening tool (Flat Iron) is perfect not only for achieving sleek, straight styles but also for creating loose waves or curls, depending on your technique. Choose a ceramic or tourmaline iron with adjustable heat settings so you can find the right temperature for your hair type.
Why It’s Essential:
• Works for both straightening and curling, offering versatility.
• Ideal for touch-ups, especially around the roots or ends.
• Adjustable heat settings help minimise damage by letting you control the temperature.
Pro Tip:
• Use a dry heat protectant spray before flat ironing to prevent heat damage.
• For loose waves, gently twist your hair around the iron and pull through at an angle.
3. Curling Wand or Curling Iron
If curls or waves are your go-to style, a good curling wand or iron is essential. Wands without a clamp give a more natural wave, while traditional curling irons allow for more control over the curl’s shape and tightness. Look for a tool with different barrel sizes to achieve various types of curls, from beachy waves to defined ringlets.
Why It’s Essential:
• Allows you to create a variety of curl types, perfect for any style or occasion.
• Newer models with ceramic or tourmaline barrels distribute heat evenly for smoother curls.
Pro Tip:
• Wrap hair around the barrel away from your face for a more natural, face-framing look.
• Hold each section for no more than 10 seconds to avoid excessive heat exposure.
4. Round Brush
A round brush is your go-to for achieving volume and body while blow-drying. Choose a brush size based on the length of your hair: smaller brushes work well for short hair and tight curls, while larger brushes create volume and waves for longer hair. Boar bristle or ceramic round brushes work best for creating smoothness and shine.
Why It’s Essential:
• Adds volume and body, especially when used with a blow dryer.
• Helps create smooth, salon-quality blowouts at home.
Pro Tip:
• Section your hair and start blow-drying at the roots, using the round brush to lift hair and add volume.
• Roll the brush down the length of your hair for smooth, rounded ends.
5. Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb is gentle on wet hair, helping you detangle without causing breakage. It’s also ideal for distributing conditioner or leave-in treatments through your hair evenly.
Why It’s Essential:
• Minimises breakage, especially on wet or fragile hair.
• Great for evenly applying hair treatments and conditioners.
Pro Tip:
• Comb through wet hair with a leave-in conditioner for easy detangling.
• Use it in the shower to distribute conditioner for maximum hydration.
6. Paddle Brush
A paddle brush is ideal for detangling and smoothing hair quickly, especially if you have medium to long hair. The wide, flat surface allows you to brush large sections, making it easier to tame tangles and add a bit of shine without creating static.
Why It’s Essential:
• Quickly detangles large sections of hair, cutting down on styling time.
• Smooths hair, making it great for finishing styles or blow-drying straight looks.
Pro Tip:
• Use a paddle brush with your hairdryer to smooth and detangle as you dry.
• Start brushing from the ends and work up to the roots to prevent breakage.
7. Heat Protectant Spray
While not technically a tool, heat protectant spray is a must-have for anyone who uses hot tools regularly. It creates a protective barrier around each strand, minimising heat damage and keeping your hair healthier.
Why It’s Essential:
• Protects hair from heat damage caused by styling tools.
• Helps keep hair hydrated and reduces the risk of breakage.
Pro Tip:
• Apply evenly from roots to ends before blow-drying, straightening, or curling.
• Wait a few seconds for the spray to dry before using your hot tools to prevent sizzling.
8. Clips and Hair Ties
Clips and hair ties might seem basic, but they’re essential for sectioning and securing hair while you style. Sectioning clips make it easier to blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair in layers, ensuring a more polished, even result.
Why It’s Essential:
• Keeps sections out of the way, allowing for easier, more precise styling.
• Essential for sectioning hair when drying, straightening, or curling.
Pro Tip:
• Use sectioning clips to divide hair into manageable sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Opt for spiral or fabric hair ties to avoid creasing or damaging hair.
9. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is your secret weapon for refreshing your style between washes. It absorbs excess oil and adds volume, making it ideal for reviving second-day hair or adding texture before styling.
Why It’s Essential:
• Extends the life of your style, allowing you to go longer between washes.
• Adds volume and texture, perfect for updos or creating tousled looks.
Pro Tip:
• Apply dry shampoo to roots and wait a few minutes before massaging it in.
• Use sparingly to avoid buildup, focusing on areas where your hair gets oiliest.
Final Thoughts
With the right tools in your styling kit, achieving salon-quality looks at home is more than possible. From a high-quality hairdryer to essential styling brushes and heat protectant, each item plays an important role in creating polished, beautiful styles with ease. Start by investing in a few essentials and build your collection based on your styling needs and preferences. With these tools on hand, you’ll be prepared for great hair days, every day.
