Tips for Choosing Hair Tools & Products

Hello its me Carolyn—long time no read. After several months of silence, I'm back and better than ever. Spring is right around the corner and what better way to stay connected with my readers than a new blog post. So here goes, I may be a bit rusty, but I'm back with a loads of beauty tricks and secrets.

My clients are always asking me for advice when purchasing hair tools. I've come up with a list of must haves and splurges. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look great. All you need is a road map of what to look for in hair care tools.

Most women have some type of Keratin treatment in their hair today. When the stylist performing the treatment endorses a product line, please by all means purchase it. What that tells me is your stylist is educated and wants you to take the right steps in assuring predictable results. Most of the over the counter shampoo and conditioning systems claim they are Sulfate free and sodium chloride free. There is no way of knowing how effective the product will be. I am a firm believer in the Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner system. It cleans the hair thoroughly without stripping the Keratin out of your hair. It's also a miracle for over processed chemically challenged hair. Here's a little FYI if you're getting the treatment before you head on vacation take heed: ocean water will take out your Keratin treatment faster than splashing around in a pool filled with chlorine. Think back to a time when you were a little girl—would your mom ever think of dunking her hair in the ocean or pool? Heavens no, she knew better.

Blowdryers

Worth the investment, a high tech T3 Featherweight blow dryer will not only cut the drying time in half it will be less aggressive on your hair. These blow dryers will cost upwards of $200+. It's a big chunk of change, but if you do the math it will last you quite a long time and you don't run the risk of burning your hair. Be sure it has a separate attachment nozzle for directing heat. Tourmaline dryers distribute heat more effectively without disrupting the cuticle and causing frizz.

Flat Irons

Racing out the door to pick up the kids? A flat iron is a great tool to smooth and tweak a slept on blow out. Choose one with a ceramic coating to help distribute heat evenly and effectively. These can get very hot quickly be careful not to spend too long on one section. You will run the risk of scorching your hair. Yikes!

Curling Irons

In this case, bigger is better. A large barrel will allow you to create that "Boho" chic tousled look. If your hair is long I prefer the Sultra, the bombshell 1 1/2" barrel rod. It takes a bit of practice although it gives you that easy breezy bend to the hair. It comes with a thermal glove so you won't burn yourself.

Brushes

If your hair is long, I recommend a paddle brush or "wet Brush" to detangle your hair. You can blow dry your hair up to 50 percent  before using your round brush to style your hair. My favorite is the paddle from Aveda. It gently releases  the hair and you wont run the risk of pulling out or stretching the hair beyond its limit. It's a great tool for mommies to use on their little girls.

Round brushes

Get yourself a great medium-size round brush 2 1/2" diameter with natural boar bristle brushes. My personal favorite is the "Marilyn" brush. Its hourglass shape lets you smooth and create volume. I'm a master colorist who does not blow out hair for a living. What I can tell you is this brush makes me look good.

Shampoos

Color-treated hair demands a shampoo that is specifically designed to prolong the duration of the color service. If you can't afford a high end shampoo and conditioning system by all means try the Loreal Ever Pure system. Here's the trick: shampoo the roots only then rise out. If you can splurge I love Kerastase Bain Shampoo 1,2 or 3 followed by Kerastase Masque Intantse for fine or thick hair. It is a true cure for compromised hair. At one time, you could only purchase this system in luxury high end salons. If you're in Mount Kisco, you can always get it at Target for a fraction of the price. Shh, it's been the best kept secret of many women.

Dry Shampoo

The best on the market today is by Oscar Blondi. It adds texture and volume, and what girl doesn't want that? Don't be freaked by the white film on your hair. Wait a minute or two for the product to dry then brush and style you will see the film disapear before your eyes. This is the greatest tool ever invented.

Silicone Defrizzer

Kerastase Nutritive Serum Oleo-Relax. Not only is this a curly girls best friend it's designed for hair with a lot of inconsistant movement in the hair that tends to frizz. Think of very fine texutred hair. Two drops in the palm of your hand to emulsify and then start at the bottom of your hair and contiue upwards. Your scalp secretes sebum (oil) so when using this product or conditioner lightly refresh the top of your hair.

I hope I've been able to shed light on what works best for your hair. Please write back to me with your favorite tools and together we can shed light on some fantastic selections. Until we read again.