Goodbye, summer! It’s been a lot of fun in the sun, but it’s time to let your hair down for the fall and try some fresh new styles.
Not all styling tools and products are a one size fits all and can make or break your results.
To get that professional blow-out at home, here are some tips to help you choose which are best for your hair.
The best blow dryer for your hair type:
- Ionic or tourmaline dryers – Best for thick or coarse hair because they give off negative ions that help break up the water droplets for faster drying. This helps your hair look less frizzy when it’s dry. Not a good choice for fine or thin hair.
- Ceramic or porcelain dryers (plastic or metal coated in ceramic or porcelain) – Best for fine, thin, or dry hair. They provide heat that is less harsh and more consistent. If you’re not sure which type of hair dryer is right for you, this is your best choice.
- Titanium blow dryers – Best if you have a lot of hair. These dryers tend to get very hot, but provide heat at a steady, even temperature for drastically reduced drying time. Not a good choice for fine or damaged hair.
Look for these bonus features:
- Adjustable heat and cool shot settings – High heat for coarse, thick hair; medium for normal hair; low for dry, thin, or fine hair. The cool shot will seal the hair’s cuticle when your hair is nearly dry (80%) for smooth, shiny hair.
- Lightweight, but powerful – Choose a dryer that is comfortable to hold for an extended period of time and opt for 1500 watts or more for faster drying.
- Attachments – Concentrator nozzle will cut down on frizz by keeping it pointed downward following your styling brush. A diffuser will keep curly or wavy hair texture intact while adding volume.
The right styling brush:
- Round – Adds volume and is good for styling and straightening all hair types, except for extremely coarse textures.
- Paddle – Helps add shine and best for straightening coarse textures, especially long, thick hair.
- Vented – Prevents heat damage by reducing drying time and also creates volume for fine to medium textures.
- Nylon bristles – Heat resistant and best for tangles.
- Boar bristles – Best for distributing oils and increasing shine.
Cleansing, Moisturizing and Styling Products:
- Prepare your hair to take the heat – Use a heat protectant to shield your hair from repeated use of styling tools. There are plenty of convenient sprays, lotions, creams and serum formulas available to condition, calm frizzy hair, block humidity, and seal in shine. If possible, allow your hair to partially air dry to reduce heated blow-drying time.
- If your hair needs extra moisture – Begin with a protein-rich shampoo and conditioner then apply a hair masque in the shower 2-3 times a week and leave in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Do you want a protein boost AND pampering?
Visit Hairports Wash and Blow Dry Bar for an invigorating shampoo, conditioning, and blow-out or special Destination Style using ECRU New York Acacia Protein products. While you’re there, pick up a selection of these protein-rich moisturizing and styling products to use at home!
