Combs... Brushes... Rollers... Dryers... Irons...

Combs

For as long as there has been hair, so too have there been combs. These simple devices can be your hair's best friend. There's no better way to treat wet hair than with a comb. When hair is wet, it's in its weakest state and pulling or tugging with a brush causes breakage. Comb gently with a wide-toothed comb, starting near the ends and combing downwards in short strokes. Gradually move up the length of the hair, small sections at a time, gently detangling as you go.

Brushes

• Half-round brushes: bristles go halfway around the brush. They are basic tools for simple brushing.
• Round brushes: bristles go all the way around the brush. These can come in many diameters, with the narrower ones good for creating a flip under or out, or generally building volume. The very wide round brushes are best for blowdrying curly or wavy hair straight.
• Flat or paddle brushes: usually have wire or nylon bristles all across a flat rubber base. These are good for brushing out hair that has just been dried straight.

MYTH: Brushing 100 strokes a day is good for your hair.

TRUTH: Years ago when daily bathing was a luxury only for the most privileged, frequent daily brushing was the best way to distribute the oils from your scalp. Nowadays, regular shampooing and conditioning does that job for you. To keep your hair its healthiest today and avoid unnecessary breakage, the less you brush the better.

Rollers

Call them rollers or curlers, the results are the same. Here's a quick lowdown on the most useful types:

• Velcro rollers: New and easy to use. They may be one of the greatest roller innovations of all time. Since you don't need pins, you avoid any threat of pin ridges. They're so simple to use that you can easily set your hair as you blowdry section by section to get just the curls you want.
• Hot roller sets : Usually consist of about six large rollers, ten medium-sized rollers, and four small rollers. Always use hot rollers on dry hair. For lots of body and big natural looking curls, wrap large sections of hair around large rollers. For a tight curl, wrap small sections of hair around the smallest rollers. To lock in the style, be sure hair and rollers have completely cooled before removing. Be sure to protect your hair before using with leave-in conditioning treatment.
• Cushioned rollers: Great to use while sleeping. You can either wrap your hair in the curlers wet or dry, depending upon how long you expect the rollers to stay in place. The goal is to leave them in until your hair is as close to completely dry as possible.
• Steam rollers: Can used on all types of hair, including even synthetic wigs. They take a little more time to use since only one roller can be steamed at a time, but they are the most gentle on your hair and can deliver great curl.
• Plastic rollers: ...and sitting under the hair dryer for hours is a long-held tradition that has worked wonders for years. These rollers are great for creating all over curls on short hair. Simply wrap wet hair, starting with large rollers in the back, medium-sized rollers on the sides and the small rollers on top. Grab a few good magazines and relax under a hot dryer until thoroughly dry.

Dryers

There are two basic types of hair dryers. Those with long nozzles and those designed to mimic brushes. It's a matter of personal taste which you use, though once you've perfected using a nozzle dryer, they tend to give you greater flexibility in styling.

• To straighten hair look for dryers with attachments that help you concentrate heat on one area at a time. Use the high heat setting while gently pulling hair straight to create a smooth even finish. Use the coolest setting to blast hair for 15 to 20 seconds after it's perfectly dry to help lock in the style.
• To enhance curls get a dryer attachment called a diffuser which will help keep curls in place while drying your hair. They are usually large flat round tools that you can attach to the dryer nozzle. They help disperse the heat evenly across wide sections, while leaving the curl formations in tact. Try scrunching your curls with one hand while directing the diffuser with the other. The key is to be patient during the drying process and work with your hair until it's completely dry.

Irons

• Basic Curling Irons
  Used to curl ends under or out to create a flip. They're also good for adding volume to short hair after it has been blown dry by lifting up from the roots. They take some skill to get used to. Be careful to check in which direction the clamp is facing when you squeeze it to avoid contact with your neck or cheeks.
• Bristled Irons
  Great for curling short, layered hair. You can add height to the top layers and a smooth bend along the ends for a natural curl. The chances of getting burned while using this kind of iron are less than with any other.
• Corkscrew Irons
  Turn straight hair into a head of curls or polish the look of curly hair with a more even, finished look. Use a smoothing gel to protect your hair and then simple curl pieces around the iron with one hand and release. Since no clamp is necessary, this method tends to minimizes the damage from direct contact.
• Crimping Irons
  Create a romantic wavy look on long, straight, one length hair. Work gradually and evenly around your head. You might want to get some help from a friend to get the same look on the back of your head.

TAKE NOTE: Do not use gel, styling lotions or fixative before styling with an iron. The contact with the high heat can cause these to melt, causing your hair to stick to the iron.