…Is it really worth it?
When it comes to knowing what exactly is worth it for your hair, we know that there are a ton of products and tools on the market that you CAN invest in. But does it mean you should?
You are walking down the aisle at your favorite retail store and you spot it - it’s the blow dryer you’ve seen in that perfectly marketed ad. It looks pretty fancy, but you’re asking yourself, it that really what is going to be best for my hair? You glance at the hundred bottles of who knows what next to it, and shop like you might for a bottle of wine or a book at the bookstore - whatever cover speaks to you, right?
Let’s breakdown the few things that every head of hair needs, and a few things to look for when shopping!
TOOLS:
When it comes to looking for that perfect blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron, the most important feature is the heat setting. When a professional tool does NOT have this, the heat settings tend to be way higher than most. This puts your hair at risk for some serious heat damage! YIKES. Depending on your hair density and texture, we like our heat settings to be between 325-365 degrees Fahrenheit, all while using heat protectant of course.
Brushes are a little tricky, and we’ll explain why. A brush isn’t just a brush, it has a JOB to do. Whether thats smoothing, adding volume or just getting through tangled hair, everyone needs at least one good brush.
Salon brushes come in a variety of types and designs, each serving a specific purpose to help stylists achieve different looks and manage various hair types. Here’s a breakdown of the most common salon brushes and their key differences:
PADDLE BRUSH: Flat, wide, and usually rectangular with a large surface area and bristles that can be either synthetic or natural. Best for detangling, smoothing, and straightening hair. Ideal for long or thick hair as it can cover more surface area and work through knots efficiently.
ROUND BRUSH: Cylindrical shape with a barrel that can vary in size and bristles that may be natural or synthetic. The diameter of the barrel can affect the size of the curl or volume achieved. Best for adding volume, creating curls, and styling while blow-drying. Different barrel sizes offer different curl patterns or amounts of volume. Larger barrels create looser waves or more volume, while smaller barrels create tighter curls.
VENT BRUSH: Has a perforated design with spaced-out bristles and a vented surface. Best for speeding up the drying process and adding volume to the roots. Excellent for use with a blow dryer to get quicker results.
BOAR BRISTLE BRUSH: Made with natural boar bristles, which are soft and flexible. Best for smoothing and adding shine, especially to fine or medium hair. Also helps distribute natural oils from the scalp along the hair shaft. The natural bristles are gentle on the hair and help to distribute scalp oils, which adds shine and smoothness. It’s less effective for detangling but excellent for polishing and finishing.
PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS:
Professional hair products are formulated with high-quality ingredients that are often more concentrated and effective than their drugstore counterparts. These pro products are designed to address specific hair needs—whether it's enhancing color, adding volume, or repairing damage. Professional products are often designed to provide longer-lasting results, whether it’s a color treatment that won’t fade quickly or a styling product that holds all day.
There are SO many professional retail options that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Ask your stylist for what recommendations they can make that work in your budget!
So, the next time you sit in the salon chair, remember that those high-end products and tools play a pivotal role in achieving that perfect look you leave Wildwood with.