It’s holiday party time — having a healthy hair routine will save you anguish and time in front of the mirror. By Zoë Zellers
“Hair is a very manual industry,” says Billy Faridi, a well respected hairstylist. “And because of that, we use really specific tools for specific hair types and those don’t change much.” For this reason, it’s important to invest in, and cherish, the tools that suit your hair type and style needs.
Tech upgrades have led to lighter-weight, more consumer-friendly dryers to dry faster with hotter air. Yet many hairbrushes are tried and true — cult fave Mason Pearson hasn’t released a new brush since the ’70s. Enjoy this beauty lover’s roundup of hair care “hardware” recommended by salon stylists who know how to maintain that mane.
Conair BaByliss Pro Volare V1
This high-end model is equipped with an ionic Ferrari-designed engine — “it’s a faster blow dry, takes in more hair and heats up air faster,” says Billy Faridi. $399, babylisspro.com
TwinTurbo 3200 Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer
Katie Doherty, a hair stylist at Jafaar Tazi, recommends the TwinTurbo 3200 because it’s “very powerful and has multiple speeds and heat adjustments,” adding that it dries coarse and curly hair fast. Plus, it comes in fun colors! $137, Jafaar Tazi Salon, Greenwich, CT.
Denman D5 Heavyweight 9 Row Brush
A thick handle, nine rows of strong nylon pins and an anti-static rubber pad make this the go-to tool for managing thick hair without damage. $20, denmanbrushus.com
Sephora Paddle Brush
Sephora’s affordable large brush is ideal for detangling damp locks and straightening long hair without static. Soft plastic bristles release negative ions on contact with hair, resulting in a shiny, frizz-free look. $22, Sephora, The Westchester, White Plains, NY.
Marilyn Flatter Me Too
This 2-inch round brush with a no-slip foam core grip works wonders on long hair and straightens medium-coarse to coarse-frizzy locks, adding bend and volume with blonde boar bristles. $26, marilynbrush.com
Ibiza G17 Large Hybrid Brush
Calling all curly and coarse-haired ladies! Like an ice cream swirl in a cone, check out this new quirky-looking brush with mixed-boar bristles, heat-resistant carbon fiber nylon and a comfortable cork grip handle. The mixed-length bristles grip hair better: expect more bounce and movement. $60, ibizahair.com
Zoë Zellers is a freelance writer currently living in SoHo, who covers beauty, fashion, design and food. She is a native of Stamford, CT.
