Take the opportunity to start the new year with new, more beautiful, younger hair. NIOXIN Top Artist and Celebrity Hairstylist Danielle Caputo offers these resolutions for best hair care:
"Get a healthier scalp! A healthy scalp will help you grow thicker, healthier and more voluminous locks. Treat yourself with NIOXIN Scalp Renew. This in-salon treatment is a gentle scalp dermabrasion that removes build-up around follicle sites," says Caputo.
"Try something new! Most all of us get into a beauty rut. We do the same curls, the same high-bun or the same low pony every day," she adds.
A few strategic styling tools could help you try something new, but which gadgets should you use? Here's a roundup of some popular hair tools recommended by experts and customers:
Blow Dryers
Blow dryers have been around since about the time that man took notice of the power of vacuum cleaners to dry hair, inspiring the first hand-held hair dryers. Today, there are countless brands of blow dryers on the market, so how do you choose the right one for you?
A website called Folica.com has done the work for you. Their list of top ten hair dryers includes brands you might not even have heard of such as Elchim, Solano, Sedu, Turbo Power and more.
Curling Irons
Whether you want big, loose curls, tight spirals curls or anything in between, a good curling iron is a must-have, but just because something has a high price tag doesn't always make it the best. TotalBeauty.com readers rated the Vidal Sassoon VS132 1-1/2" Curling Iron, retail price $8.95, as their number one favorite.
One reader's strong endorsement: "I have very straight hair, most people think I flat iron it's so straight. This curling iron works great, doesn't tangle, heats up nicely and you do not have to go to the highest setting to get good results." Another reader sums this iron up nicely: "For the price you CAN'T go wrong. It's easy to handle, heats up quickly and the curls stay in place."
Flat Irons
If you like that very straight, shiny look without the keratin treatment price tag, consider using a flat iron. Folica.com's list of the top ten flat irons ranges from $79.99 to almost $200, but flat irons can be harsh on hair, so it's important to go with quality.
An important decision, in my opinion, is what size to choose – 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2 inch, etc. I've tended to burn myself with the wider irons, so personally I like the 1-inch width. It's a matter of your personal preference, though the wider the plates, the faster you can straighten.
Hot Rollers
You've probably heard of ion technology for rehydrating and reconditioning hair in blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons, but one company has even added it to hot rollers. Calista Tools Ionic Hot Rollers have flown off store shelves and television screens (QVC). They're ideal for all hair types - gentle enough for aging hair - and come in both long and short lengths.
Specialty Devices
Specialty devices, such as crimpers, wavers, power brushes and more can be used to achieve unlimited styles.
Here are a few of the many devices available:
Sarah Potempa's Beachwaver curling iron rotates in both directions to give you glamorous, red carpet waves with the touch of a button. Suggested retail price is $199.00.
Hair crimpers are similar to flat irons, but they crimp the hair, giving wave and texture, rather than curl. Folica.com's hair crimpers start at $19.99.
Rotating hot air brushes have been around for a while, but they have gotten more streamlined and some have added ionic technology. You can find them in stores and online from around $40.00 all the way up to around $80.00.
The Topsy Tail is a little plastic gadget that creates an upside-down, inside-out ponytail, which actually looks cute and sexy no matter what your age. For the suggested $4.99 retail price, you can't go wrong. Available at mass retailers, such as Ulta and online at Amazon.com, among other sites.
Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin – for when you're too rushed, tired or lazy to style your hair. It instantly holds your hair in a bun and comes in blond and brunette colors. I've seen it online at Amazon.com starting under $5.00.
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