Ions, Ceramic, Tourmaline, Wattage, it all can get confusing when attempting to purchase hair tools. I mean, all you want to do is style your hair, not have to open up a dictionary to understand what this verbage even means. Time to break it down a bit and share some of my favorite hair tools with you…
Blow dryers.
BaByliss PRO TT (Carrera 2) Tourmaline 3000 Dryer $79.99
Folica.com (my favorite discount hair tool website)
When shopping around for a blow dryer, you see the word watts with a number on every box. Basically, the higher the wattage means more heat, the lower the wattage means less heat. Plain and simple. A blow dryer with a high wattage will generally dry your hair much quicker than a blow dryer with a low wattage. This BaByliss Pro TT Dryer in the picture above is a great blow dryer to use at home for any hair type, and definitely worth the investment of $80.
Ibiza Hair The Kristal 3200 $150
The Kristal Dryer by Ibiza is awesome. This is the blow dryer I use at the salon, and is for people who want to try to recreate the “salon blow dry” like their hairstylist gives them. This dryer is “ion- free”, which helps to preserve your hairs body and strength. If a styling tool is Ionic, it means it is good for creating frizz-free hair. Ibiza also has THE BEST round brushes ever. You can check them out here.
Flat Irons.
HAI Convertable Ceramic Flat Iron $79.99
Purchase HAI here.
I’ve been telling clients about this flat iron for years. The HAI Convertable Ceramic Flat Iron is legit and it’s so affordable! With a 2 year guarantee, it’s completely worth the $80. Ceramic plates on a flat iron are much more gentle on your hair in comparison to the old school metal plates. There is a temperature dial on this flat iron, so be sure it’s not up too high.
Investing in a good flat iron is very important if you flat iron regularly. Keep in mind though, if you have damaged hair, flat ironing is one of the harshest things you can do to your fragile locks. No matter how fancy the flat iron is, it’s still something to try not to do on a regular basis.
GHD IV Styler $99
Purchase GHD here.
GHD Flat Irons are pretty fabulous. Once I started using their flat irons I became hooked, and probably won’t use any other in the salon. With no temperature control, this flat iron actually sets it’s own temperature depending on your hair porosity, so I feel like it never gets too hot to burn your hair. It also has universal voltage so you can travel with it! They really thought of it all when designing this flat iron.
What size flat iron is best?
1 inch is generally the best for all hair types. GHD also makes a “stick” version which is smaller than 1 inch, and great for short hair or bangs. If you have really long hair and flat iron for easy smoothing, you can get a larger size flat iron, like 2 inches, to quicken your styling time.
Curling Irons.
Hot Tools Professional Curling iron $23.95- $34.95
Purchase on Folica.com
You can purchase Hot Tools Professional curling irons online and at most beauty supply stores. These curling irons are super affordable, work great, and are actually the type of curling iron a lot of famous hairstylists use 
Little insider tip for you.
How do I know what size curling iron to use?
The smaller the iron the tighter the curl, the larger the iron, the looser the curl. Generally, a 1 inch- 1 1/4 inch barrel is perfect for everyone.If you have very long hair and want a real loose curl, then you can purchase a larger iron.
Conair Infiniti Clip-less Curler $39.99
Personally, I like to use my regular curling iron to create beach waves in my hair, but I understand that dealing with the clip can be a challenge for a lot of women. I’ve seen clip-less curling irons sold for up to $200, and that is just plain silly. Do not waste your money! You can purchase this Conair Iron at Target, and for under $40, I think you can have a lot of fun playing with this tool. If you buy it and struggle with trying to curl your hair, call your hairstylist and see if they can give you a lesson… it’s easier than you think!
Important “Hairstylist” Tips:
* Always see what the warranty is on your new hair tool. Usually you can fill out some paperwork to cover yourself if it breaks within 1-2 years.
* Remember to use a heat protectant styling product BEFORE you use ANY heat tool. Ask your hairstylist what product they think is best for you.
I want to hear from you! What are your favorite styling tools?
Thanks Sherri!
This is super helpful. Hair styling tools have mystified me from time to time. Thanks for the tips!
Jaclyn
I LOVE this post soooo sooo much great information!!! This is the perfect guide love love love it
Sherri I love your blogs! I’m a fan of hot tools curling irons!
Me, I love the new one from conair. The one with different colors. Heard it’s super light. Perfect for holding it up for a long time.
Love your blog. I went ahead and purchased the hot tools curling iron. Can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you so much for such great info! You are amazing =)
Hey Sherri! I hear hot rollers are making a comeback. How do we use them now and what are the good ones?
Love your blog
Hey Samantha
Hot rollers can be a fun and easy way to get lots of curl and volume in your hair. Conair makes some nice hot rollers. the larger the roller, the softer the curl, the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl. Play around with different sizes to see what works best. If your hair ever comes out too curls, you can always brush it out with a paddle brush and blow dryer too. My best suggestion with placement of the rollers is to place them all where you are curling your hair AWAY from your face. Once they are set, be sure to let them cool before taking the rollers out. Brush your hair, add some hairspray, and you’re good to go! Good luck!
Can you tell me what you and Diem did to get her hair that long and healthy? It looks like she has highlights so how did you keep her hair from getting damaged? Thanks!!
Diem has out of this world genetics that are first to be credited when it comes to her long hair! To make her blonde and not create damage, we did it gradually, and I used gentle lightening products to achieve the blonde. She also cares for her hair at home using a good shampoo and conditioner, does hair masks once a week, washes her hair every few days, and is very gentle when brushing and styling her hair.