Must-Have Hair Tools
Are you a naturalist looking for the most nourishing and delicate hair care and styling methods? Using the proper equipment is one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy natural hair. When it comes to the health and beauty of your hair, the appropriate tools may make all the difference, from wide-tooth combs for detangling to satin or silk bonnets for minimizing frizz and breakage. We’ll discuss the hair tools that any naturalist needs to have in their arsenal in this blog post. With the aid of these tools, you may style your hair in a number of ways in addition to taking better care of it. So read on to learn about the must-have hair tools for natural hair!
RELATED: How to Stop Natural Hair Breakage
Wide-Tooth Comb
When it comes to detangling natural hair, a wide-tooth comb is a must-have tool. The widely spaced teeth of a wide-tooth comb gently glide through tangles and knots without pulling or causing breakage, making it a much more gentle and effective option than a brush or fine-tooth comb.
But not all wide-tooth combs are created equal. Here are some tips for selecting the right wide-tooth comb for your natural hair:
- Material: Look for a wide-tooth comb made of a material that won’t snag or pull on your hair. Options include wood, plastic, and horn.
- Size: Choose a wide-tooth comb with teeth that are spaced far enough apart to effectively detangle your hair without causing breakage. If you have very thick or coily hair, you may want a wider comb with more widely spaced teeth.
- Shape: Some wide-tooth combs have a more ergonomic shape, with a curved handle that fits comfortably in your hand. This can make detangling a more comfortable experience.
- Teeth: Look for a wide-tooth comb with smooth, rounded teeth rather than sharp or pointed ones. This will help to prevent snags and pulls on your hair.
By selecting the right wide-tooth comb for your natural hair, you can effectively detangle your hair without causing damage, and take an important step towards maintaining healthy, nourished locks.
Satin Bonnet or Pillowcase
Satin or silk bonnets and pillowcases can be a game-changer for natural hair care. These materials are much gentler on natural hair than cotton and can help to reduce frizz and breakage.
Here’s how:
- Frizz reduction: Satin and silk are smoother materials than cotton, and therefore less likely to cause frizz by roughening up the cuticle layer of the hair.
- Breakage prevention: Cotton bonnets and pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Satin and silk, on the other hand, help to retain moisture in your hair, leading to healthier, stronger strands.
There are a few options for incorporating satin or silk into your hair care routine:
- Satin or silk bonnet: Wear a satin or silk bonnet while you sleep to protect your hair and keep it moisturized.
- Satin or silk pillowcase: Swap out your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk one to enjoy the benefits of these smoother materials while you sleep.
- Satin or silk scarf: Use a satin or silk scarf to protect your hair while you’re out and about, or to hold your hair in place while you sleep.
By using satin or silk bonnets or pillowcases, you can help to reduce frizz and breakage and take a step towards healthier, more nourished natural hair.
Denman Brush
The Denman brush is a popular tool among naturalists for styling and maintaining natural hair. But what makes the Denman brush different from other brushes, and how can it be used to style natural hair?
Here’s a breakdown:
- Description: The Denman brush is a rectangular brush with rows of closely spaced, flat bristles. It is often used to detangle and smooth hair and is particularly effective for creating and defining curls.
- Differences from other brushes: Unlike many other brushes, the Denman brush does not have a handle. It also has a unique design, with rows of flat bristles that are closely spaced. This makes it different from other brushes, which may have rounded bristles or be more widely spaced.
- Uses in styling natural hair: The Denman brush is particularly effective for creating and defining curls in natural hair. It can be used to smooth out tangles and knots and to shape and sculpt curls. Some naturalists also use the Denman brush to distribute product evenly through their hair.
By understanding the unique characteristics of the Denman brush and how it can be used to style natural hair, you can add this tool to your hair care collection and enjoy the benefits it has to offer.
Hair clips, Bobby pins, and Hair ties
Hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties are essential tools for styling natural hair. However, it’s important to choose options that are gentle on your hair to avoid breakage and damage.
Here are some tips for selecting hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties that are gentle on natural hair:
- Material: Look for hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties made of materials that won’t snag or pull on your hair. Options include silicone, fabric-covered elastic, and metal with smooth, rounded edges.
- Size: Choose hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties that are the appropriate size for your hair thickness and density. If they are too small, they may not be able to hold your hair securely and could cause breakage. If they are too large, they may be too bulky and cause discomfort.
- Shape: Some hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties have a more ergonomic shape, with a curved design that fits comfortably in your hair. This can make styling a more comfortable experience.
Now that you know how to choose gentle hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties, here are some ideas for using them to style your natural hair:
- Updos: Use hair clips and bobby pins to create updos and other styles that require your hair to be secured off your neck.
- Sectioning: Use hair clips to divide your hair into sections while styling, such as when applying product or creating braids.
- Ponytails: Use fabric-covered elastic hair ties or silicone hair ties to secure ponytails and other styles that require your hair to be pulled back.
By using the right hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties, you can style your natural hair without causing damage or discomfort.
Hair Steamer
A hair steamer is a useful tool for maintaining healthy, hydrated natural hair. Here are some of the benefits of using a hair steamer:
- Hydration: Steam can help to add moisture to your hair, which is especially beneficial for natural hair that tends to be dry. This can help to reduce breakage and improve the overall health of your hair.
- Increased curl definition: Steam can help to enhance the curl pattern in natural hair, resulting in more defined curls.
- Improved product absorption: Steam can help to open up the cuticle layer of the hair, allowing for better absorption of moisturizing and conditioning products.
There are a few options for at-home hair steaming, including:
- Standalone hair steamer: A standalone hair steamer is a dedicated device that generates steam specifically for the purpose of hydrating your hair. These can be more expensive, but provide the most consistent and targeted steam.
- Hot towel method: To steam your hair at home using a hot towel, simply wet a towel and microwave it until it is hot. Then, wrap the hot towel around your head and allow the steam to penetrate your hair for about 15 minutes.
- Shower method: Another option is to steam your hair in the shower by running the hot water and allowing the steam to envelop your hair as you shower.
When selecting a hair steamer, consider the following:
- Size: Choose a hair steamer that is the appropriate size for your head and the amount of hair you have.
- Heat settings: Look for a hair steamer with adjustable heat settings, so you can choose the right temperature for your hair type and needs.
- Nozzle design: Some hair steamers have a more targeted nozzle design, which can help to direct the steam more precisely to your hair.
By using a hair steamer and finding the option that works best for your hair care routine, you can enjoy the benefits of hydrated, healthy natural hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right hair tools in your collection is essential for maintaining healthy natural hair. From wide-tooth combs for gentle detangling to satin or silk bonnets and pillowcases for reducing frizz and breakage, the right tools can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your hair.
In addition to the tools mentioned in this blog post, there are many other options available that can help you care for and style your natural hair. Don’t be afraid to try out different tools and find what works best for your individual hair needs. Every person’s hair is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimentation is key to finding the tools and techniques that work best for you and your hair.
So take some time to consider the tools you have in your hair care collection, and consider adding some of the ones mentioned in this blog post if you don’t already have them. With the right tools, you can confidently care for and style your natural hair, and enjoy the benefits of healthy, nourished locks.