The scene? The bathroom, otherwise known as the real gal’s backstage. When going about your own blowouts and glamateur styling sessions in the comfort of your own home, why not use the tools curated by the best professionals in the hair biz? To replicate the shiniest, voluminous, curliest and sleekest finishes we thought we could only score in salons, we hit up our favorite celebrity hairstylists and accosted them with questions about the brushes, blowdryers, flat irons and curling irons that they can't live without. Which follicular items will be vital in your repertoire? We’ve broken them down for you, by hair type!
Your Hair Type: Curly
Your Dream 2013 Hair: Curly, With More Definition
Your Ideal Brush: The Sephora Collection Square Paddle Brush is, according to Sally Hershberger stylist Matthew Fugate, “your ultimate brush-out brush, great for brushing out curly hair and detangling quickly.” Be warned, it’s solely a detangling brush to use straight out of the shower — not for dry hair, unless you want to end up with major frizz. “Also, if you have thin hair, it can be used to help rough-dry thick hair because it helps you move hair around without it snagging,” advises Fugate. “This is not a brush used for finishing; it is for prepping hair only.”
Your Best Curling Irons:
For Tresemmé stylist Jeanie Syfu, the R Session Tools Nalu Waver is her go-to curling iron. “It gives me that perfect texture that all my clients love and it can create a very finished glamorous deep finger-wave, a beachy tousled wave, and enhance a natural curly texture without looking overly styled,” explains Syfu. She recommends using it by holding the barrel horizontally to create a full wave by holding the iron at 45 degrees. “If you hold the barrels vertically and wind the hair in a figure 8, it will create a deep finger wave,” Syfu says. “You can use this iron to add that undone texture to your braid or bun.” Why all girls need to own it? Because, Syfu says, “it will give you a new twist to how you are already styling your hair.”
Another favorite of multiple stylists is the Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron. In a hurry? You won’t waste time using this tool, as celebrity stylist Ted Gibson notes that it heats up in practically no time. Suave Professionals stylist Jenny Cho is another fan. “This curling iron has never let me down in the last 14 years of doing hair," she says. "It's affordable and dependable.” Stylist and salon owner Angelo David points out that “this product delivers the most consistent curls, with a reasonable price point.” He recommends setting the preferred temperature for curls, then wrapping the section of hair around the curling wand. “Let it set a few seconds, then release for the perfect curl,” advises David.
Your Hair Type: Straight Or Slightly Wavy Fine Hair
Your Dream 2013 Hair: Voluminous, Textured Locks
Your Ideal Brush:
Creative Ceramic Ion Brushes are a favorite of Marie Robinson Salon stylist Tommy Buckett. “Each one polishes hair giving it loads of shine," he says. "They come in a multitude of sizes so that anyone, no matter what their hair type may be, can achieve the perfect look suited just for them.”
Your Ideal Curling Irons:
Celebrity hairstylist Gregory Alan is a fan of the Sarah Potempa Beachwaver. "This simple-to-use tool makes it possible to get the perfect beachy look and even red carpet waves," he says. "It can style your hair in the matter of minutes, plus it's fun to operate.”
Celebrity stylist David Babaii’s wavy hair go-to is the T3 SinglePass Whirl Professional Styling Wand. Why? “The ceramic barrel is gentler to hair — plus, it has digital temperature controls,” he says. “It doesn't have a clamp, so it's great for creating sexy, soft, natural-looking waves and comes with a handy user guide to help you determine what heat setting works best for your hair type.” David uses it to wind one-inch sections around the iron, holding them there for a couple of seconds to create shiny ringlets, or a few face-framing tendrils.