Tools of the trade

 
 

Turn up the heat: Heat protecting tools are all the rage in this day and age. When styling or drying your hair, it’s crucial to have heat-protectant tools on hand, regardless of your hair type — and especially in our tropical climate in the Islands. In order to combat unwanted heat damage, heat protectants are strongly recommended for anyone using a hair dryer or hot tools directly on his/her mane.

And better yet: Good heat protectants actually smooth and nourish the hair follicle; key ingredients to look for include amino acids, keratin, panthenol and propylene glycol.

In fact, heat protectants act as a barrier between your hair and the heat-emitting tool to lock in moisture.

Spray protectants are best used section by section to avoid skipping a spot. Creams and other products are best applied with a comb before drying. Masks are alternative options: best to be used following a shampoo routine and pre-blow dry.

Other tools, such as Dyson, offer styling equipment that reduces the amount of heat damage to your hair, so you can safely use them every day. Here’s our selection of the top tools and products to beat the heat.

 
 
Catherine Caldwell