You don’t need many tools to create a mini hair salon in your home. I recommend checking to make sure you have everything you need before you start styling. The last thing you want to do is run out of bobby pins just as you are finishing your masterpiece hairstyle!
Blow dryer
Use this to dry freshly washed hair before styling it. In some cases, you’ll also need a blow dryer for styling.
Bobby pins and hair pins
These pins are used to secure styled hair in place. In most cases, you’ll want the pins to be invisible, so choose ones that match the color of the hair you’re styling.
Brushes and combs
You’ll need the hair to be tanglefree before you start any hairstyle, so make sure you comb out all the knots first. When you’re styling, a round brush is great for creating gentle curls and a paddle brush is just right for increasing volume. You’ll also need a tail comb (a.k.a. rattail or fine-tooth comb) to make straight parts and backcomb hair.
Curling iron
Use this to curl the hair. Practice makes perfect when it comes to hair curling, since you want to hold the iron long enough to curl the hair, but not so long that it burns it.
Diffuser
Use this to add volume and accentuate hair that has been curled.
Elastic hair band
This is used to hold hair away from the face.
Hair accessories
Love hair accessories? Who doesn’t! You’ll find suggestions for hair accessories at the end of many hairstyles, but these are just ideas. Use what you love!
Hair clips
These come in all different sizes and are important to have on hand for holding hair back while you’re styling.
Hair elastics
Use these to secure ponytails and braids. Choose ones that are gentle on the hair and don’t rip it. In some hairstyles, you’ll need really small hair elastics that are visible in the final style. In this case, make sure you choose colors that you like.
Hair extensions
Natural or synthetic hair additions are integrated into hairstyles to add volume and length. Hair extensions may be long or short, round, donut-shaped, straight, or curly. Good quality hair extensions can be reused.
Holding spray
Spray this onto your hairstyle when it’s finished to help it last as long as possible. In some cases, you’ll want to spray the hairstyle with holding spray during the styling process in order to hold a particular shape. I recommend spraying from a distance of about 8 inches so that the spray is evenly dispersed on the surface of the hair.
Styling mousse
Rub this into wet hair when you need a bit of extra body. It’s particularly important when you want to add body and curl to hair that is otherwise straight.
Styling creams
Rub moisturizing cream into dry hair to create a smooth look.
Use styling cream for curls when styling curly hair.
Hair sponges
These come in all different shapes and sizes, and are integrated into fancy hairstyles to add body and volume.