The purpose of this post is to give you examples of the different types of hairstyling accessories that can help men style their hair. Hairstyling tools help you refine your hairstyle after you’ve applied your favourite hairstyling product.
These accessories have been used by women for centuries and are now becoming increasingly popular among men as well. Hence this guide — to make you aware of what’s available and how to use it as a man.
We’ll take a closer look at the following accessories:
- Hairdryers
- Straighteners
- Combs
- Hairbrushes
1. Hairdryer
Simply put, hairdryers are hairstyling tools that speed up the drying process by blowing warm air through the hair. This warm air can also be used to style specific hairstyles that require extra volume. A hairdryer is often used in combination with a pre-styling product such as a pre-styling spray or another styling product.
After blow-drying, you then use a finishing product — a hair styling product you actually style with.
It’s not recommended to use a hairdryer every day on the highest heat setting. Ideally, use it every other day to avoid damaging your hair. For optimal hair health, apply a heat protection product before you start blow-drying. Many pre-styling sprays contain heat-protective ingredients.
2. Hair straightener
Hair straighteners are hairstyling tools designed to make your hair straighter. They work by heating the strands of hair and altering their structure.
The straightening effect of a hair straightener is temporary; once you wash or wet your hair again, it returns to its natural texture. This tool is not only great for straightening hair but also for creating layers and adding variety to men’s hairstyles.
Straighteners are suitable for all hair types and lengths but are most commonly used to make wavy or curly hair straighter. Medium to long hair is ideal for using this tool. Keep in mind that you should always apply a heat protection product before using a straightener to minimise heat damage to your hair.
Heat protection
As mentioned earlier, pre-styling products help protect against the heat of a hairdryer or straightener.
Heat protectants are products applied before using straighteners or hairdryers. They reduce the amount of damage caused by prolonged exposure to heat. For best results, always use a heat protectant when styling or blow-drying your hair.
Most pre-styling products have heat-protective properties, which makes styling easier. They also protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure, as excessive UV radiation can also be harmful to your hair.
3. Combs
Combs are essential hairstyling tools for men because they can shape most hairstyles simply and effectively. It’s also a tool that has been found in men’s bathroom cabinets for decades. Generally, there are three types of combs: standard combs, wide-tooth combs, and hair picks.
Standard comb
Standard combs are designed for men with straight hair — and should only be used by men with straight hair. Men with wavy or curly hair should instead use a wide-tooth comb for styling. A standard comb is difficult to use on wavy or curly hair because the teeth are set too close together.
Wide-tooth comb
Wide-tooth combs have large gaps between the teeth, making them suitable for all types of wavy or curly hair. They can also be used to detangle hair gently without causing breakage.
Hair pick
A hair pick is an excellent tool for very curly or coily hair (especially Afro hair). It’s particularly effective for detangling tight curls and adding volume and lift to the hair.
4. Hairbrushes
Brushes are quite similar to combs, but hairbrushes have many more, smaller bristles, which help create a neater, more polished look. Certain brushes are great for slicked-back styles, and a brush can also help create more volume when blow-drying.
Hairbrushes are especially suitable for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, as otherwise it can be difficult to run the brush through the hair properly. Below are a few good types of hairbrushes for men.
Standard or 9-row brush
This type of brush is perfect for creating a sleek look, such as a neat slick-back style. It helps keep the hair tightly in place and works well with products like pomades or creams. That makes this group of hairbrushes ideal for classic hairstyles. A side parting can also be achieved easily with these tools.
Skeleton or vent brush
These are brushes with openings that make it easy to lift and style your hair upwards — for example, to create a quiff. They’re also useful when blow-drying, as they allow warm air to pass through easily, helping you to build more volume.
Paddle brush
This one looks similar to the 9-row brush but is much larger, allowing you to create smooth, straight sections in your hair. It’s great for highly styled looks — for instance, if you’re attending a formal event or a wedding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can safely say that there’s a wide range of hairstyling tools available for men — no matter what type of hair you have. Hopefully, this post has given you some useful insight and helped you understand which hairstyling accessories you can use to shape and style your hair.
Blow-drying and styling with different tools are no longer things reserved just for women. Men now know exactly what options are available and have become completely comfortable using these accessories. You can also find plenty of videos on YouTube showing men using these tools, so you can see exactly how to use them yourself.