Heat Tools (and Heatless Tricks)
Hairdryers, straighteners and curling wands without the frying - plus curls you make while you sleep.
Heat safety, in four lines
- Always heat protectant before any hot tool - spray or cream, applied to damp or dry hair as the label says.
- Lower is better. Fine or bleached hair: 150–180 °C. Thick or coarse hair: up to about 200 °C. Hotter is rarely needed.
- Never use flat irons or wands on wet hair - it can literally boil the water inside the strand.
- One slow pass beats five quick ones.
Budget picks
A basic hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle and a cool-shot button, plus a cheap round brush, will do most of what a salon blow-dry does. Most department stores, pharmacies and online retailers have decent styling tools under $40 / £30. A heatless curl ribbon costs a few dollars or pounds, or use a dressing-gown belt or socks!
🎬 How to blow out your hair like a pro
👀 Look out for: Notice the sectioning, rough-drying to about 80% first, and pointing the nozzle down the hair shaft for shine.
🎬 The best heat protectants
👀 Look out for: You don't need the priciest one - you need one you'll actually use every single time.
🎬 Heatless curls
👀 Look out for: A no-damage option that works best on hair that's at least shoulder length. Damp, not wet!