How to Choose a Curling Iron

Many women dream of having curly hair. If you were not born with naturally curly locks, you can easily create the look at home with a curling iron. It important to choose the right size and type of curling iron to get the best results. Here are some tips to help you make a selection.

Barrel Size

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a curling iron is the barrel size. The barrel size you choose will depend on the type and size of curls you want to have. If you want large, loose curls or beach waves, look for a curling iron with a barrel 1 to 2 inches in diameter. If you would prefer tight ringlets, look for a curling iron with a barrel ¾ to 1 inch in diameter.

Curling Iron Material

The material your curling iron is made of is also important. Curling irons can be made from several materials. You need to choose one based on your hair’s specific needs. Hair professionals usually choose ceramic or tourmaline curling irons. Ceramic curling irons disperse heat evenly throughout the hair. Tourmaline curling irons release negative ions that close the cuticle and lock in moisture to control frizz. Gold and titanium curling irons are good at conducting heat, but they will not prevent frizz.

Heat Settings

Look for a curling iron with variable heat settings. The heat setting you choose will depend on your hair type. You should use a heat setting below 200 degrees if your hair is fine, fragile, or color-treated. If your hair is naturally curly, thick, or coarse, you can use a temperature between 200 and 300 degrees. You should never use a heat setting above 400 degrees, even if the curling iron goes higher.

Have Your Hair Done for a Special Occasion at The Beauty Bar

If you would like to have your hair done professionally for a special occasion, make an appointment at The Beauty Bar in Southington, Connecticut. We can curl your hair or style it in another way of your choice so you will look beautiful at your wedding, prom, or any other special event you are planning to attend. Schedule your appointment today.

How to Choose the Right Flat Iron

A flat iron can give you smooth, straight hair. It can also be used to create other styles. You can use a flat iron to create waves, curl your hair, add volume, and create a faux blowout.

It is important to choose the right flat iron for your hair type. Fine hair has different needs than thick, curly hair, and using the wrong type of flat iron can cause damage. Here are some tips to help you select the right flat iron to get beautiful, healthy hair.

Choose the Right Plate Size for Your Hair Type

Flat irons generally have 1-inch plates that are versatile enough to be used with many hair types. A smaller plate works well with very short hair or if you want to use the flat iron to curl your hair. If you have long, thick hair, you should choose a flat iron with a larger plate. It will cut down on the amount of time required to style your hair. A larger plate will also help you avoid going over the same area twice, which can cause damage.

Use the Right Temperature Setting

Using very high heat is not always necessary and can cause damage to your hair. Using a temperature setting that is too high can damage your hair and can also ruin color-treated hair. Select a flat iron with an adjustable heat setting so you can experiment and find the temperature that works best for your hair. If you have fine hair, you should use a lower heat setting. Thicker hair needs higher heat to straighten hair the first time. That way you will not need to use the flat iron on the same sections again, which can help you prevent damage.

Consider Plate Materials

Another important thing to think about when selecting a flat iron is the plate material. Ceramic is popular because it heats up fast and can distribute heat evenly. Look for a flat iron with a full ceramic plate, not a ceramic coating. A coating can wear off. Tourmaline is an organic crystalline material that produces more negative ions than ceramic and can make your hair straight and not frizzy. A titanium-plated flat iron transfers heat the fastest, which makes it a good choice for thick and curly hair.

Make an Appointment at The Beauty Bar

If you need to have your hair done for a special occasion like a wedding or party, make an appointment at The Beauty Bar in Southington, Connecticut. We will help you choose the right style for your special day. If you want to change your style or color, we can help you choose a new look. We can also give you tips on how to style your hair at home. Make an appointment at The Beauty Bar today.

Make Your Hair Less Oily by Washing It Less Often

If you have an oily scalp, you may wash your hair every day to try to control the amount of oil it produces and to prevent your hair from becoming a greasy mess. That may seem logical, but the truth is that washing your hair every day can actually make your scalp produce more oil, which can make the problem worse.

Washing your hair every day robs it of moisture, which can dry out your scalp, make your hair brittle, and lead to breakage. When your hair and scalp are dried out, your scalp responds by producing more oil. You can make your scalp produce less oil by washing your hair less often. While it may seem counterintuitive, it works. Here are some tips to make your scalp produce less oil so you can break out of your habit of washing your hair every day.

When to Wash Your Hair and How to Style It

Start out by washing your hair as you normally would on the first day. You can use your favorite products and style your hair as you normally would. Using products and styling your hair will give it texture that can make it look less greasy.

Don’t wash your hair the next day. When you shower, put your hair up in a clip or put on a shower cap so it will not get wet. You can style your hair and use a little bit of dry shampoo if it is oily.

On the third day, you can use more dry shampoo to control oil. If your hair is starting to get greasy, you can wear it up or pull it back. A bun or a ponytail will use the texture and oil in your hair to make it look smooth.

On the fourth day, if you don’t need to wash your hair, don’t. You can wear a hat if you can or wash your hair if you find that it is necessary.

It will take some time for your hair to adjust to less-frequent washing. After a few weeks, you should begin to notice that your hair is less oily on days when you don’t wash it. Your hair will look and feel healthier and will be easier to manage.

Get a New Hairstyle at The Beauty Bar

If you are thinking about changing your hairstyle, make an appointment at The Beauty Bar in Southington, Connecticut. We can help you choose the right haircut and color and can give you tips on how to care for your hair and keep it healthy. Schedule an appointment at The Beauty Bar today.

How to Choose the Right Hair Dryer and Attachments

You probably use a hair dryer to get your hair ready to go out and to make it hold the style you want. Hair dryers come in several types that can be used with different hair types. You can also use an attachment to get the look you want. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hair dryer and attachment for your hair.

Types of Hair Dryers

An ionic hair dryer creates millions of negative ions that break down water molecules to dry hair faster. Sometimes people who use an ionic hair dryer continue using it even after their hair is dry, especially around their faces, and over-dry their hair. Be careful not to use an ionic hair dryer for too long.

A ceramic hair dryer emits infrared heat. This dries hair gently to avoid causing heat damage.

A tourmaline hair dryer emits infrared heat and negative ions. It dries hair gently and makes it shiny and less frizzy. A tourmaline hair dryer also allows hair to withstand more heat without damage.

Hair Dryer Attachments

Depending on the type of hair you have, you may also want to use a diffuser. This attachment distributes heat and can give curly or wavy hair more body and bounce. Use a diffuser with a low heat setting to release a gentle stream of warm air that will not cause your hair to become tangled or frizzy.

Another attachment you can try is a concentrator. This directs and focuses air to control frizz and hold the style in place. Hold the concentrator a few inches away from your hair and pull your hair tightly with a rounded brush.

Choose the Right Heat Setting

The amount of heat you should use will depend on your hair type. High heat should only be used on very thick or coarse hair or hair that is very wet.

Keep the dryer moving and do not focus on one section of hair for too long because that can cause heat damage. Use a low heat setting if you have thin or fragile hair or if it is only damp, not wet.

A range of 1300 to 1875 watts is generally good for regular at-home use. If you only want to use a hair dryer to dry your bangs or set your curls, you can use a dryer with a lower wattage since you are not trying to cut down on the drying time.

Some hair dryers have a “cool shot” button. That seals the cuticle, sets the look, and makes hair shiny. Use the cool shot feature after your hair is 80 percent dry to finish drying it and protect it from heat damage. It can also be used to lock in curls or waves.

Always Use a Heat Protectant

No matter what kind of hair dryer and attachment you use for your hair, you should always apply a heat protectant product first. A serum, lotion, or spray can protect your hair from heat and prevent it from drying out and becoming frizzy.

Make an Appointment at The Beauty Bar

If you are thinking about changing your look for the new year, make an appointment at The Beauty Bar in Southington, Connecticut. We can help you choose the right haircut and color for your face and lifestyle and give you tips on how to style it at home to maintain your new look. Schedule an appointment at The Beauty Bar today.

A Clarifying Shampoo Can Give You Healthy and Beautiful Hair

Many women use several styling products, such as gel, mousse, hairspray, masks, and leave-in conditioner, to get the look they want. These products can help your hair hold a style, but over time they can leave residue that builds up and weighs down hair. Hair can also become weighed down or damaged by the environment. A clarifying shampoo can remove buildup and give you healthier hair.

Difference between Clarifying Shampoo and Regular Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are also known as “purifying,” “detox,” and “deep-cleansing.” They are designed to remove product buildup, such as silicones, waxes, moisturizers, oil, mousse, dry shampoo, and hairspray. A clarifying shampoo can also remove mineral deposits if you have hard water and chlorine if you like to swim in a pool.

Regular shampoos are designed to clean hair gently. They have a smaller amount of surfectants to clean and a larger proportion of moisturizing ingredients. Clarifying shampoos have more cleaning agents and fewer conditioning agents. There are several times when you should choose a clarifying shampoo instead of your regular shampoo.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product and Chemical Buildup

If your hair has been difficult to style lately, it could be because it has a buildup of products. A clarifying shampoo can help you start with a clean slate and make your hair healthier. You may need to use it as often as once a week or as little as once a month, depending on the number and type of products you use. Washing with a clarifying shampoo will give you a clean foundation and make the styling products you use work better.

Swimming in a pool treated with chlorine can cause your hair to become a greenish color. You can protect it by wearing a swimming cap or by using a clarifying shampoo once a week to once a month, depending on how often you swim and the condition of your hair.

Clarifying Shampoo Can Make Fine or Oily Hair More Manageable

If you have straight, fine hair, a clarifying shampoo can give it a boost. It can remove oil and give your hair more volume. Use more conditioner the next time you wash your hair.

If your hair is oily, a clarifying shampoo can help. You can then use a small amount of conditioner or none at all. Don’t use a clarifying shampoo every time you wash your oily hair.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo before Treatments

Using a weekly hair mask can give your hair more moisture and make it healthier. A mask will work better if you wash your hair first with a clarifying shampoo.

You can also use a clarifying shampoo before you have your hair dyed. This will remove any buildup so the product will be able to react better with your hair. Wash with a clarifying shampoo one or two days before you dye your hair so it will have a chance to produce more natural oils. After you dye your hair, you should only use a clarifying shampoo before you go in for a touchup because it can fade your color.

If you have dyed blonde hair that tends to look brassy, clarifying shampoo can help. Bleaching hair makes it more porous, which causes it to absorb yellow from the environment, such as mineral deposits from water, pollution, cigarette smoke, or styling products. You could benefit from using a clarifying shampoo once a week.

Make an Appointment at The Beauty Bar

If you are thinking about changing your hair style, make an appointment at The Beauty Bar in Southington, Connecticut. We can help you choose the right haircut or dye your hair and give you tips on which products to use to keep it healthy and manageable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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