Tool tips for top hair

2:27pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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Heated brushes, tongs, irons and dryers. Are you switched on to how best to use styling tools to create a great look? Check out these tricks from Graham Webb International to help you look stylishly good.

1. The curling tong is enjoying a revival of favour among top stylists, but is now used with a difference.

Rather than winding hair up from end to the root, the new trick is to start with the tongs placed about one inch from the roots and, using your free hand, pick up the length of hair and wind round it around the tong until you reach the end.

This creates a bigger curl and more volume nearer the ends of the hair for a lovely, luxurious wave.

2. Use your hairdryer more imaginatively! Have fun with a bob and try creating a more textured finish than usual.

Here's how. Blow-dry hair as usual using a bristle brush then apply styling lotion before running the dryer through the hair again for a rougher feel.

Spritz with texturising spray to complete the look. Cool!

3. Dry hair tends to be the result of over-processing, overheating and overexerting your hair. And, just as with dirty dishes, washing hair with hot water will cut oil in no time flat, which ain't a good thing.

Try cleansing dry hair in warm water which is much more beneficial because it allows the hair to retain its natural oils. Then eliminate the intense heat created by using dryers, irons and tongs by turning the temperature down to medium or cool.

4. Be kind to your hair and give it time off from heated appliances.

From time to time apply a deep-penetrating conditioning treatment and after rinsing, allow hair to dry naturally.

Don't get fixated with your straightening irons - looser, more naturally textured hair is very on-trend, too.

5. After drying hair and before applying tongs to curl or irons to flatten, always cover hair with a protective spray, lotion or balm.