3 Must-have hair styling tools for under R500

From curling and straightening to crimping and blow-drying, there’s so much you can do with your own set of heat styling tools. And with a bit of practice and the right products, you can create salon-level looks from the comfort of your own home. 

We chat to Chantelle Blokdyk, owner of Fringe Retro Hair Salon, to get her pro tips on how to shop for heat styling tools. Plus, we recommend three go-to hair tools that you can use to perfect your look between salon visits. And did we mention that you won’t need to break the bank to buy them?

Revlon Pro Collection Salon Long Last Curl & Wave Tong

So what to look for in a good heat curler? “Good curling irons are manufactured using quality components like ceramic plates, ion titanium or tourmaline,” Chantelle explains. “Hair can handle high heat exposure, but when you colour your hair or chemically straighten it, it becomes weaker and so exposing it to heat will compromise the health of your hair even more. It’s the quality of the product you use, the quality of colour or chemical service and the quality of the equipment you use on your hair that will ultimately determine the condition of your hair.”

Wahl Cutek Advanced Straightener 

Sleek, shiny hair is en vogue, but constant heat styling can cause damage. That’s why giving your hair a break between styling sessions is important and using your tools carefully can make all the difference. When choosing a straightener, Chantelle warns, “Stay away from ‘wet to dry’ irons! Hair is the most vulnerable when it’s wet and I can’t imagine how direct heat on wet hair can be OK. Don’t use it too often, and don’t go over the same piece of hair repeatedly. Try to achieve the desired result with one or two ‘slides’ of the iron over one piece of hair.”

BaByliss Paris Expert 2200 Dry Watts Hairdryer

We recommend getting yourself a hairdryer that’s built to last for the long haul. There’s so much you can do with a good hairdryer, from creating voluptuous and layered curls to styling your hair into a gorgeous straight style. Need practice? Why not ask your stylist for advice on how to blowdry your own hair between salon visits? They’re bound to have some great tips – like this one from Chantelle: “Look for a hairdryer that is light to hold and has a trusted guarantee! Also, you’re going to need a good nozzle if you’re going to blow dry your hair with a brush. I like dryers with ion technology, as they make your hair shine. And of course, don’t forget to use heat protection and the right brush to get the right results.”

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com