Every great hairstyle begins with the right foundation. While skill and creativity play a big role, the tools you use can either make styling easy or frustrating. From the humble hairbrush to advanced heat tools, every item in your kit has a purpose. Whether you are aiming for effortless everyday looks or red-carpet-ready updos, knowing how to use these tools properly will help you get consistent, salon-quality results.
This guide breaks down the essential hairstyling tools, explains how to use them effectively, and highlights the best choices for different hair types.
Hairbrushes and Combs
Why they matter: Brushing and combing are the starting points of almost every hairstyle. They detangle, smooth, and prepare your hair for styling.
Best for different hair types:
- Fine or fragile hair: Soft-bristle brushes prevent breakage.
- Thick or curly hair: Wide-tooth combs or paddle brushes handle volume without pulling.
- Straight hair: Boar bristle brushes enhance shine by distributing natural oils.
Pro tips:
- Always detangle starting at the ends, then move upward to prevent knots from tightening.
- Keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower to detangle when hair is conditioned and more elastic.
- For ultimate shine, finish styling with a boar bristle brush.
Common mistake: Using fine-tooth combs on tangles, which can make knots worse and cause breakage.
Hair Clips
Why they matter: Sectioning your hair properly keeps your style organized and ensures even results.
Types to use:
- Duck-bill clips: Slim and precise, perfect for separating small sections while curling or straightening.
- Claw clips: Better for holding large chunks of hair in place, especially thick or textured hair.
Pro tip: Always section your hair before blow-drying, curling, or braiding. Working in smaller sections gives a more polished result.
Rattail Comb
Why it matters: The rattail comb is both a sectioning tool and a teasing comb, making it indispensable for volume and precision.
How to use:
- Use the pointed end to create clean, straight lines when parting your hair.
- Tease at the roots by holding a section straight up, placing the comb a few inches from the scalp, and pushing downward in quick strokes.
Best for: Adding volume to updos, creating defined parts, or building a foundation for retro-inspired bouffants.
Common mistake: Over-teasing without locking the style in place with hairspray. This causes styles to collapse quickly.
Hair Elastics
Why they matter: Elastics are the backbone of ponytails, braids, and buns. Choosing the right size and type prevents damage and ensures a secure hold.
Types:
- Clear mini elastics: Ideal for finishing braids discreetly.
- Soft fabric elastics: Gentle on hair, perfect for everyday ponytails.
- Ribbon ties: Comfortable, crease-free alternatives.
- Invisibobble ties: Spiral-shaped ties that reduce tension and prevent ponytail dents.
Pro tip: Always remove elastics carefully. Snapping them out causes unnecessary breakage, especially on fragile or color-treated hair.
Hair Pins
Why they matter: They’re the invisible anchors of almost every updo.
Types and uses:
- Bobby pins: Workhorses for buns and twists. Insert with the wavy side down for better grip.
- Spin pins: Corkscrew-shaped pins that secure buns with fewer pins.
- U-shaped pins: Best for securing larger sections in voluminous updos.
Pro tip: Spray pins lightly with hairspray before inserting to give them extra grip.
Common mistake: Using too many pins. If your style needs more than 6–8 bobby pins for a simple bun, you may be placing them incorrectly.
Topsy Tail
Why it matters: This simple tool makes it easy to flip ponytails, weave hair, and create intricate-looking designs without advanced braiding skills.
Pro tip: Use it to elevate a basic ponytail by flipping it inside out, or to add decorative twists to braids.
Hair Beads
Why they matter: Beyond decoration, beads add weight that helps braids hang neatly.
How to use: Thread hair through beads with a loop of thread or topsy-tail tool, and secure them against a small elastic to prevent slipping.
Best for: Protective styles like box braids, twists, and cornrows, as well as festival or creative looks.
Hair Extensions
Why they matter: Extensions provide instant length and volume, transforming styles that require more hair than you naturally have.
Types:
- Clip-ins: Temporary, easy to apply and remove.
- Free-hanging extensions: Can be braided or twisted into styles.
Pro tip: Always match extensions to your natural hair color, or buy lighter and have them professionally dyed.
Best for: Thin or fine hair that struggles with volume-heavy styles.
Common mistake: Using synthetic hair in heat-styling. Real hair extensions last longer and blend better.
Hair Inserts
Why they matter: Inserts add structure and volume without relying entirely on your natural hair.
Types:
- Donuts for sleek buns.
- Rolls for vintage-inspired hairstyles.
- Bumps and beehive inserts for dramatic volume.
DIY tip: Make your own insert by balling up unused extensions and securing with a hairnet.
Sprays and Serums
Why they matter: Products add the finishing touches that make styles last.
Essentials:
- Hairspray: Locks styles in place.
- Texture spray: Adds grip, especially useful for slippery hair.
- Heat protectant: Shields hair from damage.
- Pomade or wax: Smooths frizz and polishes braids.
Pro tip: Apply texture spray before braiding to prevent strands from slipping out.
Heat Tools
Why they matter: Heat tools temporarily reshape hair, allowing you to curl, wave, straighten, or crimp.
Options:
- Curling irons/wands: Create waves and curls in different sizes.
- Crimping irons: Add texture and volume.
- Flat irons/straightening brushes: Smooth out natural curls or frizz.
Best practices:
- Always use heat protectant.
- Work in small sections for even results.
- Avoid overexposure—too much heat leads to dryness and breakage.
Alternatives: Explore heatless curling methods like overnight braids or foam rollers.
The Best Heatless Hairstyles for Healthy Hair will help you to explore more.
Final Thoughtst
Styling hair is both art and science. With the right tools, you gain control, precision, and creativity. A good hairstyling kit doesn’t have to be huge or expensive—it just needs the essentials: brushes, elastics, pins, clips, and a few products to finish strong. From there, add specialized tools like extensions, inserts, or heat tools depending on your styling goals.
Styling
The key is practice and experimentation. The more you understand how each tool works with your hair type, the more freedom you’ll have to create professional-quality hairstyles right at home.