Insiders' Guide.(Hairdressing)

Insiders' Guide

Tips for wearing a hat well, cooking better at home, making a luxurious bed, and more.

How to Find the Best Styling Tools

An Interview With Michael Gordon Gordon is the founder of the Bumble and Bumble salons in New York City. Great styling tools make your hair look consistently gorgeous. And yes, the best ones tend to be the most expensive. That said, they absolutely do last longer than cheaper models and will keep your hair in better condition. [yen] Brush up. The reason so many salons use Mason Pearson brushes is because theyOre made with high-quality materials and last forever. A combination of boar and nylon bristles delivers just the right amount of grip without snagging the hair. (Stay away from metal brushes when blow-drying since they can conduct too much heat, leading to frayed ends.) Also, bristle spacing is important, because if the rows are packed too tightly, the bristles wonOt slide properly; if theyOre too far apart, they leave creases. I go for medium density, like PearsonOs Small Extra B2. [yen] Feel it out. Regular combs made from sturdy, faux tortoiseshell or carbon fiber can also last a lifetime. Just make sure the teeth are rounded, so they donOt rough up your scalp and cause flaking (we use carbon combs by Leader 212). As for styling clips, Diane Curl metal ones work well because they donOt clamp down too tightly, which can cause indentations. [yen] DonOt blow it ...