Hair Awards: The 33 Essential Stylers and Tools of 2022
It used to be that sussing out a great shampoo meant surreptitiously removing the cap in the store and giving it a little sniff. Today, an amazing fragrance, great texture—these are simply table stakes. Consumers expect more from their products; they read the labels and want to know which ingredients really work, says L.A.-based stylist David Lopez. As a result, he adds, “we’re seeing more brands based in the science of hair care. It’s not just about looking pretty.”
These new tech-forward products are also responding to the desire to protect healthy hair that was restored by gentler pandemic regimens (read: fewer products and less heat). “So many of my clients adopted low-maintenance routines or grew out their hair,” Lopez says. Now that wash cycles and heat styling have returned, it’s about protecting the hair at every stage, from your in-shower procedure to your styling tools. Here, we’ve highlighted the best products that embrace innovative hair technology to get the job done.
Better basics the past two pandemic years have given us time to rethink our routines. One area that took the spotlight: scalp care. “Healthy hair starts from the top,” says L.A.-based stylist Felicia Leatherwood. Using a scalp treatment promotes a clearer path for hair growth and can soothe irritated skin and even boost volume. (Debris and buildup—especially from dry shampoo—can make hair look limp in the long run.) “Take a minute to massage in the product to release any dead skin cells and boost circulation before or after cleansing,” says Lopez. Follow up with a mask or, for an even deeper treatment, a bond builder. “These products penetrate the hair shaft and fill in the little gaps and breakages that are caused by heat styling and brushing,” says Lopez.
Smart styling to get the best results from your products, remember that less is more. “Start small and go slow by applying a pea-size amount of product, and let it fully absorb,” says L.A.-based stylist Gregory Russell. “The thicker and more porous your hair, the more product you may need. Just add a pea-size dollop at a time.” For even distribution, put a tiny bit of cream, serum, or whatever you’re using on your palms, rub them together, and then place a section of hair between your hands. “Use praying hands to slide down the hair from the roots to the ends,” says Leatherwood. If you’re using a spray like a detangler, mist the product onto your brush beforehand. This guarantees even application from root to tip.
When stress increases, so does hair loss, due to a spike in cortisol. But if you have significant hair loss (more than 150 strands a day or it’s accompanied by redness, scaling, or a tender scalp), consider looking into an over-the-counter treatment or consult a doctor, says Ava Shamban, an L.A.-based dermatologist.
Heat zaps hair of color and moisture, making it look duller and dryer faster. However, you don’t need to swear off hot tools; you just have to adapt the way you use them. “Turn down the temperature,” advises Lopez. “You don’t need the highest setting to achieve a great result.” For thinner hair, start low and work your way up to around 375 degrees if needed. Thicker hair can go up to around 425 degrees, but never higher. To limit the amount of heat, choose multitasking and high-speed tools. And unless you’re using the Dyson Airwrap, let your hair air-dry about 70 percent before hitting it with heat. For a sleek look, blow-dry brushes are a great option. “They are not only convenient but also save time,” says Leatherwood.
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