Hair--Tools of the Trade

Eric’s Tools Of The Trade

Get a blow-dryer that operates at a maximum of 1,500 watts. Higher voltages can fry your hair. The hair dryer should also have a built-in heat sensor to protect your hair from burning.

A flattening attachment like Champion Straight-On Straightening Pic will turn most dryers into straighteners.

When heat styling, start with the lowest setting; hot appliances will damage hair. (I can't say this enough.)

A hot-air brush blows heated air through built-in bristles, giving you the benefits of a blow-dryer, round brush and curling iron in one tool. I use this on many clients. Julbere Blue Lightning Hot Air Brush is available in most stores and is one I recommend.

If you plan to trim your own bangs, invest in a good pair of shears; paper scissors just don't cut it. (To trim your own bangs, twist the hair together into one piece, then snip into the ends in a zigzag motion. Brush out the hair and cut the longer pieces to match the shorter ones.)

Every 2 weeks, clean your brushes by soaking them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Rinse and air dry.

A broken-in brush is easier to work with than a new one.

To break in a new brush, heat the bristles with a blow dryer to soften them for easier styling.

Make sure your hair is dry before using curling irons or irons to straighten it. These are not meant to dry your hair, but to finish your look. Use them last.

NEVER use a metal comb, which can tear hair. Use a plastic one with large teeth. You can buy a good one for $1!

Flat Irons are great, but go easy on the heat (use a low setting) and take a couple of days off from them. If you use one daily, you will break your hair.

More coming soon; stay tuned! ~ Eric M.


Read about hair and diet... an important combo. See Fab Foods for the valuable nutrients that will help your hair look its best.


Eric’s Top 14 Shampooing Tips


If your shampoo isn't lathering, your hair most likely isn't wet enough. Add water, not more shampoo.

You do NOT have to switch shampoos. (Some say to change them weekly.) You only need to change products if your hair goes through a change, like if you perm it or color it.

Wash your hair with warm water! Don't use cold, even if your best friend says it is good for your hair. Shampoos are formulated to work best with warm water.

To eliminate frizz or to define curls, use a wave-enhancing shampoo like Back to Basics Get Curly Shampoo.

Don't pour shampoo onto your head! Pour it into your hands, then work it through your hair.

Massage dandruff shampoos into your scalp, then leave the suds on for a few minutes before rinsing.

If greasy hair is a problem, use a deep cleansing shampoo like Clairol Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo.

Curly hair is often dry, so use a moisturizing shampoo like Neutrogena Clean Shampoo Replenishing.

Before conditioning, squeeze excess water from your hair. (Please be gentle.) Soaking-wet strands don't absorb conditioner very well.

To strengthen strands, try a protein-based conditioner like Pantene Pro-V Daily Treatment Conditioner.

After conditioning, rinse those locks with cool water to boost the circulation in your scalp and to increase the shine of your hair.

You'll know conditioner is all washed out when your hair feels slightly slippery.

DON'T pile your hair on top of your head (if it is long); this will only create knots.

DON'T brush wet hair. It can tear your hair. Use a comb.

Please be kind to your locks!