Achieving a fresh outta the salon look for those of us who can only just manage holding a round brush and hairdryer at the same time isn’t easy, but a man is only as good as his tools, meaning arming yourself with the right equipment is key for any hope of achieving hair styling success. And if Love Island has influenced us on anything positive this season, it’s the girls and their hair wizardry, from Faye’s bouncy curtain bangs to Mary’s spiky 90s bun, is anyone else itching for a switch in the hair department? If so then you’re in the right place, as we detail the best tools in the biz for the main styles out there right now, waves, crimping and mermaid curls included.

Mermaid Waves of Dreams

Beachy waves have always been big on the hair lust list, but mermaid style waves took over Instagram (particularly following Molly-Mae’s beautiful collaborations with Beauty Works) in 2019 and have been here to stay ever since. This universally flattering style is one that works on short and long hair alike, and looks effortlessly undone both on the first day of styling and brushed out and tousled in the days following too- perfect for those of us back in the office for whom having presentable hair is now a requirement (anyone else forget how to use a hairbrush in 2020?). Somewhere between a crimper and a curler, the mermaid waver creates fuss free waves that are perfectly suited for the summer season and add both texture and volume to even the flattest of locks. 

For ultimate cool girl mermaid waves, make sure to leave the bottom of the strand you’re waving slightly less tight than the rest to give a more natural and balanced look, particularly when working with shorter hair. Add some mousse to define the waves and minimise frizz and voila, you’re ready to hit the beach clubs and bars in an instant!

Straight and Sleek

If you’re thinking straight = boring then you couldn’t be further from the truth, and the likes of Kate Moss, Jennifer Anniston and Ariana Grande would certainly be inclined to disagree too. A sleek and straight hairstyle is a classic look for any hair novice out there, with the promise that you can’t go far wrong with some ghd’s and Argan oil in hand. Whether you opt for a poker straight, striking evening look or add a playful twist by flicking out your ends, the fun you can have with hair styling isn’t just reserved for the curly haired ladies amongst us. Add some butterfly clips, a chic hairband or keep it simple with a middle part and you’re well on your way to achieving hairstyle heaven.

ghd is the ultimate in hair straightener magic, but you also can’t go far wrong with staple brands like Babyliss or Remington that offer more budget friendly options that still deliver killer results.

Straight Outta the ‘80s Crimped

According to Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan, crimped accent pieces are coming back, and we’re kinda here for it…

For those not afraid of a throwback look and whom are after texture and volume for days, crimping might indeed be the style for you. The zigzag style waves are mostly synonymous with the ’80s or ’90s but tend to make an annual appearance when festival season rolls around, offering a fun and flirty alternative hairstyle that certainly stands out. Crimping is one of the more time consuming styles out there, but the results usually stay locked in place and last for days, especially with a spritz of your fave hairspray too. Friendly reminder: Don’t brush out crimped hair unless Hermione Granger is your style icon.

Va Va Va Volume

If battling fine and flat hair is your styling nemesis, having the right tools in your collection to challenge your hair’s lacklustre ways might be all you need to take your look to the next, volumised level. Get in at the root with a heated round brush or 2 in 1 dryer and styler and watch your locks transform into bouncy blow dry heaven. A little bit of lift can go a long way in helping transform your look, and depending on your budget, ghd, Revlon or the good ol’ folks at John Lewis have your back in giving you the confidence big hair naturally brings. Psst: for that extra extra bit of volume, try crimping the underneath layers of your hair at the root and watch it stay bouncy all day!

Who Said Drying Your Hair Was a Chore?

Drying one’s hair is certainly not high on the list of most people’s things to do for fun, but needs must, and with the right tools in tow it need not be too much of a struggle. High-tech hair styling is serious business now and if you’re feeling a lil spendy lately than a Dyson hairdryer might be one to add to basket … we promise we won’t tell. Fast drying, without using extreme heat, engineered for multiple different hair types and with a new flyaway attachment, it’s seriously the bees knees when it comes to multitasking in the drying department. For those simply looking to get the job done without the £££ price tag, Babyliss and Remington can once again be relied on for budget friendly offerings that arguably do the job v well too. Grab a paddle brush and some hair oil for a sleek look, or dry upside down for all the extra volume you can get your hands on- you look great, we promise!

The Creme De La Creme of Curls

From ringlets to undone waves or big barrelled curls, there are endless hair curling tools out there depending on whether you’re aiming for Taylor Swift in her Fearless era or Dakota Johnson’s effortless waves. Beauty Works is a classic go-to for all of your curling needs, offering wands with different barrels and attachments to switch out depending on your desired look. Life is truly better once you’ve found the wand or tong that really speaks to you, and almost like the perfect LBD or pair of jeans, knowing you can rely on it through thick and thin is nothing short of a styling dream.

Non-Electrical Essentials

You don’t always need heat to get your desired lewk. Embrace your natural curls by using a curling cream from the likes of Shea Moisture or Cantu which provide crunch-free definition and shine. You can also create beautiful curls with a heatless curling rod hairband (we thank Tik Tok for this). Edge control gel and styling brush will mean those baby hairs are always snatched, these can also be used for any flyaway hairs when styling a sleek bun or high ponytail. We mustn’t forget the powers of a good comb or hairbrush too; anti-static combs keep frizz at bay and elevate heated curled looks when you are after loose beachy waves. Paddle brushes have anti-frizz properties too and are the ideal tool for anyone wanting sleek straight hair, they are the best hair detanglers too, 10/10!

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