GROOMING
Keeping all those stray hairs at bay can be a daunting task, so choosing the right product for the job is very important.
SHAVERS: Also called Electric Razors, men’s shavers differ from women’s shavers, in that each are designed specifically for the type of hair and areas they are intended for. Many features, however, are found in both types of shavers. Here are some popular features to look for.
Men’s Shavers
ROTARY, FOIL CUTTING OR INTEGRAL SYSTEMS: These are the three common types of cutting systems found on shavers. Which type you choose is based on personal preference. Rotary cutting systems, (aka lift & cut) trap the hair first, lift the hair from the skin and then the blade cuts the hair. Foil Cutting Systems are designed with a shaver screen to capture hairs growing in different directions while the underneath blades cut the hair in a single stroke. Integral Systems are multi stage. They first cut longer hairs while a separate blade cuts hard to shave hairs.
SHAVER HEADS: Floating heads are found on rotary systems and have multiple round heads or touch sensitive foils. A Pivoting head is found in Foil Cutting or Rotary Systems and is a single head that pivots from side to side. Heads with Spring Action allow the head to go up and down and conform to the face. All Floating Heads have Spring Action, while some Pivoting Heads have Spring Action.
TRIMMER ATTACHMENTS: Excellent for different types of hair, such as sideburns, moustaches and beards so you don’t need to purchase a separate trimmer.
LOTION OR GEL DISPENSERS: A unique feature in which shaving lotion or gel is dispensed as you shave, to minimize shaving irritation and to give a wet shave feeling.
WET/DRY: These types of shavers are for use in and out of the shower.
CHARGING SYSTEM: Allows for cordless shaving. Charging times vary by vendor/product. Also look for QUICK CHARGE, which usually supplies enough charge for one shave.
LED INDICATOR OR LCD PANEL: To indicate charging/battery time. Generally seen as an illuminated display.
WORLDWIDE VOLTAGE: A must-have for any traveler. Ensures easy charging and shaving from any location.
AUTOMATIC SELF CLEAN: A cleaning solution provided with your self cleaning shaver, which is usually alcohol based and is part of the shaving system. Allows for hands-free cleaning without having to dismantle the shaver. Many shavers can also be rinsed under water for a quick cleaning.
WATER RESISTANT: These types of shavers are for use in the shower. Not recommended for full immersion in water.
USE and CARE: The cutting system of your razor should be replaced every 18 months. To protect against irritation replace conditioning refills every 2-4 weeks, while cleaning refills should be replaced every 4-8 weeks. All other shavers should be rinsed off after each use.
Women’s Shavers
WET/DRY: These types of shavers are for use in and out of the shower.
CONTOURED DESIGN: This style blade hugs curves for a close shave. Also look for NON-SLIP GRIPS for easy handling.
EPILATION: Considered a hair removal system, as opposed to a shaving system. Removes hair at the root, reducing the need for frequent hair removal or shaving.
USE and CARE: The cutting system of your razor should be replaced every 18 months. To protect against irritation replace conditioning refills every 2-4 weeks, while cleaning refills should be replaced every 4-8 weeks. All other shavers should be rinsed off after each use.
TRIMMERS: For all types of hair, there are all types of trimmers. The most common ones found are Beard/Moustache trimmers and Nose/Ear hair trimmers. Each has their own special features to look for, to match the needs the trimmer is meant for.
Beard/Moustache Trimmers
PIVOTING HEAD: The head of the trimmer pivots for easy access to hard to reach areas and facial contours.
HAIR LENGTH ADJUSTMENT: For easy shaping of beards and other facial hair.
ATTACHMENT COMBS: These combs can be attached directly to the trimmer for blending, tapering and trimming of beards and other facial hair.
Nose/Ear Hair Trimmers
Most Nose/Ear hair trimmers run on AA batteries, and some can be used for eyebrow trimming.
CIRCULAR/ROTARY SYSTEM: This trimmer has a circular action that effectively trims along the inside of the nose wall.
WET/DRY: Allows heads to be rinsed under water for easy cleaning. Not all models offer a wet/dry option.
HAIR APPLIANCES: Got a frizzy head? Does your feathery hair fall too flat? The more you know about your hair appliances, the better you can solve these simple beauty problems.
TYPES OF HEATING TECHNOLOGY
IONIC TECHNOLOGY: Negative ions reduce the size of water droplets on your hair, allowing more water to be absorbed and your hair to dry quicker. This kind of technology neutralizes positive charges in your hair by counteracting it with negative ions. This counteraction reduces “frizzies” caused by static electricity. At the same time, moisture is being sealed into your hair, resulting in shinier, smoother hair.
TOURMALINE TECHNOLOGY: Within these hair dryers, the heater is constructed of Tourmaline. Tourmaline, a precious stone, generates up to six times more negative ions.The extra negative ions, along with gentle far infrared heat, guarantee soft, smooth, frizz-free silky hair without heat damage. What’s more, hair tools with Tourmaline technology heat up faster and reach professional temperatures for more effective straightening and curling.
CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY: Within ceramic hair dryers, the heater and motor are constructed of ceramic coils which emit far infrared heat, resulting in less damage and locking in moisture as they evenly heat the hair. Essentially, these tools will give you more heat with a faster drying time.
TIP: Also look for products made with Nanotechnology, which use the unique properties of ceramic and silver to create smooth, shiny and healthy-looking hair. Nanotechnology also makes a styling tool more durable. Hair dryers that sport Tourmaline ceramic technology are also available. Tourmaline ceramic heating elements involve the fusing together of a gem stone and a ceramic element to produce the ultimate release of conditioning negative ions with the added bonus of having a faster styling time.
TYPES OF INFRARED HEAT
FAR INFRARED HEAT: This type of heat penetrates the hair from the inside out, locking in moisture and resulting in smooth, shiny, soft hair without the “frizz.” Professional quality styling tools use this type of heat.
NEAR INFRARED HEAT: This type heats hair from the outside and does not penetrate the hair shaft, typically resulting in dry, frizzy hair. Traditional styling tools use this type of heat.
HAIR DRYERS: Today’s hair dryers come with many features for convenience, ease of use and of course, styling any type of hair.
TYPES OF MOTORS: Depending on your hair type, you might want a hair dryer with a specific motor to get specific results.
AC MOTOR: AC stands for alternating current. This type of motor will allow the user to choose from different heat settings ranging from low to high. The thicker and harder the hair is to straighten, the higher the recommended heat; the thinner and more delicate the hair, the lower the recommended heat setting.
DC MOTOR: DC stands for direct current. This type of motor has increased airflow and higher temperatures. It reaches temperatures similar to those of professional units used in salons. Using a DC motor will achieve a faster drying time as well.
HAIR DRYER ACCESSORIES AND FEATURES:
ATTACHMENTS: Common attachments for hair dryers include: Diffusers for permed or naturally wavy hair, they maintain curls without frizzing. Concentrator nozzles provide precise drying. Volumizers lift and separate hair for height and volume.
COLD SHOT BUTTON: Shoots a burst of cold air to lock styles in place.
REMOVABLE FILTER: Detaches for quick and easy cleaning to maintain your dryer’s performance.
RETRACTABLE CORD: Cord retracts into handle with the push of a button. Great for traveling, easy storage and safety.
FOLDING HANDLE: Handle folds underneath the barrel of the dryer, making it ideal for storage and traveling.
DUAL VOLTAGE: Contains both 120 and 240 Volt systems, for convenient plug-in usage for world travelers.
IMMERSION SHOCK PROTECTION: A safety plug that protects against electric shock if a hair dryer falls in the water.
CURLING IRONS/HAIR STRAIGHTENERS/HAIR SETTERS: Curly, straight, wavy, relaxed – your hair can have it all! But first thing’s first…get to know your heating elements!
HEAT SETTINGS: Depending on your hair type and personal preferences, be sure to pay attention to available heat settings on different models.
ADJUSTABLE HEAT SETTING: This type simply allows the user to choose from different heat settings ranging from low to high. The thicker and harder the hair is to style, the higher the recommended heat setting; the thinner and more delicate the hair, the lower the recommended heat setting.
CONSTANT HEAT: Some straighteners and curlers will maintain a consistent temperature for continuous straightening. Tourmaline and ceramic units maintain a constant heat and also heat quickly.
FIXED HEAT SETTING: These types of units will maintain only one heat setting, reaching a maximum temperature as stated on the packaging. The higher the maximum temperature, the longer the lasting results.
TIP: One of the most valuable features you can benefit from is the AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF feature. This feature automatically shuts the unit off after a specific amount of time or after a long time of inactivity. This time will vary depending on the product. No matter what the heat setting, this is a great safety and energy-saving feature.
CURLING IRON FEATURES:
COOL TIP: An area at the tip of the barrel that stays cool. Allows for easy and safe handling of the iron.
BARREL SIZE: Measures the circumference of the barrel. The larger the barrel, the larger the curl.
POWER INDICATOR LIGHT: Lets you know when the iron is in use, and therefore, hot.
READY DOT: Indicates when iron is heated and ready for use.
HAIR STRAIGHTENERS:
UNIFORM HEAT RECOVERY: Maintains a constant temperature for even styling.
STEAM ACTION: Gentle steam that is released to add moisture while straightening.
PLATES: Interchangeable style plates that attach to the basic tool. Each plate creates its own style.
FLOATING PLATES: Allows for a straighter result as the plates create a tighter closure on the hair section being straightened.
POWER INDICATOR LIGHT: Lets you know when the iron is in use, and therefore, hot.
HAIR SETTERS (a.k.a Hot Rollers, Electric Rollers and Curl Setters)
INSTANT HEAT: Unit quickly heats up for immediate use of setters.
COOL TOUCH END CAPS: Ends of setters stay cool for comfortable and safe handling.
READY DOT: Indicates when setters are heated and ready for use.
START CLIP: Small clip that holds the end of your hair in place as you start to roll.
STYLING CLIP: Holds your hair in place once it’s rolled.
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