Beauty/Wellness Product Guide

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.

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.

Excellent for different types of hair, such as sideburns, moustaches and beards so you don’t need to purchase a separate trimmer.

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.

These types of shavers are for use in and out of the shower.

Allows for cordless shaving. Charging times vary by vendor/product. Also look for QUICK CHARGE, which usually supplies enough charge for one shave.

To indicate charging/battery time. Generally seen as an illuminated display.

A must-have for any traveler. Ensures easy charging and shaving from any location.

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.

These types of shavers are for use in the shower. Not recommended for full immersion in water.

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.

These types of shavers are for use in and out of the shower.

This style blade hugs curves for a close shave. Also look for NON-SLIP GRIPS for easy handling.

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.

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.

The head of the trimmer pivots for easy access to hard to reach areas and facial contours.

For easy shaping of beards and other facial hair.

These combs can be attached directly to the trimmer for blending, tapering and trimming of beards and other facial hair.

This trimmer has a circular action that effectively trims along the inside of the nose wall.

Allows heads to be rinsed under water for easy cleaning. Not all models offer a wet/dry option.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Shoots a burst of cold air to lock styles in place.

Detaches for quick and easy cleaning to maintain your dryer’s performance.

Cord retracts into handle with the push of a button. Great for traveling, easy storage and safety.

Handle folds underneath the barrel of the dryer, making it ideal for storage and traveling.

Contains both 120 and 240 Volt systems, for convenient plug-in usage for world travelers.

A safety plug that protects against electric shock if a hair dryer falls in the water.

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.

Some straighteners and curlers will maintain a consistent temperature for continuous straightening. Tourmaline and ceramic units maintain a constant heat and also heat quickly.

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.

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.

An area at the tip of the barrel that stays cool. Allows for easy and safe handling of the iron.

Measures the circumference of the barrel. The larger the barrel, the larger the curl.

Lets you know when the iron is in use, and therefore, hot.

Indicates when iron is heated and ready for use.

Maintains a constant temperature for even styling.

Gentle steam that is released to add moisture while straightening.

Interchangeable style plates that attach to the basic tool. Each plate creates its own style.

Allows for a straighter result as the plates create a tighter closure on the hair section being straightened.

Lets you know when the iron is in use, and therefore, hot.

Unit quickly heats up for immediate use of setters.

Ends of setters stay cool for comfortable and safe handling.

Indicates when setters are heated and ready for use.

Small clip that holds the end of your hair in place as you start to roll.

Holds your hair in place once it’s rolled.

Provides soothing heat therapy to the soles of your feet. Also look for a VIBRATING PLATFORM in foot massagers that don’t use water to place your feet upon.

Foot spas in which water is delivered as bubbling and/or through a water jet to alleviate stress and tension. Will also maintain the temperature of the water added.

Parts that can be used in conjunction with the water, and some without. They target specific areas of the foot, such as sole and arch massager attachments, as well as provide grooming options, such as loofah, buffing and scrubbing brush attachments.

This is a soft mat that is affixed along the bottom of a bathtub. It fills the tub with tiny bubbles while it simultaneously massages. Look for features to include speed settings, timer settings and a water resistant remote control.

Cordless, waterproof and attaches to the tub with suction cups. Provides a penetrating massage while supporting your back and neck. May include speed settings.

Secures to the side of the tub with suction cups or a bracket. Creates swirls of water, mimicking a whirlpool experience. Features may include speed settings and moveable jets.

They can attach to a chair and plug into an outlet. Cushions target the back area, while mats can target up to the entire body. Many have heat settings as well as massage settings, including motor speed, massage styles and zones.

For use anywhere, these massagers usually have vibrating, wave or percussion action. Features may include pivoting heads, speed control, and massage styles. Massage head attachments, such as soft, medium, hard and heat, may be included.

Are pillows with massaging action and in some instances provide heat options, so you can target specific areas such as your neck and shoulders.

Produces a warm, indoor-like light and some heat while in use.

Produces a cool, outdoor-like light that gives off less heat than incandescent lighting when in use. Fluorescent bulbs have a longer bulb life and are more energy efficient.

Found on some models, variable illumination settings allow you to switch the illumination to mimic various lighting styles, such as evening, home, office and day light.

These mirrors are attached to a pedestal and can be moved easily to any location. Some may have an adjustable height or telescoping pedestal.

A wall mount/extension mirror attaches directly to the wall with an extendable arm, allowing the mirror to be adjusted to a comfortable position. This is a great space saving solution for small bathrooms.

A fog free mirror can be used both in and out of the shower, and is ideal for shaving while showering. Designed to be shatterproof and scratch resistant, some are made from fog resistant acrylic, while others use the warmth of the shower water running through the back of the mirror to keep it fog-free.

Opens and clears facial pores, leaving skin thoroughly cleansed, smoothed and refreshed. A container is used to fill the spa chamber with water. Cones attach to the unit to focus on specific areas, such as the face and sinuses. An important safety feature, the automatic shut off, shuts the facial spa off after the maximum treatment time has been reached.

Another system to rejuvenate your facial skin. These come with a variety of brushes that attach to a hand-held high frequency vibration tool. Systems generally include adjustable power levels, brushes, scrubbing and moisturizing lotions, and are corded or run on batteries.

Can consist of any or all of the following: Coarse and fine filing/smoothing discs, shaping discs, cuticle shapers, polishing discs and cones, callus removers, pointed stones and cones and/or sapphire cones.

Look for an automatic shut off function, and a unit with temperature controls. Most reservoirs are removable and dishwasher safe. Many can hold an entire 16 oz. bottle of lotion.

Allows you to set your paraffin wax unit to turn on ahead of time so the wax is ready when you are.

Lets you choose the heating level for sensitive skin.

“Sonic” action is a high speed bristle motion that creates a vigorous cleaning action to clean the surface of the teeth. This motion allows the fluids created to be directed between the teeth and below the gum line. The Sonic movement is up to 100 times faster than manual brushing.

This refers to the rate at which the brush head moves back and forth or spins. The higher the speed, the more advanced the cleaning capability and stain removal. Some models have an easy start feature that gently increases the brushing power over time for those concerned that the high speeds may be too much for their sensitive gums.

Pulsation, which is an “in and out” motion of the brush, is usually combined with oscillating toothbrushes. Pulsation allows the toothbrush to reach deep between the teeth to remove more plaque than just the rotating alone. It is about 30 times faster than manual brushing.

Since the brush should be used for a minimum of two minutes to achieve maximum results, a timer lets you know how long to brush. Some models will beep or pause every thirty seconds to indicate that it is time to move to the next quadrant in your mouth; others will automatically turn off after two minutes of use. Programmable interval timers allow you to increase the brushing cycle in 30 second increments in order to focus on cleaning specific areas.

Brush heads vary in size and shape, and it is important to consider what style would work best for you and your family’s needs. Smaller heads will be easier to maneuver to reach difficult spots. Family models may include colored rings or color coded brush heads to identify each individual brush. Brushes are replaceable and can be purchased separately as needed. Many brushes have color indicator bristles that fade over time, letting you know it is time to change the brush head.

Keep in mind that if you are not accustomed to using an Electric Toothbrush, you should consider a model with an “easy start” feature. This feature gradually increases the speed with the initial 12 uses to allow you to acclimate to the cleaning motion.