From bouncy curls to super straight tresses, we put a handful of hair appliances to the test – here’s our verdict
Now’s the time to invest in a nifty hair styling tool to ensure your hair looks stunning for all those Christmas parties. They also make a great gift – most of us would be happy to find in our stocking. There are so many different types on the market, so the team has tested the latest to find the best tools for different jobs.
The test team...
Sarah Gouk, Digital editor
Hannah Hudson, Editorial assistant
Aviva Ingram, Features editor
Jo Wooderson, Deputy editor
THX Turn up the Heat Digital Straightener
Sarah: This hair straightener was so beautiful, I almost didn’t want to use it! It heats up quickly, so is ideal for last-minute party fixes, and has different temperature settings, so if your hair is fine, set to a lower, gentler setting. Overall I was impressed by the design and the fab price – bargain!
THX Curvaceous Locks Styling wand
Aviva: This is the one for you if you want lovely tight curls, rather than waves and I found this the best curling wand I’ve ever used. It takes a bit of practice, just like any other appliance, but be patient. Its gets quite hot, so be careful near your scalp and use the glove provided to protect your fingertips.
BaByliss Boutique Loose Waves
Hannah: As the name would suggest, this gadget is perfect for creating loose, subtle waves as opposed to bouncy curls. The appliance felt nice and solid – the ceramic retained heat well and I particularly liked the long cord, which allowed me to move around and do the back sections of my hair. It’s a bit fiddly at first, as there’s no clamp (like the Wave Envy, see below), but I soon got the hang of it.
BaByliss Wave Envy Hair Styler
Jo: I really struggle when it comes to styling my own hair, so this nifty gadget was perfect for me. No fiddly twizzling and twirling, just clamp a section of hair, hold for a few sections and watch the mermaid waves appear! Make sure you protect your hair with a heat-resistant spray first, and use hairspray afterwards to keep the waves firmly in place. My favourite styling tool by far.
TRESemme Salon Professional 24 Hour Body Rollers
Jo: The old-school method of creating body and volume in your hair can still be super effective! This is a little more time consuming than tongs or wands, but it’s worth the extra effort. The rollers are easy to use and there are grips and clips to keep the rollers in place. One snag – there are only five rollers in the set, so if you have long hair you may need two packs or use the rollers twice. The result: natural-looking, bouncy hair like you’ve just left the salon!
