My Hair Tool Essentials For Relaxed Hair

For someone who doesn’t style her hair much, I sure do have a lot of hair tools. Over the years, I’ve collected a few favorites that I now use consistently for my relaxed hair. If you’re curious about what I use and why these tools made the cut, keep reading.

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Hooded hair dryer

I’ve been a fan of hooded hair dryers for a long time. My journey with them started about 10 years ago when I bought my first one. I’m now on my third, thanks to the others breaking or getting damaged during moves. Even so, I’ve continued to replace them because I genuinely love this method of drying my hair.

I like using them because the heat from a hooded dryer circulates around your head rather than being blown directly onto your hair. This indirect heat is said to be less damaging.

I mostly use my hooded dryer when I’m roller-setting my hair, which usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the heat setting. Sometimes, I’ll dry my hair without rollers by sitting under the dryer with my hair lightly tied up.

What I appreciate most about my current hooded dryer is its adjustable heat levels and built-in timer, making it feel like a mini salon experience at home.

Related read: Using The Shark FlexStyle On Relaxed Hair

Shark Flexstyle

This is hands-down one of my favorite hair tools. You’ve probably seen all the multi-stylers that have been trending. I had. And after some research, I decided to get the Shark Flexstyle. At half the price of a Dyson, it seemed like a great deal. The Shark Flexstyle is marketed as an all-in-one tool, letting you blow dry and style with fewer tools to store.

My experience? It’s an excellent blow dryer but not the best styler—at least not for textured hair. The curls I’ve achieved with the styler haven’t lasted more than a few minutes.

That said, its drying capabilities are top-notch. It cuts my drying time in half compared to my old blow dryer, taking less than 30 minutes to get the job done.

The straightening comb attachment is another standout feature. It gets my hair super smooth and sleek. Plus, this tool travels well. I brought it on a cruise recently and it took up less space in my suitcase than a traditional blow dryer while still performing beautifully.

Magnetic hair rollers

When I’m in the mood to roller-set my hair, I reach for my magnetic rollers. I prefer the larger ones with covers because they’re easier to use and create looser curls. The covers also help keep the rollers in place better than clips. At least in my opinion.

My goal when roller-setting isn’t to create curls but to achieve smooth, moisturized hair. Once the rollers come out, I comb through the curls and wrap my hair to smooth it even more.

To put in the magnetic rollers I part my hair into at least four sections and put the rollers in section by section. I make sure to apply a leave-in conditioner for moisture and a heat protectant to help protect my hair under the hooded dryer. I also have a spray bottle of water on hand as my hair starts to dry out cause it takes me a while to put the rollers in.

If you’re interested in seeing how I use these rollers, check out this YouTube short.

Related read: 10 No Heat Hairstyle Tutorials For Relaxed Hair

Steam rollers

Yes, I have another set of rollers! My Caruso steam rollers have been with me since middle school. I first bought them with babysitting money after being inspired by an infomercial. Over the years, I’ve had to replace the rollers as the soft centers tend to break down with use.

I don’t use these rollers as often now, but they’re perfect for creating soft curls in just a few minutes. The steam adds moisture, leaving my hair feeling hydrated and looking great.

I only use the Caruso Steam Rollers on my fully dry hair. I may apply a hair serum to each section of hair before I roll it up. One secret thing I like to do is use some tissue paper on my ends which helps them stay nice and smooth since they have the most contact with the steam from the roller.

Hercules Sagemann seamless comb

This comb was an early purchase in my healthy hair journey, inspired by a fellow hair influencer. What makes it unique is its seamless design. Unlike other combs with seams that can snag and break hair, this one glides through smoothly without causing damage.

I use this comb for detangling before and after washing my hair and for general styling throughout the week. It’s become an essential part of my routine.

Narrow tooth comb

While my seamless comb is my go-to, I do keep a narrow-tooth comb on hand. It’s just a cheap one from Walmart, but it’s great for smoothing out sections of hair when I’m using magnetic rollers. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

Hair shears

Having a pair of hair shears has been a game-changer for maintaining my relaxed hair. I use these for dusting my ends between relaxer touch-ups. I’m not a professional, so I stick to light trims to keep my ends neat and healthy. If my ends look uneven and I can’t make it to the salon, these shears are my backup plan.

EZBasics Face & Hair Steamer

This tabletop steamer is another tool I love. I don’t use it now as often as I did when I first got it but that’s mainly because I don’t think my hair needs it as much.

I bought a hair steamer back when my hair was suffering from product overload as a way to give my hair extra moisture. It really helped my hair recover from that time and because a key hair tool for me ever since.

I now use this hair steamer to amplify my deep conditioning sessions. After applying my deep conditioner, I sit under the steamer until the cycle is complete. The steam helps open up my hair cuticles, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeply. Occasionally, I’ll use it for pre-poo treatments with oil or conditioner.

I like this particular hair steamer because it is compact, easy to set up, and easy to use.

Related read: Hot Head Microwavable Deep Conditioning Cap Review

Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap

This cordless cap is a great alternative to my steamer when I’m short on time or want to multitask. After microwaving it, the cap stays warm for about 20-25 minutes, giving off heat that helps my deep conditioner work its magic. I love that I can move around or even take a quick nap while wearing it.

Applicator bottles

I use these only when I wash my hair. They are helpful with getting the shampoo directly to my scalp. I have thick hair so especially when I have a lot of new growth it can be a bit difficult to get to my scalpel. Using an applicator bottle helps because I can get the tip right to my scalp.

When I put the shampoo in the applicator bottle I tend to mix it with a little water. This makes it more liquid and easier to flow through the bottle and tip.

I also use applicator bottles to apply my green tea rinses to my scalp and hair. I could also use a spray bottle but the applicator bottle works better for me because I can get the rinse directly on my scalp.

More hair tools

Other hair tools I use regularly are

• Claw clips: I use large, medium, small, and flat ones to hold up my hair from my shoulders or to clip/hold my hair when I’m drying it, applying product, or putting in rollers.
• Satin scrunchies: This is how I put my hair in a ponytail or bun. I like the satin ones because they are gentle on my hair.
• Spray bottle: I’ve only been using this to keep my hair wet when doing a roller set.
• Satin scarves and caps: I use these to cover and protect my hair when I’m hanging around the house and at night.

There are other hair tools I use occasionally or haven’t used in a year or two so I decided to not mention them. You can see more about these hair tools on my Relaxed Hair Regimen page and my LTK Shop.

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