Your natural hair journey can be challenging, but the right tools can make it 10x easier. From my 9 years of experience, these are five essential tools I found that instantly simplified my routine.
1. RevAir: A Revolutionary Hair Dryer
The RevAir has become a game-changer for those who find blowouts to be a time-consuming task. Unlike traditional blow dryers, the RevAir uses suction to dry and stretch the hair without the need for manual brushing. With seven tension settings and three heat options (cool, warm, and hot), it tailors to a variety of hair types and textures.
This tool is perfect for anyone looking to achieve a smooth blowout in under an hour, making it ideal if you have a busy schedule. The only caveat is its price, retailing at around $400. However, for those who dread the long process of blowing out their hair, the investment may be worthwhile. It also works wonders for quickly stretching styles like twist-outs or braid-outs, giving you extra length instantly.
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2. Hair Steamer/Q-Redew: The Secret to Moisture
If you have low porosity hair like I used to, you know the struggle of trying to get moisture into your strands. My deep conditioners would just sit on top of my hair, never really penetrating. That changed when I introduced a hair steamer into my routine.
Now, I use the steamer during my deep conditioning sessions to help open up my hair cuticles, allowing the product to actually absorb. After steaming, my hair always feels moisturized and soft, which was a game-changer for me. While some people may use a shower cap and blow dryer to achieve similar results, I found the steam to work much faster and more effectively. If you’re dealing with chronically dry hair, this tool is a must-have.
3. Hooded Dryer: A Must for Set Styles
I love doing styles like perm rod sets and braid-outs, but air-drying them was always such a hassle. My arms would get tired from holding a blow dryer, and one side of my hair always seemed to dry faster than the other. Worst of all, I couldn’t comfortably use my phone during the process.
That’s when I decided to invest in a hooded dryer, and it’s made styling so much easier. Now, I just sit under the dryer for 1-2 hours, scroll on my phone, and let it do its thing. It’s perfect for ensuring even drying without the effort. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as expensive as I thought—mine was around $150, which is about the same price as a high-end blow dryer. If you love doing set styles, this tool will save you so much time and frustration.
4. Tangle Teezer: Detangling Made Simple
Detangling has always been a challenge for me, especially since I used to rely on wide-tooth combs and paddle brushes. While they got rid of big knots, my hair never felt completely smooth. When I discovered the Tangle Teezer, everything changed.
This brush glides through my tangles faster than anything I’ve tried before. I used to use a cheap dupe, which was oddly shaped and flimsy, but the real Tangle Teezer made a noticeable difference. It detangles quickly without pulling or breaking my hair, making wash days so much easier. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it—it’s a small investment that makes a huge impact.
5. Satin Ribbons: A Gentle Alternative for Puffs and Ponytails
This might sound odd, but satin edge scarves have become my go-to for putting my hair in a puff. I used to see people using shoelaces for this, but I always worried about the friction and breakage caused by the cotton material. I tried using a jumbo hair tie instead, but even that was a bit too abrasive for my liking.
That’s when I switched to satin ribbons. They’re typically used for laying edges after wigs, but I found them perfect for tying up my puffs without causing any friction. You just wrap it around once, pull, and you’re good to go—no tension, no damage. Just be sure not to pull too tight to avoid breakage at the crown. It’s the easiest and most protective way to get a quick puff without sacrificing the health of your hair.
In Conclusion
Each of these tools has made a huge difference in my natural hair journey, making it more manageable and less stressful. Whether it’s speeding up my blowout routine, improving moisture retention, or making detangling a breeze, these tools have been lifesavers for me. I hope sharing my experiences can help you find the right tools to make your journey easier too. With the right equipment, caring for your natural hair doesn’t have to be a daunting task—it can be something you enjoy.