Grooming Appliances for Men
Trimmers
- There are different types of trimmers – beard, nose hair, ear hair and multi-purpose – that you can choose from.
- A beard trimmer is ideal for trimming the beard down to a few millimetres. It doesn't provide a clean shave. On a full charge, a beard trimmer can give you between 30-75 minutes of use.
- A nose hair trimmer uses a small nozzle with cutters to cut hair inside the nostrils. It usually doubles up as an ear hair trimmer as well. Most models feature AA batteries that provide a continuous usage period of about one hour. However, trimmers with rechargeable batteries are preferred.
- If you want an all-in-one gadget, a multi-purpose trimmer is ideal. It comes with various attachments to trim hair on different parts of the face. Look for one with an average battery life of 50 minutes on a full charge.
- Trimmers with adjustable combs, waterproof feature, washability and a short charging time are recommended.
- It's available in cordless and rechargeable models.
Shavers
- If you're aiming for a clean shave without razor burns, pick a shaver. It shaves without the need for shaving cream.
- If you have acne or ingrown hair, choose a shaver with a hypoallergenic blade to avoid irritation. Look out for blades made of titanium and stainless steel.
- Most shavers are cordless though many can also be plugged in. The battery life spans a minimum of one hour and a maximum of four hours in one charge.
- Buyers have a choice between rotary shavers and foil shavers. With a rotary model, spinning cutters clip the hair. It's ideal for people who don't shave every day as the cutters work best on longer hairs. If you do shave every day, opt for a foil type shaver as it can cut very short hairs.
- Look for a shaver that allows for both dry and wet shaving if you like to alternate your shaving style. Make sure the device is washable.
- Men who sport a stubble can look for shavers designed for the same. They don't give a clean shave but keep beard to a few millimetres in length.
- If you like to experiment with different beard styles such as a goatee, a shaver with an assortment of attachments should be your choice. They'll let you control how long or short you want your beard to be.
Grooming Appliances for Women
Hair Dryers
- The higher the wattage of a hair dryer, the hotter and faster it can function.
- If you have thick hair, opt for one with a higher wattage.
- Adjustable airflow and heat levels give a user more control over the hair drying process.
- Individuals with curly hair should pick a hair dryer that has a diffuser to beat frizz and tangles.
- Opt for a dryer with a foldable handle if you're a frequent traveller.
Hair Curlers
- Hair curlers come in heated and non-heated options. Heated models help curls last longer but also require you to use heat treatment sprays or serums to guard against hair burns.
- You can choose from Velcro rollers, steam rollers, magnetic rollers, flexi rods, and perm rods.
- Adjustable airflow and heat levels give a user more control over the hair drying process.
- A thick rod will give you loose curls, while a thin rod will give you tight curls. Which to pick is entirely up to you!
- Some hair curlers come with a straightener too. All you need to do is change the attachment.
Hair Straighteners
- Pick a slim 2.5cm-3cm plate width for use on short and fine hair. A medium (3cm-4cm) and wide (6cm) width plate is ideal for medium length and thicker hair.
- Choose a straightener with variable temperature settings so you can switch up or play down the heat depending on your hair type.
- Straighteners with ceramic plates reduce the risk of hair burns.
Epilators
- If you don't like shaving armpits, legs and bikini areas frequently and don't have time to wax, get an epilator. It pulls hair from the roots and can keep skin smoother for up to 4 weeks.
- You can take your pick from wet to dry and corded to cordless models.
- A corded epilator can be used on dry legs while a cordless model is suited for use in the shower.
- Some epilators have a shaver and trimmer attachment to cut hair to a certain length before epilation.
Hair Stylers
- Like curlers, hair stylers have different barrel sizes for different size curls. One with a broad barrel can create more volume while one with a small brush attachment can create defined curls.
- If you want different tools in one, go for a multi-styler. It comes with a string of attachments that can crimp, straighten, or curl hair.
- A cordless gas hair styler with a curling tong and a brush is a neat travel companion. All you need is batteries and you're done.
