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Is your hair a feeling a little too flat or looking a tad too frizzy? Do you wish you could give yourself a professional-looking blowout without a trip to the salon or the cost? Don’t worry—TikTok has a solution for more or less any hair problem out there. All you need is the right tool. From irons to blowdryers and gadgets galore, here are the best hair tools according to TikTok. 

1. Dyson Airstrait 

TikTok creators seem to love all of Dyson’s fantastic hair tools. So, it’s not a surprise that the brand’s newest product, the Airstrait has gone viral with more than 15 million views for #dysonairstraitcurlyhair. This tool is designed to dry and straighten hair at the same time without heat damage. The results are quite astounding—with creators straightening super curly hair like magic. While it’s on the expensive side, it could end up paying for itself if you spend a lot on blowouts and treatments. 

2. Drybar Double Shot Blow Dry Brush

Blowdry brushes can be a game-changer, especially the Drybar Double Shot Blow Dry Brush. So, #drybardoubleshot has over 11.3 million views for a good reason. Exceptionally easy to use, users gave themselves professional-looking blowouts without too much effort. You can use it to style wet hair or use it on dry hair for a quick refresh. Just add a little bit of heat protectant to minimize damage. Best of all, it’s great for all hair lengths.    

3. The Beachwaver

With a seemingly endless scroll of tutorials and more than 800 million views for #beachwaver, the Beachwaver is what people think of when they think of viral hair tools. It also happens to be very easy to use. If you can use a curling iron, it’s not too hard to get the hang of a Beachwaver. The rotating hair iron can give you those perfectly imperfect beachy waves, dress up a ponytail, or make you look like a mermaid. With various barrel sizes available, it’s a must-have for everyone who likes to add waves and curls to their hair.  

4. Voloom Hair Volumizing Hair Iron

The Voloom Volumizing Hair Iron isn’t a regular hair iron. Instead of straight ceramic plates on each side, there’s a checkerboard pattern design that works under the layers of your hair to create volume. When it’s clamped, it gives you a lift at the root that makes your home blowout or styling session look professional. It takes just a few minutes to use and gives your hair that finishing touch you’ve been looking for. 

5. Aquis Towel

If you use a lot of hot tools on your hair, an Aquis Towel can help reduce damage. With #aquishair having more than 34 million views on the platform, it’s easy to see how this unique towel can be a major game changer. Because it absorbs water, blow drying time is reduced. (When was the last time anything shaved time off your hair routine?) Less heat means less damage. And best of all? These towels are super affordable. 

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News flash: You don’t need hot tools to nail a curly look. As a wavy-haired gal myself, I’ve spent years testing every no-heat method out there—anything to elevate my natural texture without breaking out the curling iron. And truth be told, some techniques work better than others. While a few left me with odd crease lines and ill-defined curls, others boasted XL volume, and fresh-off-the-beach waves that let me push wash day back a day or two (okay fine, maybe three). 

Lucky for you, we’ve already put it in the work and found the eight best no-heat techniques for overnight curls. Read on for bouncy hair by morning!

If you’ve spent any amount of time on #skintok or poked around beauty forums or magazines, there’s a solid chance you’ve come across retinol. Considered one of the best skincare ingredients you can slather, this vitamin A derivative prevents and minimizes signs of aging, including wrinkles, laxity, and hyperpigmentation. 

Knowing its powers, you may feel inclined to apply retinol any chance you get. Not so fast! There’s a method to how often to use retinol, especially if you’re new to this anti-aging hero. 

How Does Retinol Work? 

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that triggers an uptick in skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen and elastin production. This helps create a more even skin tone and a firmer, smoother surface. Think smaller pores, fewer fine lines, and a glowy complexion. As incredible as this skincare ingredient is, though, it does come with some side effects. 

“If you use too high of a concentration, or do not ease into use, you can experience burning, itching, inflamed, and irritated skin,” notes board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, clinical attending dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. 

Some other side effects include peeling, dryness, redness, and breakouts caused by skin purging. That said, it’s important to build up both the frequency of your retinol application and the potency of the formula itself. 

How Often Can You Use Retinol?

Once your skin has adapted to retinol, you can apply it daily. You can even increase the potency by using a higher concentrated formula, or by requesting a prescription for  tretinoin (a stronger retinoid) from your dermatologist. 

Before this can happen, though, you should ease into usage to help minimize some of the side effects listed above. Think of it more as a marathon versus a sprint, says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor of Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein. 

“I recommend that you begin by using a lower strength or over-the-counter retinol to see how your skin responds,” Dr. Kobets says. “Start by applying a pea sized amount on top of a moisturizer about once a week [in the evenings]. It’s better to use once a week for several months, than experience skin irritation from daily use and being forced to stop due to intolerance.” 

Even at this low frequency, you may experience some subtle side effects mentioned above. Once your skin adapts to the product you’re using, these side effects will subside. That’s a sign you can increase your retinol application frequency to several times a week, every other day, and then eventually daily (if you desire). 

Using Prescription Retinoids

Skin that’s adapted to over-the-counter retinol products may benefit from using a prescription tretinoin with a stronger concentration of the ingredient, notes Rachel Lee Lozina, a licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa. Alternatively, you can start with a low-dose prescription once a week and increase frequency from there. 

This prescription variation is referred to as tretinoin, and it uses a more bioavailable form of vitamin A referred to as retinoic acid. “Prescription tretinoin comes in three strengths: 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0,” Lozina notes. 

Similar to the way you build up usage frequency and potency with over-the-counter retinol, you can work your way to higher concentrations of tretinoin and more frequent application of the product. Eventually, you can apply the product daily (or every other day) depending on your preferences. 

Using Retinoids With Other Skincare Ingredients 

How often you use retinol or prescription tretinoin also depends on the rest of your skincare regimen. Since this is a strong active ingredient, it shouldn’t be applied at the same time as other active ingredients, notes Dr. Sobel. These include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAS), enzymes, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C. This can result in an overload that disrupts your skin barrier. 

Instead, it’s best to alternate actives every-other-day, or use one active ingredient in the morning and the other at night. When using retinoids, it’s also important to use a gentle, non-active cleanser, moisturize with a serum and cream, and use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day. 

Retinol Application Tips & Tricks 

Whether you’re new to retinol or have been slathering this ingredient for a while, heed these expert tips: 

• Choose a High Quality Product: Not all retinol products are created equally, so do your research. Dr. Sobel says, “Choose a high quality, clean, soothing retinol formulation with hydrating, calming ingredients for best results.” 
• Protect Sensitive Areas: “If you find your skin around lips and eyes gets very sensitive—even if you do not apply there, it travels—you can try to put extra rich moisturizer around those areas before retinol application,” Dr. Kobets says. 
• Layer with Moisturizer: If your skin has a strong reaction to mild retinol, apply it over a layer of moisturizer. This can help reduce the potency. 
• Be Mindful of Seasons: When the weather’s cold and dry, your skin may not tolerate the same retinoid frequency you’re used to, notes Dr. Kobets. You may want to pull back on how often you use retinol during winter. 
• Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about what retinoid to use or whether your skin’s response is normal, reach out to a skincare pro. “A professional makes it that much easier to navigate because most people quit before even really starting or don’t use it properly at all,” notes Lozina. 

Ah, the age-old debate of just how often you should wash your hair. Some people swear that going three, four—or more!—days between shampooing works for them, while others can’t imagine letting 24 hours go by stepping into the shower for a good hair washing session. So what’s the answer? Is relying on dry shampoo a detriment to your strands? And is it a bad idea to wash your hair everyday? We consulted pros for the answer.

RELATED: 7 Common Shampoo Mistakes That Can Cause Hair Loss (and Other Scalp Issues)

Is Washing Your Hair Every Day Bad? 

No, washing your hair every day isn’t inherently bad, but that still doesn’t necessarily mean that you should hit the shower every 24 hours for a shampoo. In the same way that there’s no one-size-fits-all facial cleanser or skincare regimen, every ideal hair care routine ultimately varies from one person to the next. 

“Some hair types will need washing more than others, everyone’s hair is different,” says celebrity stylist Jay Birmingham. “Even small lifestyle decisions, such as sleep, can affect your hair and how frequently it needs to be washed.” 

That said, if washing daily works for you—and your scalp and hair are balanced, healthy, and shiny—then keep on keeping on. The ideal shampoo frequency is all about what works for you, your hair type, and your lifestyle—all of which can change even on a week-to-week basis. 

Which Hair Types May Need To Wash More Often? 

Hair types that tend to require more frequent washing include people with thin or fine hair, untreated hair, and those with pin-straight strands. Master stylist Gregga Prothero says that in these cases, “oil just slicks down because the smooth hair shaft doesn’t possess natural texture or wave, nor does it have hair dye to absorb oils.” She adds that 

Those with diagnosed scalp issues may also need to wash more frequently. 

So, What’s The Ideal Hair Washing Frequency?

While washing daily works for some, many hairstylists actually argue that it’s typically best to shampoo once every two to three days versus every day. 

“Daily hair washes are asking for a one-way ticket to greaseville,” Prothero says. “When you overdo it, your scalp’s like, ‘Let’s oil up!’ But guess what? Your ends are over here screaming, ‘I’m parched!’ The result? Split ends and breakage, and we don’t want that.” 

Birmingham agrees, adding that your hair and scalp require some time to renew oil and skin cells. “Excessive washing does not give your scalp the chance to breathe and can lead to a build-up of oil,” he says. 

Signs You’re Overwashing Your Hair 

• Oily scalp but dry hair (especially toward the mid-shaft and ends)
• Stringy, oily hair within hours of shampooing 
• Irritated scalp (it may be both flaky and oily)
• Increased breakage and split ends
• Dull hair

Adjusting Your Shampoo Schedule to Wash Less Frequently

If you’ve been washing every day and would like to decrease the frequency, it can be done. However, you might experience a bit of an adjustment period as your hair adapts to a new schedule. The key is to stay the course, and your hair will eventually balance out and produce less oil. 

“Try to use dry shampoo when you can. On days you’d normally wash your hair, this will help to build a routine that doesn’t involve washing your hair as frequently,” Birmingham advises. “You can also play around with different hairstyles when your hair might usually need a clean. For example, you can try a slicked-back bun or a headband.” 

Using texturizing powder prior to styling your hair can also help absorb excess oil throughout the day, minimizing that dreaded greasy shine that usually prompts you to run to the shower. You can also try brushing your hair with a bristle boar brush, which helps redistribute oils accumulated at your scalp and toward the top of your hair down the hair shaft. 

Given how much we use our hands every single day, it’s no wonder we feel uncomfortable—perhaps even a little self-conscious—the second they start feeling rough, dry, or cracked. Rough hands happen when the skin barrier becomes compromised, which ultimately leads to moisture loss and unprotected exposure to the elements. 

This is more apt to happen when the weather is dry and cold, if you’re washing your hands more frequently, or if you’re working in conditions with abrasive materials. Fear not. We spoke to skin care pros about common causes of rough hands and how to restore softness. 

RELATED: Have Dry Skin? Here’s What Derms Want You to Know

What Causes Dry, Rough Hands?

Rough hands are caused by a combination of both environmental conditions—like dry air from heating or cold, blustery wind—and personal routine habits like overwashing and not moisturizing enough. 

• Liquid Soaps & Detergents: “Many liquid soaps contain the drying chemical sodium lauryl sulfate, which when used on the skin too often, combined with harsh, cold weather, leads to extremely dehydrated hands,” notes Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
• Over-Washing: Even washing with gentle, sulfate-free soaps can lead to dry, rough hands. “Frequent exposure to water, especially very hot water, strips our skin barrier, removing our natural lipids that help seal in moisture, leading to transepidermal water loss,” explains Ryan Turner, MD, FAAD, a board-certified NYC dermatologist. 
• Working with Your Hands: “Certain jobs that require you to work with your hands—whether that’s more manual labor or housekeeping or even working in a hair salon—can expose your hands to harsh chemicals that can leave skin irritated and dry,” Dr. Turner notes. 
• Dry Air: When the air is dry, everything else gets dry, too. That includes your hair, body, and yep—hands. Cold winter weather and wind leads to dry air, and indoor heating is notoriously drying, too. 
• Eczema: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition “that can leave skin inflamed, itchy, tender, and dry, which can lead to peeling and rough texture,” says Dr. Turner. Eczema 

How to Soften Rough Hands 

The best thing you can do to treat rough hands is get serious about moisturizing, adding hydration to the air when possible, and being mindful of how you wash your hands. 

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