No Afro-haircare toolkit is complete without an extra wide-tooth comb, which – when paired with a dedicated product with ample slip and an easy-does-it technique – makes detangling a breeze. Enter this lilac creation by US curly-hair experts Briogeo, which works a treat on wet and dry hair alike, and comes with a hook for latching onto your shower.

While these days there’s no shortage of innovative tools that promise a sleek at-home blow-dry without the acrobatics, if a glossy silk press is what you’re after, then nothing beats the final pass of a flat iron. T3’s Lucea can hold its own among the better-known big-name offerings, thanks to its nine (yes, really) heat settings and frizz-reducing plates that promise that elusive high-shine finish.

For those who prefer their edges ‘laid’, a dedicated edge brush is a must (and will do the job a thousand times better than a repurposed toothbrush). Buzzy London-based disruptor Ruka has set out to create the ultimate version in the shape of its innovative EdgeSlick, which has detachable heads designed for smoothing, styling and separating out hairs. (Try teaming with its Hold Me Down Edge Gel, which has been enriched with aloe vera and mongongo oil for baby hairs that are set firmly in place, but not dried out or crunchy.)

With the desire to minimise breakage and retain length front of mind when washing and drying Afro hair, it’s worth investing in a microfibre towel, which proves less aggressive on delicate strands than its terry-cotton counterpart. Better yet, turn to Kitsch for its microfibre-lined hair turban which not only cuts air-drying time significantly but is undeniably glamorous to boot.

For creating super-sharp partings, you’ll need a trusty pin-tail comb, but not all are created equal. Try this one by heritage brand Denman, which offers pinpoint precision when sectioning and partitioning hair – perfect for expert-level braids, cornrows and more.

It’s for good reason that scalp health has been posited as the next frontier in haircare, with countless trichologists deeming it to be the foundation of strong strands – and as deserving of TLC as the rest of your skin. Cutting-edge serums aside, try this scalp massager by Latinx-founded clean haircare brand Ceremonia, which boosts blood flow to the scalp (thought to stimulate growth) and aids in thorough cleansing. It’s the sort of tool you’ll wonder how you ever went without.

For globally renowned hairstylist and THOM founder Cyndia Harvey, Re-comb is a go-to in her kit. Founded by fellow editorial stylists Sarah Jo Palmer and Christopher Deagle, the eco-conscious comb brand engineers all its wares from recycled plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill. This ‘Seashore’ pik comes with a sturdy handle and is designed to detangle 4C hair without snagging – or snapping.