All-Time Favorite Hair Products & Tools!
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I’ve been testing out hair products and tools ever since my mom let me play with all things beauty. My hair was always the biggest hurdle for me to conquer since it’s super curly here, wavy there, thicker than all get out — all things I’m now grateful for, but learning to manage it correctly was a process. Seriously, if it goes untamed I wind up looking like a brunette version of the girl from Brave…not an easy look to pull off!
Here’s a list of some of the best products and tools I’ve really enjoyed and you will always find in my home!
Tools
No 01. T3 Fit Ionic Compact Hair Dryer
T3 is an AMAZING brand and they really have the best products you’ll ever use! I especially love traveling with this one because it’s lightweight, small and let’s face it…none of us have ever stayed in a hotel and raved about their wall-mounted hair dryer. Seriously, do those things even work? Like at all??
No 02. Elchim 3900 Light Ionic Hair Dryer
Some of the best hair dryers you’ll ever find hale from Milan. My stylist told me this and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner since Milan is Italy’s modeling hub and many Italians have very thick and flowing hair. I’m half Italian and trust me, the Italian curls and thickness are always present and accounted for here! This blow dryer easily tames hair, dries very quickly and has a fantastic Ionic and Ceramic system to protect the hair. On the days I want to embrace my naturally curly hair I’ll add the Elchim Diffuser Attachment. I use to hate this wasn’t included like some cheaper dryers from my past did, but the quality of those really wasn’t great. I’m perfectly happy spending a bit more on a high quality dryer and attachment piece that will last so much longer, too.
No 03. Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler Set
This was probably one of my biggest beauty purchases ever and I was so afraid I would regret it, but my gosh this set is absolutely AMAZING! I can use this for curling, straightening, drying and achieving that salon quality blowout all with one high-quality product. It comes with 4 different sized curling iron barrels, 2 smoothing brushes for straightening — a soft & a firm brush — a round volumizing brush, motor base, and the perfect case for storage. Dyson’s Airwrap Styler has made styling my hair in a pinch the easiest part of getting ready. Being a girl with extremely curly hair that never wants to behave, that’s saying something.
No 03. T3 Interchangeable Ceramic 3 Barrel Curling Iron Set
If you enjoy curling your hair, you’ll love this set! There’s so much versatility and perfect for different curl shapes & sizes. I use the 1.25 inch the most, but all will leave your hair soft, shiny and perfectly curled. The base is interchangeable so you can always buy more barrels for Tousled Waves, Cascading Waves, and that “Undone” Wavy look and attach them to the base in this set. The possibilities are endless & the quality is untouchable!
No 04. T3 1” Ceramic Straightening Flat Iron
I used to be a die hard CHI fan until I came across T3’s straightener. I will never turn my back on this straightener and luckily I won’t have to for a long time since it’s already lasted longer than 2 of my old CHI’s would have. I used to go through them every 1.5-2 years (super annoying) but T3’s straightener has been with me 5 years now and still works like brand new. It has multiple heat settings and glides right through the hair like silk!
Products
No 01. Gisou Honey Infused Mask, Hair Oil & Hair Perfume
Gisou is one of my favorite brands EVER! I grabbed a travel size honey infused oil one day at Sephora and didn’t expect to fall as deeply in love as I did. I also love the fact that it’s female owned & operated and provides care for millions of bees
Gisou’s Hair Mask never disappoints and helps keep my hair soft, strong & hydrated. I’ll put it on dry hair on a nice Self Care Day for up to 3 hours then wash my hair as normal and I’m still impressed every time. You can do this 2 times a month and get amazing results so the bottle lasts a very long time! The Hair Oil works perfectly as a pre-styling and finishing product to keep hair silky and prevent frizz. There’s so many uses for it and can be added to the hair mask if you need an extra boost. I never used to use Hair Perfume, but this one is just so refreshing while also adding shine and moisture balance to my hair between washes. I can’t get enough of it and get so many compliments when someone hugs me. We all love compliments!
No 02. Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Concentrate
Kérastase has become a popular must-have and for good reason — their products are fantastic! This Scalp & Hair Concentrate helps to build and maintain hair’s strength, shine and substance. I noticed a little balding spot and about lost my mind so I added this into my haircare routine. After a bottle I noticed the spot was growing hair back and the rest of my hair loved it, too. I had less shedding as I washed & brushed and my hair’s thickness was enhanced. I never miss adding this to my towel-dried hair.
No 03. Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique
I can’t praise this product enough! It’s the best heat protector and becomes activated as you dry so it doesn’t sit and dissipate in the hair as you work your way through your hair drying.
No 04. Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo & Conditioner
These have been my main shampoo & conditioner for years. I’m in love with the scent, results and the face they’re Paraben & Silicone-Free (I’d prefer my hair less weighed down and cancer-risk free, thank you!) I don’t have super dry hair, but it definitely benefits from some moisturizing love and BIOLAGE’s Hydra Source Shampoo & Hydra Source Conditioner have been my top performers!
I’ll switch things up sometimes and alternate between these and Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Shampoo & The One Conditioner, but BIOLAGE is my #1 choice.
No 05. Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Living Proof’s conditioning detangler and heat protector is another I love when I’m not sticking to the Kérastase Nectar Thermique. It’s a bit lighter and I can use it as a leave-in product since it’s not heat activated and designed to be a leave-in if you wish to go au naturel.
No 06. Bumble + Bumble Hairdresser’s Oil Heat & UV Primer
Our hair needs protection against the sun’s UV rays the same way our skin does and Bumble + Bumble’s Heat & UV Primer is the perfect warrior for the job. It also helps protect your scalp from the sun — an area that typically goes without since it’s nearly impossible to get SPF in there. You can use it as a pre-styling product after washing and also spray a little between washes when you plan to go outside.
No 07. OUAI Finishing Crème
This finishing crème is one of the best parts of my hair routine. OUAI says it gives that “model off-duty look” and they weren’t kidding! Once I’m done with styling I use a pea size amount, rub it together in my hands and run it through the middle of my hair to the ends — focusing on ends the most. Plus the scent is absolutely intoxicating! Gardenia, ylang ylang and white musk: yes please!!
No 08. Sebastian Potion 9 Wearable Styling Treatment
Calling all my curly haired girls! Sebastian Potion No. 9 is your best friend for those natural days you don’t want to do anything! This leave in conditioner will enhance your curls and waves while helping restore moisture and prevent frizz. You can apply it on wet or dry hair so when those summer days kick in and ruin the hair you perfectly straightened, embrace the change with manageability and use Sebastian Potion No. 9!
No 09. Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil & Restorative Mask
Moroccan Oil has been a cult-favorite for years and it’s definitely earned its place on everyone’s must-have list. It’s lightweight, frizz fighting and boosts shine like crazy. Their Restorative Mask is also one of my favorites! I use it about 2 times a month between shampoo & conditioner. Leave it in for about 3-5 minutes while you shave your legs or do a quick body scrub then wash out and continue with conditioner and love your soft, shiny hair!
No 10. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Bond Repair Leave-In Overnight Serum
Who doesn’t love letting their hair get better while they sleep? I use this almost nightly and it makes a huge difference in how soft my hair is in the morning and I’ve noticed less split ends since consistently keeping up with it. I don’t add as much as recommended or else I would have to wash it out in the morning, but rub a tiny bit together in the palm of your hands and apply lightly to the bottom 3-4 inches of my hair and you’re good to go.
No 11. Batiste Dry Shampoo
We all need a good dry shampoo sometimes! Our lives get crazy and washing, drying & styling can sometimes take way longer than the time we have to get ready. Batiste Dry Shampoo is the perfect pick-me-up when you need a quick boost between washes.
No 12. Bumble + Bumble Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist
Bumble and Bumble’s Post Workout Dry Shampoo is designed to clean and refresh sweaty strands after a workout. As much as I love Batiste’s Dry Shampoo, I’ve noticed it works better on natural oils while Bumble and Bumble’s Pret-a-Powder responds to sweat differently from theirs. I always have this in my gym bag!
Scrunchies & Elastics
No 01. Large Slipsilk Scrunchies
I sleep with one of these in my hair every single night! They’re smooth and prevent frizz, breakage when removed and I never have to worry about waking up with that undesirable bed head.
No 02. Small Slipsilk Scrunchies
I like carrying these with me throughout the day to pull my hair up in a bun or ponytail. Just like the large ones, they don’t snag my hair upon removal and I don’t end up with that annoying ponytail bump either.
No 03. Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties
When I need a regular hair tie for workouts or a quick pick up that doesn’t hurt to pull out or break easily and get stuck in my hair the best I’ve used is Goody’s Ouchless Hair Ties
No 04. Kitsch Ultra Soft Microfiber Hair Towel Scrunchies
These have been a game changer in my drying time! I always throw my hair up in one of these as soon as I hop out the shower and add products, then let them absorb a majority of the water for about 15-20 minutes before drying and styling. The microfiber material keeps it from getting frizzy and damaged like it does with regular towels.
No 05. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase made a huge difference in my hair and my skin. I never realized how much was stuck in my cotton pillowcase until I started using Kitsch’s Satin Pillowcase and saw the difference in my appearance. Plus, it’s so nice going to sleep on a cool pillowcase — especially in the summer months!
So, there you have it — a list of my favorite hair products & tools! Of course, I don’t use every single thing all the time or else my hair would get weighed down and overworked, but these can be used interchangeably and a good majority of them can be combined with one another.
Try some of these out and see how much you love your hair!
Thanks & We Wish You the Best,
Let’s Do BetterTogether!