Hello Ladies,
As a retired hairstylist, I am always on the prowl for those great styling products that will help keep our hair healthy and beautiful. (Although, I can’t help but laugh while calling myself “retired” because I am simply on a break since having our last baby and have all the plans to go back…)
Over my many years of doing hair, I have come to realize that there is no such thing as a perfect product. At the end of the day, we are all looking for different things from our hair products because of the simple fact that we all have unique hair textures we have been blessed with. Therefore, my goal is to help you find tools and products you can use at home that you feel comfortable styling your hair on your road to feeling beautiful.
First of all, understanding why you are using the product/tool is huge. While still in the salon, I made it my passion to educate my clients on why they should use something and what it was being used to accomplish. For example, I love a good round brush, but if you are using the wrong size it may not be giving you the proper look that goes along with that specifically sized brush. Or, maybe you have curly hair and you have been told to use gels or curl creams for you hair. There are so many wonderful product choices on the market, however were you taught why you would use one over another? Or how to use them? Further still, what kind of curl are you trying to achieve?
These are just a few examples of what makes and breaks a hair product purchase, and why some products are loved and why others are used once before being tossed in the trash.
With this in mind, I put together a few of my favorite products and tools from over the years. Granted, keep in mind this is a very small sampling of my go-to options, but I picked them because I have turned friends, family and clients to them over the years. And they still love them today!
So here you go, my top picks…
Pillow Soft Curls
This is geared towards curly hair textures, as it is a cream used to create a soft curl. When you use creams they act like a lotion for the hair. Pillow Soft Curls creates a softness to the hair and helps condition while giving it shine. It is great for kids to leave in their hair too. If you plan to use this for yourself, you need to pair this product with a fixative. Which brings me to the next product.
Phomollient
Used for a light and pliable hold, Phomollient can be used in curly, straight or blown out hair. This is a wonderful product that has been around forever. Its soft and flexible hold allows it to go into many hair textures. When applied, it has a mousse-like texture going into the hair. If you have curls, it’s a great way to add overall hold. I have found that all hair types and textures need some kind of fixative to get your style through the day. This means something that gives it some hold. There are different degrees of hold, so I started with one that is simple. Utilizing this product on your natural curls works great when it is paired with the Pillow Soft Curl Product. You can also apply this to hair that is going to be blown out with some sort of brush. I personally would use a round brush to get maximum lift and volume.
WOW
This beauty product is made to help create an amazing blowout that will last, and it will also withstand humidity! (Granted, if it’s a day with 100% humidity there is no product that can help us… we just gotta roll with wild and crazy hair.) But for all the other days, you apply wow to damp, towel dried hair. The idea of this product is to act like a smoothing treatment. It stays on the surface of the hair to protect it and make a base in order to help polish while keeping the humidity from making the cuticle of the hair expand. The beauty of this product is that a little goes a long way, plus it lasts on the hair for a week or so, even when washed.
Bottom line: if you are like me and wash your hair once or twice a week, and have to blow dry your lion’s mane in order to polish it out, then this will be your best friend.
Davines OI OIL
Everyone needs a little oil on their hair. Some of us need it more often than others. Not only does Davines OI Oil smell amazing, it has loads of benefits for us. If you have curly hair, then adding this to your regimen a few times a week is a fabulous idea. For fine hair, I would do a tiny amount in the hair once a week with your fixative and then blow dry. The oil helps add shine to your hair while protecting it.
Bottom line: this product can work for fine, medium and thick hair types by simply adjusting how you use it. There might be a little bit of trial and error, but in the end it will be worth it!
R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste
As I’ve mentioned, products can be scary when you aren’t guided on how to use them. With this in mind, let me introduce you to this next product: R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste. The reason I adore this paste is because a small amount is all you need. Plus, it’s for everyone and can be used so many ways. I like to add this to my “next day” hair… meaning, it’s a little bit dirty. Take a small dab with your fingers and place it in the palm of your hand, then rub the product to get it to activate. It has a grainy texture, which I think is the best part. Work the product through the ends of your hair, and then up to the roots. It will absorb the natural oils we produce and then give it lift – not to mention since it’s a dry paste it can give your hair the definition it needs. Trust me, once you try this item there is no going back.
Tools
Having great tools is always a must. They don’t need to break the bank, but you do need to know why some are better than others. Here are a few tips when choosing the best round brush and hot tools for your hair.
- Round Brushes: I love round brushes, but most of us have the wrong size for the look we are trying to achieve. If you have a hair length that is to your shoulder or longer, you need the large/extra large round brush. It will pull and smooth the hair while giving it some movement. If you have shoulder to chin length hair, you need to use a medium size round brush. It will give you lift and volume along with movement. For most shorter styles, a small round brush will add shine and give you some beveling in your locks.
- Curling/Flat Irons: When purchasing these tools, you don’t necessarily need to shop at specialty stores or spend an enormous amount of money. However, you do want to make sure you look for tool options that have different heat settings. As I’ve mentioned, we all have different types of hair which means the heat setting that works for me might be too hot for your hair. Also, using tools that are made from ceramic or titanium, instead of just metal, will make a huge difference on your hair. The heat placement is better and the coating that is placed on the iron helps it not be so damaging over prolonged use.
There you have it, friends! Just a few tips, tricks and favorites I hope you have a chance to check out! I love helping women feel beautiful. It fills me with joy to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with you from my years as a stylist… and as a busy mom who still loves having great hair!
Take care and please ask me any and all questions you may have. Also, what are your favorite products? Be sure to comment below!
Peace and Love,
Janna
