Everyday Styling Products… Something for Everyone

We’ve talked healthy hair routines and the right hair tools to use. What we haven’t discussed yet are our wet tools — styling products.  For this blog post and our awesome readers, I have compiled a list of some of my absolute favorite products I use on my clients and myself.

 

 

 

 

When trying to create a smooth and sleek look I have three favorites: Biosilk Original Silk Therapy System, Chi Silk Infusion, and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny. They all create a smooth finish, protect against thermal styling, and promote incredible shine. When applying the serums you only need a pea size; a little bit goes a long way. Always start at your ends and work your way up the hair shaft– this will prevent the hair from looking “greasy.”  The Biosilk has a very soft smell, the Chi smells like cologne, and the Paul Mitchell is like a cucumber melon… mmmmmm. 😉  The cost of these products vary; the Biosilk is on the pricey side, while the PM is a little more reasonable, and the Chi falls in the middle. I feel like the Biosilk definitely gives a smoother and softer feel, so if you have coarse hair, I would recommend this product. If you have  fine textured hair, I would choose the Super Skinny because it it the lightest of the three. But honestly, it’s all personal preference.  I have used all three of the products on many hair types, adjusting my “pea” size according to hair texture, length, and thickness.  You can apply these products to wet or dry hair; I usually apply to damp hair and have the most success when I do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For volume, I usually reach for Redken Guts 10 Root Lifter. The spray nozzle sprays in a straight line; so when using, spray it directly on your root and massage through the hair, focusing mainly on the crown. In my experience, too much of this product can be a little sticky, but it works best for a stiffer-type style. If you are looking for volume but desire softness, I really like the Paul Mitchell Extra Body Daily Boost. This also sprays directly on the root but doesn’t have a sticky feel. If you want to play off of the natural body you have in your hair, you may be interested in a mousse instead of just a root boost.  In my opinion, Paul Mitchell takes the cake again with their Extra Body Sculpting Foam. I usually use this when my clients have a slight wave to their hair, if I am getting ready to round brush, or my client wants smooth hair with a little added body.  This mousse will not make the hair crispy or crunchy, which is one of the main reasons why I love it.  Recently, I discovered a mousse that is great for fine hair types (since regular products tend to weigh down fine hair). It has been a wonderful solution and I have a lot of clients who have purchased this product and absolutely love it. It is by Matrix and it is their Oil Wonders Volume Rose line. Don’t let the word “oil” freak you out– it doesn’t leave the hair greasy at all and it definitely helps with volume. There is an entire line: pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo, conditioner, plumping mousse, and finishing spray. It has a rose scent, so I do not recommend these products to anyone who doesn’t find floral scents appealing.

 

For all my curly haired girls out there, I usually jump to the Redken Curvaceous line. Their products are broken into 3 categories: wavy, curly, and spiral.  Some of these products are interchangeable; others are made specifically for the individual curl type. Shampoos and conditioners are available in this line to hydrate your locks before styling. Curvaceous Wind Up Reactivating Spray is an anti-frizz spray that you can re-use multiple times a day to reactivate your hair. This product is great for waves and curls. Humidity tends to be the enemy of natural curls so the Curvaceous Full Swirl resists humidity, yet locks in moisture.  It is a cream/serum base and is great for elongating full-bodied curls. Curvaceous Ringlet is perfect for keeping humidity out of those ringlet curls and with its anti-frizz and weightless formula, it allows curls to take on their own shape. Since curls tend to look dull, it also adds shine and causes the curls to bounce! If you aren’t a Redken fan and are looking for a different product, I also like Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier. It is a cream that has a slight stickiness to it and makes the curls kind of wet-looking and crisp.

 

For all the rock-stars rocking the Pixie cuts and Razor Texture styles, the first things I usually go for are one of the above root-lifters for volume and I finish with either Tigi Rock-a-holic Groupie or Redken Water Wax 03 once the hair is dry to enhance the texture. Both products give the “piece-y” look and you can reactivate both products by re-fluffing your hair with your fingers.

 

 

 

 

When finishing a look, I have multiple sprays and spritzes that I like to hold the style in place. My favorite is Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Spray. It smells soooooooo good! It is a firm hold spray and, honestly, I have watched this product be used to hold a roller set client from Friday to Friday and their hair not budge! I usually use this when I do formal styles or after I curl my hair. It is a spritz so when spraying, stay at least 8 inches away from the hair. If you get it too wet, you could cause your style to go flat and the hair will become “crunchy!” It has added shine which I love, especially on my blonde bombshells (blondes tend to dull out when they use hairspray, so something with added shine is always a must)!  I also like taking it back old-school and using the Sebastian Shaper hairspray! It has always been a great quality product and I really enjoy how well it works on my clients. If you’re looking for something more versatile, Redken Fashion Work 12 is the right spray for you.  You can still have workable hair with out compromising hold.

Most of these products come in travel sizes so you can take excellent hair care with you on your adventures!! I have a lot of experience with many different brands and I am always willing to try new products! If you have products you would like to share with me, let me know in the comments below! If you have any questions regarding any of the above mentioned products, I will help in any way I can– just reach out! Happy styling! 🙂

xo,
Er