Fashion

10 Hair Products & Tools The Pros Swear By

by Maria Cassano

If you’re not at least moderately intimidated by the haircare section in your local drug store, I commend you. It’s a total stimulus overload, and there isn’t even a review section to tell you what actually works and what hairstylists love using themselves. Thankfully, the best hair products and tools that professionals swear by are all over the internet, so you can get the scoop on these stylist-approved products before you buy them.

While loads of stylists typically use really expensive tools and luxury products, there’s no reason to break the bank. In fact, a good handful of pros actually prefer the everyday products that are available on Amazon, because they’re actually that effective, despite the reasonable price tag. Not all straighteners, curling irons, gels, and sprays are created equal, and you can’t possibly try all of them — or, I don’t know, maybe you’ve got that much time on your hands, but it’s way easier to just leave it up to the people who make hair manageable and beautiful for a living.

Check out these top ten products that hairstylists absolutely love (all available without leaving your computer chair), so you can get your hair looking like you just walked out of the salon every day.

1. Check Out This Professional Blow Dryer With Loads Of Air-Flow

GHD Air Professional Performance Hair Dryer, $127, Amazon

Mara Roszak told Allure, "I love this hair-dryer,” and she's a hair stylist and consulting expert for L'Oréal Paris. “It has just the right amount of power and leaves hair shiny no matter what." The GHD Air Professional Performance hair dryer is also super fast, and it does a great job at controlling frizz while minimizing damage.

2. Brush The Knots Out With A Shine-Inducing Hairbrush

Braun Satin Hair 7 Iontec Hair Brush , $52, Amazon

Sascha Breuer (who styles the hair of Kate Beckinsale and Zoe Saldana), told Harper's Bazaar , "[The brush] tames frizz, flyaways, leaves the hair super shiny and bouncy. As soon as I use it, my clients that have longer hair want it immediately." It’s great for all types of hair, and it uses ion technology to make hair look even shinier.

3. Check Out This Quick Hair Fix

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $26, Amazon

Stylist and salon owner Chris Mcmillam told Allure he really loves Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to revive oily hair in the summer time. Apply some dry shampoo to your roots, spray this stuff in, scrunch, and go. “And the more it gets roughed up with wind, humidity, and heat, the better," Mcmillam said. It helps hair retain moisture and texture with seaweed extracts, and reviewers say it’s great for limp hair.

4. Give Your Hair Texture And Hold

Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste, $19, Amazon

Hairstylist Johnny Wright told Allure, "This product creates great texture on all hair types,” and he happens to have Michelle Obama as a client. Jonathan Dirt texturizing paste uses natural plant botanicals to give definition and separation to curls, while ingredients like sweet almond oil heal and protect. It’s also lightweight and non-greasy, which is why reviewers are calling it, “Quite possibly the most perfect solution for hair.”

5. Get A Spray That’s Lightweight And Reliable

Framesi Be Yourself Lava Mist Hair Spray, $11, Amazon

Hair stylist Davin Testerman told You Beauty that he's a huge fan of this Framesi Be Yourself hairspray to hold in beach waves. He says, “I love that it’s lightweight and comb-able, even though it’s high hold.” It’s a fast-drying and reliable hairspray that also works as a thermal protectant, and it won’t clump up, either.

6. Try A Professional Curling Iron That Won’t Leave Crimps

Hot Tools Professional Marcel Iron, $35, Amazon

“I love the Hot Tools 'Professional Marcel' iron in any size,” said Christian Marc, hairstylist for America’s Next Top Model, to The Coveteur. “I can’t go to a job without them.” It gets really hot really fast, and leaves you with beautiful curls without crimps. This one’s great for loose, medium sized curls, and it’s got a soft grip textured handle that keeps things comfortable.

7. Get A Great Flat Iron With 30 Heat Settings

Conair Infiniti Pro Flat Iron, $24, Amazon

"This iron heats up fast and has variable temperature control,” said hairstylist Cesar Ramirez to Allure, referring to the Conair Infiniti Pro flat iron. “Plus, its compact plates let me create the perfect beach waves." It has 30 heat settings and tourmaline ceramic technology make sure your hairstyle stays sleek, smooth, and healthy.

8. This Leave-In Conditioner Transforms Damaged, Limp Hair

KMS California MoistRepair Leave-in Conditioner, $12, Amazon

When it comes to KMS California's 'MoistRepair' leave-in conditioner, Lisa Abbey, Artistic Director at Salon Blue in Mineola, told Spry Living, “This conditioner is great for fine or limp hair. It’s super hydrating, reducing brittleness and creating more movement.” It’s also weightless and great for detangling, and reviewers love that the spray container evenly distributes the conditioner throughout the hair.

9. Keep Your Sections Clipped While You’re Styling

MOKALE Duckbill Hair Clips, $10, Amazon

As celebrity hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins told Refinery 29, “One of the most versatile hairdressing tools that’s missing in most women's kits are duckbill clips…They are ideal when you are sectioning your hair while you’re styling it, or for securing it crease-free so you can do your makeup. You can also use them to get a Marcel wave.” These ones are lightweight, extra strong, non-slip, and work on any hair thickness without discomfort.

10. Secure Your Style With Texture & Flexible Hold

Bumble & Bumble Spray de Mode , $15, Amazon

For battling humidity, Ryan Richmond (celebrity stylist to Marion Cotillard and Sarah Hyland) told Harper's Bazaar , "This hairspray has flexible hold, exceptional memory, and can take heat and repeated brushing. If I could only have one product in my kit, this would be it." The quick-dry formula won't feel stiff or clumpy, and it’s a great way to get a polished look without the frizz.

Images: Alex Suprun/Unsplash; Amazon (10)

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