If you're using hot tools, a heat protectant spray is a must. "With the power in modern blow dryers and the high heat of flat irons [450 degrees in some cases], we need to make sure our hair stays healthy to look its best," Potempa says. But if you're wary of putting yet another product on your hair, Babaii suggests a multi-tasking spray like IT&LY HAIRFASHION Pure Texture, $16.49. "[It] serves as a root booster and helps create those beach waves. You can also use it to protect against humidity and heat damage."
Most of us don't wash our hair every day, and most hairstylists agree that's a good thing. And while fewer washes may mean a healthier scalp and softer ends, it also can mean greasy roots and a smelly head. Which is why Jennifer J. calls dry shampoo "a girl's best friend." "It will get rid of the oil in your hair and adds volume as well," she says. She recommends Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, $4.99.
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No. 8: A ceramic round brush
Just like the blow dryer, our experts say a quality brush will give you a better final look. "A great ceramic brush will speed your drying time," Jennifer J. says. She adds that using one like the X5 Superlite Thermal Round Brush, $8.99, while blow drying can even make it so that you don't need to flat iron or use a curling iron. "If you curl your hair around the brush, you will get bouncy waves," she says. "If you let your hair roll off the brush, it will be sleek and straight." For the most versatile size, Pelusi recommends a 1-inch round brush. "Any woman can do something with this tool."
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No. 9: Shampoo and conditioner
OK, this is a no brainer, but choosing the right shampoo and conditioner combo for your hair is essential. Jennifer J. recommends a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, especially if you color your hair. She likes Shu Uemura Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo, $48, and Conditioner, $58. (A quick tip: If you have fine hair, try using a moisturizing shampoo and skipping conditioner. You'll get softness without weighing hair down.) Jones loves Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo, $5.99, and Conditioner, $5.99, since they have a menthol and eucalyptus scent to wake you up in the morning.
There are currently 2,084 hair products on ulta.com, and I've tried almost all of them.
I'm a beauty editor after all, so this comes with the territory. And while testing every new hair product that hits the market is a serious job perk, the one little downside is that my bathroom is overflowing with flat irons, curl creams, spray foams, scalp exfoliators... you get the drift.
This isn't just a beauty editor's plight, though. Most women I know are on a quest for amazing hair, which leads them to buy and try an obscene amount of hair products.
Obviously we don't need hundreds of hair products. So, to weed through the superfluous and pull out the essentials, we talked to five pros: Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, celebrity colorist and owner of Juan Juan Salons in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jennifer J., owner of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, Calif., Marco Pelusi, Head & Shoulders celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook Jones, and celebrity hairstylist David Babaii.
What they gave us: A complete list of the only hair products every woman really needs. Read on to see if you've got everything they recommend and get ready to toss anything else taking up space in your bathroom.
