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Clients ask me all the time what my favorite products are — and honestly, I get it. There are SO many options out there, and it’s hard to know what actually works.
So here they are — my go-to styling and finishing products that I use behind the chair and recommend all the time. (Looking for Shampoo and Conditioner recommendations, check them out here)
Detangling & Leave-In Products
For detangling and leave-ins, I tend to rotate between a few favorites depending on the hair type and end result I’m going for.
I love:
- Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
- Uniq One Leave-In (especially the coconut scent)
Both of these make getting through tangled, unmanageable hair SO much easier and offer multiple benefits in one.
Why they work: These types of leave-ins are designed to detangle, reduce frizz, and provide heat protection while improving manageability — which is key before styling.
👉 Shop Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer and UniqOne Leave-In
Smoothing & Blowout Products
Depending on hair type, this is where I get more specific.
For fine to medium hair, I love using:
Color Wow Kale-Infused Leave-In Treatment
This gives a smoother finish and helps speed up blowout time without weighing the hair down.
Why it works: This formula helps strengthen hair while smoothing the cuticle, which reduces frizz and helps hair dry faster and more evenly.
For medium to thick or coarse hair, I’ll use that OR:
Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion
This one gives amazing results — but you do NOT need a lot.
If you overdo it, especially on finer hair, you will feel greasy and honestly probably need to rewash (we’ve all been there 😅).
Why it works: This lotion is designed to smooth and control frizz while adding softness and shine, making it ideal for thicker or more textured hair.
👉 Shop Color Wow Kale-Infused Leave-In Treatment and Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion
Volume & Root Lift
When I want to add lift at the root, I go for:
- Redken Guts
- Color Wow Raise the Root
Both are great depending on how much volume you want.
Why they work: Root-lifting products are designed to add structure at the base of the hair, helping create volume and support without making the hair feel stiff.
For fine to medium hair, I also love using:
Color Wow XLarge Bombshell Volumizer
(This one gives amazing bounce and body if that’s the look you’re going for.)
Why it works: Volumizing mousses help expand the hair shaft and add fullness, making hair appear thicker and more lifted without heaviness.
👉 Shop Redken Guts, Color Wow Raise the Root, Color Wow XLarge Bombshell Volumizer
Here’s a Raise the Root and Bombshell Volumizer combo
Curly Hair Favorite
For curly hair, my go-to is:
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Not only does it smell amazing, but it gives great hold without making curls look crunchy or overly “gelled.”
It’s one of those products that both I and my clients consistently go back to.
Why it works: Curl creams are designed to enhance natural curl patterns while keeping hair soft, defined, and frizz-controlled.
👉 Shop Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Finishing Products
This is where everything comes together.
For a smooth blowout or sleeker look, I love:
Color Wow One-Minute Transformation
Just a pea-sized amount on the ends (and lightly on top if needed) smooths everything down — no extra heat required.
Why it works: This product helps smooth and polish the hair by reducing frizz and adding shine instantly, making it great for finishing styles.
If a client wants texture, I’ll use:
Sexy Hair Play Dirty Spray Wax
This gives that piece-y, lived-in look without feeling stiff.
Why it works: Spray wax adds texture and definition while still allowing movement, which is perfect for more undone styles.
For hairspray, I always ask — because you never know.
My go-to:
Redken Control Addict 28
You can build it depending on the hold you want — light or strong.
Why it works: This hairspray offers flexible hold that can be layered, helping lock in styles while still allowing movement.
If hair feels too soft or lifeless, I LOVE:
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite
This adds instant texture and volume.
Also great for:
✔ teen boys
✔ men
✔ anyone wanting a more natural style without gels or pomades
Why it works: Texture powders add grip at the root, helping create volume and separation without visible product.
👉 Shop Color Wow One-Minute Transformation, Sexy Hair Play Dirty Spray Wax, Redken Control Addict 28, Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite
Final Thoughts
Styling products can completely change the way your hair looks and feels — even if you’re using the same shampoo and conditioner.
The key is choosing the right products based on:
- your hair type
- the style you’re going for
- and how much product your hair can actually handle
And always remember — start with less and build. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
👉 And if you’re trying to stretch your washes or keep your hair feeling fresh in between, check out my go-to dry shampoos here.