Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner. I’ve been using this shampoo and conditioner for well over a year now. They are formulated for color treated hair and are sulfate free. They don’t have a particularly alluring smell, but my hair stylist from back in Roanoke recommended them, and I trust her opinion! I got the HUGE bottles from the beauty supply store and I’m pretty sure they will last me for another year or so (not kidding).

Batiste Dry Shampoo. This is a cult favorite for a lot of bloggers. It’s the only dry shampoo I’ve used that actually makes my hair feel clean. It’s also great to use for extra volume! They come in a variety of scents and colors AND can be found for half the price at TJ Maxx. #winwin

Bumble & Bumble Repair Cream. My hair stylist here in Sac recommended this and I’ve been using it ever since March. For anyone like myself who flat irons their hair every day, blow dries consistently, and who has colored their hair for many years, this cream helps to repair the damage and helps your strands to look less dry and fried.  

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray. If you want lifted roots, you want BB Thickening Hairspray! I tried this product several years back and didn’t really get it, but I was using it all wrong. Yes, it’s a hairspray, but you want to use this on wet hair. After I get out of the shower, I will towel dry my hair, brush it out, put in my repair cream, and then spray sections of my roots with this product. I like to be rather systematic about how I spray this in, because I only want it on the root. I find that if you spray it all over, it can cause your hair to feel a tad dirty.

Bumble & Bumble Curl Creme. I can’t tell you this is the best curl cream out there, because I’ve only used it once. Recently my favorite product ran out and I was at the salon and thought I’d try something new. I swear by every other BB product so I figured I would love this one as well. So far I don’t have any complaints. My hair felt pretty soft and supple and it created nice waves.


Miss Jessie’s Curling Pudding (the purple version). This has been my favorite curl cream for several years. I purchased mine at Target on a whim and fell head over heels. If you have unruly, thick, curly hair, you understand how hard it is to find a great cream/mousse that doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy or that weighs it down. Miss Jessie’s got it right – link is down below!

Moroccan Oil. Holy grail product right here. There’s nothing better for frizzy hair than the original Moroccan Oil. I’ve tried others and cheaper versions, but this is where you should spend your money. I like to purchase the larger bottle with the pump and it lasts for a very long time, because a little can go a long way. I use this every time I blow dry my hair and usually once in the morning for shine.

Loreal Elnett Unscented Hairspray. I cannot even tell you how many cans of Loreal Elnett Unscented Hairspray that I’ve gone through. It has to be over 10. It’s such a great every day product, that holds enough, but leaves hair feeling soft and clean. & I love the fine mist that it sprays. 

Bumble & Bumble Hairspray. Like the curl cream, this is a very new product to my hair collection. So far I’m pretty impressed. Not sure it will beat out Elnett, but I think it’s a great option for days you want a little stronger hold, but a look that doesn’t look stiff. My hair stylist said it’s great for updos, top knots, etc. (for all you brides out there).

CHI Blow Dryer. Okay this is going to sound crazy, but I have had this blow dryer for over nine years!! Yes, I said nine years! I’d say that’s a testament to CHI and their blow dryers. It’s a very powerful dryer and has an infrared technology. I know it’s time for me to replace it and I’ve been looking for a lighter version for travel, because this one is rather cumbersome. And I think I finally found it!

Bio Ionic 10X Pro Ultra Light Speed Dryer! I’ve done lots of research and have come to the conclusion this is the blow dryer I need in my life. It comes with a steep price tag which is why I have yet to purchase, but the battery life is supposed to be incredible and it weighs less than a pound – so great for travel and for keeping your arm from getting tired while drying. 

GHD Straightener (on sale). I use to own a CHI straightener for many years…well a couple CHI straighteners. Unfortunately, mine would die every year or so and I was always feeling like the heat setting just wasn’t high enough to get my coarse hair super straight. Now I swear by ghd. I’m on my second one, after retiring my first after over four years. This time I purchased the Platinum Professional Styler and love it! It heats up in less than 30 seconds and turns itself off after 30 minutes of no use. It also has rounded edges which makes it perfect for curling your hair! AND right now it’s part of the #nsale at Nordstrom for over 30% off! You can purchase it here.

Nume Curling Wand. Now that I have short hair I don’t curl it very often and when I do I usually just opt for my straightener, because it’s less hassle. But when my hair was long I used my Nume 25mm wand and it does a great job. Whenever I decide to grow my hair out again I’d like to try the 32mm for bigger, bouncier waves. Using a curling wand is definitely a learned technique, but becomes quick and easy once you master it. I’d recommend using the heat protective mitt, as I’ve burned myself more times than I can count.

Carbon Comb. I love my carbon comb and it’s probably time I get another or disinfect it. One of my hair stylist friends from back in Kentucky recommended this, because it’s made so that it doesn’t melt when exposed to high heat from drying or straightening. I’ve had mine for over four years now and it’s still holding strong. Here is one similar to what I use. This is also what I use to tease my hair!

Here are my tips & steps to teasing:


1. Straighten. Straighten/curl hair as usual applying frizz serum if necessary.


2. Apply Product. Spraying a product like dry spun hairspray or dry shampoo on your roots prior to teasing can help to give a lot more volume and creates a texture that is easier to tease.


3.  Section. I like to section my hair into three parts. From the middle of my head back and then two front sections. I will leave the front sections alone and tease the back section from the bottom up. Grabbing the entire back first, then drop a section and tease again, and so on and so forth until you get to the top. I like to leave the very top section alone so it’s not frizzy from teasing. Then I do the same thing in the front.


4. Hairspray. Spray a fine mist all over even if, at this point, your hair looks crazy. 


5. Smooth. Carefully smooth out your hair using a comb and/or fingers. Be careful not to flatten out all your hard work. It’s also a good idea to double check the back of your head with a mirror so that you don’t have any funky spots!


6.  Hairspray. Once hair is in place spray another mist all over, concentrating on the top where all the volume is. Sometimes I even use a stronger hairspray (like Bed Head’s Masterpiece Shine linked below) on the front section of my hair so that it doesn’t fall in my face all day.


7. Add Shine. If your hair needs a little somethin’ somethin’ carefully pat in some additional smoothing serum or spray. Spary serums are great for after teasing, because it doesn’t mess up all your hard work.