Every beauty lover’s dream is to achieve salon-worthy locks everyday – but unfortunately, our busy schedules don’t typically allow for a stylist appointment at the click of a finger! So, if you’re eager to learn how the haircare pros keep their locks looking luscious in between trips to the salon – look no further! We ask the experts from Color Wow, OUAI, Moroccanoil, Christophe Robin and Wella to let us in on their must-have products to show us what’s in their kits!
What do the experts keep in their styling kit?
Laura Thornhill, Moroccanoil educator and hairdresser
Moroccanoil TreatmentFor glossy-looking, locks Laura reveals, “Hair styling starts with healthy-looking and feeling hair, which is why Moroccanoil Treatment is an absolute must in my toolkit. The perfect foundation for styling hair, this incredible oil is rich in antioxidants and provides instant nourishment and shine.”
Laura’s Top Tip: “Use on towel dried hair and concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends. Try not to drag the product too harshly through your hair as it is most delicate when wet.”
For the curly girls, Laura says, “My favourite product for curly/coily hair has to be Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse. It gives you the bounce and definition you would expect from a mousse, but without the crunch. The argan oil formula locks in moisture and controls frizz.”
Laura’s Top Tip: If you find your curls lack moisture, Moroccanoil Leave in Conditioner will give you intense nourishment whilst protecting against heat.
The best-kept secret for longer-lasting hold? Laura reveals, “Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium [has been] my personal favourite since day one! It’s a buildable hairspray that allows for natural movement in the hair while still staying in place effortlessly.”
Laura’s Top Tip: “Hold the hairspray can 10 inches from hair and spray once for medium hold. Reapply for a stronger hold.”
Lastly, Laura reveals her secret to an instant root refresh: “Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo in Light or Dark tones. This is a must-have for the days there is no time to wash and style hair from wet. The Dry Shampoo absorbs any oil and gives a clean, lightweight feel instantly.”
Laura’s Top Tip: “Spray through the roots and massage the scalp as if you are shampooing your hair, to activate the rice particles that absorb any unwanted oil.”
Diana Pratasiewicz, senior global director of education content at OUAI
OUAI Detox ShampooA thorough cleanse acts as the foundation of any good haircare routine – but how do we know which are the best shampoos? Diana says: “Everyone needs a good reset! I useDetox Shampoo when I have been doing a lot of styling, when hair is not behaving or when I have not washed as frequently. It leaves my hair squeaky clean. It's a perfect addition to my “everything shower”.”
Diana’s Top Tip: “Mix a strawberry size amount of Detox Shampoo in your hands first before applying directly to the scalp and roots. This can help the shampoo lather up faster and provide an even application.”
‘Don’t forget to treat your lengths to some TLC too! Diana suggests, “I love following up with a hair masque like the Fine-Medium Hair Treatment Masque for the ultimate cleanse and repair hair combination.” She also suggests “Hair Oil- adds shines, prevents breakage, prevents frizz, smells incredible.”
OUAI Anti Frizz CremeFor taming frizz and fly-aways, Diana shares her favourite strand-smoothing formula. “Anti-Frizz Creme [is] your ultimate ally in the battle against [frizz and fly-aways]. Whether applied to wet or dry hair, it effortlessly tackles frizz, leaving behind the irresistible scent of a balmy evening on North Bondi Beach.”
Diana’s Top Tip: “Apply in hair before going to bed. This can help with any friction created in your hair while you sleep.”
Diana reveals, “Matte Pomade, a versatile darling in my styling kit. It's not just matte – it boasts a subtle yet perfect hint of shine, making it a standout. Picture this: nothing quite screams sophistication like a sleek low bun, effortlessly tied together within minutes with Matte Pomade”
Diana’s Top Tip: “Warm up in hands, doing a sandpaper motion, if you want to add texture to the mid-lengths and ends, do the same sandpaper motion with your strands between your hands. If you want a smooth, sleek look, press your hands with the Matte Pomade on them into the hair.”
Dom Seeley, hair stylist + international creative director at Color Wow
Color Wow Xtra Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer“I carry all my Color Wow products with me, but the main one I cannot live without is for sure Xtra Large bombshell Volumiser. It gives all-day volume that's never crunchy or sticky, and leaves hair flexible and soft with gravity-defying lift and memory that lasts.”, Says Dom.
Dom’s Top Tip: “A game changer for me is applying it on dry hair and drying it in - you get an explosion of volume instantly, that lasts.”
Dom shares, “Dream Coat [a staple in my kit] blocks out humidity, frizz-proofing your hair and making it repel water, essentially waterproofing your hair. It makes your hair transform to unmatched quality, and cannot be achieved without, so it's a staple in my kit.”
Dom’s Top Tip: “Saturate each section of hair with Dream Coat - you can never overuse as it has a weight of water. Blow dry with high heat and high tension to activate the polymer technology.”
Want an exclusive look at Dom’s current favourite product? “Money Misthas become a new obsession - I use it on all my clients, prior to styling, on freshly washed hair. It's a leave-in treatment spray that preps the hair, detangles, hydrates and strengthens, without any build up or weight, reducing frizz and protecting from heat and UV rays.”
Dom’s Top Tip: “Spray liberally through clean, damp hair and brush through - watch your tangles become so easy to brush / comb out. Don't be shy with application, as you will never feel a greasy or heavy build-up.”
Kirsty McNicoll, technical educator at Wella World Studio
Wella Professionals Elements Renewing Leave-in SprayThe must-have styling product Kirsty uses for all her clients? “Elements Renewing Leave in Spray is always in my styling kit as it is product for de-stressing, detangling, and hydrating static or frizzy hair. It is [also] lightweight and stunning on all hair types.”
Kirsty’s Top Tip: “Treat your hair like your skin and set yourself a haircare regime!”
Kirsty shares her ultimate haircare routine, “My favourite range for all types of hair and the perfect regime is the Ultimate Repair Shampoo, conditioner, Miracle Hair Rescue and Leave-In Lotion with UV protection. This 4-step regime will detoxify the hair from metals, and strengthen the hair inside and out, whilst protecting.”
Kirsty’s Top Tip: “The right foundation must begin to create stunning styling. UV protection is a must all day, all year round.”
Achieve your glass-hair dreams, as Kirsty reveals her favourite shiny hair duo, “A great combo is the [EIMI Thermal Image and Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothing Oil], as you have lightweight UV protection from EIMI Thermal Image and working with Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothening Oil creates a flawless shine and smoothness that creates the perfect silky hair moment.”
For show-stopping curls, Kirsty suggests, “Nutricurls Curlixir Balm is a nourishing leave-in product it will create definition and bounce with a soft hold to create iconic bounce, movement and stunning curls.”
Julien Le Rumeur, Christophe Robin pro brand ambassador
Christophe Robin New Travel Hairbrush with Natural Boar-Bristle and WoodLooking for your new favourite styling accessory? Here’s a little hint from Julien: “In my styling kit, my No.1 tool is the Travel Hairbrush. I love to use it on clients to detangle, and for any hairstyle that needs to be tied (tight buns, ponytails, etc.).”
Julien’s Top Tip: “At Christophe Robin we highly recommend adopting the right hair routine, that is suited to your hair type.”
Locks in a tangle? “I love the Hydrating Leave-in Cream! I use it to detangle the hair, but also if there are unruly strands before a blow-out.”
Julien’s Top Tip: “For any styling product, I believe it’s a must to start on damp, towel-dried hair!”
Finally, Julien shares the perfect way to complete your look: “The Regenerating Serum: it has heat protection, it brings shine & suppleness, it’s really an essential step before giving any type of blow-out.”
Julien’s Top Tip: “Take your time to find the right product that suits your hair, but also suits the result you want to achieve.”
Our beauty teams styling favourites:
Color Wow Root Cover Up“This travel-friendly root cover-up is perfect for concealing the appearance of any root regrowth, which is why it has become one of my styling must-haves! I love using it when my much-needed salon appointment is due, to keep my colour feeling fresh!”
“The Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil is one of my styling favourites! I like to use it as a mid-week pick me up for my lengths, to keep them feeling hydrated and nourished. I can really feel a difference after using!” - Tara, beauty writer
Discover all our Pro Haircare Heroes at LOOKFANTASTIC!