Today I’m blogging about a new topic for H&T – my locks.

Now before I begin, full disclosure: I am by no means a hair stylist or even expert for that matter. However, I decided to share my routine because I often get asked by readers and friends, what products I use, how I curl my hair and my favorite; “if I just got a blowout” (no, I don’t get them every week. sigh. but thanks for the compliment.)

The first thing you must know is that this routine works for me but, as my hair stylist reminds me, I have “A LOT of fine hair”. My hair often looks thicker in photos or in person because of this. With that being said, I find that I can’t use a lot of products because they weigh it down.

Also, before a few years ago, my hair would hold absolutely NO curl (it’s naturally pin straight and also dries in about 5 seconds) – more on that later.

So after much trial and error, I have found what works for me. Alas, here are some of my routine products with tips and suggestions.

One. Drybar Texas Tea Shampoo & Conditioner + L’OREAL EverPure Volume Shampoo & Conditioner – I have both sets in my shower and switch it up each wash or often mix them. I can’t use a lot of conditioner on my roots or my hair will be weighed down so I focus mostly on the ends. Both of these products are also sulfate-free. (I noticed a huge difference in my hair’s shine since switching to sulfate-free shampoos years ago. Note: I also do absolutely no coloring to my hair.)

Two. ghd Style Heat Protect Spray + ghd Paddle Brush – I spray the protectant on when my hair is still wet & use the paddle brush after. This brush is pretty much life changing – it has a non-slip handle and is perfect for detangling, styling and blowdrying.

Three. Drybar Texas Tea Volumizing Spray – I spray this on the upper half of my hair near the roots while it’s still wet as well. This is a new product for me and I’ve noticed a big difference with volume since using.

Four. Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Spray – Sometimes I will use this instead of the Texas Tea spray but I have to be careful to not over-do it or my hair will look greasy. This little baby is a volumizer, texturizer and dry shampoo in one. I use it when my hair is still wet before I blowdry.

Five. Drybar Buttercup Blowdryer + Drybar Medium Round Brush – I now own the BEST blowdryer (thanks to Christmas) and I switch between my paddle brush and the round brush when drying. To be honest, my hair already dried super fast and now that I have my own Buttercup, it’s amazing how quick I’m out the door. If I’m going to curl my hair, I’ll put a headband in, put on my make up and take a “hair break” and then proceed to the steps below.

Seven. Drybar Money Maker Hair Spray – If you buy one hair product on my list – make it this. No, seriously. This is the only hairspray I have ever liked or used consistently – it is worth every penny and I have multiple travel bottles so there’s always a can around. Not to mention it smells amazing, feels light weight (not sticky) and lasts all day long. I even spray it on straight hair.  If I’m going to curl my locks, I will spray my paddle brush first and then brush my hair out. I also use this once I curl my hair to set. I cannot get enough.

Eight. Enzo Milano Hair 25 MM Wand(1″ Barrel) – As I mentioned earlier, my hair is pin straight naturally. I spent my childhood in dance recitals, plays and cheerleading competitions and I was always that girl who had to keep the bandana on with pin curls or rollers until the last minute – please, tell me someone else shared my pain?

I also could not use a curling iron and hated the dent marks they often left. This all changed a few years ago when I got my ENZO wand (complete with a Michael Jackson-esque glove for newbies #hot). It truly is the only tool that works for me and lasts and I can’t tell you how many people I’ve recommended it to. I use is a few ways – I will split my hair in two and curl sections from the root down away from my face or just curl the ends for a quick and easy look. I’ve also used it while my hair was in a pony tail and then curled. Another tip if you have super straight hair is that I always make the curls tighter (hello, Shirley Temple). I then spray and let them fall out or shake them out with my fingers before I’m ready to leave the house. This item deserves a blog post and how-to video of its own.

Nine. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo – the last product that I consistently use is this dry shampoo. Like hairspray, I have never been a huge fan of dry shampoo as a whole until I discovered this one. Drybar also makes a “brunette” version but I prefer the normal one as the brown spray can come off on your sheets, clothes and hands (no bueno). I use Detox before I go to bed at night and then again on the day of. I also am a fan of “dry blowouts” on the days where I don’t wash my hair or frankly, don’t have the time. I will spray in some Detox on my roots, run my fingers through it and then blowdry the rest out.

For those of you wondering how often I wash my hair, this depends on the week – I used to be a “wash my hair every day” kinda of gal but I noticed when I let it go an extra day, it always ends up looking so much better. Truthfully, it also really depends on my Barre Tech + Soul Cycle schedule. I’m sure someone understands this too? #sweaty

 And there you have it! What are your favorite products? Have you tried any of my favorites? 

Shop them all again below and send any questions/comments my way!

Stay tuned later this week for my Valentine’s Day gift guide galore!

{Photo by Daniel Swartz}