My Favorite Hair Products of All Time

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A little Saturday reading

In my last Favorites Video I chatted about filming an “all time favorites” video of beauty products. So, I sat down and started my list. And about 65 products in I decided to divide this video concept into 3 separate videos. First, we’re starting with hair products. Second, I’ll cover all-time favorite makeup products, and lastly I’ll cover my favorite skin care products.

The products mentioned in today’s video are my all-time favorite hair products (from shampoos to curling irons). With nearly 10 years in the industry, these are the products I’ve been gravitating to and enjoying for many years.

I included links to all the products below. For any product that is not directed to store where you can purchase, google the name of it and you’ll be able to find somewhere near you (or amazon) where you can purchase.




Products Mentioned:

Shampoos and Conditioners:





Deep Conditioners:



Styling Products:











Tools:






Goody clear elastics (or Scunci polybands) <–not Conair brand, my mistake!

Having trouble locating Aquage products? Click here.
As always, check my FAQ page for other questions you may have. 


* I completely forgot to talk about my favorite product for curly hair. More often than not, my curly hair clients would ask me to straighten their hair at an appointment, so I didn’t get many opportunities to play around with curling products. I like using Redken Rewind and have also had clients who like Fekkai Perfectly Lucious Curls Curl Shaper Cream



Watch Part 2, All time Favorite Makeup Products, here!

Watch Part 3, All Time Favorite Skin Care Products, here

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Samantha Peterson says · 11.11.13

Thank you for your expertise on hair products! If you haven’t found a blow dry (heat protectant) spray yet, I think you would enjoy Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Spray. Thanks again!

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Stephanie says · 11.11.13

Your husband is a Duke fan?????? I just read that on your sister’s blog and was devistated. Born in Greensboro, raised a Tar Heel, I guess I’ll have to stop reading… at least through basketball season. But of course, I married a Duke fan (which makes for interesting winters). I guess they’re not all bad. But still…… GO HEELS!!! And thanks for all the incredible hair advice. My hair has never looked better 🙂

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Alisha Nixon says · 11.11.13

I’m fairly certain with all the products I’ve bought that you’ve recommended you could come to my house and effectively style my hair! Definitely ready to round out my product collection with some of these too.

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Lindsey Roden says · 11.11.13

Any chance you would do an “All-time favorite nail care products” video as well? 🙂

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Kelly Bunster says · 11.11.13

What purple shampoo/conditions would you recommend? Are they supposed to lather? How often are you supposed to use them? Thanks so much for your help and awesome videos kate!
Kelly

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Lyndsey Spradlin says · 11.11.13

What can you tell me about the smell of Purology shampoo and conditioner? I’m a scent girl and I canNOT deal with smelling un-yummy hair all day.

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Cathrine Wilson says · 11.11.13

Hi can you help me? I suffer with very bad split ends, what can I use to minimise it or get rid of it completely? I had a trim recently and my split ends are back within a week or twos time. 🙁

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Melissa B says · 11.11.13

Hi Kate!
I have a question for you. I’ve been following you for a while and from what I can tell, you curl your hair pretty much daily. How do you keep from getting fried ends from heat styling? I have very long, very thick hair that has lots of natural curl/wave, but it’s not the pretty kind of you know what I mean. I much prefer to curl my ends with a flat iron to give them some shape. The problem is, I’ve absolutely FRIED the ends of my hair. What can I do (short of chopping 2-3 inches off!) to repair the damage and also, what can I do to keep it from happening?

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Heather Ann says · 11.11.13

I would absolutely love to try some of this product…however I can’t get myself to spend the money!

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Andrea Schreiber says · 11.11.13

I was happy to see the Conair–>Scunci revision, as I haplessly purchased some conair bands recently. I braid my hair to sleep in, and those little suckers snap 50% of the time, snapping my neck or my poor gentleman’s face. I will resolutely use them up because I am stubborn, but they are really pretty worthless! And kind of terrifying in the middle of the night…

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Ashley says · 11.11.13

Pureology is one of my favorite shampoo’s, it’s so moisturizing which is what I love!!

xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

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Michelle Ash Latham says · 11.11.13

Great list! I will definitely be checking out some of these as I run out of current products 🙂

http://www.ahealthymrs.com

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Lynn says · 11.11.13

No apostrophe s! No apostrophe s! No apostrophe s! I love you but you’re killing meeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! (Shampoos = yay! Shampoo’s = nooooooo!)

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Kate says · 11.12.13

Thanks for pointing that out. I wrote this post hastily and clearly didn’t edit.

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SharonMichelle says · 11.12.13

Any chance you know/remember the name/brand of the GORGEOUS blue paint color on the wall behind you?

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Kim says · 11.12.13

So I just read about “Blow Dryer Curls” on pinterest. Is this method bad for hair? Or do you know if it works?

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MH says · 11.12.13

Could you address what products you think are best for curly hair? thanks!

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Jesse + Abby + Kaeli + Logan + Brooklyn says · 11.12.13

LOVE Redken Color Extend!!

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Jacque Pinol says · 11.12.13

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Jacque Pinol says · 11.12.13

Some pretty sweet picks in there!!!

mamaplusmini.blogspot.com

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Anda Nicola says · 11.12.13

Hi Kate. I just want to say that I love your blog and mostly your hair tutorials. Some of the products you mentioned are not available in my country – for example the Kenra Volume 25 Hairspray and Aquage Uplifting Foam. Can you point some similar good products from Redken? Also, for shampoo and conditioner which line is better Redken Color Extend or Redken Color Extend Magnetics? Thank you.

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JAK says · 11.12.13

Many of the high end products have a lot of chemicals do you recommend any organic products?

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JAK says · 11.12.13

Many of the high end products have a lot of chemicals do you recommend any organic products?

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Valarie says · 11.12.13

Aquage products are some of my all time favorites too!

-Val

acollaborativeeffort.com

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Dirty Blonde Ambition says · 11.13.13

Many of my favorites are the same as yours!! I love All Soft & Pureology’s Hydrate line (although I think their Pure Volume line is more hydrating).

You should try out Unite 7 Second Leave In Spray. It trumps It’s a 10 Leave In Treatment. You should definitely try it out. You should also give Kevin Murphy Body Builder a try for volume. Nothing works better. Thanks for sharing!!

xx Lauren // Dirty Blonde Ambition

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Jenny Boobyer says · 11.13.13

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Bella Vie says · 11.13.13

So awesome!! Thank you for sharing!!

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Jennifer Livingston says · 11.13.13

Thank you for sharing your favorites! I love your blog! I struggle with my hair as I have curly (not thr pretty kind) hair and I love to try new products that make my life easier. I was wondering if you could help me with a question. I always wanted the ghd flat iron you mentioned. I was talking with a friend and she said her aunt could get it for me as she is a hairdresser. My friend has the ghd professional and I had tried hers and loved it! She told her aunt I would like to purchase one and she sent a ghd blue peacock (brand new in box). I used it but it just didn’t seem the same but kept thinking it must be just in my mind. Well recently I asked my friend if I could try hers to compare it to mine and it is worlds apart different!! I had her try mine and she definitely agreed. Now her aunt is in the hospital and not doing well. Can you give me some advice on what if any options I might have? I waited so long to get this flat iron only to be extremely disappointed in it 🙁 sorry for such a long post and thanks for your help.

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momolasa says · 11.14.13

I was wondering what your thoughts were on the Aveda hair products, if you ever used them. It’s all I use, and I was wondering how they would compare with what you review. Thanks!

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Kate says · 12.01.13

I’m not a fan of Aveda. I haven’t found a product that really delivers what it promises!

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Christina says · 02.26.14

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sonika falcon says · 11.14.13

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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jang geun gulk says · 11.14.13

I need Thick hair shampoo because my hair is long and thick so what shampoo can I use?

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Elizabeth says · 11.17.13

What do you recommend pairing with the Redken Body Full shampoo (which I love!) for a conditioner?

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Christine P says · 11.20.13

Hi Kate,
Can Redkens “All Soft” be used on color treated hair?
Thanks!

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Jeff and Tamara says · 11.20.13

Unfortunately my total favorite hair dryer died (Remington TStudio). I couldn’t find a quick replacement. I idiotically tried a Toni dryer…horrible. Immediately I got online and ordered the Rusk Speed Freak….i LUV it!!!!!

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Herbalhills says · 11.21.13

Great Blog!! That was amazing. Your thought processing is wonderful. The way you tell the thing is awesome.

herbalhills

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trisha says · 11.23.13

Not sure if your curly hair clients ever told you… But Devacurl shampoo, conditioner and gel is simply amazing for wavy to super curly hair! I❤️It:)

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Maria says · 12.25.13

Thank you so much for all the great tips! I’ve started using a curling iron (thanks to your inspiration), but my silky hair is pretty impossible to curl! Do you have any product tips to enhance the curl or otherwise make my hair “coarser” so it’s easier to curl? Thank you!

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JadeM says · 01.07.14

I hope motherhood is treating you well! What dry shampoo would you recommend?

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Alan Abraham says · 01.24.14

diode laser hair removal specialists are using FDA-approved technology available for laser hair removal and for permanent reduction of most unwanted hair for all skin tones.

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Brittney and Jake says · 01.30.14

Kate, thank you SOOOOO much for this video! I just came across it last week and I ordered the Aquage uplifting foam and Kenra Volume Spray 25 to try them out. They just came today and I swear my hair has NEVER had so much volume! Thank you, thank you! I’ve been searching for a volumizing hair product for years and nothing has ever seemed to work for my fine, silky smooth hair. You are the best! Thanks for sharing your talent.

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Steph Hughes says · 02.03.14

I’ve watched this video about 10 times! 🙂 I’m trying to repair my hair. Never did a lot of damage to it but trying to stregthen it. My hair is very prone to breakage. I can barely wear my hair up because of all the gross breaking flying around. Any recommendations on shampoo, conditioner and products. I am trying most things I can think of. Changed my diet, not using any heat, cut back on washings and using deep conditioner. The texture of my hair is good it is just always breaking! Help!

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cheryl says · 02.04.14

L’Anza Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner are wonderful for us fine-haired gals. Their stimulating products stopped my hair loss. My hair has grown and is in the best condition ever due to L’Anza products. The hair masque is wonderful as well.

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Silver Wing says · 02.25.14

You give great advice…thanks for the video.
Donna
Website Owner
http://hair-caretips.com

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Georgie says · 02.26.14

Hi Kate,

Thanks for the info! I am looking to replace my hairspray with something of higher quality, but Kenra isn’t available in Australia. Is there a second choice that you recommend which provides strong hold (but isn’t gunky)?

Thanks!

Georgie

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kez cap says · 03.06.14

Hi Georgie.. same with me… I’ve tried many!!!

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kez cap says · 03.06.14

Hi Kate.. I’d love to know the same as above… We cant get Kenra or Aquage in Australia…

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Katherine Hail says · 03.26.14

I had a problem with hair falling out so I seeked help and found this.. As I’ve been using it for nearly 6 months now I noticed that I don’t get any split or fried ends so easily anymore.. I curl my ends with a flat iron every morning so it’s and now I don’t feel so quilty about oit anymore. Thats the link to my treatment regime http://www.laserminox.com

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sanam arzoo says · 04.03.14

I just can’t stand gel, had a bad encounter once and i remained off, until I discovered Natural Main Simulator’s Secure and perspective picture.Thanks for the info! I am looking to substitute my hairspray with something of excellent top quality.Hair Gel

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Hency Thomson says · 04.08.14

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Hency Thomson says · 04.08.14

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Hency Thomson says · 04.08.14

Nice article and thanks for sharing your knowledge. I really appropriate your views If you find the best latest fashion or curly hair products and natural hair care so just look and update yourself.

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Jessica Oliver says · 04.21.14

Hey, thanks for sharing these hair care products Kate. I was wondering if you have tried any of the Emsibeth’s products? My friend said they make some really great hair care products and are worth trying. Let me know your thoughts about them.

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Barbara says · 05.17.14

Thank you so very much, Kate, for recommending the Pureology hair products. They have worked wonders on my hair, especially after spending the winter swimming in Florida. My hair hasn’t looked this healthy in years. Thanks, again!!!!!!!

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Roger says · 05.20.14

Great blog: “My Favorite Hair Products of All Time.”
Visit my blog at: http://bestsmellingshampoos.blogspot.com/

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Wigs For Sale says · 05.25.14

So awesome of your blog, this is first time I being here but I have read so much pages on your site. I confused how to handle with my perishing hair for loooooong time, now I think you are good guide and teacher for lot of people like me. thanks

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hermiliesmith says · 05.29.14

I will definitely try these products and will remember the lists of these items while purchasing. Thanks for sharing the blog keep on posting new things.

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Jenny says · 06.03.14

Hi Kate,
Can you help? I love styling products and I’m looking for a new one. I like using a root lifter plus another styling product, I use a round brush to style and have medium texture hair. I get a lot of breakage so I’m looking for a healthy product but I want smoothness, volume, and texture. What do you recommend? Thanks

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amanda says · 06.20.14

Thank you for the Rusk dyer recommend! I bought this and love it! I was discussing my hair dyer needs with a girlfriend, and as a surprise she purchased the T3 Featherweight dryer for me. After trying it out I was quick to conclude that expensive dryer does not always = better! The T3 cost twice as much as the Rusk, and has less than 1/2 the blowing power! I have thick course hair…so I appreciate the Rusk’s fast air flow, and heat settings. I do wish it was lighter like the T3, but I can deal with that when I am able to dry my hair in half the time!

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Angie says · 06.22.14

Hi Kate, Thanks for this post! It’s exactly what I was looking for. I have a quick question if you have time to answer- which do you recommend between the Kenra and the Aquage hair sprays on your list? I just ran out of mine and would like to get one of those two. Thank you!!

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Pamela says · 07.17.14

My hair is unlike any other hair. I discovered Coppola products for straightening, shampoo and conditioner and for years my hair behaved. Well obviously he sold the company and the products now are terrible. Does any one know an alternative to the old Coppola products. Please help.

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Kayla says · 07.18.14

Hi Kate! I was wondering where you get the aquage uplifting foam? I’ve look all over and can’t find it. I’ve tried a bunch of uplifting foam and nothing really works and I want to try this. Or do you have any ideas. I’m looking for more volume and bounce.

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Stephanie says · 07.19.14

Hi Kate! I loved this post (and all your other ones)! I’m looking into getting a new flat iron and the GHD professional/classic you mentioned sounds amazing, but it is more expensive than I can handle at the moment. Do you have a suggestion for another good flat iron that is a little on the cheaper side?

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Lisa says · 09.22.14

Hi Kate! I’m curious about the order of the products. I just purchased KMS Freeshape and It’s a 10, but I’m not sure which one to put on first if I use both.

I so enjoy your blog. Thanks!

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Ashley says · 09.29.14

Hi Kate. I’ve recently cut my naturally curly hair into a medium length bob. I know I need to update my products but can’t find a lot of them locally. How do you feel about ordering products from Amazon? Do you think they’re authentic? Thanks so much. Love your blog!

Ashley

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Samantha says · 09.30.14

Hi Kate!
I recently went out and bought it’s a 10 and absolutely love it! I also looked for both of the recommended curly hair products and I can’t find either of them. I have wavy hair and I am looking for something that won’t weigh it down or make my hair stringy. Do you have any recommendations?

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Ainie danial says · 10.10.14

Hi kate!

i have a lot curly hair and want to make them straight , smooth and healthy what will you prefer for such hair? which shampoo is best suitable?

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Gabbrielle says · 10.11.14

Hi Kate! I’ve been wondering… do you have any specific brand of cutting shears or razors that’s been your favorite??

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erectile dysfunction says · 10.22.14

I don’t even kno how I ended up here, but I thought this post
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Maria Crain says · 10.28.14

Kate, I am using the free spray KMS brand—it seems like its causing breakage to my hair..is that possible? Thanks!

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stan says · 11.06.14

love your blog. http://techheadshhi.com/

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Onychair says · 11.13.14

Thanks for posting this. It’s so helpful for me.kinky straight virgin hair

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Becky says · 11.20.14

Great product thank you

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Leslie says · 02.12.15

Hi Kate – you mentioned in your video that you would post a link to a tutorial on how to use the Schwartzkopf Osis Dust It product but I can’t seem to find it. Can you tell me where I can find the link? Thanks!

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Angela Tj says · 03.23.15

Kate,
I bought a Rusk speed freak dryer and mine is really hot. I have turned it down to med heat and have even used it on cool. I am really worried it is going to burn my hair. Do you think I bought a lemon? Are these dryers really that hot? Any tips or advice? I am using Arbonne Hair Serum to help protect my hair, but again, I am concerned with the heat this dryer puts out.

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La Bella says · 03.27.15

Great Listing. I also use some of the products of you list. Specially the redken one.
http://labellagz.com/blog?___store=en

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Erin says · 04.25.15

Thank you soooooo incredibly much for this AMAZING video and all the hard work you always put into helping others!!! I just started watching your videos and I’m totally hooked!
My sister has a wedding in a few months so I’m deffinately going to get those Dianne Bobbie pins and that Kenra hairspray you were talking about as well as start studying up on your hair tutorials.
I just think you are so BEAUTIFUL and so freaking AWESOME!!!
Thanx again 🙂

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Sharice says · 04.27.15

I am wondering about the kms spray. Does it help to prevent heat damage from blow drying? If not, is there a product that you suggest for that? I’ve used redken satinwear 02 in the past.

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Mercedes says · 06.18.15

What about Karmin?!

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Meghan says · 06.27.15

Kate,
I cannot make my mind up on whether or not to purchase the Tyme Straightener/Curling Iron combo… It’s quite pricey at $190. However, I am 100% used to straightening my hair but curling with a straightener on the other hand is almost foreign to me… I have thick but fine hair that doesn’t usually hold curl with a typical curling iron. I would love to have the beachy wave look as an alternative to stick straight.

Have you had an opportunity to use this product? What are your thoughts on the product? Your input would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

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Christine says · 07.24.15

Hi!! What kind of Denman brush is the best for styling? I am a hair brush snob 🙂

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Jesse says · 08.12.15

I’m glad you stuck in curly products at the end! Fekkai’s cream is totally heaven, though I stopped using it a while ago. I might have to pick another one up soon!

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Joanne says · 12.04.15

Your link for the hot tools curling iron is broken!

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Melanie says · 04.15.16

The hair system by karmin is my favorite, makes my hair look so healthy.

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Brie says · 05.12.16

First of all I love your blog. 🙂

I noticed since this post you have used different curling irons/wands for you doing your hair. I wonder if hot tools is still your favorite for curls/waves for you have a new preference? I have a hot tools (1 and 1/4 iron) and I actually don’t like it. I miss my old conair from Walmart…but know it’s not the best tool. I want to get something better for my hair that I end up loving. Any suggestions would be great! My hair is a fine texture…but there is alot of it! 🙂 Thanks again!

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Carol Reyes says · 08.16.16

The best I’ve used are the products from Pro Naturals 😉

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Hair Salon NYC says · 09.10.16

These products are just awesome!!

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Elizabeth says · 11.26.16

Looking for a recommendation on a silk pillowcase? Everyone says they recommend getting one that it helps with hair care and skin, but have no idea what kind to get. I see prices ranging all over!! Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated.

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Julia Roberts says · 12.15.16

If you asked my favorite hair products are from always expressbeautyonline. They have best quality hair products. If you want to know more you can visit here at- http://expressbeautyonline.com/

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Karen says · 02.02.17

You said that you recommend Pureology Hydrate shampoo/conditoner. What are you thoughts on Pureology’s Pure Volume shampoo/conditoner? I have fine hair. Thank you!

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Tsiknaris Hair Products says · 03.06.17

Thanks for introducing such nice product. Have you guys tried Alterna hair care products ?

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Andrea L. says · 09.02.17

On your list above, which ones you can recommend for thick hair?

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Mojikka says · 02.07.18

Hi Kate!

You were the first blogger to bring Kenra Volume 25 to my attention years ago, but I see that the main complaint from customers is that the nozzle keeps clogging.

Do you have advice on how to keep the nozzle unclogged?

Thanks!!

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Kate says · 02.08.18

I just run it under hot water if that happens to me!

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Mojikka says · 02.08.18

Thanks, Kate!! Also, awesome that you take the time to respond to comments on your older posts as well! =)

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My Brilliance Hair says · 06.01.18

Redken Color Extend Shampoo is amazing. Are you using any hair extension or styling tools for hair? Or any recommendation.

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Shannon says · 07.16.18

Since writing this post years ago would you change any of the products on this list? I have a new short wavy haircut and I’m trying to figure out how to manage the frizz and maximize the wave.
Thanks!

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Sarah says · 05.07.21

Thanks for these tips. I’ve started doing the hot oil thing and my hair feels so amazing!!! M definitely going to bookmark this page!

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