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13 Products That Hair Stylists Can't Live Without, & Neither Should You

by Ni'Kesia Pannell

Working as a journalist over the years, one thing I've picked up along the way are hair stylist friends that know that best styles and products for my hair. Growing up, learning how to do hair, and finding the best products to use for my hair was really not my thing. If my mom didn't buy it, I didn't use it. That's why having recommendations of products that hair stylists can't live without always comes in handy for not only myself, but for many women.

Though some products work better on certain textures of hair than others, having a great starting point of products is very beneficial. If there's one thing that I hate doing, it's going into a store (especially a hair salon) and blindly searching for products to use on my hair. Having a list of products to go by given by some of the professionals when entering a hair or beauty store is something that many women who have ambitions to have perfect hair take pride and appreciation in. More specifically, finding the right products that will work for my texture of hair is a benefit of coming across stylist recommendations.

Whether you're product search includes those for thick hair or wavy hair, these 13 products will start you in the right direction for hair perfection.

1

Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil

Celebrity stylist Lona Vigi toll Elle that she can't live without Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil ($15), noting that "it smooths and nourishes hair, and smells so delicious."

Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil, $15, Amazon

2

EBIN New York 24 Hour Edge Tamer

Florida hair stylist Francis Finance suggests to Romper the 24 Hour Edge Tamer ($11) by Ebin New York as this product has been amazing for her clients.

Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer, $11, Amazon

3

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

In speaking with curly hair guru Sherly Tavarez, I learned that Moroccanoil's Curl Defining Cream ($35) is perfect for helping to keep those curls in line.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, $35, Amazon

4

Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In

Hairstylist Kristin Ess told InStyle that her go-to product is the Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In conditioner ($13) because "The product completely changes hair in just a few pumps by creating perfect, weightless shine and restores the pH balance. Plus, it just smells epic."

Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In Conditioner, $13, Amazon

5

SheaMoisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

Veteran stylist Cheryl Gillis recommends SheaMoisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($10). "It will help repair dry or colored hair and add hydration," she says. "I personally use it at home and in the shop for clients looking for clean, yet soft hair."

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, $10, Amazon

6

H&M Gold Hair Pins

A surprising and cost-effective product that stylist Lona Vigi also told Elle that she can't live without are H&M's gold hair pins ($3), stating "these metal H&M clips are a bright gold and look really expensive but aren't."

Gold Hair Pins, $3, H&M

7

Serge Normant Avah Hair Perfume

Who knew that hair perfumes existed? Celebrity stylist Lona Vigi told Teen Vogue that one of the products she can't live without is Serge Normant Avah hair perfume ($51) because "it's such a yummy smell."

Serge Normant Avah Hair Perfume, $51, Amazon

8

Tropic Isle Living Black Castor Oil

Atlanta-based stylist Cierra Barnes told me that her can't live without hair product is anything from the all natural & organic Tropic Isle Living ($7 and up) line because of its all natural properies

Tropic Isle Living Black Castor Oil, $7, Tropic Isle Living

9

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

Licensed stylist Jessica Tate tells Romper that she swears by the Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner ($17) to keep her hair full of moisture.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner, $17, Amazon

10

African Pride Silky Smooth Edges

International Educator for Strength of Nature Pamela Hogan reveals to Romper that African Pride Silky Smooth Edges ($6) is perfect for sleek updos, cornrows, and to tame unruly flyaways.

African Pride Olive Miracle Silky Smooth Edges, $6, Amazon

11

OUAI Wave Spray

Celebrity stylist and founder of OUAI Haircare, Jen Atkin told Harper's Bazaar that her can't live without product is her own OUAI Wave Spray ($26). According to Atkin, the product "actually uses rice protein to create texture in the hair instead of salt," which your hair will love.

OUAI Wave Spray, $26, Sephora

12

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother

Tippi Shorter, Aveda's global artistic director for textured hair, told Refinery29 that one of her products that she can't live without when her hair is straight is the Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother ($29) because it keeps her hair in check.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother, $29, Amazon

13

Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Mousse

Strength of Nature's Pamela Hogan recommends the Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Mousse ($9) to Romper, saying that it is "versatile for any natural hair style adding curl definition and control."

Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Mousse, $9, Amazon