9 Pro Hair Picks For EVERY Budget
Static? Frizz? Limp Hair?
Choosing hair products can be overwhelming — especially during the winter. And, while it's fun to bounce around and try different spritzes and suds, it's good to always have that go-to product or tool to cut time, save money, or maintain the integrity of your tresses. So, to help you out, Refinery29 asked Chicago hair pros for their must-have secret weapons, ranging from budget to splurge-worthy. Here are their picks, plus tips on how to use them for an all-around flawless look.
1 of 13
John Gialluisi
Who he is
: Creative Director of Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day SpasHow long he's been a pro: DecadesArea of expertise: Precise, gorgeous haircuts and also managing the creative at all 15 Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas.
2 of 13
Bargain: JDBeauty's The Wet Brush
"I love this brush because it glides right through the hair, no matter what length or hair type. It really prepares hair for styling after shampooing." JDBeauty The Wet Brush, $8.98, available at Amazon.
3 of 13
Mid-Range: Rene Furterer Dry Shampoo
"This product is not only a huge timesaver, but it also absorbs oil and provides great volume to refresh and extend the life of any hairstyle. It's perfect to bring to the gym or office to spruce up before heading out!" Rene Furterer Dry Shampoo, $27, available at Rene Furterer.
4 of 13
Splurge: Ergo Professional Round Brush
"The brush is ionic ceramic, so it heats up really well, which makes the hair shiny and prevents static. If you want to make your hair smooth, pull the hair off of your head straight down with the brush and apply heat. If you want a strong curl, use the round brush like you would use a roller set. Create a curl with the brush when the hair is hot. Set it with a bobby pin and then let the hair down when it cools to reveal beautiful curls." Ergo Professional Round Brush, $46.99, available at Amazon.
5 of 13
Michael Davis
Who he is
: Expert Stylist and Co-Owner of Smith & Davis Salon How long he's been a pro: Over 25 yearsArea of expertise: Haircuts with an emphasis on suitability.
6 of 13
Bargain: Solano Universal Diffuser
"The diffuser uses heat rather than air flow to dry hair, thus producing a natural soft finish. Many people are challenged by their natural texture and the diffuser gives them the frizz-free sculpted curls they desire. Lean into the diffuser, drying roots first. Avoid overhandling the hair and allow the 'fingers' of the diffuser to hold the hair instead." Solano Universal Diffuser, $19.99, available at Folica.
7 of 13
Mid-Range: Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream
"This amazing-smelling cream gives the perfect amount of control and hold for all hair types and textures without the stiffness of gel or mousse, and it can be used on both wet and dry hair for ultimate versatility. It gives short hair a great lift and definition, minimizes flyaways, and leaves hair touchable and soft when used before air drying or diffusing curly locks." Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream, $22, available at (Malin + Goetz).
8 of 13
Splurge: Solano SuperSolano 3500 Lite Professional Hair Dryer
"This dryer has a three-temperature setting (including a cold button for added control) and a gyroscopically balanced motor, making it comfortable and easy to handle. It's durable and will last many years because it is a professional tool. For diffuse drying curly hair, use high heat and a low air flow. For straightening, use height and a high air flow with the included concentrator attachment." Solano SuperSolano 3500 Lite Professional Hair Dryer, $190, available at Amazon.
9 of 13
Renee Pelc
Who she is
: Expert Colorist & Owner of Gloss Hair Salon How long she's been a pro: 20 yearsArea of expertise: Balayage highlights
10 of 13
Bargain: Nature's Way Coconut Oil
"Coconut oil is all-natural and free of any harsh chemicals or other synthetic additives. Furthermore, it's one of the least expensive yet best things you can do for your hair! Some of the many benefits include preventing hair loss, repairing hair damage, cooling of the scalp, moisture retention, and even lice protection."Take a tablespoon of oil and mix it with warm water to emulsify it. Add more if needed. Shampoo and towel dry your tresses, then apply to hair and scalp. Massage and comb through before putting a shower cap or Saran Wrap to keep the moisture in. Leave on for as little as 20 minutes, or overnight for a deeper conditioning treatment. Next, shampoo, condition, and style as usual. If hair is really dry, apply coconut oil sparingly to the ends of hair to protect and keep hair smooth before you blowdry." Nature's Way Coconut Oil, $7.99, available at Vitamin Life.
11 of 13
Mid-Range: Colour Stylist Pureology Fortifying Heat Spray
"This is one of my favorite products that I recommend for all of my clients who complain about their hair not growing, and have constant split ends due to heat damage. I've actually seen many clients get stronger, healthier-looking hair from using this product. Towel dry hair and spray evenly. Comb through and add any other styling products you like. Blow-dry and style as usual." Pureology Colour Stylist Fortifying Heat Spray, $23.90, available at Amazon.
12 of 13
Splurge: Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence
"This is the creme-de-la-creme of all deep repairing masks for damaged hair. Cupuacu and maketti nut oils deeply moisturize and regenerate even the driest, most damaged hair without weighing it down. What makes these oils special is that they absorb into the hair instead of just coating the surface. This mask also creates a natural sunblock and increases the natural moisture and elasticity of the hair. Apply sparingly to dry hair before shampooing. Work through the length to the ends of hair and leave on for 10 minutes or overnight. Shampoo and condition as usual." Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence, $145, available at NET-A-PORTER.