Can we talk about hair-care products? You know, AGAIN? It’s one of my favorite subjects, really, second only to zombies. If only there was a magical juxtaposition of the living dead and a really wonderful styling lotion . . . it could be called Straaaaaaiiiiiiggght and maybe the packaging could feature this awesome photo.

Anyway! Here is a list of my top favorite hair products, in no particular order:

Goldwell Unlimitor Spray Wax. I discovered this spray wax at a recent salon visit and I LOVE it. I’ve never used anything quite like it: it sprays on like hairspray, but works like a really light wax. I use it to create piece-y sections in my hair and hold down the frizz; it also adds a whole lot of shine. It provides a moveable sort of styling effect, meaning it sculpts without feeling stiff — I style with it, then spritz some hairspray on for hold. This stuff is a godsend for shortish/straight hair.

Bumble and bumble Hair Powder. If I go one day without shampooing, my oily hair starts looking a little . . . ooky around the roots, and this product is a lifesaver. It’s basically superfine powder in aerosol form; I use it by holding up sections of hair and spraying the roots. It goes on a bit like those Halloween colored hairsprays – which is to say, right after applying this my hair is weirdly white in spots (my hairstylist recommended the White color instead of Blonde, ostensibly because my hair is more ashy than golden). I then brush it out or finger-comb it, and the color disappears. If I’ve just washed my hair and styled it, this spray gives my hair all-over body, volume, and manageability. My roots have lift and I can finger-style pieces of hair and they stay put. If I’ve skipped a shampoo, this does a fantastic job of making my hair look, well, clean. It’s expensive and hard to find, but I still think it’s the best of the various hair powders I’ve tried.

Freeze-It Hairspray. I straighten my hair, which is generally cut in a layered bob, and I usually spend a lot of time futzing with the ends to get them to be smooth and not frizzy. With the Freeze-It, one short blast aimed upwards on the bottom of my hair does the trick. My stupid, ever-annoying bangs that tend to cowlick off in unflattering directions get SCHOOLED by the Freeze-It, and they hold their shape all day long. This stuff is an aerosol spray (try and hold your breath when you apply it, because hack hack hack COUGH), and it doesn’t smell like kiwis or Prada or lavender-infused marigolds, it smells like hairspray (so beware if you can’t stand that particular odor). I have no doubt you could transform yourself into Anchorwoman Helmet Head if you go overboard, but if you use it sparingly it’s not stiff or sticky at all. If you want a style to stay, Freeze-It is where it’s at.

Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-in Conditioner. I’ve been using this brand of spray-in conditioner forever. I spritz all over right after towel drying, and then I spray on a healthy amount on my ends before using the dryer. I’ve tried all kinds of fancy conditioners and goops, and this Aussie product does just as good a job, if not better, than the expensive salon varieties. Behold, a before and after shot of my own personal hair (taken two years ago!) that shows the smoothing/de-frizzing effect:

Velcro Hair Rollers. Have you ever been getting ready to leave in the morning, and suddenly, it hits you: you have entirely too much dignity? If only there was some way to make yourself look like a total freaking jackass, and greatly entertain all who gaze upon you. Yes, the velcro hair roller will rob you of grace and beauty, but only temporarily, I swear. The ultimate results are worth the detour to Dorkville (Population: You).

When my hair was longer I wore three or four rollers – one in the front, a couple on the sides, and one in the back – but now that it’s relatively short I just use one. Admittedly I don’t do this very often anymore because I’m usually crunched for time, but when I do have a few extra minutes I roll it in there (after my hair is dried) and spritz it with a little hairspray, and leave it in while I get dressed or whatever, then I take it out and finger-comb everything into place (and smooth out the top frizz with a brush). It creates bouncy, non-flat, manageable hair, at least with my straightish bob. Beware: I’m sure the effects would be drastically different, possibly in remarkably horrifying ways, if you have, say, a head full of long spiral curls.

Tell me, what are YOUR all-time favorite hair products? The only thing I love more than the tried-and-true hair stuff is trying out NEW hair stuff.

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