You know when you’ve just walked out of your local Newport Beach hair salon and you feel a million bucks? They’ve cut and styled your hair so magically that you feel unstoppable? And then you go home, wash it, and then can’t make it look that nice again? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! You just need to splurge on a few products that are salon quality. Plus, since I only wash my hair once or twice a week, I love to sneak in a bit of mama me-time with higher-end products. That’s not to say I don’t love my drugstore options. It’s just nice to feel like you’re at a fancy spa or hair salon when you can’t actually get to one! It’s so easy to get professional hair products, that I know I can easily treat myself if I want.
Plus, as I grow closer and closer to turning 30 this year, I feel like I expect more out of things.
I’ve been trying out a few new hair products from higher-end brands that I’ve used for a while now (Oribe and Marula Oil) as well as a few that are newer to me (OUAI, R+Co, and IGK), so I figured it’d be a great time to put together a post about my current hair faves.
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Special thanks to my hubby who was willing to stand on our dining table with me under it to get this shot!
My favorite hair tool that I use to get these waves/curls is this one by T3. I have a big comparison blog post on all my hair wands here.
1. OUAI
I first heard of OUAI on Snapchat from Jen Atkins, celebrity hair stylist extraordinaire to the Kardashians. Everything she does looks amazing, so I trusted her line would live up to her reputation, and so far it has.
I ordered the OUAI Dry Shampoo first, which is really good! I’m a bit of a dry shampoo aficionado at this point since I have brunette hair that easily shows that dreaded white cast, PLUS I’m a mom who basically relies on this stuff to look presentable. The OUAI Dry Shampoo passes the brunette mom test: it doesn’t leave my hair looking like grandma while still making it feel a whole lot cleaner. One time I sprayed extra hard and extra close just to test its limits, and it literally left the tiniest bit of white residue. That’s pretty impressive.
More recently I’ve been testing the line’s Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and am happy to report great results as well. I use this set when I know I want a more sleek look, especially if I plan to straighten my hair. It’s ideal for damaged (color-treated) hair and doesn’t add extra weight.
2. Oribe
Most of us are already familiar with Oribe, which has garnered a cult-like following over the years. Their stuff is PRICEY, but it brings the results and smells like a million bucks.
My first foray into Oribe was their famous Dry Texturing Spray, and this sure isn’t my first can of it either. I’ve legitimately become addicted to this stuff and feel like it deserves a permanent spot in my hair drawer, which is chock-full of products. It’s kind of like a gritty dry shampoo plus a light hairspray that adds texture and makes your hair smell like an angel, haha. If your hair is too slippery and clean, this is what helps give your style some hold. Spray and tease away!
More recently I’ve been using the Oribe Foundation Mist on damp hair if I’m air drying (it’s got nutrient-rich detangling properties) and Balm d’Or Heat Styling Shield if I’m planning to blow dry (I’m a big proponent of using heat protection). Both are bomb-diggity and make me feel like a queen, even if just for a few minutes.
3. R+Co & 4. IGK
I’m obsessed with these two brand’s packaging. The photos just take me on a mini-vacation and are basically works of art on my counter top. Although I usually go for the clean, sleek look when I pick my products (hey, I’m superficial like that and ok with it as long as they work well), sometimes that gets boring and I want a little pizazz on my vanity.
This R+Co Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask makes me feel really cool, like Coachella-cool. It’s the most interesting hair product I own! You’ll be surprised the first time you use it that it’s this white foamy stuff that almost looks like shaving cream. You apply it to your dry hair as a treatment before washing, although I’ve totally had pregnancy brain a few times and wet my hair first and then remembered I wanted to use it. It still worked like a charm with its soothing cocktail of oils, butters and extracts to deep condition, strengthen and add tons of shine.
You’ve got to check out this R+Co Hairspray – that packaging just makes me so happy!
The IGK Beach Club Texture Spray is a pretty cool hair product too. It’s like an instant beachy matte hold. It does have some power to it, so be careful. Sometimes I spray a bit of this in my ponytail if it’s lacking volume and needs to be given some life. Honestly any time I use this it’s partly an excuse to get a whiff of this beach spray’s gorgeous scent: guava, coconut water, pink lotus, midnight violet, and vanilla.
5. Marula Oil
I’ve been using this line for over a year and absolutely love it! It’s newer from Paul Mitchell and kind of hard to find unfortunately, but it’s definitely worth the hunt. I use this stuff when I need a guaranteed good hair day and definitely before I plan to curl my hair since it gives me great volume.
I’ve run out of the Shampoo and Conditioner a few times already (that’s why I didn’t photograph them), but I highly recommend them too.
The Marula Rare Oil Perfecting Hairspray is the only one I reach for – it doesn’t leave my hair crunchy yet still holds the style.
The Marula Rare Oil 3-in-1 Styling Cream is what I use when I want to calm the ends of my hair a bit. A little goes a long way.
The Marula Rare Oil Treatment is a beautiful cold-pressed oil that comes with a dropper for instant hydration, taming, and softness. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or on clean, damp hair before blow-drying.
By the way, I’m not just saying nice things about all these expensive hair products. I like to share what I love and just don’t mention what I don’t care for as much.
