The Mane Event: ALL my best hair secrets, revealed
"That's why her hair's so big, it's full of secrets."
I've always believed that a woman's hair is a powerful thing. Since you wear your hair 365 days a year, it's pretty much the most important accessory you have! It's never made sense to me to skimp on something that's always with you, so I've become diligent and dedicated to the products (and people!) that keep my hair happy and healthy.
As a style and beauty expert, I am constantly trying new products on my hair, testing out hot tools and serums and sprays (oh my!). I love adding fresh finds to my routine, and with all the advances in technology and hair science, it would be crazy not to give them a shot. But, if you were to strand me on a desert island with only a few essentials, I could narrow my hair Hall of Fame down to just a few things.
THE GO-TO PRODUCTS I USE DAILY
THE PICK: Rita Hazan Root Coverup Spray, $25
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: Now that I'm in my early 40s, I definitely have some grays, I admit it! To keep them at bay between hair appointments, I can't live without this coverup spray.
THE PICK: Oribe Dry Texturizing spray, $46
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: This one is definitely a splurge—but I use it every single day. I use it instead of dry shampoo to keep my hair fresh between washes, to add volume and texture to my signature high ponytail and to air-dried hair for some extra oomph.
THE PICK: Elnett Satin extra hold hairspray, $15
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: There's a reason this hairspray has a legendary reputation among stylists and hairdressers. When Elnett hit the market more than 50 years ago, it was the first hairspray to deliver red carpet-worthy strength and brush out effortlessly, too. Today it's still the best around and I use it regularly at home and when I'm getting done up for TV and events.
If you opened up the cabinet where I keep all of my hair styling tools, you'd probably be a little frightened. From blow dryers to curlers, flat irons and wavers—it's quite literally a hot mess. But I've learned over the years that while I love having access to all these unique tools for specific styles, there are really only a couple of things I use regularly and couldn't live without.
THE PICK: Hot Tools 24K Gold 1.5 inch barrel curling iron, $44
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: I love Hot Tools curling irons because the barrel is so good. They also allow you to adjust the temperature which makes styling for different types of hair way easier.
THE PICK: Salon Care duck bill hair clips, $5
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: These inexpensive clips are the best. After curling a section of your hair, use these clips to set the curls while they're hot. Leave them in until your hair is cool to the touch then release.
Living Proof Satin Hair Serum, $29
Unite Blow & Set lotion, $26
MORE OF MY CULT FAVORITE PICKS & RECOMMENDATIONS
THE PICK: Holster Brands Deluxe Hot Iron holster, $15
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: These are silicon pouches that hang over the edge of your sink or counter, preventing burnt surfaces and freeing up your hands while you're getting ready.
THE PICK: DryBar 'Detox' dry shampoo, $13 and up; Drybar 'Triple Sec' 3-in-1 texturizer, $13 and up
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: The girls in our office and myself have all become big fans of DryBar's line of hair products, especially their dry shampoo and Triple Sec texturizer—both of which work for a variety of hair types and give second-day hair a second life.
THE PICK: Charming Charlie hair donut, $6
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY:
THE PICK: Pillow Jammie pillow case, $20
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY: This product is a clever solution for all of us who've ruined a pillowcase or two with wet hair! Pillow Jammies are plush, towel-like coverings for your case that will absorb conditioners, hair masks and face lotions, protecting your pillow from stains.
THE PICK:
WHY IT'S HoF WORTHY:
A FEW TIPS TO GET YOUR BEST CUT & COLOR
Rita Hazan and Juan Carlos Maciques have been coloring and cutting my hair (respectively) for the past 10 years. To me, having a relationship with your stylists is important—it's how you build trust. Since I know Rita and Juan Carlos so well, I feel comfortable letting them take the lead, which means I don't have to think as much every time I come to the salon. Thanks to these two hair geniuses I definitely have a "signature look" we use as a baseline, but I trust them to keep my classic sensibilities up-to-date and current. Below are my trade secrets for getting the best cut and color every time.
1. Remember that short hair can be more work than long hair.
When it comes to cut, it's important to know what works for you and your hair. Short hair can be a lot more work that short hair. Long hair lets you be a chameleon—it can do so much. I'm always coveting short haircuts (like pixies and bobs), but at the end of the day I know that my long layers are more versatile for my lifestyle.
2. Establish a baseline look that can evolve seasonally.
Rita keeps my classic baseline look (medium brown with highlights) with each visit, which is that signature look I mentioned above. We decided a long time ago that I would maintain this look but stay open to updates and refreshers each season—like adding more depth in the winter and lighter highlights in the summer.
3. Be mindful of your texture.
As much as I hate to admit it, my texture has been changing with the arrival of a few greys of late. That means my texture is slightly more frizzy and coarse, and requires maintenance with different products than I was using before.