Want another reason to hate Millennials? (JOKE.) But seriously.

They have had access to flat irons from the moment they transitioned from Garanimals to Gap. As soon as they start caring about how they look, no teen these days has to suffer through what was a rite of passage for the rest of us: The Awkward Hair Period. For them, there is no scrutinizing Salon Selectives combinations. No torturous 2-in-1’s. No… THIS:

Nope. Back when we were kids (someone go grab my cardigan and knitting needle from the corner before I continue), the best we had was Prell, a vent brush, and a 15-pound hair dryer with no concentrator that was about as effective as ten people blowing toward your head at once.

But alas, the dark days are behind us, and now we have a bevy of styling products, hair treatments and hot tools available at nearly every store, at nearly any price point, guaranteeing no teenager will ever again have to spend all of study hall with her hood pulled up over her head, just to tamp down one of seven layers of frizz. You know, among other things.

On that note, I am so very excited to share with you my own personal list of hair product VIPs, tested and approved by the wild mane of Yours Truly. As always, would love to hear in the Comments below what products you have found to be your favorites, too.

Shampoo

Verb Hydrating Shampoo

Why I Love It:

My main qualifications for a good shampoo is that’s sulfate- (as in sodium laurel sulfate proper) free, softening and not too scented. I have used too many brands to count, but this one deposits some moisture, is on the cheaper end, lasts forever and gets the job done. The most important thing I try to do while shampooing is to NOT suds too much, and to concentrate mainly on my roots, which are the only parts that need serious cleansing.

How I Use It:

I suds up at the roots and let the foam run through the ends while rinsing. Again, my hair is on the dry end of the spectrum, so if you find that you need to vigorously shampoo your whole head, go for it, dude.

Conditioner

Disclosure: I typically usually don’t use regular conditioner. Since I only wash my hair every 3-4 days, usually I go right for the masque for moisturization. I have, however, used this one recently on a masque “off day,” and have loved the level of moisture it gave my hair.

Oribe Conditioner for Moisture and Control

Why I Like It:
Again, it gives your hair a good dose of moisture without being heavy, and it smells divine.

How I Use It:

I apply a 50-cent piece-sized amount from the mid part of my hair through the ends and leave on for about two minutes.

Masque/Treatment

Kerastase Masqueintense Thick hair masque

Why I Love It:

Even though Kerastase revamped their Nutritive line and have since introduced what’s supposed to be a more hydrating version of this, I still say this classic is more softening and moisturizing than the new guy. (Yes, I have tried that one too.) Leaves my coarse hair soft, easily comb-able (not a word, but you feel me here), and incredibly smooth after blow drying.

How I Use It:

On wet hair, I apply a good amount from mid-shaft through the ends, and leave on for about two minutes. Rinse well.

Styling Product

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil

Why I Love It:

I use styling products with silicones because I find it helps to smooth down my thicker, coarser strands. This one isn’t too heavy (but still, don’t put this or any other styling product too close to your roots), but does a great job of softening and taming my strands. It’s also lightly and beautifully scented.

How I Use It:

For my long hair, I use 2-3 pumps and apply from the mid-shaft through the ends, taking care to put more toward the drier parts of my hair at the ends, and making sure to brush through after application to make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Brush

Spornette Italian Double Density Boar Bristle Round Brush, 955XL

Why I Love It:

(My dear Spornette brush, cover your ears.) I have cheated on this brush so many times, yet I always, always go back. Never have I EVER found another brush so capable of smoothing my hair while blow drying, and catching every last strand in its grip. It’s also very comfortable in the hand during use. Boar bristle brushes are also known for their ability to distribute your scalp’s own natural oils throughout your hair if you brush it while it’s dry.

Note:  If you have thinner hair, you likely don’t need a brush this dense, but I would encourage you to talk with a stylist about finding which Spornette brush is compatible with your situation.

How I Use It:

After dividing my hair into sections, I round brush one small section at a time with this brush, making sure to keep the air flow of the blow dryer pointing downward.

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That’s it! Let me know below what your haircare VIPs are! Look forward to hearing your thoughts!