Hero Hair Products

I have three “hair heroes” in my life: my brush, my re-styling spray, and my hairstylist, Jeff. Sadly, only two of these things are available to me on a daily basis, and I thought you may find them useful, especially those of you with mature, fine hair. I’m proud to report (in no small part thanks to a brilliant new store policy) that I was carded buying groceries yesterday. That said, I’m old(ish), and I’ve found my graying hair can’t be washed daily without causing breakage. And while dry shampoo apparently works beautifully for many, it doesn’t do a thing to tame my epic bedhead. But here’s what does.

Oribe makes a re-styling spray that I swear (along with my brush) is my favorite product ev’ah (as we say in New England). I spray this directly onto my dry, morning hair and then simply use my hair-dryer and round brush to smooth the mess. Et voila! It works better than simply wetting my hair with a bit of water because 1) it has some kind of “styling magic” in the formula that isn’t at all sticky, and 2) I really love the scent, which isn’t overpowering and is pleasantly refreshing.

Why more haircare companies haven’t developed re-styling sprays is absolutely beyond me. Especially given the health risks associated with some aerosol dry shampoos. I have discovered one salon-brand product that is marketed similarly and costs less, but it smells absolutely unbearable and doesn’t provide any styling help, at least not with my hair.

In addition to the Oribe spray, I’m am wedded to my Spornette brush. Boar bristles are the OG for a reason. And while I love my little Mason Pearson paddle brush for touch-ups on the go, my Spornette round brush is the only brush I use to style my hair. It is gentle, doesn’t cause breakage, and smooths my hair beautifully. I also love the lift it gives the roots (because you can take the girl out of the 1980s, but you can’t take the 80s out of the girl. Big hair 4 life! 🤟)

I use the 3″ diameter Italian Rounder Brush, but they do come in smaller sizes. I’m on my second brush of these same brushes in roughly 20 years. And the only reason I had to buy a second? I left the first in a hotel room (which, if you know, you know. Uugh!) I also really love the grip, which isn’t too thick. So the brush is easy to hold and is really lightweight.

I hope these help and would love to learn about anyone else’s “indispensables” when it comes to dry, winter hair! Throw your list in the comments section below. And although I can only provide you links to purchase only 2 of my 3 faves? Jeff can be found at his salon in Pittsburgh (Nadia Salon) and yes, I still travel all the way from New England because he’s actually that fabulous!