Friday Favorites {The Hair Edition}

It's been great reconnecting with so many blog friends that I "met" years ago when I started my blog.  Happy to see so many still blogging!  Also, thanks to the new readers who have stopped by this week!  

I've gotten a lot of emails and inbox comments from people who used to read my blog who said they liked my favorite things and fashion posts the most.  I'd already planned on a Friday Favorites weekly spot, so I decided to dedicate today's post to a topic that is near and dear to my heart.....hair.  

I joke that my hair is like my second child because it takes up so much of my time and money.  Aside from all the cash I spend at the salon on color, highlights, keratin treatments and cuts -- there's the hair products. 

If I had a dollar for every hair product I've bought and used only once, I'd be able to afford my own personal stylist who could give me daily blowouts and save me most of my sanity.  Within the past couple years I've learned my lesson and I stick by my tried-and-true products.  If I find something I like I stick with it.  

With that, here's what  I use, from start to finish, to style my hair:

This actually is a fairly new find for me.  I used the Keratin Complex brand shampoo and conditioner. since I get salon Keratin treatments, and I just felt like I needed to switch things up.  I was given a sample of Bumble and Bumble Straight shampoo and loved it, so I bought the conditioner and really like it, too. It smells great and it's sulfate-free, important if you have Keratin treatments like I do.

After towel drying I put a generous amount of  Nexxus Frizz Defy,  in my hair.  This is also a fairly new find for me after a couple years of using Moroccan Oil Hydrating Cream.  I was still fairly happy with the Moroccan Oil cream but, at $35, I felt I could find something else that was more affordable.  The Frizz Defy is about 1/3 the price and can be found at almost all drug stores.    

I can't do a post on hair without mentioning my love for wide tooth combs.  They're so much better to use on your hair than a brush or traditional comb.  I keep one in my car, my purse, my desk drawer at work and in every bathroom and powder room in my house.  It's also easy to throw one in your workout and beach bags.  And, at around $2.50 each, they don't break the bank either. 

I am a fan of Super Solano hairdryers - I had one for 8 years and just purchased the one pictured below this summer when my first finally stopped working.  I like a high air volume dryer that warms up well and these have always worked for me.  On a side note:  I recently told someone I dry my hair about 80% dry before I even begin styling and she had no idea that would work.  She said she starts styling hers when it is wet just out of the shower.  So - in case you didn't know - you don't have to do that!  Styling only matters when you are drying the last bit of moisture out of your hair.  

The Bio Ionic round brush is probably my favorite styling find of all.  This is from their silver classic series line and I get the XL size.  The great thing about this brush is it's all one piece, so your hair doesn't snag and catch on the area where the handle and barrel come together. 

I love my Croc flat iron!  I've tried cheap flat irons from Target and I've tried tried Chi and none of them beat the results I get from Croc - namely smooth but not wire straight hair and no snagging and catching on the plates.

Finally, I give my hair a once-over with my tried and true Sebastian Shaper hairspray.  It's not too heavy and gives a little hold without being sticky.  I've used this brand for well over 7 years.  

From start to finish it takes me about 20 minutes to do my hair.  I'd love to hear about your favorite products and tips!  Happy hair styling and happy Friday!