The Products I Actually Use (And Why They Work)

By Alyssa Parker, Level 4 Stylist at Hyde Salon

I get asked about products constantly. Like, every single appointment. "What should I use at home?" "Why doesn't my hair look the same as when you style it?" "Do I really need to spend that much on shampoo?"

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it, good products do make a difference. But not in the way most people think. It's not about having a bathroom counter full of expensive bottles. It's about finding the two or three things that actually work for your specific hair and using them consistently.

I've been doing this for long enough to know what's marketing hype and what actually delivers results. Here's what I honestly recommend to my clients, based on what I've seen work in real life.

When your hair has zero volume

Fine hair is tricky because everything seems to weigh it down. I have clients who've tried every volumizing mousse at Target and still end up with flat, lifeless hair by noon.

The Oribe Maximista spray is expensive, but it's the only thing I've found that gives real lift without that crunchy, teased-hair feeling from the '80s. I spray it on damp roots, flip my head upside down while blow-drying, and the volume actually lasts all day.

The Kerastase Densifique line is newer for me, I started using it about six months ago when a client with super fine hair was getting frustrated with everything else. Her hair looked noticeably thicker after just a few weeks. It doesn't perform miracles, but if you have thin hair that's also weak or breaking, it's worth trying.

Curly hair that actually cooperates

I learned more about curly hair from one client than I did in beauty school, honestly. She taught me that most curl products either don't give enough moisture or they give too much and make everything crunchy.

The Kerastase Curl Manifesto gel-cream is the sweet spot. It's got enough slip to define the curls but doesn't leave that wet look that some gels do. I've had clients with 2c waves all the way up to 4a coils have success with it.

The Oribe Curl Gloss is pricier, but if you're dealing with frizz and your curls look dull, it's worth it. One pump through damp hair and your curls actually shine instead of looking matte and dry.

Also, and I cannot stress this enough, stop using regular towels on curly hair. Cotton t-shirts or those microfiber towels from the hair supply store will change your life. I promise.

Making your color last

This is where people get frustrated and think they're doing something wrong. You spend $200+ on highlights and they start looking brassy after two weeks. It's usually not your fault, it's your water and your products.

Hot water fades color fast. I know cold water sucks, especially in winter, but even finishing your rinse with cool water helps seal the cuticle and lock in color.

The Oribe Color line isn't cheap, but regular drugstore shampoo is basically stripping your color every time you wash. I have clients who switched just to the Oribe shampoo and conditioner and got an extra month out of their highlights.

The Kerastase Chroma Absolu serum is good if you use hot tools a lot. Heat damage makes color fade faster, so if you're blow-drying and flat-ironing regularly, you need some kind of protection.

When your hair feels like straw

Bleach damage, heat damage, over-processing, I see it all. Sometimes hair is so fried that it needs professional help, but often it just needs consistent moisture.

The Kerastase Nutritive night serum sounds gimmicky, but it actually works. You put it in damp hair before bed and wake up with softer, more manageable hair. It's not going to fix severe damage, but for everyday dryness, it's great.

Oribe's hair oil is probably my most-recommended product overall. It works on almost every hair type, fine hair gets shine without greasiness, thick hair gets smoothness and frizz control. One pump on damp hair before styling, or a tiny bit on dry ends if they look crispy.

The truth about expensive products

Here's what I tell people: you don't need to buy everything at once. Pick one thing, usually shampoo and conditioner,and use it for a month. If you see a difference, great. If not, try something else.

The reason salon products cost more isn't just fancy packaging. The ingredients are more concentrated, so you use less. They're pH-balanced for chemically treated hair. And honestly, they just work better most of the time.

But I also have clients with gorgeous hair who use drugstore products and swear by them. Hair is personal, and what works for one person might not work for you.

What I actually keep at home

Since people always ask: I use the Oribe shampoo and conditioner because my hair is colored and fine. The Maximista spray for volume. The hair oil on my ends when they look dry. That's it.

I have a drawer full of products from work that I've tried once or twice, but I keep coming back to the same three or four things. That's normal. Find what works and stick with it.

My honest advice

Don't get overwhelmed by all the options. If you're not sure what your hair needs, book a consultation. I can look at your hair, ask about your routine, and recommend two or three products that will actually make a difference.

And please, don't feel like you have to buy everything the day you get your hair done. Take one product home, try it for a few weeks, and then come back if you want to add something else.

The goal isn't to have a bathroom full of expensive bottles. It's to wake up and have your hair look good without fighting with it every morning.

Trust me, when you find the right products for your hair, you'll know. Everything just gets easier.

Want to figure out what your hair actually needs?

If you're tired of guessing what products to buy or your current routine isn't working, let's talk. I love doing product consultations because it saves you time and money in the long run. We can go over your hair goals, your lifestyle, and I'll recommend just the essentials that will actually work for you.

You can book a regular appointment and we'll chat about products while I'm doing your hair, or if you just want to focus on building the right routine, we can do a consultation appointment. Either way, we'll figure it out together.

Ready to stop fighting with your hair every morning? Give us a call or book online, I'd love to help you find your perfect hair routine.