The Real Deal on Hair Hydration (From Someone Who's Seen It All)

By Megan Carter - I've been doing hair at Hyde for 11 years now

Okay, let me be straight with you. I see about 6-8 clients a day, and I can tell you the #1 thing that separates good hair days from great ones: moisture. Not fancy cuts, not expensive color - just plain old hydration.

I've probably tried every product under the sun (occupational hazard), and honestly? Most of them are overpriced garbage. But there are three that I actually spend my own money on and recommend to clients I genuinely care about.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream - The One That Actually Works

I used to think Oribe was just fancy packaging until a client brought this in. Now I'm converted. It's pricey, but here's why I don't care: a little goes forever, and it doesn't make your hair look greasy like most leave-ins do.

Real talk - if you have fine hair and you're scared of products weighing you down, start with literally a pea-sized amount. I mean it. I've seen too many people glob it on and then complain their hair looks flat.

For my thick-haired girls, you can be more generous, but work it through damp hair with your fingers, not a brush. Trust me on this one.

Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense - My Weekly Therapy

This mask is expensive. Like, really expensive. But I've been using it for three years, and my hair colorist (yes, even stylists have stylists) always comments on how healthy my hair feels.

Here's what nobody tells you about hair masks: most people don't leave them on long enough. The bottle says 5 minutes. I say 15-20 minutes minimum. Put on a Netflix episode, do your thing. Your hair will thank you.

Also, skip your regular conditioner when you use this. It's rich enough on its own, and layering products just creates buildup.

Oribe Gold Lust Restorative Night Crème, Your Hair's Overnight Reset

Think of this as a night cream, but for your hair. You work it through your ends before bed, then let it do its thing while you're sleeping. The formula has peptides and eucalyptus that tackle split ends, bring back shine, and make everything feel softer by the time you wake up.

Here's what makes it worth keeping on your nightstand: it doesn't feel heavy or greasy. Your pillowcase stays clean, there's no gross residue, and your hair just feels genuinely healthier in the morning, not coated or weighed down.

If your ends are looking rough or you've been a little too aggressive with the heat tools and color treatments, this is one of those products that actually delivers. It's not a miracle worker, but it's pretty close for an overnight treatment.

Why I Actually Care About This Stuff

Look, I could recommend whatever products the salon wants to push. But after 11 years, I've learned that when someone's hair looks and feels great, they're happier. They tip better. They rebook. They send their friends.

More than that though - and this might sound cheesy - but there's something about having a really good hair day that just makes everything else feel manageable. I see it every day in my chair.

If You're Ready to Stop Fighting Your Hair

These three products won't solve every hair problem, but they'll get you 80% of the way there. The other 20%? That's technique, which is where we come in.

Come see us at Hyde. I'll figure out what your hair actually needs (not what some quiz online told you), and we'll build something that works with your real life. Because honestly, ain't nobody got time for a 45-minute morning routine.

Book online or call. We're not the cheapest, but we're worth it.

• Megan

P.S. - If you're broke right now, start with the Goldwell serum. It's the most bang for your buck and you'll see results immediately.