I’ve mastered my hair routine over my 25+ years of life through real-world experience on myself, experience behind the chair on clients, and continuous hair education and I want to share the products/tools I wish I had from the beginning, that I simply could not imagine my life without.
1…A GOOD HAIR OIL! So versatile, a good hair oil can be used on my scalp, on my ends to prevent split ends, add shine, keep my hair moisturized, protect my hair from washing, prevent hygral fatigue, used for dry detangling, refreshing, and not weigh down the hair. Example: Verb Ghost Oil
2. Clarifying shampoo. As someone that only washes once (maybe twice) a week, a clarifying shampoo will cleanse my hair, and if it’s really good it won’t strip it either. Example: Olaplex 4C Shampoo
3. Detangling brush. I’ve used MANY throughout my lifetime. The best ones don’t have balls on the tip of the bristles/teeth, are super flexible, and long one’s that can reach deep into the tangles. Bonus if they’re comfortable in the hand AND can be used to style, not just detangle. Example: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler
4. Microfibre hair towel: My criteria is it has to be BIG, absorbent, and most importantly; SMOOTH! We’ve collaborated with The Perfect Haircare twice to design limited-edition prints on this towel that is by far the smoothest, frizz-resistant, and fabulous we’ve ever used!
5. Hair cream: Whether it be in my PREP phase with a leave-in conditioner or when I STYLE using a curl cream, my porous hair NEEDS cream. Especially since I color my hair, using a cream is going to provide my hair with essential moisture and softness and help even out my hair’s high porosity to keep it looking and feeling healthy. Using a cream protects my hair, extra bonus if it has heat, uv protectant, and even silicones. Some I Love: AG Fast Food, Verb Curl Leave-In, Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
6. Alligator Hair Clips: in memory of the great Steve Irwin AND to prevent me from ripping out my bangs, these are hair accessories we are always using.
7. Styling product: a STYLE product is one that provides shape, definition, hold to the hair, and most importantly longevity out of your style. It’s essential to have at least one in your routine, although they can also be layered Example: Aveda Nutriplenish Gelee, Verb FOAMING GEL, Curlsmith Souffle )
8. Diffuser: The results speak for themselves (PHOTO: AIR DRY VS DIFFUSE) Diffusing gives my hair body, bounce, shape, and is better than air drying long-term. It’s all about how you do it! SEE BLOG: DIFFUSING 101 (the tool you’re using certainly helps, too). I absolutely adore my Dyson Diffuser, it’s simply the most advanced diffuser that actually diffuses the air in a gentle but powerful way so the curls aren’t disturbed but it’s still fast drying. Example: DYSON Diffuser
9. Satin scrunchies: One of my favorite accessories is a silk scrunchie. They look super cute coordinated with an outfit PHOTO, and they are the most gentle on the hair. The best!
( https://www.curlfriendcollective.com/?ref=manesbymell )
*Discount Code: MANES10
10. Hair bonnet: There isn’t a single night I go to bed without my bonnet; it doesn’t just keep my hair tucked away in a safe place to prevent it from frizzing, but it also keeps my hair products off my pillowcase, benefitting my skin. A true win-win! Example: Adjustable / Reversible Satin Bonnet
Having a bad hair day can be a frustrating experience. You could put all this effort into styling your curly hair, and it just won’t cooperate. While some days are just unavoidable, if you find yourself constantly having bad hair days, this list should help you understand what you’re missing.
Did you know that sunscreen isn’t only needed for your skin, but your hair too. Applying UV protection is the #1 most underrated hair care practice but is crucial to prevent: Discolored hair Protein loss Moisture loss Breakage Hair lightening Sunburn on scalp (Yup, sunburn that specifically affects your scalp
Sephora’s Semi-Annual Savings Event is here from April 4-14th! As Sephora Squad Alumni, my seester Amanda and I have tried many products from Sephora that we love. These are our updated 2025 products reccs we would splurge on during the sale! SALE PICKS Detox Shampoos Olaplex – 4C Shampoo A
