No. 3: Oil, 11 Hair Products Every Woman Needs

Hair care

11 Hair Products Every Woman Needs

Is your bathroom a black hole of pastes, pomades, and shine sprays? Here are the only essentials you really need for fabulous hair

December 21, 2011 | by Sarah Carrillo | 110 COMMENTS

No. 3: Oil

Yes, everyone needs oil -- even those of us with baby fine hair. Jones points out that a good hair oil can keep ends polished and frizz-free, and of course add lots of shine. And there are formulas that won't make hair look greasy. Jennifer J. loves L'Oreal Serie Expert Mythic Oil, $30. "It's not an oily oil, but a luxurious moisturizing oil that won't weigh your hair down. It will actually cut your drying time down too," she says.

Babaii recommends Couture Colour Pequi Oil, $12. It "not only provides shine but adds moisture and healing properties into the hair," he says. "You can even use it to refresh your hairstyle." Just add a few drops and brush through hair to add softness and shine.

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 4: A salon-quality blow dryer

4 of 12

products mentioned

Aussie Sprunch Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner

8.5

Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Mixture Brush

9.6

Denman Grooming Brush with Natural Bristle & Nylon Pins

0.0

L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil

9.0

Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment

9.0

H2Pro 2500 Ultra Light Nano Hi Tech Dryer Features

9.0

Barbar Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer

0.0

Paul Mitchell Express Ion Dry Travel

0.0

IT&LY Purity Design Pure Texture

0.0

TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo

3.5

X5 Superlite Thermal Round Brush

0.0

Shu Uemura Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo

0.0

Shu Uemura Full Shimmer Illuminating Conditioner

0.0

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care with Eucalyptus...

0.0

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care with Eucalyptus...

0.0

White Sands Infinity Finish Spray

9.3

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View old comments

what happened to FLAT metal brushes?

by marianne_savosky Monday, May 13, 2013 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

Oh gosh!! word to the wise, never ever buy tresemme fresh start! after following the directions on the back of the bottle step by step my hair turned out even greasier and itchier. Plus it makes your hair white. trust me it does. I have blondish hair with natural undertones and natural highlights and this made me look like i had roots galore! i really wanted to like this product as i usually do with tresemme products but i just had to leave this one behind due to the horrible results.

by summerloveu Friday, May 10, 2013 at 05:38PM Report as inappropriate

I'm crazy about hair oils. My favorite hair oil is josie maran argan oil hair serum. Honestly, i'm not too crazy about dry shampoos but maybe it's simply because I have yet to find one that truly does it's job.

by Crystalbz1113 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 04:58PM Report as inappropriate

Many of the products suggested in this article don't even have any reviews on your site. It seemed as thought the most out-of-this world expensive version was offered and the most cheapest was mentioned. A middle ground product with some actual customer reviews would have made this article relevant.

by bennerebe Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 10:50AM Report as inappropriate

good article

by butterfly11 Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate

Ehh I dont like the dry shampoos. I might try the Aussie's leave in conditioner, currently using Garnier's!

by ReannaLynn Friday, March 8, 2013 at 10:53AM Report as inappropriate

i need a boar bristle brush for Christmas :)

by _Nikitaaa_ Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 10:01PM Report as inappropriate

Pequi oil is very flammable. So I never use it. Especially with heat styling.

by bianca.sidney Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 08:03AM Report as inappropriate

Leave in conditioners and dry shampoos are great!

by Chris213 Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

I don't like dry shampoo but I'm going to get the ceramic hair brush and a bore bristle one too

by EricaF123 Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 06:30AM Report as inappropriate

As usual most of these products won't work for my naturally curly hair! I don't want flat hair so never use a leave-in conditioner or oil on my hair. Once my hair is dry I don't brush it, so using dry shampoo is out! I don't know how to use a curling iron or flat iron, but can use a blow dryer with a flat vented brush to loosen up my curls to make it fluffy straighter. Rarely use hair spray either. I would be happy to see some REAL short hair-dos of short curly hair styles, that aren't just a mess, but can't get that either!

by MyKinKStar Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 08:53PM Report as inappropriate

Leave-in conditioners make my baby fine hair too flat.

by nicky22 Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 05:46PM Report as inappropriate

why does everyone need a curling iron? I'm not too crazy about boar bristle brushes either, I find they can damage hair too easily. Straightning iron can be skipped too if you have a good hairdryer and a ceramic round brush. Totally agree that other items are very much needed.

by venenumletalis Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

I'm a bit hesitant to use leave-in products. Every kind I've tried left my hair sticky or greasy.

by Helmi Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 01:22PM Report as inappropriate

I've always thought about getting a leave-in conditioner, but I wasn't at all sure what they did - thanks for the explanation!

by schien Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

Thx, i should do some shopping.

by lilas Friday, October 26, 2012 at 12:13AM Report as inappropriate

Some if these priducts I already have. Some of the products that were listed, I was kind of shocked to know they were \"must haves\". Well, now I need to head off to the store & grab the items I don\'t have .

by Lillium_Stargaz Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 09:00AM Report as inappropriate

great article. but why you need until two type of brush? and if you can do curl with flat iron, why need curl iron? seem waste..

by hazr_rayn_hashim Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 05:31AM Report as inappropriate

there isn't anything here that i don't already have and use for my hair.

by bink Friday, September 28, 2012 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

Great!

by Cupcake900 Friday, September 21, 2012 at 02:51PM Report as inappropriate

All of this was obvious. Didn't learn a thing.

by CaroleVonAllten Friday, August 31, 2012 at 03:10PM Report as inappropriate

Boar bristle brushes are only good for naturally curly or coarse hair post heat styling.

by robyne00 Friday, August 31, 2012 at 02:56PM Report as inappropriate

Lots of suggestions, very cool!

by Roxalyn Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

Round brushes scare me as do curling irons. Can't use either of them to save my life!!lol. I've been thinking about a bore bristle for blow drying since they are suppose to be so great but good ones are SOOO expensive I just can't bring myself to do it. Dry shampoo is awesome...I've tried tre semme but i didn't like it. I went back to Pssssssstt. Horrible name but its cheap and works. It's awesome when you want added volume.

by GlamDoll Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate

i need to try the shu umera.

by tanje_zammiello Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with many of these products, especially the one-inch flat iron (even though I don't typically straighten my hair) and the dry shampoo (I love Big Sexy Hair's version!).

by HeathRene Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 12:25PM Report as inappropriate

Not too sure about the dry shampoo. I need to splurge and get one for dark hair, because it looks like baby powder with the ones that I've used.

by darkangel81 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 04:32PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Argon Oil at Saly's Beauty Supply for my hair when I want to flat iron. It gives it sheen without being oily.

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 12:02PM Report as inappropriate

the dry shampoo works when i flat iron my hair, the got 2 b smells yummy.

by johnnynanii_perez Monday, May 7, 2012 at 11:39AM Report as inappropriate

good info, i use all these things. howerver ive never tried dry shampoo.

by AmandaAmanda Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 09:18PM Report as inappropriate

I agree, I agree, I agree and I think we could even add another must-have on the list and make it "12 Hair Products Every Woman Needs" by adding a wide-toothed comb. Everyone needs one of those

by angelica17 Friday, May 4, 2012 at 01:52PM Report as inappropriate

no wonder my hair is a mess :-(

by alictasia Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 09:49AM Report as inappropriate

Good tips

by TBjunkie Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:21AM Report as inappropriate

Good recommendations...going to have to find cheaper substitutes for most of them though :(

by WhiteXRoses88 Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 04:54PM Report as inappropriate

Woa! some of the prices for these products are rediculous, I mean who pays $50 for shampoo? While i do agree that salon quality products like hairdryers and flat irons are something to invest in but I think you can get perfectcly fine shampoo and condition for a fraction of the cost.

by nikki_glorioso Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

I am astounded by the price of most of these suggested products. There are so many other good options at a fraction of the price!

by TheLacqueredLady Monday, April 23, 2012 at 12:33PM Report as inappropriate

Nah, too many hair products, I don't want any.

by MissXu Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

I like this! I'm going to buy a 3-in-1 hair set for my hair later today...it has a ceramic hair iron and curling iron with brush...i knew i need to have it when i saw it at the store. this article is appropriate for those with medium length to long hair though.

by charlize_adrienne Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 08:39PM Report as inappropriate

I liked the content and agree that many of these items are go-to beauty necessities, Considering all of the specific item suggestions, I wonder if some of these articles are somewhat subtle paid advertisements. :/

by robyne00 Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 05:11AM Report as inappropriate

They should have specified that this list is for women with medium-long hair. I have a pixie cut (that I plan to keep) and counted only 4 items that I could possibly need. I do keep more of the listed items on hand, for visiting friends and family, but personally I don't need most of these.

by tallredamanda Friday, April 13, 2012 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with just about all of the items, but not so much the selection of all of the name brand products. I am going to have to get one of the brushes mentioned - that is pretty much the only thing that I don't already have in my hair care system. One of the best leave in conditioners & de-tangle product is "It's a 10!" - I have extremely fine strands of hair & it doesn't weigh it down - makes it shiny, easy to comb through after showering & protects when I heat style. :) Overall - good article!

by jojohnson21 Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 06:10PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful.

by eatinglipstick Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 08:02PM Report as inappropriate

Don't bother using or buying "leave in conditioner" anymore. Use all natural coconut oil instead...you're welcome ;)

by www.KeepMeBlushing.com Monday, April 2, 2012 at 06:58PM Report as inappropriate

These look like good products. I may have to get that ceramic round brush.

by Brandi27 Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 07:47AM Report as inappropriate

is there any way to help overly damaged hair?

by AngelRayn73 Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

Where are the hair masks? And the leave in moisturizers? And the serums for the hair...? Instead of blow dryers and irons that damage your hair... very bad article.

by sandramot Friday, March 30, 2012 at 08:15AM Report as inappropriate

great advice!

by mommablitz Friday, March 30, 2012 at 12:31AM Report as inappropriate

I disagree.

by Santuary Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 03:16AM Report as inappropriate

I don't use some of these but most of them I do.

by Nicole1021 Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 05:59PM Report as inappropriate

Cool.Must have.

by achatzinikolaou Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 07:04AM Report as inappropriate

I have all of these--and more! I'm a bit of a shopping addict. >.

by volta Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 09:18PM Report as inappropriate

I have a boar bristle brush! But not mason pearson! I want ot try TRESemme dry shampoo!!!! The girls from luxy hair on youtube use Denman D3 teasing brush!!! The article just reminded me of them!

by Mishashawnea Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 05:37PM Report as inappropriate

Some good ideas.

by ctunstall Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate

HEY you should send some of those Ulta hair products my way... Hint hint. ;)

by catalinahx Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11:02AM Report as inappropriate

I have to take note of some of these conditioners as I had been interested in trying some. Wonder if the results are the same for straight hair vs. curly. I also don't need conditioner on the top of my head, but wonder if the shampoos that match those listed will also cause flaking etc.

by evet Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 06:15AM Report as inappropriate

I'm not sure about the curling iron, the flat iron and the blowdryer. My insanely curly hair HATES heat, so i never straigthen it and I let it air dry when I wash it. Those would be more of occiasioanlly used tools.

by mahogany13 Monday, March 19, 2012 at 09:58AM Report as inappropriate

not every women needs leave in conditioner oil. dry shampoo, a flat iron. many women do have beautiful supple straight hair. like many of my friends and when they use extra products their hair get weighed down and greasy looking.

by Minibear Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 05:20PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with these selections except for the dry shampoo.

by Linda2000 Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 06:19PM Report as inappropriate

i so agree with this. I have all of these.

by laurie72 Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

awesome i need to get myself an oil

by Nicole2814 Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 08:53PM Report as inappropriate

I will try the Aussie leave in conditioner! I have always wanted to try affordable leave in conditioners but I did not know aussie had one. Thanks!

by yestfl Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:34AM Report as inappropriate

Never thought I'd actually need to buy a boar bristle brush, but I gave in when they were on sale at my local Sallys and I'm super happy about it. No more frizz is a definite plus!

by leighanne_hurley Friday, March 9, 2012 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with most of this list. I use Wen Cleansing Conditioners and wash once a week with no oil or bad smell during that time. I also cannot use a leave-in conditioner. It always leaves a build up.

by powerwoman033 Friday, March 9, 2012 at 11:47AM Report as inappropriate

I consider several of these to be nice-to-haves rather than need-to-haves. Otherwise a nice roundup.

by Jewelrydesigner Friday, March 9, 2012 at 11:11AM Report as inappropriate

good tips

by lazorc Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 08:23PM Report as inappropriate

the leave in conditioner are realllty good speacially the aussie

by juan_carlos_ruiz_valencia Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

some of these products were no brainers, when the title led me to believe it would be new and different styling products, not appliances and brushes. and I certainly think you can find cheaper alternatives than the ones suggested.

by slvandas Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 01:02PM Report as inappropriate

Spot on! I totally agree with everything, except the curling iron

by BareeFacedBeautyy Friday, March 2, 2012 at 05:31PM Report as inappropriate

I LOVE this article. I have so many problems with my hair and I'm excited to try the new products! YEE HOO

by holly_hibdon Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

I use leave in conditioner for my curly hair, love this article!

by Lisa0311 Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 03:20PM Report as inappropriate

I like how you recommend a cheap dry shampoo that has an extremely low rating on your site. That tresemme dry shampoo is crap.

by xobrowncoat Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

I love my boar's hair brush, I've had it for years. I haven't used a blow dryer in about 20 years or more. We use the blow dryer on the dog!

by WiccanLady Friday, February 24, 2012 at 11:26AM Report as inappropriate

I love this article!! I'm always trying to find the right combination of products and there are so many out there. Yes the brushes and some of the appliances seem like situational... but i look at it like they are probably good to have in your arsenal. So you can change it up every now and then.. Love it great advise thanks!!

by 13thbeauty Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 08:10AM Report as inappropriate

I use some of the types of products listed, but less expensive. Sometimes I feel like my hair gets fed more than me on wash day!

by libby_stady Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 09:37PM Report as inappropriate

I wouldn't have titled this article products women need, but rather... 11products that can do wonders to your hair ! I think it's very important to use a heat protector when heat styling; although I just coat my hair with a light organic oil. It protects the hair while adding shine, plus prevents it from drying out !

by applepiealamode Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 06:17PM Report as inappropriate

live-in conditioner is one of the most amazing thing ever....

by 4getu123 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 01:05AM Report as inappropriate

I've experimented with several leave-in conditioners and most of them never worked or made my hair oily or limp. When I found the right one, I was amazed how it transformed my hair.

by volta Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 04:31PM Report as inappropriate

Awesome info :))

by peaches095 Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 09:30AM Report as inappropriate

Good article, but I personally could go without the heat appliances & hair spray !

by applepiealamode Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:07AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for this! good advice! but I am not quite a fan of Tre Semme dry shampoo, defintely doesn't smell the nicest of dry shampoos!

by RaraGiggles89 Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 05:43AM Report as inappropriate

good info,thanks

by sandyc Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 03:59PM Report as inappropriate

great ideas thank syou

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 09:22AM Report as inappropriate

umm basically one of everything? I have a "salon quality" blow dryer, and i hate it. It's sooo loud. Strong, but loud that I have to plug my ears if i use it. i don't want to go deaf. But i can vouch for leave in conditioners. I used it thru my high school years b/c my hair was sooo dry and damaged. My hair softened up after awhile. But not that there is hair oil, why would you use leave in conditioner? How would you even use them together? What the article could have done was be more specific. Like for shampoo, you should have a clarifying shampoo to use one or twice a week to clean out the build up. But you'll probably need it everyday if you're using leave in conditioners, oils, and styling products. The the list I would add, a no metal hair tie, head band, and the twisty pin for buns.

by Minibear Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 05:24PM Report as inappropriate

I have fine hair thats half wavy and half straight with lots of gray. I color it every month. It is so fried. I'm not a beauty editor but I have tried them all also. I keep most of my hair products in the kitchen pantry because there is no room left in the bathroom.. no counter space, no cabinet space and no space on the shower floor because they are all lined up covering the entire circumference of the floor. THe best I have found is Lorea'l everpure products. They have no sulfates, no parabens and are vegan. Compared to the 50 to 60 dollar items you can't beat the price and you can get them anywhere. They also smell FAB!!

by jubemma Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

Take a look at some more in-depth articles on hair care products on this site, this is just too light-weight to be taken seriously.

by islands4me Monday, January 9, 2012 at 08:16AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these items are necessary I question the quality of the brands suggested. Any dry shampoo is just damaging to your hair read the bottle, keep away from flames, it is loaded with alcohol. Always a good shampo and conditoner is needed, but again the brands choosen are way under par, as for an oil definatley, but not my choice, try Alfparf, they have 4 to choose from, or even Enjoy.. Leave in conditioners are great but I have found that if it does something like root lift again high alcohol content and drys the hair, Thermaspa is great leaves the hair conditioned and shiney, excellent for curly hair every day, or Wearble Treatment, progressive leave in.

by kathie29 Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 05:17AM Report as inappropriate

I'm going to have to disagree about the boar brush. Curly girls can't use brushes on their hair.

by mlovett Friday, January 6, 2012 at 05:23PM Report as inappropriate

Honestly, all you really need is Wen Hair Care, that stuff is GREAT!!!

by cat7795 Friday, January 6, 2012 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

Mostly good recommendations, but I'm not sure all of them are must-haves. And the Tresemme dry shampoo gets terrible reviews.

by Jewelrydesigner Friday, January 6, 2012 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

I was excited to see that I had most of these. This is good advice.

by SummerOrchid Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:57PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer Moroccan Oil to the products listed. Also, I have fine hair but if I only used a moisturizing shampoo, my hair would end up in one big knot no matter how much leave-in conditioner I use.

by olga_cirlugea Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:13PM Report as inappropriate

Great story!!! I was happy to see I had all of the 'required' items except the boar brush. What was best is that you provided an inexpensive alternative to the Mason Pear. Kudos!!!

by HeideC Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:03PM Report as inappropriate

If I use a boar bristle brush on my hair I have static cling big time

by Only1KimmieD Friday, January 6, 2012 at 12:36PM Report as inappropriate

Question. If you are using the Leave-in conditioner as recommended, do you also put in the oil? Is it one or the other?

by beccaw2kids Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

These were some very useful tips! Sounds like I need to go buy that Denman brush!

by voyager24 Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:29AM Report as inappropriate

I've used a boar bristle brush for years. I love it! I also use Moroccanoil, which I love. I do not use any heat on my hair, so I do not use any protectant. Great tips!

by WiccanLady Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

I love my Rusk dryer and my hair oil mix that I have concocted!

by LittleBunny Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:21AM Report as inappropriate

I love using boar bristle brushes

by eatinglipstick Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 06:19PM Report as inappropriate

I never knew my hair needed oil. Heading out to find some oil. Will let you know how it works.

by missoconee Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:56AM Report as inappropriate

I have to say, I'm not a fan of investing in oils because it's just so much smarter just to DIY my own! Good extra virigin olive, almond, and tea tree oil mixed and then heated makes my hair so luxurious!

by sonatina Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 02:56AM Report as inappropriate

i dont have most of these products since i have curly hair and i shouldnt use most of these products on my hair

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 07:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know about these items!

by strawberrystorm Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 01:10PM Report as inappropriate

I have every single one of these! I agree that they all really help.

by Mysterylady Friday, December 23, 2011 at 02:34PM Report as inappropriate

I have most of these items. And they are a must. Now time to get a new blow dryer and curling iron.

by tiffany_gallehugh Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 08:01AM Report as inappropriate

interesting article. thank you!

by venenumletalis Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 07:16AM Report as inappropriate

I love how the writer provides the affordable alternatives for these hair products/ items :)

by makayla_baca Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 01:55AM Report as inappropriate

I have some of these items but not all. My hair is dry so I put oil in it for a few hours every week or so to hydrate it.

by DesertGirl84 Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 01:33AM Report as inappropriate

I have 10 out of 11 of these things

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 03:30PM Report as inappropriate

Almond oil really helps if you want shiny healthy hair, but its better to use it in small amounts, its not good to overload.

by andyv1217 Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

I need to invest in a good blow dryer,curling/flat iron and to buy a dry shampoo,everything else I've got covered. Thanks!

by selma Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

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