Beauty Files | Hair Essentials

Today is a happy day for two reasons…one, it’s almost Friday and OHEMGEE and I ready for that! And two, it’s my birthday!

I don’t necessarily love what getting older does to my face (especially my neck, what is that?!), but I’m grateful for a strong, capable, healthy mind and body! Birthdays take on a whole new meaning when you lose people you love, and I feel privileged to celebrate another year of life.

This year has brought some real challenges, but it’s helped me to truly appreciate my friends and family in a whole new way. We’ve had to get creative to be together, but that’s only strengthened our bonds.

Mr. SP and I had plans to celebrate with a weekend in Big Sur, but in the end, decided it was best to stay home. Funny enough, this is our third attempt at a Big Sur trip in all our years together, and the third time it’s been derailed. Kind of weird, right?! But it’s only going to be that much sweeter when it finally happens.

We’ve had a lot a lot of beauty talk around here lately (which I LOVE), with a big focus on makeup and skincare. So today we’re turning our attention to hair! I’ve gone through a lot of products in my years (we won’t speak of just how many years!), and feel like I’ve finally settled on the products and tools that are best for me.

Thanks to a wicked cowlick, my style hasn’t changed much over the years…only the length and level of blondness fluctuates. I did grow out my bangs during quarantine (a first since high school!), but I’m still undecided on how I feel about them.

I actually have a hair appointment tomorrow, so we’ll see! I’m always up for whatever my stylist has in mind!

But when it comes to hair products and tools, I’m committed to a few tried-and-true! Let’s walk through the line-up, starting with shampoo and conditioner. You know I’m Team Olaplex…the Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother was a game-changer for me, and my love affair with the line grew from there.

Shampoo & Conditioner //

Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo // What I love so much about the Olaplex products is they not only clean or style, but they also repair and strengthen the hair with every use. So it feels like I’m doing something good every time I wash it. The No. 4 Shampoo is concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and gives a great lather.

My hair rinses clean with no residue feeling. I don’t know that I love it more than other salon-quality shampoos I’ve tried, but I’m such a fan of the brand, I stick with the full system.

Sugarplum Tip: Rub the product between your palms a few times to emulsify before applying to wet hair, then massage for a big lather. Add a splash of water if you need more.

Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner // I do, however, adore the Conditioner! It is super-moisturizing, without weighing down my short hair, and leaves my hair tangle-free, shiny, and hydrated. Apply liberally and leave on for several minutes before rinsing.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector // This hair treatment has a cult following, especially in the stylist community! I actually discovered it from my stylist, who uses it on every client. Since I added it to my routine, he insists my hair has transformed, with less breakage and smoother texture!

Comb it generously through damp hair and leave on for 10-20 minutes (I often leave it on for hours!), then shampoo and condition as usual. Just check out the reviews…first one says, ‘Miracle in a Bottle!’ I’d have to agree!

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo | Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner

This limited-edition set makes a great gift, or perfect time to try all the best-sellers for yourself!

Olaplex Holiday Hair Fix Kit

Styling Products //

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother // The gateway product that opened the Olaplex floodgates for me, this Bond Smoother is a concentrated leave-in styling cream that strengthens, hydrates, moisturizes and speeds up blow-dry times while smoothing, too. It’s the only product I’ve found that actually allows me to air-dry without frizzies!

I apply it to clean, damp hair before styling, and on dry ends for instant pick-me-up on second and third day hair. I only need a pea-size, so I’m still on the same bottle a year later!

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil // The Bonding Oil is a highly concentrated, nearly weightless reparative styling oil that helps strengthen and hydrate, while providing heat protection up to 450ºF! I mix several drops with the Bond Smoother to damp hair for added shine, softness and color vibrancy while minimizing flyaways. Plus, the bottle lasts forever!!

Moroccanoil Hair Spray // I’ve gone through several hair sprays over the years, but this is my current favorite. It’s a super lightweight, argan oil-infused formula that fights humidity and frizz, yet brushes out easily and leaves no sticky or flaky residue. It has strong hold, but not stiff. I fluctuate between the strong and medium, depending on my style.

Sugarplum Tip: Spray up on your hair, rather than just circling the perimeter. This helps set the underneath layers, as well as adds volume.

Oribe Texturizing Spray // My go-to product on Day 1 hair, this Texturizing Spray adds instant texture and volume. I spray a little in my roots for lift, and around the ends for texture and separation. It’s amazing! Plus, it smells as good as it works! It’s definitely pricy, but a bottle lasts me a long time.

Living Proof Dry Shampoo // I rotate between this formula and the DryBar Dry Shampoo…both work incredibly well, but this one is a slightly finer formula. I find it works best when I spray in my roots at night to absorb excess oils while I sleep, then combs out in the morning leaving fresh hair!

Living Proof Dry Volume Blast // This product is an instant root-booster for dry, styled hair. Shake well and lift hair by sections, spraying directly on the roots, then massage it in for tons of volume and fullness. It’s not an everyday product for me, but I do love it for evening and dressier occasions.

Moroccanoil Treatment Oil // Since discovering the Olaplex Bonding Cream, I don’t use this product as much, but it’s so good it needed to be included! It’s great for shine and smoothing on damp hair before styling, and I really love it on dry ends after styling!

Styling Tools //

T3 Curling Iron // Definitely pricey, but really does deliver beautiful, long-lasting curls! The barrels are detachable, so you can swap out for different sizes, but I mostly use the 1-inch now that my hair is shorter. It also has a wide range of heat settings, but I stick with 2 or 3 on my color-treated hair.

Dyson Hair Dryer // Speaking of pricey, this Dyson Hair Dryer is my biggest hair splurge, but in my opinion, 100% worth every penny! It cuts drying time down to just a few minutes for me, while protecting it from heat damage. It has multiple heat and air settings, comes with a range of attachments, and is super lightweight!

There are honestly too many benefits to list, but just check out the 1600 5-star reviews! The Drybar Hair Dryer is a great option, too.

Drybar Hair Brush // Similar to a wet brush, this brush features flexible bristles that work through tangles without pulling or tugging. I started using it when I had extensions, and love it so much. It glides through my wet hair, and is great for brushing out product on dry hair. I’ve had mine for years, and the bristles are still good as new. I even have the mini-size for my purse and travel!

Drybar Self-Grip Rollers // My fave no-heat trick for tons of volume, I set my freshly-dried hair with these velcro rollers, concentrating along the part and crown. Once my hair cools, I pull them out for smoother, shinier hair with extra fullness.

Drybar Shower Cap // Do I even need to talk about this?! It’s been a Sugarplum Favorite Thing for years, and I never leave home without it! Unlike most shower caps, this one is lined with terrycloth to absorb and whisk any moisture away from your hair while you bathe or shower. You’re left with the same style and dry hair!!

Dyson Hair Dryer

I’m suddenly getting the itch to cut my bangs again…and maybe go a little shorter! I loved this cut! What do you think?

Obviously I don’t use them all at once, but they’re always in my drawer. If you were to just add a few things, I’d say without a doubt the Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother and Drybar Shower Cap.

Now that winter is coming, I’m trying out new moisturizing masks…this one has always been a favorite. Do you have one you love? What hair essentials do you rely on most? What hair topics should we chat up next?

*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, but all opinions, product selections, and Rapunzel adorations are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*