If a bad artist blames their tools, it tracks that a great artist would credit their tools, in part, for their success. We talked with the top celebrity hairstylists on the scene to find out what products they don’t set foot on set without.
Lacy Redway
Clients: Tracee Ellis Ross, Ashley Graham, Emma Chamberlain, Hunter Schafer
“As a stylist who works with all hair types and textures, I must stock my kit with products and tools that can service all my clients,” says Lacy Redway. She loves the TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray ($8), “which guards your hair against unnecessary heat damage with a moisture-locking vitamin complex.” She also often uses SheaMoisture Edge Control Gel ($10) to achieve a smooth hairline, especially when creating sleek ponytails. “My Harry Josh Pro Tools Ceramic Flat Iron ($200) is a must; its ceramic plates help to keep hair smooth and shiny; it creates the perfect flat iron waves and allows me to control the heat temperature, which is important while using hot tools,” says Redway. She also notes she can’t live without an assortment of curling iron sizes from Hot Tools ($30–$130), “from fashion week to cover shoots and press tours with clients, these irons help me achieve all their desired looks.”
Giannandrea Marongiu
Clients: Cindy Crawford, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera
Whether it’s on set at a photoshoot or backstage at a fashion show, Giannandrea Marongiu says he always keeps these two items in his bag of tricks—L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hair Spray ($15) and Mason Pearson Popular Bristle Brush ($175).
Clariss Rubenstein
Clients: Alison Brie, Sofia Vergara, Malala Yousafzai, Jordana Brewster
“A tool I cannot live without is the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron ($149). I use it on anyone whose hair is shoulder length or longer,” says Clariss Rubenstein. “The way it makes a complete curl or wave is a world of difference from the regular length barrel. It also heats up perfectly even to smooth and reduce frizz.” It comes in a variety of sizes, and Rubenstein says it’s a must in her opinion.
Johnny Lavoy
Clients: Rosie Perez, Freida Pinto, Kelly Osbourne, Miranda Lambert
Johnny Lavoy’s staple tool is his beloved CHI Lava Pro Hair Dryer ($338). It’s lightweight, has an amazing performance and is a compact size. “When traveling with a kit, all these things are important. It’s packed with the latest technology and is also self-cleaning, which is a bonus.”
A classic product he never goes on set without is the iconic L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hair Spray ($15). “It never lets me down,” he says. The brushable hold is key when having to make hair changes.
Adir Abergel
Clients: Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, Charlize Theron, Bryce Dallas Howard
Adir Abergel’s staple products include Virtue Labs Volumizing Primer ($40) and Virtue Labs Healing Oil ($45). “Both contain the powerful, reparative Alpha Keratin 60ku protein to achieve the healthiest hair possible,” he explains. “I start every style with Volumizing Primer Spray, which I apply at the root to give me the foundation to create a style that lasts. I finish every look with Virtue Labs Healing Oil, which is the ultimate multitasker for shine, softness and environmental protection.”
Rita Hazan
Clients: Beyoncé, Aubrey Plaza, Sydeny Sweeney, Christie Brinkley
Last-minute root touch-ups can be essential on set. Rita Hazan always has Root Concealer ($18) on hand for quick fixes. “It comes in five shades, and they are so universal, many celebrity hair stylists keep root concealer with them on set, either for TV and film or music videos, photoshoots, etc,” says Hazan. “I often get tagged in behind-the- scenes pictures and videos on Instagram, and I love it!”
To ensure her celebrity clients have perfectly shiny hair ready for stage or photos, Hazan likes to use Raw Sugar Leave-In Conditioner ($8). It’s “an all-in-one cream that will help transform, de-frizz, smooth split ends, restore beautiful vibrancy and add a soft, silky shine to your hair.”
Priscilla Valles
Clients: Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Chrissy Teigen
Priscilla Valles is responsible for adding luscious length to some of the biggest stars out there. Her pro tip: “Investing in a great pair of clip-ins is always good—you use fewer products and heat tools to make it look good—put in a clip or two, and problem solved.” For this, she loves using Glam Seamless x Priscilla Valles Luxe Clip-In Hair Extensions (starting at $120). Valles says T3’s styling tools give the best results, and she especially loves the T3 Smooth ID 1” Flat Iron with Touch Interface ($249). “I always get a beautiful shine,” says Valles. With adjustable temperature settings it’s easy to use and “extremely durable and extremely pretty,” she adds.
