So, I recently chopped my hair off.  Eeeeeeeee! I’m not going to lie and say I don’t slightly regret it (maybe a 5:1 love to regret ratio), but mostly I just need to get used to it, and practice styling it.  I had hair this length about 3 years ago and I LOVED IT SO MUCH really enjoyed it, so it’s really about getting back into that mindset of how to style it, and what products and tools to use as they differ immensely for me (seriously, I took off about 7″).  So here are 4 things I use, with a save and splurge version of each… so… actually 8 products, I guess?

My Top Styling Products for a Wavy Lob

1) Heat Protection

I can honestly say I neglected this step for most of my adult life, but as I noticed the intense breakage in my color-treated ends, I went back to using a Thermal Spray as step 1 in my hair routine (if I’m heat styling).  It makes a huge difference in the outcome of my hair and helps hold the style.  Even my texturizers seem to work better if I heat-treat, first.

Save: Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Hair Spray $4.77

Splurge: GHD Heat Protect Spray $99.99

2) Styling Tool

Depending on your length of hair and desired style of wave, you may need a slightly larger barrel than 1″.  I prefer the 1″ to give beachy waves that have at least 2 creases, whereas a 1.5″+ barrel will give you a one-crease wave.  Straighteners with rounded edges can give a similar effect, but I prefer a solid curling iron to ensure I can leave the ends of my hair straight without any lines.

Save: Anjou 1 inch Curling Iron with Tourmaline Ceramic Coating, Hair Curling Wand $36.99

Splurge: Babyliss Pro Onomh100s One n Only Argan Heat Ceramic Curling Iron $96.07

3) Texturizer

Essentially modern-day witchcraft, texturizing spray (or power) is where it’s at to get that work appropriate bed-head/surfer girl look.  I first experienced the Oribe Dry Spray (listed as “splurge” below) at the Instagram-famous ninezeroone salon in Los Angeles, and wish I purchased the whole stock.  If you have the dough, I recommend splurging for Oribe, but understandably, that’s not for everyone. Luckily, there are a number of cost-effective versions on the market. Just a heads-up — dry shampoo is not the same as a texturizer, though some brands make a 2-in-1 type product.

Save: Not Your Mother’s Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray $14.75

Splurge: ORIBE Hair Care Dry Texturizing Spray $53

4) Style Extender

What a time to be alive. Seriously, what did we do before dry shampoo?? Actually, I used to dust baby powder or colored powder foundation on my roots instead of washing my hair, lol.  Dry shampoo is awesome as a lazy-girl hack style extender, though I’ve had seriously hit-and-miss experiences with different formulas.  Dove makes a great one, but the Herbal Essences Naked version listed below is my current budget personal fave.

Save: Herbal Essences Daily Detox Volume Dry Shampoo $3.98

Splurge: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo $33.21

So, there you have it! My fave items for styling a wavy lob.  Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to achieve an Instagram-worthy look!

Did I miss one of your top products? Share with me in the comments 🙂  For more beauty tips check out my Fall Favourite makeup.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Amazon.ca