Top Ten Essentials of Great Looking Hair

A Good Quality, High Voltage Hairdryer
You think this one would be no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people are still using sub-par quality hairdryers. With technological advancements and so many great dryers on the market today at every price point, what are you waiting for? Depending on your hair length and thickness, you have such a wide variety to choose from, you're sure to find one perfect for your hair. What to look for? My favorite buzzwords are Ceramic, Ionic, Tourmaline, Professional, and Negative Ions. Any of these words in the name of the dryer are a great start, but the more these words show up together, the better. The highest voltage possible will cut down your drying time and the faster you can dry your hair, the less damage you'll cause in the long run. (www.beautydeals.net)

A Versatile Ceramic Flat Iron
Also known as a 'styling iron', this wonder tool is something you should never go without. Available in plate sizes from the ¾" mini though the large 2" width, there is a flat iron for every length of hair. Depending on your styling needs, some models also come with curved edge plates that will create curls and waves as well as straight styles. There are also wet-to-dry irons that are great for those of you who don't have the time to blow dry before straightening or curling. Note, any flat iron needs a safe place for it to rest while in use, or cooling down. Don't forget a heatproof mat...safety first! My favorite buzzwords: Ceramic, Ionic, Tourmaline, Professional, Negative Ions, and Far-Infrared Heat. (www.metrobeauty.com)

A Healthy Heat Protectant
You know you would turn your flat iron up to 600° if you could, but have you ever thought about what you are doing to your hair? Relax, now you can protect your hair as you style. Most of today's heat protectants are loaded with good-for-you heat activated ingredients that don't just protect your hair from the excessive high temperatures of dryers and flat irons, they actually increase the health of your hair as you style. The hotter, the better! Go for it. Just make sure to use protection. (www.oasisplace.com)

Professional Iron Cleaner
Perfect for those of you addicted to your flat irons, or curling irons. You know who you are! Do you just love your flat iron? Then CLEAN IT. Taking a few extra minutes to care for your styling iron after each use helps prolong its life, and ensures it will be ready for use the next time you need it. Plus, that gummy residue on the plates can cause damage to your hair by pulling and snagging the strands, causing split ends and breakage. Flat irons are meant to glide.... need I say more? (www.sedubeauty.com)

Round Barrel Ceramic/Ionic Brush
A necessity for every hairstyle, and best friend to your good quality, high voltage hair dryer above is a round barrel brush. You'll get bonus points here if you have round barrel brush that is ceramic/ionic. The more negative ions you can create while styling the better. With an ionic brush, negative ions are created from the heat of the blow dryer heating the brush. If you are using an ionic hair dryer also, you've hit the ionic jackpot. What's so great about negative ions? They enable the moisture to be sealed into the hair cuticle, and an increased amount of ionic energy allows the brush to slip easily through your hair without pulling or snagging, promising smooth results. Plus a round brush is so versatile, making it easy to straighten or curl. Convinced? I am! (www.oliviagarden.com)

A Nutritive Hair Treatment
You make time for brunch with friends and date night, why not get in the habit of scheduling time for a hair treatment? There are plenty of conditioning, replenishing, moisturizing, and restorative treatments available, perfect for keeping those locks in perfect health. Whether you pick a deep conditioning mask, a fortifying product, a thickening cream or a color protectant, there is wide array of options that with minimal time and effort and produce fabulous results. Plus, you should take the time to pamper yourself, you deserve it! (www.kerastase.com)

A Finishing Spray
After you finished styling and you're looking fab, don't you want to make sure everyone sees your efforts? There is nothing worse than getting yourself all done up and ready to go to realize your hair is a mess by the time you get there. You didn't spend all your time to look ravishing to have it go to waste, and a good finishing spray is built on this principle. Some add shine, some add control, others create volume or body, or both. Any way you like it, poofy or sleek, you need this spray. Definitely. Case closed. (www.stuff4beauty.com)

A Superb Styling....X
Please insert your favorite styler for the X. Whether you choose a styling cream, lotion, mousse, serum, gel or spray, you need something to help you whip your style into shape. From coaxing curls, to creating spikes, to super straight smoothing, a good styling product will help take your hairdo to the next level. Hey, those spikes don't stay up without a little help! Available in a variety of scents and strengths, I just love to mix and match them together to create my own winning combo, and you will too! (www.bumbleandbumble.com)

A Winning Shampoo and its Conditioner Sidekick
I am usually not a big fan of the matchy-matchy, but I must confess I do believe in using a shampoo and its matching conditioner. Granted, I like to mix it up often and have a pretty large assortment of brand duos in my shower, but there is something about using the products together that increases the benefits. A full body shampoo with a full body conditioner really give your hair that one, two punch it needs. There is a reason these products have matching names, they are supposed to be used as a set, and I truly agree they enhance each other when used together. (www.aveda.com)

A Pretty Hair Accessory
Depending on your hair length, this adornment will vary from person to person but it is always a good idea to have alternate look in your hairstyling repertoire. Whether you tie your hair back into a low ponytail with a bright scarf, pull it off your forehead with a skinny headband, or clip it back with a dainty bobby pin adorned with pearls, this tiny finishing touch will add that little something extra that makes all the difference. Nothing enhances my mood quicker than a compliment on pretty hair clip or a colorful headband. Trust me, the smallest touches usually result in the nicest compliments. (www.franceluxe.com)

With these ten essentials your hair will look like a million bucks and who doesn't want that?