With aisles and aisles of shampoos, hair treatments, and hairsprays to choose from, walking into the beauty store without a plan of what to buy can be daunting. Luckily, we at Hair.com have an in with some of the top stylists in the game—and they know a thing or two about which salon-quality products are worth your money.
We chatted with Michelle O’Connor, Matrix artistic director, who shared some of her favorite hair products of all time. Looking to add her top picks to your hair routine? Read on for everything you need to know.
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Repairing Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner
Just like your skin needs a moisturizer to stay hydrated and healthy-looking, your mane needs a leave-in conditioner for the same reason. O’Connor recommends applying a few spritzes of Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Repairing Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner throughout your hair every time you shampoo.
“I’m very big on if I can identify that a product is doing something great for my hair...It’s so good for your hair and you feel the effects instantly,” O’Connor says.
This multi-tasking treatment offers 20 hair beautifying benefits including nourishing hair, boosting shine, preventing heat damage from styling tools, reducing dryness, and preventing split ends.
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Repairing Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner, $17.00 MSRP
Biolage 3Butter Control System Shampoo
If dryness and frizz leave your strands unmanageable, O’Connor recommends kicking off your hair care routine with Biolage 3Butter Control System Shampoo. When used as a system with 3Butter Control System Conditioner, this shampoo tames and transforms unruly hair as it controls excessive volume, defines curls, and provides deep nourishment for dry and very dry hair.
Biolage 3Butter Control System Shampoo, $19.00 MSRP
Biolage R.A.W Curl Defining Styling Butter
Curls can have a mind of their own, but O’Connor swears by Biolage R.A.W. Curl Defining Styling Butter for giving curls definition while keeping them soft and supple.
“As we know, curly hair can have a mind of its own. If you think about curls from the perspective of when they look their best, it’s when they’re wet. So the objective is to keep those curls in the way that they look when they’re wet. O’Connor says.”
Infused with cacao, this nourishing styling butter defines hair for tamed and naturally finished curls.
“It doesn’t make your hair hard or leave it with a white, flaky cast, so you’re not dusting the product out of the hair. It’s also very rich and creamy...It gives your hair a great level of hold but you can break it down after it’s dry for beautiful results,” O’Connor says.
Biolage R.A.W Curl Defining Styling Butter, $19.50 MSRP
Matrix Length Goals Shampoo
Whether you’re trying to keep your extensions in tip-top shape or care for your extremely long strands, O’Connor swears by Matrix Length Goals Shampoo. This product gently cleanses to ensure the longevity and beauty of hair extensions.
“When people invest in hair extensions, they’re really trying to get longevity out of it. They’re not cheap and it’s an investment. This came out to help preserve them and keep them beautiful for longer,” O’Connor explains. “Not only is it great on long hair outside of hair extensions, but it’s also great on hair that has a lot of texture and has a tendency to be dry.”
For the best results, O’Connor recommends using the entire Length Goals system which also includes a Restoring Conditioner and Extensions Perfector Multi-Benefit Styling Spray.
Matrix Length Goals Shampoo, $14.00 MSRP
Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Finishing Spray
If you want a product that gives hair long-lasting volume with a barely-there feel, O’Connor recommends picking up Matrix’s Oil Wonders Volume Rose Finishing Spray.
“This product has a beautiful scent and it gives such a light, airy finish...It’s perfect for when you want your hairstyle to look soft and flowy,” O’Connor says.
This volumizing finishing hairspray provides continuous lift, all-over volume, and shine.
Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Finishing Spray, $20.00 MSRP
Interested in more personalized product recommendations? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Total Results Miracle Creator Repairing Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner
A multi-tasking leave-in conditioner that repairs, protects and nourishes hair.
Length Goals Restoring Conditioner for Extensions
Nourishing conditioner that detangles and softens hair.
Length Goals Sulfate-free Shampoo for Extensions
Sulfate-free shampoo for gentle cleansing to ensure longevity and beauty of hair extensions.
