Are You Buying Too Many Hair Products?

For Fine, Wavy Hair or Fine, Curly Hair

Counterclockwise from top left: 

Leave-in Conditioner

"This seals water into damp hair," says hairstylist Ouidad, the owner of the Ouidad Salon in New York City. Use a superlight hydrator on towel-dried hair before applying other styling products.
RS pick: Pureology Instant Repair Leave-in Condition, $24, pureology.com for store locations.

Duckbill Clips

To give your hair lift, slip a clip into damp hair at the roots, twist it slightly, then anchor. Repeat all along the hairline. Remove clips when hair is dry.
RS pick: Goody So Secure Sectioning Clips, $3, Target.

Round Boar-Bristle Brush

When you want to blow your hair straight, use a gentle boar-bristle brush, which won't snag hair.
RS pick: Creative Products Boar Bristle Round Brush, $14, amazon.com.

Diffuser

Don't have time to air-dry? Attach a diffuser to your dryer and blow-dry on low to speed things up.
RS pick: Diffuser included with the Conair Lightweight Ionic Styler, $25 at drugstores.

Volumizing Mousse

"Mousse is versatile," says Mancuso. "It creates thickness and shine and lifts fine curls without weighing them down." Too much styling cream and defrizzing serum can cause fine curls to collapse.
RS pick: Nexxus Phyto Organics Maxify Volumizing Mousse, $10.50, sleekhair.com.


Find a few more alternative suggestions for smart products made just for curly hair.