The Top Shelf: Hairstylist Anthony Nader

“My absolute go-to since this magnificent piece of machinery came onto the market. It’s so, so very light, it’s incredible! And the extra-fine nozzle is foolproof to give the most unruly hair textures a salon-worthy finish.”

“I tend to use this hydrating balm on short hair types that require taming with a cream finish. Most importantly, [it] won’t look like you haven’t washed your noggin for a week. It’s a simple product that doesn’t take rocket science to use and [is able to] create different hair shapes, if desired.” To use, warm a tiny dollop of this hair treatment in your palms and use it to pat down any stray hairs.

“I like to think of this as my ultimate time-saver. It’s like a three-in-one kind of deal which, let’s face it, who else is time poor when it comes time to style hair? It’s a spray that’s a primer, heat -protectant and an anti-humidity barrier all rolled into one.” To use, mist this product onto damp hair after washing to boost volume and protect hair from the heat of a hair dryer.

“I like hair to be a little messed up and a little lived-in right away, especially if it’s cleanly washed. I tend to sprinkle this fine powder over the part line and fringe area so I get that extra airiness. Remember... a little goes a long way.”

“How many bobby pins does one need? I can’t go past the traditional ripple bobby pins in any colour. I never know when I need to use one or two or even three, when I will need to do a quick hair change on a model on set, or of course, when I’m on the salon floor with my clients.”  

“One of the things that I like to do when I’m on a shoot is use an organic rose water mist on the model’s hair. I give a couple of spritzes all over when the model’s hair is damp and then apply hair products straight after. The rose water has no styling benefits at all, but it’s just my thing that I do when I’m on a shoot. It’s like a mini pamper before the work starts, so to speak.” Try Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist for a similar pampering experience at home.

“This is my new bestie, which can tame and smooth out any hair type. This innovative [tool] straightens, but the effect is not poker straight and artificial-looking. It’s more of an innocent ‘60s-vibe hair that still has a nice energy to it and looks natural.” Different to a hair straightener, this tool can smooth locks down, even coarse hair types, without making hair look flat.

“I love nothing more than my tiny radial Y.S. Park brush to assure that frizzy/curly roots become polished and smooth in no time at all. It’s the shorter, baby bristles that get my prize.”

Up your hair game by learning how to choose the right hair brush for different styles.

Have you tried any of these products before? What did you think of them? Tell us in the comments below.

Main image credit: Sevak Babakhani