I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about my mane… which is both completely flattering and slightly foreign, since I haven’t had a real “hairstyle” in years! I chopped all my hair into a short crop a few years ago, and then spent what felt like an eternity getting the length back. {Awkward grow-out phase, anyone?} A few weeks ago, I finally got a proper haircut (by Bill at Spectrum, for the locals) and my hair and I are back in love.

Here are the basics of my hair situation: I have really thick tresses that vary between wavy and straight — usually on opposing sides of my head — and I live in Florida, which means lots and lots of humidity. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for keeping it shiny, full, and under control.

1. Step away from the shampoo. I don’t wash my hair every day. I don’t even wash it every other day. I lather up about twice a week with Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two to deep clean and remove all traces of product, and then condition with Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner. I freshen things up on the off-days with a dry shampoo, usually got2b Rockin’ It (but when my current can runs out, I want to splurge and try TIGI Rockaholic).

2. You can’t have too much conditioner. After I shampoo and condition, I condition again with a leave-in. I feel like it creates a barrier between my strands and the bevy of products I unleash on them on a daily basis.

3. It’s okay to be a control freak. I love myself texturizing control creme. It’s essential for me to tame frizz and define layers. Silky Dirt is my favorite – a little goes a long way, and it smells delicious. I work it into my hair when it’s towel dried.

4. Tools of the Trade. I don’t blow dry my hair often, because it just makes it frizzy. I have a tourmaline dryer, but I only use it in time-crunch emergencies. I usually let my locks air dry, and then create big waves with a large-barrelled ceramic curling iron using a technique really similar to Melissa.

5. Finish it off. I’m a southern lady, and a southern lady can never have too much hairspray. L’Oreal Elnett Satin is my go-to, and even though it makes you smell like a grandma, it gives your hair control and movement without dreaded hairspray flakes {this is tres importante when you don’t shampoo every day}. When I’ve sprayed it into submission, I finish everything off with Rusk Sheen and Movement Myst.

If you need more hair inspiration, check out Amy at The Shades in Between. She’s a real-life friend and Aveda grad with the best, most versatile hair I’ve ever seen. Her blog is full of tips and tricks for hairstyling newbies!

What are your favorite products and styling tools?