Elsie’s One And Only Hair Product

Elsie's Minimal Hair Routine (click though for details!)I receive questions about the hair products I use, and I admitted that I really only use one product (hair stylists everywhere shake their heads). And, of course, I promised to blog about it!

I know there are a million other awesome products out there, but for daily use I’ve found I only really need one! 

Here it is… 

0I0B5286Just shine spray! Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Hold & Shine Daily Moisture. I like this brand because it smells amazing and I can buy it at Target. Easy peasy. 

I use this on my ends nearly every day to give them moisture and shine. On the first day I wash my hair, I flat iron curl the whole thing. Then every other day after that that I don’t wash it, I just touch up the top/outside layer of my hair and use this spray. 

Years ago I was an avid hairspray user (hello under-curled bangs of the 1990s), but a few years back I stopped using it on the daily. Now I only use it for special occasions (like for beehive status big hair). And I’ve never really tried many other products, so if you have any suggestions for my (naturally frizzy) hair, I’m all ears! 

I definitely would like to mix up my hair routine with new styles, but I have to admit that I love the simplicity of having just a few go-to styles that I wear most days! xx. Elsie

PS—would a flat iron curls video be helpful or does everybody already know how to do it? 

Credits// Author: Elsie Larson, Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.  

  • I love the shea moisture products! I have naturly curly hair and since i stated using this brand my hair has never looked better! I use the Moisture retention shampoo and the restorative conditioner. These products are sulfate free (see ya later frizz!). I finish with the curl and style milk. It makes my hair soft and it really defines my curl!

  • Ooooh, thanks 4 he tips. I have dreadfully frizzies also! I would luv a flat iron curl vid!!!

  • I’ll admit I could use a video. Every time I try to flat-iron curl I come out with little ringlets, not large wavy curls like yours. I never got very good at girly stuff. :/

  • I love Shea Moisture’s Black Soap, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this spray. I love using coconut oil on my hair as it does wonders for my frizzy ends. I’d love to see a video on flat iron curls (I’m hopeless when it comes to hair styling) especially since your hair ALWAYS looks great Elsie!

  • I lOVE that company! It took me a while [because I’m a product whore] to realize that I had at least 5 of their products and I love them all. They have a lemongrass body scrub, a black african body wash that smells like heaven, an oil spray that I use on my ends, and a three butters lotion from the mens section that I use instead of perfume. I’m forever a fan! And the ingredient lists are so simple it makes me happy. I can only go every other day washing my hair though, wish I had some thick locks like those!

  • Love Shea Moisture! I have hair very similar to yours, and I use the Curl & Style Milk after every shampoo on damp hair as a leave in conditioner and styling cream… It keeps my hair from drying frizzy when I air dry. Anyway… Can’t wait to try the spray! And I would love a tutorial on your blow dry & flat iron curl technique! xo h

  • a flat iron curl video would be super helpful! also, for the record, I use biolage gelee, but I’m still in the scrunch category (*gasp*); however, I NEVER wanted “crunchy” hair and this gel has only ever made my hair soft and non-frizzy. I’ve used it for almost seven years! however, I’m interested to try your go-to spray!

  • Please do a flat iron curls video. I’ve tried so many times with no luck.

  • a video would definitely help because yes everybody does do it! but not everyone has mastered it!i can only get my left side good. when it comes to the right side, its a hot mess. specially because of my bangs!
    and how about the back?

    eekk!

  • Omg PLEASE post a how to curl with a flat iron video. I’ve never been able to figure it out and I looove how your hair looks!

  • A flat iron curling video would would be super helpful! I’ve been doing it for a few years but always get mixed results! >_<

  • Coconut anything is amazing for hair I really wanna try this!

    DIY LUSH BATH BOMBS + DEMO // ROSE, GLITTER, NEBULA + COLOR CHANGING

  • I would definitely benefit from a video. I am what people call “hair challenged” ..sad face.

    PS – I love my Happy Handmade Home book.

  • I have thick wavy hair and I have no idea how to flat iron curl, then again my default hairstyle is up. But I think it would be wonderful to see a tutorial. Also I know what I’m looking at next time I go to target :).

  • Gorgeous hair! I will definitely be trying this one out 🙂 thanks for the tip!

    Lucy xoxo

    lucyannblog.blogspot.co.uk

  • I too have frizzy hair. My stylist kindly calls it “textured”. I only use one product as well, a curl cream. I find it helps with the frizz. I love your bangs. With my frizzy hair I am scared to try bangs, how do you style them? Also us frizzy girls can’t wash every day, how often do you wash your hair. I’m doing every 3rd day. Thanks for the product recommendation. I am going to try it out.

  • I can’t live without got2b’s volumizing styling powder! It gives the perfect texture to hold teasing & keep volume for days 🙂
    -Carley
    xx

  • I have no idea how to flat iron curl my hair. It’s a huge mystery to me! A video would be fantastic!

  • Yes to the video! I have naturally really curly hair. But every so often I like to straighten it. I don’t wash it but every few days and when it’s bone straight, it starts to look dingy. So I desperately need help straight iron 101!

  • Um wow, gorgeous ?

    Laura you NAILED that first picture. Elsie looks like a total rockstar!

    & Elsie; absolutely loving the simple black tank (shows off your tattoos) with the gold accessories.

    Nice work guys.

  • Flat iron curls video PLEASE!! Your hairs are so pretty and to know you don’t use tons of product to achieve such a great look is awesome!

  • I give friends flat iron curl tutorials in my bathroom on the regs, so it would be nice to have something to send my far-away pals!

  • Flat iron curl videos would be super helpful! I don’t really do anything with my hair and I’d like to change it up!

  • This spray seems very handy!
    I don’t wash my hair often, I try to reduce it to twice a week.
    Some mornings I don’t like how my hair behaves,
    but a spray like this could really help me!

    x
    The Losing Struggle | Bloglovin’

  • Love that line!! I use the lotion and body wash in that same scent – it’s heaven.
    Also, I’d absolutely find a flat iron curls video helpful.

  • I’d like the video! I’m learning to flat iron my now short hair, and I’d love to see some tips!

  • I appreciate this so much as I have the hardest time controlling frizz. I’ll give this product a go! Thanks, Elsie!

    PS- Would love to see a video on your flat iron curls! I can’t quite master them.

  • Love your simple routine, Elsie! I would love to see your technique for flat iron curls since I have thick, frizz-prone hair (like yours, I think) and I can’t seem to get the hang of the style.

  • I’m a styling product minimalist, as well. I love that product line from Target for the yummy fragrance, but I haven’t tried the shine spray. I’ll have to try it! Although soon I’ll be overseas with no Target, so maybe I shouldn’t start a love affair I can’t sustain. 🙂

    Straightening iron curling video would be helpful! My last iron was too square for this, but I will be in the market for a new straightening iron soon. I’d love some tips.

  • A flat iron (are they called straighteners in the UK?) tutorial would definetly be helpful. I want curls/waves without having to overload with products and blowdrying all the time

  • I think you should do it! I have seen others but each person has their own technique.

    Also, how long do you go between washes? And do you use a dry shampoo?

  • I have frizzy here too, will certainly give it a twirl. Yes a flat iron curls video would be awesome. Thanks!

  • I would love a tutorial! I’m not great at styling my hair any tips & tricks would be so so helpful!! x

  • Yes! Please do a flat iron curls video. I have watched many but I still just can’t get it right.

  • I have naturally curly hair and have found that their curl and style milk is the only thing I really need too. So simple to have one easy product that also smells sooo good.

    Peace and pine trees!

  • I have curly hair and no frizz ever since I started using a shampoo by lush called “trichomania”, it makes my hair so soft! I never use conditioner, I use apple cider vinegar; 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water. I shampoo my hair, rinse with water, then rinse with the cider mixture and rinse again with water, air dry, perfect curls every time.

  • A flat iron curls video would be welcomed! Whenever I’ve tried to do it, my curls came out boxy and not round so I tend to just stick to a normal curling iron. Would love to see a demo! 🙂

  • A video tutorial would be perfect! I can get a curl here and there but I struggle to get consistently nice curls each time so a visual would be great!

  • Flat iron curls are the only ones my hair will hold! It’s the best whether I’ve had long hair or a pixie.

    I think a post showing the different curls you can produce based on the way you hold the iron would be helpful for new beginners!

  • Absolutely a video would be helpful! Over the last 25 years I totally missed the life class where you learn how to curl hair!

  • oooh, please do a video, I’ve always wanted to try flat iron curling, but have never tried in case I make it look stupid!

  • Your hair texture looks similar to mine. I have TONS of thick hair that is definitely prone to frizz. Also, I live in an area with high humidity (it was 95% the other day….ugh!). I recently found Root + Hair Deep Repair conditioning mask by Acure Organics. Absolute. Game. Changer. It doesn’t take me as long to flat iron and it feels sooo much better and less frizz. You just need to use a little and it goes a long way. At first it doesn’t feel like it is doing much but when you rinse it off…OH MY! I sound like a commercial….but seriously, it’s good stuff. I buy it at Vitacost, but it looks like they have it on Amazon and at Walgreens. Oh yeah, a flat iron curls tutorial sound fabulous!!

  • Oh frizzy hair, I’ve been blessed with it too. 😀 I haven’t tried the Shea Moisture Spray before, so will definitely have to check it out. I think I know what you mean by flat iron curls, but would love to see the method as you do it too–like you, I’m always attentive to controlling the “loca locks.” Thanks for sharing!

  • Flat iron curl video, yes, please! Love your blog and my Happy Mail each month!

  • It’s nice of you to share a realistic hair care routine! I don’t like using lots of products so maybe I’ll give this one a go!

  • In my arsenal of hair products this is one of the products I use on the daily and love. I also add in garnier fructis anti-frizz serum. I have super curly frizzy hair, so I also add in a leave-in conditioner from the l’oreal evercreme line and the suave creamy mousse for curly hair. So those last two products won’t work for your hair, but it might help someone else reading the comments.

  • Yes please! Make a video on how to curl your hair with a flat iron.

  • We don’t have that spray in Ireland, but it sounds like it smells nice.

    I like Toni and Guy shine spray, not sure you have that brand in the US. I like it cause it has that straight-from-the-salon smell.

    For me I don’t have a clue on Flat Iron curls, so I would like to see more if it is not very difficult, or worse very time consuming. Also, will it work on naturally straight hair?

  • oooooh! That sounds like it smells so nice! I’m going to have to check it out. I have super thick and curly hair, and I don’t usually do anything with it other than wash and brush, but I use Argan Oil. The brand I use is Healthy Sexy Hair, it’s amazing stuff! I just smooth some throughout my hair after I shower and It makes it smooth and shiny. It’s wonderful! But now I’m super interested in trying yours!

  • I’m definitely going to try this product! I have naturally frizzy wavy hair. I’ve tried to curl it with my chi straightener, but it never seems to work out. I’d love to see how you style your hair. Thanks Elsie!

  • A vid would be great! If you could do one for several lengths of hair it would be even greater! Cheers!

  • I absolutely love the It’s A 10 Miracle Silk Leave In Spray, available from Target as well! It does wonders for my hair, keeping ends smooth and healthy. And it smells amazing!

    ExploresMore.com

  • Thank you for sharing this! I am a naturally frizzy hair girl (thanks mum!) so I love this tip! Thanks! xx

  • Yes to a flat iron curls video 🙂 I’ve seen so many videos with not a lot of instruction and many fails!

  • A flat iron curl tutorial would be INCREDIBLE. I haven’t figured out how to do it and I have thick, coarse hair that sure doesn’t look like most of the YouTube how-tos.

  • A flat iron curls video would be awesome! I’ve always wondered how to do that 🙂

  • I’ve been wanting to try that brand of product; I have their body butter, which I used through my last pregnancy and liked (the lack of smell was sad, but it worked really well!) and I’ve been thinking about getting into their hair products! I’m glad you like that one!
    xo
    Kristina
    http://www.eccentricowl.com

  • I just started using Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie a few months ago and I just love it.

  • Flat iron curls tutorial please! Possibly a video tutorial? I have struggled to make flat iron curls for YEARS and would love a good how to! Thanks ladies!

  • Really great brand with amazing products. Everyone at my job uses this brand including me! You can`t buy it in Europe so I will stock up before I visit my family in Hungary this summer as these products will be awesome gifts!

  • For the past 12 or so years I use a product called “Frizzbusters” by Fantasia. It’s sold at Sally’s, Walgreen’s, CVS that I’ve seen. Best product ever for curly, naturally frizzy hair!

  • Yes a video!!! Everyone I google for a video about that, they say, “and then just curl it”, “you just have to try until you figure it out”… That type of thing.

  • ahhh, me too, Elsie! I also use some argan oil on my ends because they’re as dead as it gets. but other than that- nothing. I use the same brand shampoo & conditioner & I love it!

  • Paul mitchelle awapuhi styling treatment oil is amazing. Its the same idea as a moroccan hair oil but soo much better. I use it wet to moisturize my hair and also dry to smooth frizz and i fine it even defines my curl because it smooths the frizz around it. So good. Exy but worth every penny 🙂

  • Yes! A tutorial would be super helpful!

    I use a product called Dump Blonde Smoothing Stuff for frizz! It’s available here in Australia, but I’m not sure if it is available in the US… It’s my only daily product, it’s amazing for frizz! It’s a creamy texture but its light and doesn’t weigh my hair down.

  • omg I love Shea Moisture products!! Especially the African Black soap. It literally makes your body feel as smooth as a babies bottom hahaha I’m not kidding!!
    I wish I had thick curly hair so I could try this, but I have the exact opposite. I do wonder though if it would still work good for my kind of hair. Maybe to help curl it a little bit! That’s would I would, curly hair without the iron!
    I would love to see a tutorial of how you do your hair, you really have beautiful hair 🙂

    Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great day 🙂

    XOXO
    Keely // Life, Love, and Exploration

  • YES! I tried the flat iron curls like 3 times and gave up so I would love to see. And because I have super thick frizzy hair..so I always need to do a flat iron or quick curling iron. Also I am totally buying this stuff, thanks for the recommendation!

    http://www.morningappleblog.com

  • YES PLEASE! I would love to see a Flat Iron Curls tutorial. I have looked at many on various blogs, but still don’t completely understand. ABM has a way of making things seem very approachable and do-able.

  • Do you have naturally curly hair? Or just a little frizz. Your hair always looks great, but Im guessing not nearly as curly as mine because I don’t think I could ever pull off bangs like yours.

  • Don’t change a thing I love how your hair looks.

    I also have frizzy hair, but I have those tight spiral curls I might have to try this out to see if it would work for me, I use their lotion for my daughter (their products smell so good).

  • Ohhhhh must try this. I hate having too many products in my hair, it’s just no good. Your hair is always on point too, so I am going to get this onto my head ASAP.

    You’re so cute too. It’s crazy. xx

  • Definitely gonna have to try this product out! I love using a volumizing powder in my hair! Before drying I’ll spray some argan oil on the ends for shine and to protect against heat! Then I straighten my hair. Then I lift up my hair and sprinkle some volumizing powder on my roots and rub it in. Big Sexy Hair makes a good volumizing powder but there are great other brands at drugstores too. It’s been the best product for my hair for volume. My hair still feels like my nice clean hair and not like there is a lot of product in it. (Although I do like to go in aftwards and tease underneath a bit because WHO DOESN’T LOVE BIG HAIR?!) 😉

  • I really love your hairstyle! My hair is a little bit like it but I would like to have a volume like you!

    Have a nice day! 🙂

    mtrjschk.blogspot.de

  • Do the video! And….. where did you get that bracelet? I love it and think I need to have it in my life. 🙂

  • I’ve never seen this product before, but your hair looks so good, so maybe I should try it! My favorite product for my crazy frizzy hair is Lush’s R&B– the moisture lock-in is crazy and my hair is always sooooo soft after!

  • Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been trying to find some products to help with frizz since moving to a VERY humid climate! BTW – could you be more gorgeous! Babe. 🙂 You guys are the best!

  • If I were you, I’d just keep your same routine. Your hair looks fantastic and most people spend hours-upon-hours trying to get their hair to look like yours. Stick to your one-product routine; hair time should be as simple as possible. haha.

    Kristin // The Peculiar Treasure
    athisfeetdaily.blogspot.com

  • oooh I love using sprays on my hair, they are super easy to use and so satisfying too (for some unapparent reason)! But this one just looks gorgeous and sounds like it smells like perfection, I really really want to try it, thanks for sharing!
    x Motte
    http://mottesblog.blogspot.com/

  • A video would be great Elsie! I love the SheaMoisture and have been using the Hold & Shine for about 6 months now and absolutely love it!! I have naturally curly (read as: FRIZZY) hair, and this product seems to do wonders!

  • I’m usually really good with hair, but for some reason flat-iron curls elude me. Video after video makes it look simple, but when I try it with my own hair it ends up coming free on both sides of the iron and pulling a lot. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.

  • As I was reading this post I was literally just thinking I wish I knew how to curl my hair with a flat iron, maybe I should try and find a video. So yes definitely absolutely, a video would be wonderful 🙂

  • Bumble and Bumble straight is amazing on both curly hair days and straight hair days. Fights Frizz like no other : )

  • I’ve come to find that the less the do with my hair the more it comes out the way I want. Which is funny considering I did EVERYTHING to over the years.

    everythingtlt.com

  • I wash once a week with my thick fluffy/wavy/frizzy hair and my hairdresser agrees

  • Tutorial, please! I have similar hair texture and have never been able to figure out how to flat iron curl.

  • Elsie, have you tried Lilla Rose hair jewelry items? I know you like to keep your hair down, so the adjustable hair bands and bobby pins will work amazing for you! (Hint – April 22nd the hair bands will be even better ;))

    The flexible hair clips are perfect for when you want your hair up or a nice change. They work in every hair type (frizzy, thick, thin, fine, etc.) for every style (bun, ponytail, French twist…)
    There’s even a money back guarantee & warranty!

  • do a video! I’ve only seen it on thin haired girls and it just doesnt seem like something that will save time for me; the long and thick haired type! also what flat iron do you use? maybe mine just isn’t hot enough?

  • Thanks Elsie…your hair always looks so healthy and beautiful. I’ve got thick very long hair and will order this product online, cannot get it here in Jamaica. A flat iron tutorial would be fabulous.

  • Flat iron curls are hit or miss for me, so maybe there is something I can learn if you did a video. I more often just twist my hair into 4 sections when it’s wet and let it dry that way. I need to try this product as I have a hard time getting through a second day with the curls.

  • Yes! Please do a tutorial! And show us how you get those awesome bangs? Flat iron too? I have very similar hair texture but it never looks as remotely glamorous as yours. I had bangs but they were always frizzing up or laying weird when I straightened them.

  • Thanks for the great post! I can’t wait to try this product. I love the bracelet you’re wearing and am wondering where it’s from? Thanks!!

  • Flat iron curl tutorial please. I cannot seem to master this. I love Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves. I have insanely curly hair and it’s the only thing that will keep my curls from looking like a giant frizzy shrub

  • I’m not sure if you have Ulta in Canada but Ulta carries this as well 🙂

  • Yes, it’s several dollars cheaper at Target! Compare $13.50 (w/ Prime shipping) on Amazon to $8.99 (reg. $9.99) at Target.

    P.S. Trader Joe’s beauty products are also marked up on Amazon.

  • Elsie, I ALWAYS notice your hair in pictures and think it’s absolutely gorgeous. Always so shiny and looking put-together, even if it’s just a top-knot! Sooo…this is exciting to see, and makes me even more happy that it’s a natural product!

  • I’m in love with Verb hair products! You should be able to order them online, they can be a tad pricy, but so so worth it. They’re based here in Austin, and they’re super natural and cruelty free! I love the volume spray and the sea spray — both are light enough while still giving my hair the perfect amount of style. The volume spray also protects against heat so it’s nice to your hair. On rare occasions I use the styling cream if I need extra hold without crunch! Definitely worth checking out!

  • Hi! I also have very thick long hair and tend to be frugal to a fault, but when I received a sample of this product I immediately ordered the full size and it’s been an every other day staple since! Smells amazing, very refreshing. It’s called Beauty Protector protect and detangle spray. I also have dyed my hair maybe too many times, and this is the first protect I can feel making my hair get healthier.

    https://www.birchbox.com/shop/beauty-protector-protect-and-detangle-spray
    Must be bought at birch box tho!

    ❤️

  • I found this at my local Bed, Bath and Beyond in their beauty section – it was $9.99 and I used a 20% off coupon! LOVE this product already!!! Thanks for sharing it. And PLEASE post a flat iron video tutorial 🙂

  • I have frizzy wavy/curly hair and live in very humid Louisiana so I’m always trying something to contain this hot mess. I’ve been using Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner. The leave in conditioner definitely makes a difference.
    Also, I love Bumble and Bumble curl conscious calming creme. The defining creme works well too. It’s expensive but it works! I love Not Your Mothers sea salt spray. It smells like coconut. It kinda spruces up your hair.
    I’ve tried Shea Moisture’s mousse but it turns to liquid fast. It’s weird.
    Let us know what you try! I’d love to hear what works for you.

  • Thanks for this. I have naturally curly hair, and I hate taking much time to do it. I will definitely check out this spray as well as some of their other products since several people in the comments seem to like them!

  • TECHNICALLY I know how to do flat-iron curls, but the more video tutorials I watch, the better I get at it. So yes please! Especially since your hair texture is more like mine. A lot of the videos I see are girls with thinner hair, which responds to heat like magic!

  • I have thick curly/wavy hair I have never dyed it I wonder if this product would work on my hair as I also style my hair the same way always and I am looking for a product that I can use daily without having to wash my hair every single day as I’ve been told I can damage my thick locks by doing so. I just found this product at Target for $8.99 not a bad price.

  • Yes a flat iron curl video please! I wonder if the kind of flat iron you use makes a difference, because whenever I try doing it, I end up with the weirdest looking curls….

  • I have frizzy curly hair and I just started using Verb products and LOVE them! They have a great sea salt spray, curl cream and this amazing ghost oil which tames my hair if I leave it curly or straighten it without weighting it down.

  • I love using Kerastase Ciment Thermique mixed with Kerastase Elixir Ultime. Been using them together for years!

    Inma x
    sunshineandglow.blogspot.co.uk

  • I love your hair! I’very never tried any of these products before and I have been searching for something to tame my wild mane. My hair is super frizzy and curly, so
    I can’t wait to try this stuff!

    Thanks elsie!

  • A flat iron curl video would be fantastic!! I’ve tried to do it before but I just looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge backwards!!

  • I would love to try something like this and get away from hairspray myself. It’s just too much hell on my (also naturally frizzy) hair. Maybe stopping by target to pick up a bottle of this stuff the next time I’m out and about.

  • My question, is it good for dyed hair? I have crazy purple hair, and all of my styling products tend to take the purple out faster.

    Also, where is your dress from Elsie? I’ve been looking for a basic cotton-y black dress for some time!

  • I know how to do flat iron curls, but I would love to see your technique. I do like a lot of the Shea Moisture line, but have never tried this one .. My fave is the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I will try it soon. One go to style of mine is the Bantu Knots ( twisting sections of hair into small buns) at night, then releasing in morning. It gives you great heat free curls. I’m sure your spray would work great on those! Can’t wait to see your video.

  • I’m going to have to try this one! My hair product collecting is pretty weak. Ps: You’ve got a killer figure! Never see you wearing curve hugging clothes but damn!

  • Shea Moisture makes some really great products. And yes, a flat iron curls tutorial would be great.

  • Check out Ulta. I got all our Shea Moisture products buy two get one free. Their soaps are amazing, too.

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