Reference photo only. Tom does not photograph clients.
What products do you use or recommend?
There are a lot of questions pertaining to products and even more opinions on the matter. The official stance here is to educate clients on various options which will be supportive of their natural texture and then encourage them to discover for themselves which is the best fit for their day to day needs. Regarding the topic of ingredients, Tom favours Cosmetic Chemists with PhD's and decades of experience over bandwagon internet movements and their communities. As well, Tom does not insist clients use any one particular brand nor is he supported by or affiliated with any manufacturer. It is imperative to state that with a supportive, well-designed haircut the selection and usage of hair cosmetics is an infinitely easier process and typically provides far greater results.
Tom uses a few different things depending on the client and their individual needs. They are currently sourced from Aveda and EverEscents (see below). There are many many brands out there which are also proven to work well and are equally supportive of curls, including some found in your local supermarket or health food shop. The Curl Store is a great resource and provides Australian access to many brands from overseas. As stated elsewhere on this site, Tom does not sell products in his studio.
Below is the complete, currently used, in-studio product list.
Cleanser
Support
Tom uses a few different things depending on the client and their individual needs. They are currently sourced from Aveda and EverEscents (see below). There are many many brands out there which are also proven to work well and are equally supportive of curls, including some found in your local supermarket or health food shop. The Curl Store is a great resource and provides Australian access to many brands from overseas. As stated elsewhere on this site, Tom does not sell products in his studio.
Below is the complete, currently used, in-studio product list.
Cleanser
- Aveda, Shampure Nurturing Cleanser
A great staple for my studio due to the variety of clients I see. Don't take my usage of this shampoo as a recommendation. It simply is one that I like to use here. It features a valid, gentle and safe coconut-derived sulphate cleanser which is absolutely okay to use on any hair type. As with all hair cleansers, use only as often as your scalp and hair needs allow. Typically this is 1 to 2 times per week or less. Often, a few times per month is ideal for many people with curly hair. - Aveda, Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
This is a speciality in-studio cleanser I use exclusively for helping to resolve scalp concerns such as dermatitis and various other concerns when someone has a booking here. While it is certainly effective, most clients would not need this at home, especially if they are cleansing their scalp effectively (vigorously) at least twice per month with a high-quality shampoo of any kind. To note, consistent daily usage is not recommended and can be quite drying for certain hair types.
- EverEscents, Fragrance-Free Conditioner/Treatment (Silicone-free)
Currently the best silicone-free moisturiser available that works equally well on all hair types from fine to Afro. The fragrance-free conditioner/treatment are the only 2 EverEscents products used here or recommended. The EverEscents conditioners which feature fragrance have consistently shown to consistently cause temporary skin irritation. Directions for frizzy curly and wavy hair: Use the Treatment after your shower on towel-dried hair to manage frizz and better define curls and waves. Do not rinse it out. Again, apply to towel-dried, damp hair AFTER your shower, mid-lengths to ends. When doing so, you are meant to be moisturising your hair exactly the same way you normally use and apply a facial/body moisturiser. The thinking and EFFECTIVENESS here is exactly the same as skincare!
Support
- Aveda, Be Curly Curl Creme
The gold standard curl creme for those with fine to medium hair who need more support. Light hold and fantastic Aveda scent. Mixes exceptionally well with either the Aveda Phomollient or Confixor for greater hold and support. - Aveda, Confixor Liquid Gel
A great liquid gel which wonderfully blends in-hand with the Aveda Curl Creme or for those with thicker and frizzier hair, added on top of a moisturiser to offer additional style support. Old school Aveda product with divine scent. Can also be mixed in-hand with the EverEscents conditioner listed above. - Aveda, Phomollient Styling Foam
Classic Aveda styling foam which also blends well with their Curl Creme. Also used individually on fine to medium hair types for style control without weight. Great Aveda scent, of course. - Aveda, Thickening Tonic
Hands down the only highly functional product on the market which can truly offer thickening effects on fine and or thin hair. Only designed to work with a highly effective cut that supports fine hair. Washes out easily and doesn't weight down hair, cause greasiness or anything else which would be problematic for fine hair. Truly a product for fine hair which is one of a kind. - Aveda, Texture Tonic
The newest addition to the small collection of products I use. It's more of a subtle utility product. I find it helps smooth frizz a bit after diffusing. It is somewhat similar to sea-salt spray, but without any of the common annoyances. Like the Thickening Tonic above, the Texture Tonic is really only ideal for fine to medium hair types.