Reference photo only. Tom does not photograph clients.
What products do you use or recommend?
Last updated: 10 June 2020
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 PhDs 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, Pure Elements 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, but may have the Pure Elements on hand. Clients will need to inquire directly.
Below is the complete, currently used, in-studio product list.
Cleanser
Moisturiser
Support
Tom uses a few different things depending on the client and their individual needs. They are currently sourced from Aveda, Pure Elements 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, but may have the Pure Elements on hand. Clients will need to inquire directly.
Below is the complete, currently used, in-studio product list.
Cleanser
- Pure Elements, Barbary Fig Revitalising Shampoo (Sulphate-free)
This is the best sulphate-free shampoo currently available in that it cleans the hair and scalp effectively yet gently with an impressive, soft after-feel. As a bonus, it has an incredible essential oil fragrance that does not irritate the skin. Seriously good. - Pure Elements, Tea Tree and Spearmint Clarifying Shampoo (Sulphate-free)
This is more of an in-studio utility cleanser for resolving scalp concerns such as dermatitis and other build-up. Whilst very effective, most clients would not need it at home if they are cleansing their scalp effectively (vigorously) at least twice per month with a high-quality shampoo of any kind.
Moisturiser
- 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 ones used and recommended as the scented offerings have issues with their essential oils causing skin reactions. 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 out. Again, use on towel-dried, damp hair AFTER your shower the EXACT same way you normally use and apply a facial 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. - 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 legendary - Pure Elements, Coconut Curl Texturizer
The newest addition to the family. A really wonderful spray gel that I use to promote curl definition. Has minimal hold for a soft, flexible and highly effective result. Have been mixing it with a bit of the styling foam mentioned above for added support. A new favourite overall. - Qaba, Pure Silver Drops
Incredibly grey hair support tool! Add a few (or more) drops in hand to either your moisturiser or foam of choice to control 'yellowing' and brassiness found in natural grey hair. Offers a terrific silvering and brightening effect which washes out. Can also be added to water in a small spray bottle and used post-shower on towel-dried hair if you're not the product sort of individual. An essential grey hair support product for your toolkit.