Stylists and staffers pick the best products ever

Some of us have daily hair emergencies, while others have hair that just needs a boost from time to time. If you've ever cast about for a miracle hair product, look no further. Here, stylists from around the country name their picks for the best hair products, and BBW staffers share favorite weapons in their hair arsenals.

Gretta Bradbury of Forte Salon in Phoenix, Ariz.: Catwalk Root Boost from Tigi Haircare, a precision aerosol application that adds life for dramatic dimension and adds texture for volume and style support."Root Boost is a volumizing spray mousse that is clean and non-sticky. My clients say it is the only product they use, which saves them time and money."

Peter Alvarez of the Peter Alvarez Salon in Lenox, Mass.: Phytosesame from Phytologie, a post-shampooing conditioning treatment, untangles hair, restores the hydrolipidic film and hydrates the capillary fiber. "Phytosesame is fantastic! It is an all-natural product with sesame, and is great for all hair types. Basically, it works just like a moisturizer does for your skin, but it is formulated for your hair. Phytosesame detangles the hair, makes it shiny and works wonders for color-treated hair."

Beverly Ann Lang, of Hairport Salon in Los Angeles: Redken Color Gels and Shades EQ, permanent conditioning hair color for perfect long-lasting results."For 26 years, I've been using Redken products on my clients. Both Color Gels and Shades EQ provide a high gloss, heavy conditioning formula for hair, with only 5% volume peroxide - so it's better for your hair. Clients are naturally pleased when the color treatments not only enhance their own natural color, but look nicer and last longer because of Redken's richer and brighter formula."

Kevyn Gibson of Butch & Hairy's Salon in Sacramento, Calif.: Joico K-Pak Reconstruct, containing blends of protein-building amino acids, rebuilds and improves the structure of dry and damaged hair. "Joico's K-Pak is the best reconstructor. If K-Pak can't fix it, you need to shave your head and start over."

Paula Poindexter, an Atlanta-based stylist whose clients include Jaque Reid of CNN's Headline News: KeraCare Dry Itchy Scalp Glossifier. "KeraCare products are ideal for hair maintenance and upkeep, which is important for my clients, most of whom are busy professionals and can't make it to the salon as often as they'd like. It's perfect for adding shine and soothing the scalp and since it's not heavy, it can be used everyday without the client having to worry about build-up between appointments."

From the Staff:

Michele Durant, Creative Director: Sebastian Treatment Potion No. 7, a fusion of seven restructuring elements that relieve stressed-out, styling, coloring or perming damage. "I use this once a week, 20 minutes before shampooing. I have unbelievably dry and dull hair, so I need all the help modern technology can give me."

Sally E. Smith, Editor-in-Chief: Rusk Shining, a sheen and movement myst that adds brilliance and builds an invisible shield to protect hair from abrasion, the sun and wind. "When the good hair genes were handed out, I must have been near the front of the line. But a little more shine never hurts!"

Betty Johnson, Fashion Editor: Sebastian Collection Molding Mud. "It's great stuff for short cuts! It lets you mold your hair into different styles - especially the more punky looks."

Dawn McDowell, Copy Editor: Biolage Thermal-Active Setting Spray, a pre-heat styling treatment that delivers the strength of a wet set on dry hair, contains a sunscreen that protects against UV damage. "I'm not big on gels, but this Biolage product seems protects my fine hair against the daily abuse of my curling iron. It doesn't leave my hair stiff, but it does give it lift and seems to hold the curl. Without it, I'm doomed!"