The Expert Edit [1] features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For this installment, hairstylist Lacy Redway shares her top beauty picks.
Some people have to learn a craft and others are just born with a certain talent. Hairstylist Lacy Redway [2] falls into the latter camp. "I'm the girl from school that used to do everybody's hair," she tells PS. "I grew up in the 90s when braids and braid designs [3] were really popular. I was the go-to person for people to get those styles."
Born in Jamaica, Redway credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her experiences growing up as an immigrant in the United States. "I came from a family where I didn't have the latest and greatest of everything so I had to find a way to provide for myself," she says. After initially going to college to become a publicist, Redway continued to do hair to help pay her tuition. Still, she was drawn to the world of editorial. "I also worked in a hair salon in college and someone there introduced me to hair photography — mainly for the models that you see on hair supplies in the beauty supply store. This opened my eyes to the world of possibility that comes with doing hair — I didn't know that there was so much to do in the space outside of a salon."
This experience led to Redway dropping out of college, enrolling in beauty school, and designing her own photoshoots. That was 13 years ago, and she's picked up a handful of celebrity clients like Jill Scott, Tessa Thompson, and Taylor Russell, ever since. She also continues to collaborate with some of the biggest hair brands in the beauty industry, like Shea Moisture and Tresemmé.
With decades of experience under her belt, Redway has numerous products that she refuses to live without and a few tricks up her sleeves. Ahead, she shares the products that get her the most flawless looks, every time.
The Best Hairspray, According to Lacy Redway
Nexxus Flexible Hold Hairspray [4] ($15)
"I always have this hairspray with me," Redway says. "It's super manageable, which is key for when I'm working on multiple people. If I have to go back and forth, there's no crunchiness when I have to brush through a style that's been set with this spray. It's also super accessible so when I inevitably run through bottles of them I can easily restock my kit."
Best Heat Protectant, According to Lacy Redway
Tresemme Heat Protecting Hairspray [5] ($8)
"Heat protectant is a nonnegotiable for me," Redway says. "My favorite is from Tresemmé and it comes out in this super fine mist that doesn't weigh the hair down but adds this gorgeous luster. It also protects up to 450 degrees which is perfect for busy days on set when I need to use multiple hot tools to create a style."
The Best Hair Brush, According to Lacy Redway
Mason Pearson Hair Brush [6] ($140)
"I love my Maison Pearson [brush]," Redway says. "It's very expensive so it always stresses me out if it gets packed the wrong way and the bristles get messed up but I will repurchase it every single time. It's really great for smoothing fly-aways and brushing out curls to keep the volume in tact."
The Best Brush for Flyaways, According to Lacy Redway
Real Techniques Blush Brush [7] ($8)
One of Redway's favorite tricks involves a makeup brush — yes you read that correctly. "Typically we can't go with our clients on red carpets, so right before they go through the door I'll put some hair spray on this Real Techniques brush," she says. "Then I'll just brush it over any lingering flyaways."
The Best Hand Cream, According to Lacy Redway
Dove Body Love Moisturizing Hand Cream [8] ($6)
"I use a lot of alcohol-based products and am constantly washing my hands as a hairstylist," Redway says. "This makes hand cream really important to me. Dove makes a lot of good body care but the Body Love Hand Cream has been my absolute favorite product."
The Best Shoes, According to Lacy Redway
Crocs Mega Crush Clog [9] ($80)
Redway loves quality clothing that withstands her hectic schedule with ease (Issey Miyake makes some of her favorite shirts), but there is one brand of shoes that he swears by. "Comfort-wise, I love Crocs," she says. "Platform crocs are my go-to and I love that I get to customize them with charms. They're so cute. Crocs is really that girl."
Ariel Baker [10] is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.