Hair stylist Hannah Cookson’s top three products for lived-in texture

“Every single person needs the slightest bit of shape…”

I’m a notoriously nosy person when it comes to beauty products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, how often you wash your hair and exactly what you’re using. I want to know if there’s some special facial tool or pair of tweezers that have (hyperbole warranted) changed your life. I want to know what curl definer you use and which lip balm you swear by.

Want to snoop inside the beauty regimes of other creatives? Head here.

In short, I adore products. This is why I’ve asked some of our favourite Australian beauty experts to share the ‘top three’ products they can’t live without. The scope is broad – it can genuinely be anything, as long as they’re the three they value the most.

Joining us this week is hair artist Hannah Cookson from Sydney. Based out of A Studio in Darlinghurst, a quick scroll of Hannah’s Instagram will probably convince you to either a) go blonde, or b) cut a shag – she’s the queen of lived-in texture. “I feel like we’re all learning to add shape to our hair, even just a little bit, and I’m loving it!” she says. “Almost every single person needs the slightest bit of shape, a little goes a long way.” Working in salons since she was 15, Hannah has tried her fair share of texturising styling products. Below, she shares three she couldn’t live without.

Product one: Evo The Shag Beach Paste

How did you first discover this product?

I first discovered The Shag when my boss Gareth [owner of A Studio] decided to bring Evo into our salon last year. We are both obsessed with this product.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

The Shag is a white paste that comes in a tub and you really work it into your hands first to warm it up. Then all the magic happens… wherever you touch the hair, it just suddenly gives the right amount of texture, hold and life!

You know how everyone loves their natural hair after a swim at the beach? The Shag gives you that same vibe. I personally love using it on my fringe and all my shaggy bits around my face, and I also love using it on short, fine hair.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

Anyone with curls wanting some beachy texture, finer hair to add volume or anyone with lots of layers! You can buy it here.

Product two: Natalie Anne Prep & Play All-In-One Cream

How did you first discover this product?

I first discovered Prep & Play through education sessions with Natalie Anne, the queen herself! My boss had also spoken about her products for a while and got them into the salon – we’ve been in love ever since.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

Prep & Play is a cream that’s honestly such a hybrid product. I’ve never used a product that performs exactly as you need it to on so many different hair types. When used in wet hair, it creates a bit of grip and gives beautiful volume which is perfect for finer hair.

When used on dry hair, it’s great to prep before styling for long-lasting event hair. My favourite way to use this product is to work a tiny bit through my blowdries on frizzier hair textures, as it smooths everything over so perfectly and keeps the style lasting longer.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

You can buy it online and I’d recommend this product to literally everyone. There’s not one hair texture, length or thickness that this product has failed me by and I know all of my clients who have purchased it would say the same thing.

Product three: Dungüd Salt of the Earth

How did you first discover this product?

I discovered Salt of the Earth through Gareth again, when he wanted to bring a new vibe to the salon! And I’m glad he did.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

It’s a sea salt spray but not like your usual one. This is an oil-based sea salt spray, which is why I love it! In the past I’ve always found salt sprays to be very dry, they can make certain hair textures look quite frizzy. When we started using Salt of the Earth I found myself reaching for it all the time. It adds subtle definition, texture and hydration all at the same time.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

Anyone who has any sort of natural kink, wave or curl, or anyone whose natural texture may be on the dryer side. Buy it here.

Keep up with Hannah here.