How I Style My Hair: Cut, Color & Products I Swear By

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some products might be gifted from brands.

Gurls, when I started blogging, I never thought my hair would be one of the most requested topics. I mean, I’m not a hairstylist, and if you see me from the back, chances are it’s a mess. 😂 I rarely check a mirror for the back view—if I can’t see it, I don’t stress over it.

But since so many of you have asked for details on my cut, color, and styling routine, I figured it was time to spill all my secrets!

Tania Stephens is wearing a Frank & Eileen shirt

What Is My Haircut Called?

When I went to my hair appointment with my wonderful stylist (who also happens to be my DIL), I asked her what my cut is called. She told me it’s a blunt cut with layers.

That sounds way too simple, but I’m sure a beautician will understand.

My Hair Type: Thick & coarse. My stylist uses thinning shears at every visit to keep the weight down. I used to be worried about my hair getting too thin, but she reassures me it’s still super thick.

Back View of My Hair (For Your Stylist!)

Tania Stephens showing the back of her hair

So many of you have asked for a back view of my hair to show your stylist. Since this one didn’t look like a rat’s nest (lol!), I thought I’d share.

Save this post or screenshot the back view to take to your next hair appointment!

My Hair Color Formula

Tania Stephens is wearing a camel blazer with a Frank and Eileen shirt

My DIL has slightly tweaked my color over time, but this is what she uses most often:

  • Roots & Lowlights (Foiled In) – Redken Cover Fusion 6na + dab of 7nn + equal parts 20 volume
  • Highlights (Foiled In) – Pravana Pure Light power lightener + equal parts 20 volume
  • Toner – Redken Shades EQ 10p + equal parts developer

If I ever think my color is getting too dark or too light, she adjusts the formula. But this is the go-to mix she uses on me!

The Hair Products I Use Every Wash

Hair products I use

I don’t wash my hair often—usually once a week (sometimes more in the summer). Here’s what I use to keep my color fresh & my hair looking full:

How I Style My Hair (Step-by-Step)

Adding Lanza Root Effects

I part my hair wherever I need extra volume due to the weight of my hair. I spray the Lanza Root Effects at the root, and when I finish putting the product everywhere I need, I massage it into my scalp.

Adding WOW purple foam for blonde hair

Then I use the WOW Color Control – Purple Toning & Styling Foam. It foams up a lot and turns a beautiful light purple color. I apply the foam around my face and on the top and sides.

Spraying Kenra Heat Protectant

Lastly, I use the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray. I use a light mist all over my hair and massage it into the hair. It smells great, so I would use it even if it didn’t protect my hair. Lol!

My Favorite Hair Tools (Yes, They’re Dyson!

Using Dyson Hair Dryer

Joe threatened me that I better not order a Dyson hair dryer because it was so expensive. Guess what? I got my first one as a gift. 😆

Ssh… don’t tell him I upgraded last year to the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer! Hahaha! I’m filing that under “what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer

The Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer dries my hair faster with less damage than any other dryer I’ve used. And I swear it makes my hair look shinier, which is a feat since our hair will dull as we age.

Dyson Cordless Straightener

Yep, that is a Dyson cordless hair straightener. I’ve had this for about three years, if not longer. Yes, Dyson tools are expensive, but they last forever and really do help keep my hair healthier!

The Hairspray I Swear By (According to My Daughter)

Using Big Sexy Spary and Hold Hair Spray

I’ve used Big Sexy Spray and Play Hairspray forever. My DIL usually gifts me my favorite products for Christmas, and this year, she asked, “Are you still using Big Sexy?” Before I could answer, my daughter jumped in and said:
“You’d have to pry it out of her cold, dead hands!” 😂😂

So yeah, I guess you could say I’m loyal to my hairspray!

The Root Cover-Up I Keep for Emergencies

WOW power hair color for blondes

I keep the WOW Root Cover Up for blondes on hand for emergencies. My last haircut and color appointment had to be rescheduled, and I waited three weeks longer than usual. I’m lucky that my roots don’t show too badly, and I don’t have a lot of gray in the area of my part. I use this in the part area and around my face where my roots show the most. It covers great, and I don’t have to worry about looking like I have a skunk striped. 🦨

Final Thoughts: My Haircut, Color & Styling Routine

There you have it, Gurls! My go-to haircut, color formula, and styling products. If you’re looking for a new haircut, take a screenshot of the front and back views and take it to your hairdresser!

Have you tried any of these products? Tell me your favorite hair finds in the comments!

Each time you SHARE my posts on PINTERESTINSTAGRAMYOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog but also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.

Are You One Of The GURLS?

You will get a daily email reminder from me, letting you know when a new blog post has gone live. Additionally, a “special” email may occasionally hit your inbox, so be sure to watch for those!

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

50 Is Not Old Seal Logo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

429 Comments

  1. Cynthia Hewitt says:

    Found it! Loved seeing all the styling tools!! Hair looks great all the time!

  2. Found it. My hair was the same texture and super thick. Recently I started losing my hair and the texture is very wavy, slightly curly. So hard to adjust to something so different!

  3. Your hair always looks great Tania. Thanks for sharing your routine!

  4. Thanks for sharing your hair routine! I love it.

  5. Found it!

    Thanks for sharing your styling methods. I may try the root spray, as I have thin hair that goes flat pretty quickly.

  6. Julie Lozano says:

    Found it! Took a few tries. 😁

  7. found it! i have been using Dyson. blow dryer for a few years…luv it!

  8. FOUND IT. wow, thanks for the hair info, Tania. You are far more patient than am I.

  9. Mary Carol says:

    FOUND IT!!
    Those are some pricey hair tools. I must be living under a rock because I didn’t realize they could be so expensive.

  10. Love your hair and this post! A little trickier this time; but, FOUND IT!😊

  11. Mary Occhipinti says:

    Found it! A little late.

  12. Susan Recker says:

    I wanted to compliment you on your Chico post today. You looked absolutely stunning. I loved the top and your make-up just popped! You are one beautiful lady.

    1. Wow! Thanks for the comment and compliment!

  13. Maribeth Conklin says:

    I found it! Thanks for sharing your hair story! I also have very thick heavy hair!

  14. Found it! That was hard!

  15. Antonietta says:

    Found it! You always look beautiful! Thank you for the great information

  16. Found it. I have natural wavy hair which is thick and coarse. A previous hairstylist said it was like a horse’s tail. Not sure if that was good or bad. Love the white top and the brown one in your pictures. Thanks for all the tips.

    1. I’ve heard that too. Lol!

  17. Found it!
    (I’m growing my hair out so I can style it like yours! )

  18. Sue Larson says:

    Found it. First time I have found it!

  19. FOUND IT!
    Thanks for all the hair product tips too!

  20. Tami Hines says:

    Found it this time! Yipee

  21. Tami Hines says:

    Found it this time!

  22. Susan Lindsay says:

    Found it
    You have beautiful hair!

  23. Lori Saunders says:

    Found it! It was harder than yesterday.

  24. Linda White says:

    I found it!

    Thank you for the hair tutorial.

  25. Found it. I also use the same hair spray, as it works well for me! Great products…

  26. Found it

    LOVE your hair color and style!!!

    1. supposed to say. found it.

  27. Shirley Kongs says:

    FOUND IT
    FINALLY ! Been looking like crazy. Today seemed easier.
    Loved that you shared your hair secrets because it always looks so cute.
    Thannks so much❤️

  28. Found it! Can’t imagine spending $500 for a hair dryer! But proud for those who can!

  29. Gretchen Hawkins says:

    I love Kenra platinum blow dry spray. Sometimes I wait until I’m all done drying my hair then I lightly mist on the ends, use the hair dryer and round brush one last go for a shiny finish. Thanks for sharing your routine with us, you’re always so real and honest.

  30. Found it. Your hair always looks great! Thanks for sharing

  31. Found it! Thanks for sharing the secrets to your beautiful hair:)

  32. Found it!

    Love the hair products! Thanks for the info.

  33. Debra Mundy says:

    Found it! I love your hair and wish I had your thickness. Mine is fine and thin and takes enormous amount of product to get it to hold curl and body. I guess everyone wants what they do not have!

  34. Barbara Forney says:

    Found it!!!
    You are getting better at concealing it.

  35. Found it!!
    so funny

  36. found it!😀
    I love your hair and style. Keep up the great work!

  37. Found it. I used to buy Hair Biology at Target, in California they no longer sell it, so I go to Amazon.

  38. Wendy Hoff says:

    Found it! I will have to try some of your products! Thanks so much for the hair style tips.

  39. Gayle Davis says:

    Found it! Your hair was what first attracted me to your blog, back when you had it different colors! I’ve enjoyed watching the evolution to where you are now.

    1. That was waaay back when someone called me a Calico cat. Lol!

  40. Sharon K. says:

    Found it!
    I get so caught up in reading the post that I forget to look and then I have to go back through a second time just for the emoji hunt! LOL! Not a bad thing

  41. Found it! Love your hair cut and color! I wish I had thick hair!

    The smiley game is fun 😀

  42. FOUND IT. I, too, love Big Sexy Spray and Play!

  43. Found it! How convenient to have a DIL who does such a wonderful job with your hair!

  44. On vacation my daughter asked which hair spray of mine she should use. I said if you want your hair to stay put use the one in the big red can. It gets a great rating from EWG so that’s a plus.

  45. Found it! Your hair is so pretty! I love the WoW products!

  46. Found it! I am intrigued by the purple root toner product, but it looks like it is designed for Blonde/gray hair. I may have to reach out to my stylist to see if there is a similar product for brown/gray hair

    1. There is. The first time I tried the product, it was my daughters. I told her that I didn’t see a difference and she laughed and told me that it was because hers was for brunettes.

  47. Found it – and from your recommendation I’m using two of the products you use and love them.

  48. Marybeth G says:

    Found it! Thanks for all the great tips on shopping, beauty and life!!!!

  49. Found it!

    I also use the Sexy hairsprays which are great!

  50. Gina Fiorini says:

    Woo! I finally found it! : )
    Always enjoy your posts!

  51. Found it! I love your hair and have contemplated adopting your style for quite some time now. I’d have to ask my stylist if it would work for my fine hair though.

  52. Thank you for the product tips. I am ordering the shampoo/conditioner today! Found it! 😁

  53. Marsha Morris Ingebretson says:

    Found it!

  54. found it. clever game !

  55. Stella Gustafson says:

    Found it. How long does it take you to fix your hair

    1. Not too long. The drying part is what takes the longest. My hair doesn’t let go of the moisture easily.

  56. Thank you for sharing your routine, it’s very helpful and I love the Big Sexy Hair products. I use them myself.

    Found it — found both!

  57. Found it! Thanks for sharing.

  58. Found it!
    I have the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer and love it. I might need to think about the hair straightener. 😁

    1. I think it is great, too!

  59. April Congleton says:

    I’m a blond too so going to try a few of the hair products thanks

  60. Found it! Color Wow is great for touching up roots! My hair grows so fast, this product helps me stretch my appointments out.

  61. Gay Craig says:

    FOUND IT!
    I enjoy the game 😊

  62. Christine Primerano says:

    found it

  63. Found it! I have used the Hair Biology after you recommended it.

  64. Found it! Thanks for the hair advice!

  65. Found it! I use the same hair spray.

  66. Oops… forgot to add… I use Kenra Blow Dry spray (used for a long time) and Big Sexy Hair spray (thanks to You last year!)… love them both!

  67. Found it! Your hair always looks so nice. Thanks for the info on the products you use. It’s funny how we got locked onto our favorites. I will break away for a try of something new and almost always go back to my favs.🤗

  68. Found it!! I use Hair Biology because of your suggestion. I love your hair. Mine is fully gray now and thinning. ☹️

  69. Linda Williams says:

    Found It!!
    I have white hair! I use a blue/purple shampoo also because we have well water, every other week. I have also been using Nioxcin Shampoo because it’s starting to thin. I have a blunt layered cut also. I love Kenra products. I had just recently found out about Sexy Hair and WOW. So those are in my future. Thank you for the info. Have a great weekend!
    ❤️ 😍

  70. Phyllis Lentz says:

    Found it. Love your blog!

  71. Sandy Dawes says:

    I found it!!! I use the same hair spray. I have very fine hair and it works amazing for me. I love reading your fashion news and tips. thank you Tania.

  72. Found it!!
    I absolutely love the green sweater you are wearing in the email today. Can you link it?

    1. It will be on the blog on Monday!

  73. Diane Holley says:

    I found it!!! I will have to get some of those hair products. I am like you, I love the Big Sexy hair spray. My hair is about your length but I am thinning a little on top. I have been looking into a hair topper. I just need to find someone in my area that does them. My hair is still thick in the back. Have a bless day!!!

  74. Maridee Clark says:

    Finally FOUND IT!!! You did a great job of hiding it today. However, I think I was just too focused on your products and hair styling routine my first time through the blog to find it. FYI: Laifen makes a hair dryer similar and cheaper to the Dyson one. It was a Christmas gift to myself!

  75. Linda from Ontario, Canada says:

    Tania, your hair is lovely! Just wondering how long it takes to style your hair after you wash it? My stylist said if I had more patience my hair would look a lot better.I just shrug and laugh.
    Enjoy the rest of your day.

    1. You sound like my sister. She takes no time at all with her skincare, makeup, or hair. Then she complains that it doesn’t look good. It takes me about an hour to get take a shower, dry my hair, and put on makeup.

  76. Charlotte Whetstone says:

    Found it!

  77. Found it! Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your hair products. Thank you.

  78. I wish I could get the lift you can with your hair. My fine hair goes flat especially in dry weather. I do like Hair Biology volume shampoo. I didn’t know they had a silver shampoo. I’m growing out my gray hair so I’m going to try it.

  79. Patt Dyal says:

    Love love love WOW products!!! You can not go wrong with WOW! I also the same blue shampoo. Sadly, I no longer have thick hair at 70, however my daughter tells me every time I am at her salon, ” Mama, you have plenty of hair”! Whatever!

  80. Roberta Schwandner says:

    Found it!

  81. Found it! And your hair always looks great! I dont have the time or patience for all that styling, lol!

  82. Found it.

    Enjoy your weekend!

  83. Found it! Love your posts.

  84. Found it!
    Your hair always looks nice! Thank You for sharing your styling products and how you style your hair. I do use the Kenra Blowdry Spray, it does smell amazing!

  85. Found it! Love this smiley game. Thanks for sharing what you use for your hair. I’ve wondered if Dyson is worth the crazy cost. You do have gorgeous hair.

  86. Found it! Thanks for listing the products you use. I’m always looking for new items. Our cuts are similar!

  87. Hi Tania what hair brush do you use while styling? Thank you for sharing your step by step! Beautiful!

    1. I just use a vent brush, nothing special.

  88. Dianne Wilcoxon says:

    I have always thought your hair was great 👍!! Classic, modern and flattering!! Appreciate your sharing and giving us the styling details. Your DNL is talented and gives an amazing cut and color.
    But you also know how to rock it!!

  89. Found it.
    I love Hair Biology products and have used for years since you recommended them. Also started using WOW and love it. I need the Dyson hair dryer!!!

  90. found it. Just wondering if you ever tried the WOW root cover up in the platinum? I have high lighted hair too and it’s pretty blonde but my roots are pretty dark. Just wondering if the dark blonde you use would be light enough for me for times when I have more root growth showing. Like now, because my hairdresser has the flu!

    1. Dark Blonde is what I use, and it blends in perfectly.

  91. Beth Sanders says:

    Found it (finally, it took me 3 times!)

  92. Found it! Your hair looks great! Thanks for sharing your hair formula 😊

  93. Re-Nae-Nae says:

    FOUND IT!😁

    And I’ve always loved your hair, since I first started following you! But, right now it’s my FAVE! It’s a little longer and blunt, and I love the color on you! Next time I’d love a video of how you curled it, in the very first pic at the top of this post!🩷 Thanks for taking the time to share your life and talents with us!
    Have a great weekend!

    1. I’m liking it at shoulder length the best. I had her shorten my layers since they were starting to get too long. I use the straightener to flip my hair and make it curl.

  94. Found it:). Thanks for the hair products info!

  95. Susan Mariotti says:

    Found it, finally😆

  96. EXCITED – i found it!! 🙂

    thank you for ALL the content

  97. Found it.
    Thanks for the hair product tips. Found this post very useful.

  98. Found it! You have the best hair. You are lucky it is do thick. Mine is not!

  99. Found it! I’m going to get that root boost today!

  100. Pam Sande says:

    Found it!
    I admire your hair style, so glad to know more about the cut and products that you use! Thank you for sharing so much info!

  101. Landy Laird says:

    FOUND IT!

    Thanks for sharing. I’ve always thought you had one of the prettiest hairstyles. I would love to buy that hairdryer too!!

  102. Terry Dupree says:

    Found it – I love my products too and Big Sexy is great. I have white hair and can only use blue about every two weeks or I turn into a “blue hair” but it keeps the yellow tones out and my white hair white! I get lots of compliments and when asked how it stays white I say “find a good purple/blue shampoo”. My stylist is a “girl” I have known since she was in HS and now she’s in her 40s and is great. I told her years ago “never let me get old lady hair!” and every now and then when I say “how about…” she’ll often respond “old lady hair!” Love her to pieces!

  103. Andrea Hiser Talley says:

    Found it.

  104. Kathi McNew says:

    Found it! Thank you for the product suggestions! I’m going to try a couple!

  105. Found it! Loving this emoji game. I recently started using a root lifter-how do you prevent it from clumping? Guess I need more practice.

    1. I’ve never had any issue with it clumping. I’m not sure what you mean.

  106. Theresa Harper says:

    Found it. Tricky!

  107. Lark Buckhaults says:

    Found it! Always something interesting in your blogs

  108. Found it! May I ask where you bought the darling green sweater in the first picture?

    1. It is going to be on Monday’s post. Watch for it!

  109. Jan Canapp says:

    FOUND IT..

    That’s my fav hair spray too.

  110. I found it! I have used Big Sexy hair products for years and love them!

  111. Danielle P says:

    Found it! I just discovered WOW products. I use Color Wow for curly hair and love it.

  112. JoAnn Hughes says:

    Found it!
    AND just ordered the root cover up!

  113. Ginger Medlock says:

    And tell me about the button up sweatshirt please.

  114. Susan Anderson says:

    You are so sweet to share all of this and the pictures are very helpful. You do have fabulous hair!

  115. Ginger Medlock says:

    Found it☺️

  116. Found it! 😆 Thank you, Tania for all the info you provided on your hair care routine with photos. Very helpful!

  117. Found it.
    I used to use Big Sexy Spray & Play but love L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Color Treated Classic Hairspray better.

  118. Found it! I have fine hair, but thankfully, lots of it. I have used Lanza products for several years because they do not weigh down the hair. Recently I have added a few WOW products to the mix and like the extra lift it gives my hair that often wants to lay flat.

  119. Hi Tania
    Just curious. You said you only wash your hair once a week. How do you style it daily? Do you use dry shampoo or products each day to look presentable?
    We have the same hair texture and I wash mine every morning when I shower as I have terrible bedhead when I wake up. My stylist keeps telling me to stop washing it daily, but I could never leave the house if I didn’t. Ha.

    1. My hair looks pretty much the same each morning. I just run my hands through it if I’m not taking photos or going anywhere.

  120. I found 4 smiley faces!!!!!
    Have a beautiful day

  121. Elizabeth Daley says:

    Found it ✅

  122. Carol Ann Jablonski says:

    FOUND IT. Going to try your shampoo and setting spray. I also have coarse hair, but it’s also gray and have lots of cowlicks that make for crazy waves in unwanted places.

  123. Found it, and love your hair !

  124. Kathy Seibert says:

    I found it. I love the WOW peoducts on my fine short hair.

  125. Deborah M says:

    Found it in a very sneaky spot! Your hair always looks amazing. Thank you for sharing your cut and product information.

  126. Found it! Loved hearing (and seeing) how you do your hair!

  127. Found it. It’s much harder on my phone than my pc. Lol

  128. Found it. Been using Elnett hairspray for years. Have to try yours. Your hair looks great 😊

  129. Kathy Laweryson says:

    found it! I love your hair style and color, it’s perfect for you! Added that root cover up, I’m always in need of this the week before my hair appointment.

  130. Sandie King says:

    Found It!
    I use the blow dry spray before I use the mousse. Will have to reverse it. I’m also a blonde and and will continue to color and I do low lights.

  131. How do you keep style fresh on days you don’t wash, I try that but feels so weighted with hair spray, and seems easier just to wash.

    Also have you tries L’ange tools, just ordered the L’ange Duo and root booster. I tried searching your blog, but didn’t see any post about this brand.
    Thanks

    1. I’ve not used those products before. I brush my hair out whenever I need to style it again, and then use the straightener.

  132. Found it! I love Wow hair products. I use their root touch-up and just started using their xtra large bombshell volumizer to work through the top of my head when my hair is damp. Im liking the results so far!

  133. Lisa Luci says:

    Found it! Lovely hair, lady!

  134. Found it!
    Love your hair!

  135. Found it! Good job on the hair tutorial! It’s great that you showed it wet & blown out before styling. It’s easier to see the cut! (Retired hairdresser) Your hair always looks awesome!

  136. Found it!

    Love your cut and color, too.

  137. Hair has always been a struggle for me. I don’t like taking the time to style it, bc I am so bad at it. Lol.

  138. Pat Dykhuis says:

    Love this – so if you only wash your hair once a week what do you do for in between styling? What products and do you get it wet everyday?

    1. Usually I don’t have to use other products. I just brush my hair and use the straightener to refresh the style. Occasionally I’ll use a dry shampoo, but that is just to give extra volume since my hair never gets oily.

  139. Phyllis Martin says:

    Got it!!

    Thanks for sharing your tips. Wish I had your thick hair.

  140. Found it! Had to search a bit harder since I was following the hair care so closely! Lol

  141. Stacy Deaver says:

    Found it.
    Your hair always looks great. Thanks for sharing the products you use with us.

  142. Beautiful & Found it!

  143. Ann Browning says:

    Thanks!
    I am going to try your shampoo, I need something to brighten mine up!
    Ann