Vanessa Fernandez

Anyone who has ever gotten a comb stuck in her hair while trying to wrestle out a knot knows: there is hair that can be a temporary nuisance, and then there's hair that never does what it's supposed to. So for hair like the latter, there's nothing that you can do aside from beating it into submission with a myriad of hot tools, correct? That's not actually the case, says stylist Vanessa Fernandez of the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. It's about what you put into your hair that counts. "I can't stress the need for good products enough," she says.

Quality products that enhance your hair instead of weighing it down will cut out the need for a blast of heat from your blow dryer. "You will need something ultramoisturizing, like Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet shampoo ($48) and mask ($68)," Fernandez says. This oil-based cleansing system is especially formulated for superdry hair, which tends to be the most unruly.

Follow up with a hair oil to inject more moisture and reduce frizz, such as Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum ($30). And to enhance the waves you already have, Fernandez suggests finishing with a mousse, like Kaze Wave by Shu Uemura ($38). "Both products leave the hair shiny, moisturized, and with a good amount of hold without the stiffness," Fernandez says. See? You can have the hair you've always envied . . . without the strand-singeing end result.

One of the hair trends that has women everywhere rejoicing is fuss-free hair: that amazing style that seems as if you just rolled out of bed looking incredibly chic. Whether it's long and wavy or twisted up, ladies are loving themselves some wash-and-go hair. So why the emphasis on this type of hairstyle now? "Women don't have the time — or sometimes don't have the knowledge — to spend on their hair, but still want or have a need to look put-together," stylist Vanessa Fernandez of the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City says. "A fuss-free style, like one that embraces your natural texture, doesn't usually require maintenance throughout the day, which is important to many women."

Besides just letting your hair hang and walking out the door, there are a handful of cute hairstyles that look polished, but take little time to create. "The topknot is a quick hairstyle that should be every woman's go-to because it requires no tools, just your hands," Fernandez says. "An elastic, some strategically placed pins, or just a chopstick is all you need to keep the polished look in place." The other great thing about a knot is how versatile it is. Fernandez mentions the fact that you can wear it either really high on the top of your head or in a low twist on one side. "It works for all hair and face types," she says. Play around until you perfect your topknot, and you'll have a fuss-free go-to that looks amazing in two minutes flat.

If you're one of the many women who have thick, wavy hair, you know that it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it holds style really well. But it can also be very difficult to wear in its natural state. So how do you reconcile? "Thick, wavy hair texture is all about finding the right hair products," says stylist Vanessa Fernandez of the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. While you may have to invest, the results will be amazingly healthy and lustrous hair people will envy. Find out where to put your money when you keep reading.

Superfine hair that falls flat every time you try to add a bit of texture to it can be a real pain, especially for those with high hair ambitions. But you don't have to suffer with limp, lackluster strands. There are things you can do to improve your style in a way that's specific for your hair type. Stylist Vanessa Fernandez from the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City says that it's all about volume-centric products. "I always suggest washing the hair at night with a volumizing shampoo," she says. As for conditioner, only use a lightweight one, like Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Volume Conditioner ($9).

For styling, Fernandez recommends a solid blow-dry as your base. "The trick is using a dollop of volumizing mousse, like Shu Uemura's Ample Angora ($38) and predrying the hair well," she says. Focus the mousse on your roots and not your ends to add volume instead of weight. Looking to add a little wave? Fernandez suggests braids. "Create three braids by splitting the hair into three sections: one on each side and the last one in the middle-back," she says. Braid each section and leave them in to form slightly beachy waves. "This helps create a base," Fernandez explains. This way, the extra texture is a great jumping off point for other styles, turning your less-than-lustrous locks into hair to envy.

The latest hair craze to sweep the beauty world is one that may be a little surprising: hair that appears as if it hasn't been touched by a styling tool. Naturally styled hair may look amazing (and allow you those extra couple minutes of sleep), but hair that magically does what you want it to without styling is just a myth, right? Stylist Vanessa Fernandez of the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City doesn't believe so. "Great hair is about getting your hair as healthy as possible," she says. "Treat your hair to get it back to a healthy state, and always keep it nourished." Read her tips for how to give your hair a break when you keep reading.