Michelle Hong's ‘fuck yes’ list: Hair rituals, products & tools she’s obsessed with right now.

There’s aspirational hair — the kind you screenshot on IG, save to a folder labeled “It’s giving Brigette Pheloung” and maybe bring to your next appointment. Then there’s hair that actually works in real life.

Looks good on the A train and at a chic invite-only dinner party. Moves with you. Doesn’t fight humidity. Doesn’t need a ring light to shine. You know it when you see it.

Michelle Hong of the sleek Flatiron salon-meets-oasis, The Team, sees it before it happens.

With more than 20 years in the industry, a résumé that reads like a who’s who of beauty legends (Fekkai, L’Oréal, Sigourney Weaver, Bon Jovi — yes, really) and two wildly successful NYC salons under her belt, Michelle isn’t just doing hair. She’s shaping how we think about it. 

Color whisperer, elite educator and salon founder, Michelle has trained top stylists, taught nationally and built a loyal clientele that includes models, influencers and globe-trotters who literally book flights to sit in her chair.

So when we wanted the inside scoop on what actually works — whether it’s a tried-and-true tool, an underrated ritual or that one product she’ll never skip — we knew exactly who to call.

If you’re after that effortless but elevated energy or just want to borrow a few secrets from one of NYC’s most in-demand stylists, you’re in the right place.

Here’s Michelle’s current fuck yes list.

"Good Hair isn't about chasing trends but owning the rituals to keep consistent!"

Dyson Hair Dryer

This dryer actually changes the way hair looks. It dries fast, cutting down your blow-dry time noticeably, while reducing frizz and delivering a sleek finish—a real flex. Michelle’s tip: dry hair at medium heat on high speed and always finish with a cool shot to lock in cuticles for extra body and shine.

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Mason Pearson Brush

The holy grail of brushes and the ultimate quiet luxury flex. The boar bristles glide through tangles and spread natural oils, so hair looks lived-in and polished. Instant luxury. Less static, fewer flyaways and a smoother silhouette every day for sexier, shinier hair.

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Shu Uemura Texturizing Spray

I do not skip a day without this finishing spray! Think grit without crunch—an effortless, undone volumizer with zero powdery residue or straw-like finish. Spray a few inches from roots and mids/ends, then tousle with your fingers, a wide-tooth comb or even the Mason Pearson brush. It instantly lifts limp hair for that lived-in, messy-but-managed look. The secret to cool-girl volume.

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Deep Mask Every Wash Day

Personally I wash daily and people ask how my hair is so healthy. Instead of a traditional conditioner, she swears by a deep nourishing mask every time. The result: silkier, shinier, more moisturized hair. Always finish with a cool rinse for extra bounce.

Weekly Scalp Reset

Your roots deserve some love too. The scalp is where good hair starts. Take five minutes once a week to scrub with exfoliating or clarifying products. Michelle’s favorites include Shu Uemura Gentle Radiance Shampoo and Christophe Robin Scrub. Scrubbing away dead cells and buildup leaves you with a clean scalp and better growth, ditching those “why does my hair look tired?” moments.