Real Housewives' Hairstylist Julius Michael Reveals His Holy-Grail Hair Products

Time for a pop-culture challenge: Quickly think of all the Bravolebrities you can. Now choose one — only one! — whose hair you’d swap for your own in a second.

Tough call, right? Obviously, there’s Tamra Judge and her famous faux bob to consider. But then there’s also Kyle Richards’ sexy beach waves and Ramona Singer's layered bob. And how do you decide between Stassi Schroeder’s perfect blonde locks and Melissa Gorga’s equally gorgeous brunette tresses. And we haven’t even talked about Kristen Doute’s signature ponytail (now a bob!) yet. 

Turns out, there’s a reason it’s so difficult to decide. Each and every hairstyle you just brought to mind was the creation of Julius Michael, hairstylist extraordinaire and founder of the namesake salon who works with more Bravolebrities than you can count, from shows ranging from Vanderpump Rules to The Real Housewives coast to coast. 

And, yes, his job is just as good as you imagine. (BTW, watch the video above to see Julius in action.) “I love getting to transform the talent and push them out of their comfort zone!” Michael tells The Lookbook, before sharing 8 products he uses every day on set to keep his Bravo ladies looking gorgeous, plus his best pro tips — including how brow gel isn’t just for brows...

Why Michael loves it: “I really love this teasing comb because I’m getting a rat tail comb, a teasing brush and a hair pick all in one! I allows me to save space in my kit, and I’m not searching all over for different combs.”

Pro tip: “To add volume at roots, start by gently combing hair down towards scalp, then use the tail end of comb to lift hair from scalp or to create a perfect part. You can also use the comb to smooth your hair when you pull it back in a ponytail or bun.”

Why Michael loves it: “This blow dryer is the most kick-ass of all hair dryers. It dries hair super fast and seals the cuticle, leaving all my clients with super-shiny hair. Since it’s extremely lightweight, I never experience fatigue in my wrist. And is quieter than most professional blow dryers out today.

Pro tip: “For extra body flip your head over and rough-dry to 70 percent. Then flip back and use your round or paddle brush to smooth out hair. Always finish each section with a shot of cool air from dryer. And ALWAYS use the nozzle attachment to avoid singeing or burning your hair.”

Why Michael loves it: “I absolutely love this curl bar to create my sexy beach waves on Tamra Judge, Kyle Richards, Stassi Schroeder and so many of my other Bravolebrities. It heats up fast, stays consistently hot, and vibrates the moment when you should drop the hair from iron. It’s also super cool looking when I take it out from my kit on set!”

Pro tip: “For a true beach-wave look, twist or wrap your hair around iron’s barrel, leaving out about an inch or so to keep the ends straight. Always use the heat-resistant glove to protect your hands.”

Why Michael loves it: “Say goodbye to frizzy hair! This is truly my Holy Grail product. You can spray it over and over to tame frizz, control curls, and you never have to worry about build up on your hair. If this had been around in the ‘80s we’d have no hairstyles to make fun of today!”

Pro tip: “You can use this product all year round. When you’re in humidity, spray it on your brush or comb to tame flyaways. This product is a life-saver for all hair types and especially for my curly girls out there.”

Why Michael loves it: “Dry shampoos can be tricky because most will leave your hair feeling powdery and dirty. I love Seven Cubica Dry Shampoo because it truly absorbs the oils from your scalp while giving it a boost of body. Plus, it helps you extended the life of your your blowout without leaving it sticky, powdery, or feeling dirty.”

Pro tip: “Use it on your roots the day after your blowout, or spray throughout your hair after a workout to prevent sweat and oils from ruining your blowout.”

Why Michael loves it: “The first time I used this product I instantly fell in love. This product is my life. It’s by my side for every hairstyle I’ve ever created, from the Tamra Judge faux lob, to the Kristen Doute super-sexy ponytail, to Lisa Vanderpump’s luscious long locks. It smells like cotton candy, so everyone always loves the smell. I use it to keep hair sleek, to keep a part in place, and to make stray hairs stay put. I’ve never had a single flyaway with this product.”

Pro tip: “Use very little on your flyaway hairs by rubbing between your palms and then rubbing down on your strays. You can also use this to keep your hair sleek when doing a ponytail or wet look.”

Why Michael loves it: “This brow gel is my secret for creating the perfect hairline--and it’s a trick I do to Kyle Richards every time I pull her hair back! I also use it on clients whenever I need to fill in a sparse hairline or prevent pesky grays are popping through. It works great when I need to deepen the roots on extensions as well. I’ve even used it on Stassi to make her hair look deeper and darker.”

Pro tip: “Use this when you pull your hair in a ponytail to make your hairline look fuller, and when you need to conceal grays. Don’t worry if you sweat because it won’t run down your face as most real root fillers or concealers do!”

Why Michael loves it: “Extensions are not just for fine hair. I would use Hidden Crown hair extensions to add length even on the thickest hair, just like I do on Melissa Gorga. I’ve also used hidden Crown clip-in extensions to create my now infamous ‘Julius Michael Faux Lob’ — as seen on Lisa Rinna. I love making short hair long, so I always have multiple sets of clip in extensions in my kit.”

Pro tip: “Get more than one set of these clip-ins. Before you start clipping start teasing. You want your extensions to stay in place, so I recommend a little teasing at the root before you clip them in. No one wants to be a Britney Spears and lose a track in the club!...love you, Britney.”