I'm fairly sure I've been asked how to do [insert random hair style here] with my hair far too many times to count, so I've decided to start a blog featuring everything from 5 minute hair styles to ones that take closer to an hour, including pony tail ideas for those of you who work!
So I guess I'll start with the basic. Essential tools for most of the hair styles are listed below:

These are my two favorite curl care products. Tresemme Curl Care, and Herbal Essences Totally Twisted-- the foam mousse of both. Both are fairly cheap and can be found at pretty much anywhere with hair products. Even if you don't have curly hair- this is good to have on hand, because if put in before styling your hair can hold the style better. It works like a heat induced hair spray.

A curling iron! I'm serious though- don't even worry about spending money here. Most curling irons do the same job. Mine is a cheap Conair one I bought from Target. If you can find one with a Turbo setting- the extra heat blast can make the difference. I've had the same one for about 3 years now and it's still working perfectly.

On the straightener though, I would argue the opposite. It's worth spending the money to get a good one. I got a chi for my birthday two years ago and it has made all the difference. The cheap straighteners work fine if used on an irregular basis, but cause way more damage to your hair. And if you have incredibly curly hair like me, they typically create more of a frizzy mess that doesn't hold than straight hair.
Those are the main products needed. Besides that I'd have bobby pins on hand as I use them all the time.
Next up... first hair style!