They are cold, slimy, greasy and wet but if used correctly, hair products save you time, energy and money.
The biggest difference between professional grade salon products and cheaper retail products is mainly the price. While some cheap products are just as good as the expensive ones, there are some products that you truly "get what you paid for".
While many people have a brand preference, many more people are simply overwhelmed by the selection of hair styling products. Trying to discern what each product is and what it is intended for can be complicated and often the labels don’t help.
The only way to curve this is to experiment, experiment, experiment!
Mousse
Mousse is much lighter than other styling products and some brands are created as a combination leave-in conditioner and styling product.
Mousse works well for most hair types but if you have dry hair, then avoid mousse that contains alcohol. Also if you require strong hold or are looking to maintain a short, molded hairstyle, try gel or pomade.
Hit the jump to learn about hair gel, hair pomades and finishing products...
Spray and Direct Application Hair Gel
There are two types of gel, spray gel and the direct application. (see right picture)
Spray gel is good for a quick, overall covering, but generally provides less hold than direct application hair gel. This type of gel is good for scrunching curls or waves. If you have dry hair avoid hair gel containing alcohol.
Direct application hair gel requires you to work it in evenly by hand, but typically provides a stronger hold. This type of application is good for hair that is already naturally curly to keep those curls in check.
If you are going for more of a soft curl look, I would advise against gels all together and go for something like a mousse of one of my favorite products, John Freida Dream Curls.
Pomade/Wax
Pomade and wax are generally the same product. These hair styling products are great for short hair, dry hair, and are essential for sculpted hairstyles.
Pomade is a waxy-like substance that may feel greasy in the container and on the hands, but once worked into hair provides sheen.
Though it feels heavy and may take more than one shampoo to wash out, pomade and hair wax do not dry hair out like some styling products do. You get superior hold with pomade and hair wax. Just be sure to only use a TINY amount! (the first time i used this stuff, you would have thought my hair was wet, but no, I just used WAAAAAY too much wax!)
Anti Frizz Serum
Glossing or polishing drops, also retailed as anti-frizz serum are silicone-based hair styling products that are designed to smooth rough hair shafts, thus reducing or eliminating frizz.
Most products are applied in small amounts and can be used on wet or dry hair. Unless you have very fine hair, I would suggest to use some sort of anti frizz every time you get done washing your hair.
The extra gloss at the tips of your hair can allow you to disguise any split ends and lengthen your time between hair cuts.
This is also great for guys to use that are scared of trying a bunch of products or getting the "Jersey Shore" look that basically looks like a porcelain bowl. Who wants to run their fingers through that?!
Hair Spray
Mostly used as a finishing product, hair spray is almost as important as the products you initially put in your hair.
Besides the benefits of adding extra shine , keeping out humidity and hold, hair spray is single item that holds in the style that you have spent a great deal of time constructing. (Tip: Did you know a light spraying of hairspray in your child's hair every day will protect them from getting lice!)
As with most hair products, you can over do it. Depending on how your hair style is for the day depends on how much hair spray you should use.
For simple straight hair, a light mist should be plenty. While the curlier the hair, the more hair spray you need to use. When spraying on hair spray, be sure to hold the can at least 6in away at all times.
Final Note: Remember that while there are thousands of hair products on the market, only YOU (or a trusted stylist) can know what truly works in your hair.
Experiment, Experiment, Experiment!
Get rid of excess oil in your hair with Baby Powder
Don't have enough time to actually do your hair for the day? Have you ever tried using baby powder to soak up the excess oil in your hair?
Its true, baby powder CAN get rid of the extra oil in your hair that weighs it down and makes your hair look all greasy. Because I'm always super busy, I don't have a lot of time to do my hair several times a week.
So in order to skip a wash, I LIGHTLY dust a brush with baby powder and go over each root section of my hair by brushing the powder in. The powder soaks up the oil and actually leaves your hair with some added volume from the reduced weight of the oil. Doing this trick will allow you about 2 extra days to go between washes.
You must make sure to brush it in very well or else it will be extremely noticeable. Should you put too much on your hair, have a spray water bottle handy and just spray the area. Also, if your hair is extremely dark, I would advise against using baby powder.
Though I have heard about Bumble & Bumble hair products that simulate baby powder but are also made in variety shades. (haven't tried them out but if you have, let me know how they work!)
