More than ever before, there are styling products available to control even the most challenging hair. Here, you’ll find mousses and gels, creams and pastes, serums and balms, sprays, and lotions. The decision becomes even more complex when your hair doesn’t fit neatly into one category; for example, thin, fine hair can be tricky due to its fragility and tendency to break and style difficulty, especially if it’s curly or difficult to manage due to its texture, such as coarse or unruly. With all these considerations in mind, how do you find the right styling product? Hopefully, this article will help you make an informed decision!
Understanding Your Hair Type and Condition Firstly, understanding your own hair is crucial; it dictates what you want to achieve with it. Fine hair can be delicate and may appear thin even when there’s plenty of it, as it usually has less natural body. It’s often challenging to curl and can hold any style poorly, especially in humid or wet weather. Natural hair tends to be strong and uncontrollable. Styling takes time, and achieving curls similar to those of fine hair is effortless. Natural hair isn’t always ideal, as very few people are lucky enough to have it.
While straight hair is currently in fashion and something many women desire at one time or another, achieving it without a limp wave can be challenging. Creating curls without the help of artificial chemicals can be difficult, such as perms. Natural curl often looks less than ideal; like natural hair, it’s often uncontrollable and frizzy. While there are many straighteners on the market, they can be damaging, just like permanents.
Understanding your hair’s current condition is also crucial. Is it damaged due to color or chemical treatments? Is it very dry or excessively oily? Does the ends split easily and appear damaged? Take all these factors into account when selecting a styling product.
Determine the Impact You Want Once you’ve determined the ‘type’ and current condition of your hair, it’s time to decide what you want to do with it according to your style. Do you want to enhance what you already have, or are you seeking a drastic change in your hair’s style? For example, if you have natural curly hair and want to straighten it without using a chemical straightener, you’ll use styling tools to help achieve this goal. The styling tools you choose will affect the type of styling product you use.
Common Styling Products Let’s look at some common styling products available today, how to use them, and what type of hair they work best on.
Thermal Styling Products [check price]
Thermal styling products, such as hairdryers, hot rollers, or even straighteners, are commonly used to style hair. They are designed to protect the hair from the natural damage caused by heat-styling products. To safeguard the hair from the potential harmful effects of heated styling products, they often add a layer to the hair. A spray mist called ‘Redken Heat Set Thermal Styling Mist’ is a great thermal protector recommended for this purpose. It is priced between $12 to $15 and can be purchased at beauty salons or stores specializing in hair care.
Mousse is generally a lightweight styling product. It provides a specific hold while keeping the hair soft. Mousses are often crafted to assist in styling, with some creating volume for thin or fine hair, while others help define curly hair. Some mousse products also aid in adding density to thin hair. Applying a small amount of mousse to the roots or a chosen section of the hair, distributing it evenly, and then styling accordingly is the common practice. There are many excellent mousses available in the market, with prices ranging from $4 to $8, and they can be found in discount department stores, pharmacies, and even some local shops.
Shiny serums are used to add shine to dry or damaged hair. Some come with built-in conditioners, while others mainly contain silicon, which is effective only on the hair’s surface; it does not penetrate damaged follicles. Applying a small amount of serum to the palm and then distributing it throughout the hair is a common method. Some people prefer using serums only as a spray, resembling a hair spray. One popular serum in the market is the Citrus Shine Serum, which comes in a sleek white spray bottle and is priced under $5 USD. It is available in most major discount stores and pharmacies.
Smoothing creams, often used as frizz control products, are suitable for various hair types. The goal of these creams is to smooth the hair, making it more manageable for styling. They come with hydrating ingredients to facilitate distribution, and their application involves adding a small amount to the hands, spreading it on clean hair, and styling as desired. One recommended smoothing cream is Ojon’s Moisturizing Styling Cream, which comes in a clean pump bottle. Its price may vary based on whether you purchase it alone or as part of an Ojon kit. It is available through high-end retailers and Ojon’s online store.
Styling Creams and Lotions [check price]
Styling creams and lotions work well for taming unruly or curly hair. Some are specifically designed for kinky hair types, while others work for general hair styling. These products often contain moisturizers to control the hair and keep the style in place. The best styling creams usually contain a fair amount of moisturizer. Garnier’s Style Moisturizing Milk is recommended for various hair types and is priced under $5 USD. It is commonly found in major discount stores and drugstores.
Styling gel provides volume and extra hold for managing difficult hair. Some gels are suitable for creating a popular “wet” look. Gels are generally not recommended for fine or curly hair as they can add weight or create stiffness. However, there are some good quality gels in the market, such as L’Oreal Studio Hair Gel, which works well for different hair types and is priced around $7 USD. It can be found in most major discount stores and pharmacies.
Wax or pomade is excellent for adding texture to flyaway, smooth-layered haircuts. While some are designed for specific hair types, others are suitable for all hair levels. Since wax and pomade products are petroleum-based, it is crucial not to apply them too heavily or to flat, oily, or dark areas. Applying a small amount to your hands and then working it through the hair, followed by a fresh wash, is the recommended procedure. It’s advised to start with a small amount, such as the size of a dime, and add more if needed. If you use too much initially, you might need to start over. Personally, I don’t recommend any wax/pomade products as they can be detrimental to my hair. Consult with a hairstylist to help you choose the right one for you.
Conclusion
As new styling products hit the market almost every month, finding the right ones for your needs can become increasingly challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from beauty websites or consult your hairstylist for recommendations.