Hair Styling Products
By Luc Vincent
There are already numerous hair styling products available, and every week, new products enter the market due to technological innovations.
Therefore, it would be impossible to list them all. Instead, let's take a look at the most important classic hair styling products.
1- Mousses and gels
Most mousses and gels are made of polymers (polyquaternium). Polymers are synthetic substances formed by assembling small molecules (monomers).
Hair polymers are cationic, which means they stick and cover each hair to maintain the hairstyle. Their function is comparable to liquid plastic applied to hair before drying.
Once the product is dry, it has the effect of coating the hair, giving it the desired shape and volume or lifting a strand of hair upwards.
2- Is there a difference between mousse and gels?
Gels can be liquid or firm. They are most often used for short hair. Gels can be applied to dry or wet hair.
Letting the gel dry without blow-drying gives a wet look, which is ideal for thick hair. Liquid gels can be used in the same way as firm gels, but they are less resistant because their fluidity hinders hair coating.
Liquid gels can be applied all over wet hair, just like mousse. Afterward, simply comb and blow-dry.
3- The problem with mousses and gels
For optimal results with mousse, it is necessary to shake the container beforehand to mix the ingredients well.
If you experience static problems, try changing the product, as the one you are using may not be suitable for your hair type.
If static persists, apply a pea-sized amount of styling paste or wax to wet hair, comb it, then apply mousse or gel.
The moisturizing effect of the paste or wax prevents static. Also, make sure the hair is well squeezed before application, or the products will dilute.
Conversely, if the hair is too dry during application, it will be impossible to complete the hairstyle, as the product will have already set in the hair.
Also, moderate the amount of product, as excessive amounts do not yield better results.
Remember that the hair underneath supports the hair on top.
There are sprays designed to add volume to the roots. They should be applied before other products for optimal results.
4- Finishing products: pastes and waxes
In general, pastes and waxes are moisturizing products to apply to dry hair. They provide a particular hold: matte finish, shine, dry or oily effect.
You generally have to try products of this type to see if they suit you, as there are no established rules to guide your choice.
However, for fine hair, avoid overly oily products that accentuate shine, such as wax or cream.
Their hold ranges from low to medium, and they can give a greasy hair effect.
Instead, choose a matte paste or even a clay product, which will give a "messy" effect without losing volume.
If your hair is thick and dull, opt for wax or cream, which will produce a shiny effect and help control unruly strands.
For optimal effect, coat your fingers with the product and apply it to the hair from the root to the tip, ruffling it up. You can then shape it as desired.
5- Hair sprays
It can be difficult to choose the right hair spray.
Generally, the first instinct is to smell it. A quality hair spray should spread a discreet odor that does not persist in the air.
Spray the hair spray in front of a light source to see the diffusion of the spray. The shape of the nozzle has a determining effect on the result obtained.
As soon as the spray is applied, the product begins to dry under the action of the alcohol it contains.
If the spray is wide, the product will be almost dry at the moment of contact with the hair. It will then be light and cover a large area, making it possible to comb the hair again.
If the spray is very straight, it will cover a smaller area, and the product will be firmer, making it impossible to comb the hair again.
In addition to the nozzle, the alcohol content and choice of polymer are important. Unfortunately, labels do not mention this. Therefore, it is necessary to try different hair sprays to find the right one.