VOLUMIZER
HOW IT COMES: Volumizers may be found in several different forms, including sprays, gels and mousses. For your best version, try sprays or mousses for thinner hair, and gels or heavier mousses for thicker lengths.
MAKING IT WORK: “If you don’t have tresses that are naturally wavy, try boosting the volume with thickening spray,” shares Sandi Spika Borchetta, Stylist, Designer and VP Creative at Big Machine Records, who has also coiffed Taylor Swift’s hair.
MOUSSE
HOW IT COMES: Mousse usually comes in a pressurized can, generally formulated to spray into your palm in whipped-cream-like dollop to distribute evenly throughout hair.
MAKING IT WORK: “Using the right mousse at the roots shouldn’t make the hair greasy,” says Kris Mortensen, hairstylist at The Salon By Maxine in Beverly Hills, CA. “It gives hair great lift and lasts a long time and it helps the roots of fine hair.”
SHINE ENHANCER
HOW IT COMES: Shine enhancers are usually liquid in form, and can be dispersed from the bottle onto fingertips or palms to be applied to the hair. They can also be packaged in a spray form that be directly misted over tresses.
MAKING IT WORK: “One of the first signs of healthy hair is a natural shine,” states Jacqueline Tarrant, founder of the Style Infinity Hair Trauma Center in Chicago, IL. Spritz on a shine spray to finish any style—just don’t overdo it!
GEL
HOW IT COMES: Look for gel in a tube packaging. Some gels can be quite sticky, while others are more liquid in nature. Gels may be used on a variety of textures, as well.
MAKING IT WORK: “The best way to make hair sleek and straight is to start off with freshly cleansed and conditioned locks,” notes star hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan. “Once hair is damp, just apply some spray gel for a little bit of extra control.”
STYLING WAX
HOW IT COMES: Styling wax is most commonly produced in solid form, and packaged in jars or in a stick form. There are also spray waxes, which can be slightly lighter in nature and easier to work with on finer locks.
MAKING IT WORK: “A pomade is a great product to add to the hair for that ‘piecey’ look,” says Andy LeCompte, celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA. “You can use that in dry hair to form and separate the pieces.” Don’t be afraid to add texture to your cut!
HAIRSPRAY
HOW IT COMES: Hairspray comes in either a pressurized can for continuous spraying, or in a pump bottle for short bursts of product application. Look for formulas that will help your styling agenda, be it strong and firm hold action, or touchable, soft-hold maneuvers.
MAKING IT WORK: “One people make in prepping [the hair] is they use way too much spray while they’re curling,” explains Joe Anthony Pena, an award-winning hair artist with Farouk Systems. “That weight can pull the curl out of the hair.” Use a product based upon the texture of your strands.
RSS
I must have a heat protectant before blow drying or styling my hair to hold down the split ends. I really like Not Your Mother’s ‘Beat the Heat’ thermal styling shield spray as it really preserves shine too (I’m nuts about shiny hair; it’s the one thing that’s great about having such fine hair).
Thanks for the tip, Jane!
I use conditioner and hairdressing grease all the time, but it will not dry up. I never tried hair regrow treatments, and it,s not working yet. So please say something more naturally for me?
Hi Alicia,
Could it be that you you’re using too much product? Try using a smaller amount..quarter size, nickel size, dime size…and see what size dollop is best for you.
Can u tell something about hair creams?
Hi Namra,
Hair creams are one of the many products that may help condition, soften and smoothen your hair. Keep checking the Sophisticate’s website for more product how-tos!
i recently colored my hair and now it feels damaged. are there any good hair repair treatments or deep conditioners that you recommend?
I can’t live without CRACK Hair Fix! It’s a leave-in hair treatment and styling aid all in one, it’s fabulous!
Is there a decent priced moisturizing shampoo/conditioner for colored hair?
Hi, Pam!
The best way to compare prices is to head to your local grocery store or beauty supply shop and take a look at the haircare products designed for color-treated hair (look for the words “color treated” on the bottle!). You can always ask a store clerk if there are any sales going on!
I would recommend Herbal Essences Color Me Happy shampoo and conditioner. I highlight my hair, and it keeps the color bright, and my hair soft and shiny. It’s only about $3 for a regular sized bottle, and you could find it at any drugstore.
I need something for the frizz the actually works!!Not a gel or mousse. But like a cream or something else or a shampoo or conditioner. Please HELP!!
PS Besure to leave some good namebrands that you recomend!!
Thank You!!
Hi, Alexandra!
Hair pro Daniel Keane answered your question over in the Hair Pro Advice section. Have a look there!
living proof no frizz shampoo conditioner and treatment cream works togther and reall tames my frizzy thick hair
The product I can’t live without is Body Up Brush System! My hair is so thick and hard to style but with this 9 brush system it’s easy and gives me the volume I want!
Hi, Erika!
Thanks for checking out the Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide Web site! We’re happy you’ve found a product that works for you and we love va-va, volume!
A kind of hair product that straightens the hair all through out the day until night?
Hi, Erin!
In answer to both of your questions, if you are looking for a temporary solution, we suggest a smoothing product (like Kerastase Oleo Relax) applied to wet hair. Dry your hair with a paddle brush, then straighten your hair in sections. The product alone won’t straighten your hair. if you are looking for something a little more long term, perhaps you should try something like a Keratin treatment, which significantly reduces frizz for around three to four months.
What is the best hair product for curly hair if you want to low down the frizz?
Erin:
We’re still catching up after the new year…should have an answer soon!
Hi, Erin:
See the answer above!
Would it be better to apply volumizers on damp hair or dry hair? I find that my volumizer kind of feels like a hairspray… if I spray it on damp hair, my hair feels kind of sticky and hard when it dries… What should I do? Please help!
Hi Ami:
Volumizers should really only ever be used on towel dried, damp hair, NOT too dry. You see, they need to be applied to hair that is moist so the formula spreads more evenly and is diluted down during the combing process before styling. That’s what assures you equal distribution of product. Also, if applied to almost dry hair, it can and will get sticky, and the brush will not go through the hair with ease…causing a messy, frizzy result. My advice is to apply right after you have washed your hair and begin blow-drying right away.