Styling
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There is a whole variety of hair styling products on the market. Professional hair styling products are sold in salons and discount hair styling products manufactured by various national brands are sold in drug stores and at mass merchandising retailers. The most notable difference between professional and discount hair styling products is price, but some professional products are worth the price. Trying to discern what each product is and what it is intended for can be complicated and often the labels don’t help. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of hair styling products, you will be able to make better and quicker selections and find the right products for your hair. A basic overview of the many different kinds of hair styling products is as follows:
Mousse or Foam - mousse, sometimes called styling foam, is a styling product that is packaged under pressure and expands when released. 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.
Gel or Gelle - gel is a hair styling product that can be quite versatile. It’s available as either a spray or direct application. Spray gel is good for a quick, overall covering, but generally provides less hold than direct application hair gel. Direct application hair gel requires you to work it in evenly by hand, but typically provides a stronger hold. Hair gel works well for “scrunching” curls and helping create sleek shapes. Again, if you have dry hair avoid hair gel containing alcohol.
Pomade or 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.
Glossing or Polishing Drops - glossing or polishing drops, also retailed as anti-frizz serum among other names, 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. If you struggle with fly-away or frizzy hair, try using a hair gloss product.
Hair Spray or Hair Lacquer - a very common household aqueous solution that is used to keep hair stiff or in a certain style. Stronger than gel, wax, or glue, it is sprayed to hold styles for a long period. Using a pump or aerosol spray nozzle, it sprays evenly over the hair. May leave hair feeling "crunchy" unless brushed out.
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