Hair Styling Aids
Hairstyling products are used to change the texture or shape of hair, or to hold it in place in a certain hairstyle. Applied properly, most styling products will not damage the hair apart from drying it out; most styling products contain alcohols, which can dissolve oils. Many hair products contain chemicals which can cause build-up, resulting in dull hair or a change in perceived texture, also dandruff and itchy scalpMulti-colored highlights, revolutionary shampoos, hair conditioners, hair oils, hair gels, hair sprays, frequent salon visits, and hair-styling sessions are no longer associated with women alone. Nowadays, just as many men visit hair salons for hair coloring, innovative haircuts, hair setting, as well as for experimenting with a variety of hair-styling options. When it comes to appearances, hair plays a very important role. Presented in the following section are a few hair care products for men.
While many people have a brand preference, many more 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 the labels often don’t help. By familiarizing themselves with the various types of products, people will be able to make quicker selections and find the right products for their hair.
Just like women, men also have a variety of products as well. Hair Styling Aids includes styling mousse, hair styling gels, holding sprays, pomades, styling waxes, form putty, multi-purpose hair oils, anti-dandruff shampoos, mild shampoos, tea tree shampoos, everyday use shampoos, hair conditioners, essential oils, defining pastes, hair serums, grooming creams, hair mattes, forming creams, shine lotions, wet look gels, and many other items in their cabinets.
A basic overview of the many different kinds of styling products is as follows:
1. Mousse - Mousse, sometimes called styling foam, is a styling product that is packaged under pressure and expands when released.It works equally well with both wet and dry hair. It helps in keeping the hair in place, and gives it a healthy texture. Once applied, it remains effective throughout the day and you can re-style your hair anytime, using your fingers.
It is much lighter than other products, and some brands are created as a combination leave-in conditioner and styling product. Mousse works well for most hair types, but people who have dry hair should avoid products that contain alcohol. Those who require strong hold or who are looking to maintain a short, molded hairstyle might want to try gel or pomade instead.
2. Gel -Hair Gels are mostly water-based hair products that serve the purpose of keeping the hair in place while giving it a wet, shiny look. Depending on your hair type and desired hair style, you can choose between a gel that provides a strong hold, medium hold, or light hold. There are gels for almost every hair type, so you needn't worry if you have curly hair, frizzy hair, thin hair, or rough, coarse hair.
Gel can be quite versatile, and it's available as either a spray or direct application. Spray products are good for a quick, overall covering, but they generally provides less hold than direct application hair gel. The direct application type requires the person to work it in evenly by hand, but it typically provides a stronger hold. Hair gel works well for “scrunching” curls and helping create sleek shapes. Again, people with dry hair should avoid hair gel containing alcohol.
3. Pomade -Pomades are used for ensuring a hold over and adding shine and gloss to the hair. They can be water-based or wax-based. Excessive use of pomade may make your hair sticky. They are mostly suitable for people with hair that is medium thick, or rough and coarse, and not for thinning hair. Pomade and wax are generally the same or very similar products. They can be great for hair that is short and/or dry, and they 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, it 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, and they often provide superior hold.
4. Glossing or Polishing Drops - Also sold as anti-frizz serum among other names, these are silicone-based hair styling products that are designed to smooth rough hair shafts, reducing or eliminating frizz. Most products are applied in small amounts and can be used on wet or dry hair. Users should be careful, however, because to much can make the hair look heavy and greasy.
5. Hair Sprays -Hair sprays are used more as a hair-finishing product than a hair-styling product. When used with wet hair, they help in adding a bit of gloss to your hair and help in maintaining the shine. When used with dry hair, they help in holding the hair and also form a protective layer over it, thereby safeguarding it from UV rays and harmful atmospheric chemicals.
6. Hair Wax -Hair wax is mostly oil-based and it helps in holding the hair and making it pliable. It works well with dry hair. Just like pomade, using too much hair wax isn't good for your hair either.
7. Hair Volumizer -Hair volumizers are used to temporarily add volume, body, and shine to thin or flat hair. Hair volumizers are also used by balding men to make their hair mass look dense. They come in many forms like shampoos, conditioners, sprays, pomades and lotions. Hair volumizers contains humectants, which work by attracting moisture from the surrounding areas to the hair strand, thereby swelling the hair and making it look thicker. Various polymers present in the volumizer coat the hair strand, making it look thicker and shiny.
Shampoo and conditioner forms of the volumizers are used just like ordinary shampoo or conditioners. The spray and lotion form of volumizers are used in damp hair, near the roots of the hair: the person flips his/her head downward and gradually blow dries the hair, with the air being blown along the shaft of the hair; once the hair is dry, the person can flip his/her head up.
There are of course other hair styling products available. Finishing products refer to hair spray or any product that is applied to the hair after it is styled to maintain it. Protecting products, such as heat protectants, are applied to the hair before using any heat-styling tool. The best way to find which products work for a particular hair type is to experiment with different ones. Individuals who have a trusted hair stylist may want to ask him or her which types of products he or she would recommend.
Also keep in mind that a good shampoo and conditioner are essential to maintaining healthy hair and healthy hair always styles better than neglected, abused hair - regardless of hair styling products. Lastly, when you find hair styling products that work well stick with them, but periodically use a deep cleansing shampoo to remove the buildup that can occur with repeated daily use.
Myotcstore Related Categories:
Hair Gels and LotionsHair Serums
Hair Sprays
Hair Treatments
Henna Hair Coloring
Mousse and Foam
Pomades, Strightening Balm
Volumizing Styling Products
Wax Products