Hair Products

Mousse

Mousse works like a dream on moist hair types. These body-builders are ideal for adding volume and hold fine, thin hair or short hair that needs a lift from the roots. Apply a ping-pong ball size too one palm, rub hands together and apply to dry hair. Working from the roots, spread the mousse up through the strands away from the scalp. Then blow-dry, finger-dry or, to give texture to short hair, scrunch with your fingers.

Gel

Gel is great for giving lasting hold to curls, keeping flicks and fringes in place or for creating a slick, wet look. Apply to damp hair, comb through, style, then leave to dry. Applying gel to the roots of dry hair will give style volume. Don’t use gel on fine hair since it will weigh the hair down, making it look limp. For curls or waves, apply to damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser attachment. Don’t brush or comb – just separate curls and scrunch with your fingers.

Hairspray

Hairspray is a more traditional approach to fixing hair in place, rather than styling. For the best results, hold the can about 20 – 30cm from your head and spray on dry, styled hair. Hairspray will also prevent fine hair flopping in damp weather.

Wax

Wax adds definition and gloss to hair, especially the ends. It has its best effect on permed, naturally curly or course hair. Use a very small amount of wax, rubbed between palms to warm it, then run through dry hair to give a polished, groomed effect. On short hair, it is excellent for creating that spiked look but don’t use on long, fine hair – it will make it limp.

Volumisers

Volumisers are excellent for creating volume in specific areas to achieve that ‘big-hair’ look. Spray onto the root area when the hair is almost dry – this will coat the hair and give it extra body and fullness. Lift sections of hair and spray from roots upwards to ends. Volumising spray is good for fine, straight and limp hair of any length but not great on coarse and wiry hair.

Serum

Serum is relatively new on the market and good for giving hair instant shine, controlling static or frizz, and protecting the hair shaft from damage. Spray evenly on dry or damp hair for a gloriously glossy effect. Although hair normally carries a positive charge, too much chemical processing, heat, cold or simply walking on nylon carpets can give it a negative charge. The hairs repel each other and this is what we call frizz or static. Serum can control this gravity defying phenomenon. Other serums are especially good for protecting and strengthening hair.