Hair styling products often contain ingredients that strip natural oils from hair shafts, leading to dryness and brittleness. Some may also irritate the scalp, leading to flaking and itching issues.
Hair tonics or serums are liquid products used as leave-in conditioners to provide moisture, light-healthy shine and help heavier styling products adhere evenly. Some can even help prevent product build-up and dandruff.
Gel
Hair gel is made using K-90 PVP polymers that give it texture. Hair gel can create hard, structured looks perfect for pompadours and other classic styles while simultaneously softening and smoothing out your locks.
While some gels contain chemicals that may weaken and break your hair strands over time, their impact is mostly dependent on how often and how you style your locks with them. Gels may also dry out the scalp and lead to flakiness or dandruff on occasion; to maintain healthy strands it’s essential that you use a moisturizing shampoo and condition regularly in order to keep hydration at its core.
The best hair gels are free from harmful ingredients and contain nourishing coconut oil to nourished the strands. Furthermore, their low alcohol content prevents your locks from becoming stiff or flaky as is sometimes the case with cheaper gels that contain too much alcohol. A quality gel will provide enough hold and finish while being easily rinsed out during showering or brushing sessions.
Pomade
Although pomade had a temporary dip into matte and non-slick territory in the 1980s and 90s, its resilience ensured its survival as independent barbershops championed classic grooming techniques and hairstyles.
Pomades come in an assortment of formulations to fit different hair types and styling needs. Waxes offer firm hold with low shine while clays can be more flexible in terms of matte or glossy finishes; creams provide richer and smoother finishes than pomade; while pastes feature dry textures with medium to low-level shine levels.
Water-based pomades became more widely available during the 20th century, providing similar control and style without heavy greasiness from oil-based ones. Water-based options, like Battle Born Grooming Co’s Original Pomade, wash out more easily to reduce build-up and hair damage. They’re perfect for creating sleek styles with an air of sophistication or cool.
Spray
Hair spray is an aerosol product used to keep styles in place and protect them from humidity. Containing polymers that cling to individual strands, it helps secure their form while simultaneously shielding against humidity.
Hair spray can also add shine to your locks, which is especially helpful for darker or less-than-smooth texture. There are various hair spray options on the market such as shaping spray, freeze spray and weightless spray to choose from.
Finding the appropriate hair styling products is the key to recreating that fresh from the barbershop look. Layer your products properly so they work in tandem; excessive usage of styling products can dry out and deplete natural shine in your locks, so only use them sparingly when necessary; consider using gels, pomades, clays and hair spray for optimal results.
Mist
Hair mist can be an elegant way to revive your look and scent without giving off too much fragrance. Unlike perfume, however, these mists have been specifically developed to benefit locks without drying out strands.
Hair mists are lightweight, quick-drying products designed to control flyaway strands without altering your signature style. In fact, they pair perfectly with gels, pomades and waxes to add additional definition and texture.
For fine to medium thick hair that needs volume boost, try using a volumizing mousse or foam. Those with thick coarse locks should go for heavier hold pomades or waxes like pomade, wax, and pomade, while for texture add salt sprays or gritty creams that add texturize and texturize the locks. A root lift can also be applied either before blow-drying for extra boost at roots, or afterwards for softened finishes – perfect for creating foundational styles!
