Hair styling

Hair styling: mousse, hairspray, sprays and styling creams

Hair styling products give hair the shape, volume and shine you want and keep the hairstyle in place: styling mousse, hairspray, volume and heat-protection sprays, dry shampoo, styling cream and finishing oil. This is a selection of salon-brand products used by stylists and keen home stylers alike.

Styling comes after cleansing and care: conditioner or mask first, then the styling product. That way hair is protected and the look lasts longer. A good styling product should not weigh hair down: a light texture suits everyday wear, stronger hold suits a festive style.

How to choose hair styling products

Think about what you want from the hairstyle: volume, smoothness, curls or hold. That decides which texture suits.

• Mousse: adds volume to fine hair and defines curls.
• Hairspray: sets a finished style, from light to strong hold.
• Volume spray and dry shampoo: lift the roots and refresh hair between washes.
• Heat-protection spray: protects hair when blow-drying and straightening.
• Styling cream and oil: give thick and dry hair smoothness and shine.

Styling products work best together with a caring line: see also conditioner and the full selection under hair care. You will find styling products from Wella Professionals, Schwarzkopf Professional and R+CO.

Hairspray: light or strong hold

Hairspray is the last step once the style is done. Light hold leaves the style natural and moving, strong hold fixes more elaborate styles for longer. For everyday use there is the OSiS light hold hairspray in a large 500 ml pack, and for a festive style the Goldwell Perfect Hold strong hairspray and the Wella EIMI Mistify Me Strong hairspray.

Mousse and volume

Styling mousse gives fine hair volume and helps curls last. For lift at the roots choose the Wella EIMI Extra Volume mousse. For light, natural fullness there is the Goldwell StyleSign Ultra Volume Naturally Full styling spray, and for raising the roots the R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray. These suit fine hair well when used in small amounts.

Heat protection for the dryer and straightener

If you use heat when blow-drying or straightening, add heat protection to the routine. The Wella EIMI heat protection spray is made for that, and for preparing hair before straightening there is the Schwarzkopf Osis+ Flatliner. Heat protection goes onto damp hair before styling, so hair is protected while you shape it.

Dry shampoo and texture

Dry shampoo refreshes the roots between washes and adds volume, which suits a quick morning or a trip. The range includes the Wella EIMI Dry Me dry shampoo. For texture and movement there is the Goldwell Creative Texture Dry Boost dry spray, which suits short and medium-length cuts.

Shine and finish

Shine spray and finishing oil give the style its final polish. The Wella EIMI Glam Mist shine spray adds gloss to hair, and the Wella Oil Reflections Light Luminous Oil adds smoothness and sparkle. If you like, you can also use the Rituals Happy Buddha hair and body mist, which leaves a pleasant scent on hair and skin.

Building a style step by step

• Wash and condition: use a suitable shampoo and conditioner.
• Protect: apply heat protection to damp hair.
• Add volume: mousse or volume spray at the roots.
• Shape: blow-dryer, curlers or straightener.
• Set: hairspray finishes the style, shine spray gives the polish.

To keep the style in place, use hair accessories such as brushes and combs.

Gift ideas

A styling product is an easy gift for someone who loves their hair. A hairspray and a volume spray together make a small style kit. A dry shampoo is also a good gift, because it is always at hand when time is short.

Styling for different hair types

Fine hair wants light support: mousse or volume spray at the roots and a thin layer of hairspray last. Thick and dry hair appreciates a smoothing cream or oil that gives shine and weight. For curly hair it matters to define the curl on damp hair and let it dry untouched, so the curls do not fall apart. Straight hair needs smoothness and shine, which heat protection together with a shine spray provides.

Styling by length

With a short cut one product is often enough: a texture spray or wax gives movement and structure. A medium cut takes mousse and light hairspray well. Long hair benefits from heat protection and a smoothing product, since the lengths are the most worked. For a festive style such as an updo or curls, use a stronger hairspray and finish with a shine spray.

Everyday and festive styling

An everyday style must be quick and easy. In the morning dry shampoo at the roots, a small amount of texture spray and a light hairspray are enough. For a special occasion take more time: protect hair with heat protection, shape the style, set it with a strong hairspray and finish with a shine spray or finishing oil. That way the style lasts all evening and hair looks glossy and well cared for.

Frequently asked questions