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How you style your hair may say a lot about your sense of fashion and personality. There is an abundance of hair styling products on the market and each styling product forms distinct textures and styles for various hair types. Read on to discover the 4 major types of styling products and what they are best used for.

GEL
If you require strong hold or are looking to maintain a short, molded hairstyle with sleek shapes, then gel is for you. Apart from the regular gooey product, Gel is actually available as a spray as well. Spray gel is good for a quick, overall covering, but will provides less hold. Direct application of hair gel requires you to work it in evenly by hand, but provides a stronger hold. It can be used for styling techniques such as freezing, sculpting, molding, and scrunching. 

Make sure to avoid any gels or other hair products that contain alcohol because they will dry up and damage your hair. Cheap gels have a tendency to dry up the scalp and generate flaking.

Best for: Most hair types (virgin, waved, curled, relaxed, and textured).

Tip: Blow-dry if you want maximum hold or dry naturally for a shiny look. Avoid cheap gel.

Pro: Strong holds for your hair thru out the day, even with heavy winds!

Con: You’ll get your hands sticky if re-styling is needed throughout the day.

MOUSSE
Mousse (styling foam) is lighter in consistency than a gel.  Mousse works well for most hair types and can create a natural and easy to manipulate hairstyle. It helps shape, mold and hold your hair in place with a more natural look. If you have thinner hair or fine hair, it can boost up the volume. 

Mousse is much lighter than other styling products and some brands are created as a combination leave-in conditioner and styling product. 

Best for:  Fine, limp hair 

Tip: If you have dry hair, avoid mousse that contains alcohol. 

Pro: Mousse allows you to re-style your hair throughout the day without the stickiness factor.

Con: It might lack holding strength for those who need more grip.
 

POMADE / WAX
Pomade and wax are essential for your stylish, sculpted hairstyles. If it’s the “messy” look you’re after, look no more than pomade. It is a waxy-like substance that may feel greasy in the container and on the hands, but once worked into hair provides great sheen. You get superior hold and a natural look with added textures. However if too much is applied, it might give your hair a greasy look. Pomade and hair wax will not dry your hair out like some styling products do. 

Most pomade products provide a combination of conditioning, styling, shinning, and texture-enhancing ingredients.

Best for:  Short, dry hair

Tip: If you have dry hair, avoid mousse that contains alcohol. 

Pro: Only small quantities are needed for great texture.

Con:  Feels heavy and may take more than one shampoo to wash out.
 

HAIRSPRAY
Very popular in the 80s, Hairspray can be used as a styling or finishing product. The newer sprays are lightweight and flexible, allowing the user to get hold without stiffness.  It makes your hair look thicker and can add shine.  When sprayed on wet hair, you can style and mold your hair to your liking.

Most quality hairsprays include effective UV sunscreen protection, great if you spend lots of time outdoors.

Best for:  Finish already styled and dry hair for maximum hold

Tip:  Avoid hairsprays that smell too pungent.

Pro: Very easy to apply, no need to get your hands dirty.

Con:  Strong smell, and when too much is used it can give your hair a crunchy and dry texture. And need we say environment?