The combination of practice and the right styling product enables you to achieve a salon finish at home. The products listed below enable you to do it in style.

GELS

Gels come in varying degrees of viscosity, from a thick jelly to a liquid spray. They are sometimes called sculpting lotions and are used for precise styling. Use them to lift roots, tame wisps, create tendrils, calm static, heat set, and give structure to curls. Wet gel can be used for sculpting styles.

TIP :-

A gel can be revitalized the following day by running wet fingers through the hair, against the direction of the finished look.

HAIR SPRAY

Traditionally, hair spray was used to hold a style in place; today varying degrees of stiffness are available to suit all needs. Use hair spray to keep the hair in place, get curl definition when scrunching, and mist over rollers when setting. Hair sprays are available in a variety of formulations, including light and firm holds.

TIPS :-

A light application of spray on a hair brush can be used to tame flyaway ends.

Use hair spray at the roots and tong or blow-dry the area to get immediate lift.

MOUSSE

Mousse is the most versatile styling product. It comes as a foam and can be used on wet or dry hair. Mousses contain conditioning agents and proteins to nurture and protect the hair. They are available in different strengths, designed to give soft to maximum holding power, and can be used to lift flat roots or smooth frizz. Use when blow-drying, scrunching, and diffuser drying.

TIPS :-

Make sure you apply mousse from the roots to the ends, not just in a blob on the crown.

Choose the right type for your hair. Normal is good for a great many styles, but if you want more holding power, don't just use more mousse as it can make hair dull; instead, choose a firm or maximum hold product

SERUMS

Serums, glossier, polishes, and shine sprays are made from oils or silicones, which improve shine and softness by forming a microscopic film on the surface of the hair. Formulations can vary from light and silky to heavier ones with a distinct oily feel. They also contain substances designed to smooth the cuticle, encouraging the tiny scales to lie flat and thus reflect the light and make the hair appear shiny. Use these products to improve the feel of the hair, to combat static, de-frizz, add shine and gloss, an9. temporarily repair split ends.

TIP :-

Don't use too much serum or you will make your hair greasy.

STYLING OR SETTING LOTIONS

Styling lotions contain flexible resins that form a film on the hair and aid setting, and protect the hair from heat damage. There are formulations for dry, colored or sensitized hair; others give volume and additional shine. Use for roller setting, scrunching, blow-drying, and natural drying.

TIP :-

If using a styling lotion for heat set­ting look out for formulations that offer thermal protection.

WAXES, POMADES AND CREAMS

These products are made from natural waxes, such as carnauba (produced by a Brazilian palm tree), which are softened with other ingredients such as mineral oils and lanolin to make them pliable. Both soft and hard formulations are available. Some pomades contain vegetable wax and oil to give gloss and sheen. Other formulations produce foam and are water soluble, and leave no residue. Use for dressing the hair and for controlling frizz and static.

Tip :-

When applying mousse use a "handful", and make sure you distribute it evenly.