Understanding Hair Products
Understanding The Product That YOU Put in Your Hair
One of the most common confusions people have when shopping for hair care products is what to buy. Undoubtedly, the hair care market has expanded by several folds in the last few decades. Indeed, it’s brought a lot of variety and convenience for the public. However, too many choices create a lot of confusion.
While many think it’s easier for them to buy customized hair care products now, others don’t know much about each product’s uses and ingredients. This entended list of options creates unnecessary stress and hassle. If you can relate to this situation, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with an elaborate article to explain everything in detail! Here, we’ll talk about the different kinds of hair care products on the market, what they do, who should use them, and what they constitute.
The Differences Between Hair Product Types
Even though the shelves are now overflowing with hundreds of hair care products for different hair types, there are a few basic categories. We’ll talk about each of them separately so that you can choose which one’s for you.
Hair Wax
Hair wax is the most versatile hair styling product you’ll find. But since it is not strong enough to hold bigger, heavier, and longer hair, it works best for short or medium hairstyles. Plus, the finish is more matte, less shiny, and doesn’t feel stiff. Another popular advantage of using hair wax as a hair care product is that it adds more texture to the hair. This particular benefit is especially significant for those who have relatively thin hair.
The only apparent disadvantage of using hair wax is that it doesn’t hold your hair for extended periods. But while it may seem like a drawback, some find it extremely favorable. Why? Because they can continuously change the hairstyle and redo it.
The most popular ingredients of hair wax are beeswax, lanolin, and shealoe butter. The proper way to use it is to make sure your hair is completely dry. Then, take a small amount of the hair wax (a size as that of a penny, and no more). Rub the product between your hands and warm it up. Then, run your fingers and palms across your hair. And that’s it! Easy peasy!
Hair Paste
Hairstyling paste is another incredibly versatile product. It feels like a thick but liquidy substance, and it gives you the most flexibility. Since it is a water-based product, you can easily wash it out, and it doesn’t adhere to your hair annoyingly.
Another significant benefit of using a styling paste is that it adds incredible volume to short and medium hair. For this particular reason, it is also a popular option for thin hair. Plus, like hair wax, it allows you to redo your hair as much as you want, whenever and wherever you want.
The great thing about this particular product is that you can use it on both damp and dry hair. In the former case, it provides more strength and long-lasting hold. Plus, it is especially great for longer hair when it’s damp. In the other scenario, styling paste on dry hair provides an incredible grip and an overall matte look. Plus, it adds some impressive volume and texture to your hairstyle. It is incredibly best for medium and short hair when it’s dry.
Hair Clay
Hair clay is also very similar to hair wax. The primary ingredient in this hair care product is clay, obviously! The most popular kind is bentonite, which is also a very famous healing clay. Thus, naturally, it has beneficial properties for your scalp and hair, both. Some other popular types of clay include green clay and kaolin.
In terms of personality, hair wax is no less than any other product on the list. Like hair wax, it is excellent for medium and short hair. However, when it comes to longer styles, it does a much better job than hair wax. Plus, it doesn’t feel greasy, adds thickness and volume, and provides long-lasting hold.
The best way to use hair clay is by blow-drying your hair first or using it on damp hair. Take a small amount of clay on your palms, rub your hands together, and rub your hands through the hair. The trick is to make sure it’s nice and warm. Warmer temperatures activate the ingredients and make application easier.
Hair Pomade
Pomades are very similar to hair wax. In fact, the wax is an essential part of almost every pomade out there. However, there are visual and textural differences between the two products and how you can use each.
Pomade is available in two different types: oil-based and water-based. Both provide a firm hold and an attractive finish. However, the difference lies in their benefits. The water-based product is generally less greasy, and it is much easier to wash and remove. In contrast, The other type of pomade is easier to work with and lasts for days. Thus, you don’t need to worry about needing reapplications throughout the day.
Most pomades have ingredients like beeswax, aloe vera, and natural oils. Since these ingredients are naturally healthy for your hair, they provide strength and conditioning while helping you style your hair as you wish.
However, in terms of use, pomade is more particular than the rest of the products on the list. It prefers damp hair and doesn’t work well on a wet scalp. Lightly towel-dry your hair and make sure there’s no more water dripping from the ends. Take a small amount in your hands and run it through the hair in the direction you please. Just remember that with pomades, a little goes a long way!
Hair Spray
Like the sea-salt styling sprays, some particular hair sprays have ingredients that work well on damp hair and provide form and hold. Again, these are very versatile and suitable for all types of hair, even the longer styles. Plus, these products are famous for how easy they are to use. You can use it on damp or dry hair. Spray the product across the hair and comb, blow-dry, or style as you wish.
Hair Gel
Finally, hair gel is the most classic, traditional, and oldest hair care product for men. These products are mostly water-based with a cocktail of different synthetic and natural chemicals. Hair gel provides the most firm hold on your hair and works best for long, medium, and short hairstyles. It sets quickly and doesn’t need a lot of hair prep before you use it. The finish is overall very sleek and shiny, giving your hair a wet look. It’s firm and stays intact, so you don’t have to worry about restyling. However, make sure you wash it off thoroughly. These chemicals can be dangerous if they stay in your hair for extended periods.
Knowing and understanding what different hair care products are for helps you identify your needs and select the best product for yourself. Since everyone has different sets of requirements and preferences, the same product doesn’t work for everyone. Thus, essential and basic information about your options is necessary. Hopefully, now you know enough about the various types of products available in the market, and you’ll be able to buy the right one for yourself!