Best Hair Styling Products & their Dos and Don’ts

There is a hair care routine, then there is hairstyling, but have you ever thought about how hairstyling tools can affect your hair? Those flat irons, curlers, wave wands, etc., can actually harm your hair to a great extent. So what can be done to deal with this problem?

 

Now, everybody has a different hair texture. You may have straight, curly, or wavy hair, and each of them may require different hair care and styling techniques. There are also certain hair and skin conditions you need to keep in mind while styling your hair. This guide to hair styling products for different hair textures will guide you on what to use and what not to use according to your hair texture, hair styling products that you can use, and what hairstyles you can achieve with these hairstyling products. Let’s get started.

The Dos and Don'ts

There are a plethora of hairstyling products lying on the shelves of hair salons and shops, but are they all good for your hair? No. You need to be very careful while selecting hair styling products, as there are many that contain harmful chemicals that can severely damage your hair. Here are some things you need to keep in mind while purchasing one:

 

• Avoid any spirit-based product if you have dry or damaged hair. They can make your hair dry further.
• If you are styling blonde hair, use serums, waxes, and glosses. This would help keep your hair shiny.
• If you want shiny hair that is not flattened by the weight of shine serum, use a shine spray.
• Prefer sprayable hair styling products over the ones that need to be applied to your hair. This gives your hair a much more natural look.
• Prefer using paraben and sulfate-free products to avoid scalp dryness, irritation, and hair loss.

 

This is the first step toward choosing the right hair styling products for your hair. After buying the product, you must keep certain dos and don’ts in mind while applying them. These are as follows:

• You may add silicone products if you have oily hair, as it helps wash away excess oil.
• When you are applying hair styling products after hair wash, make sure your hair is slightly damp. This helps your hair take all benefits of the products.
• Always start with applying a small amount of the styling product. This helps you apply the product sufficiently. If you think the applied amount is not enough, you may apply more.
• If you are using a styling gel on your hair, make sure you do not blow-dry your hair after that, as it will result in flakes.

 

Follow these basic dos and don’ts, and you will be able to protect your hair from potential damage from products containing harmful chemicals and excessive application of many hair products.

Different Hair Textures, Different Needs

As mentioned above, different hair textures have different requirements when it comes to using hair styling products. You must be thinking that it is only three types of hair textures (straight, wavy, and curly), but there is a lot more to each one of them. You may have straight and oily hair, straight and thick hair, curly and thin hair, wavy and dry hair, etc., so the requirement for each one of them is dissected even further.  

 

It is important to know your hair type, if it is oily, dry, frizzy, or a balance of all. This helps in selecting the right hair styling products for you. Here is a list of different hair types for you to choose from.

Straight Hair

Straight hair goes well with any occasion and length of hair. Many women take to hair straightening tools and treatments to achieve straight hair. The way to know if your hair is naturally straight is to see if they remain straight after they dry up. If the answer is yes, then you have straight hair. However, it doesn’t end here. There are many types of straight hair.

Types

Type 1A

In this type of straight hair, the hair is as straight as a stick. There is not even the slightest of a wave or curl in this type. Women with this straight hair type may face problems in achieving curls or wavy hair as their hair cannot hold any bend for long.

Type 1B

This type of straight hair is not as straight as type 1A. It can hold waves and curls for some time. This type of hair is flexible when compared to 1A, as it helps achieve different hair textures and also allows your hair some movement.

Type 1C

This type of hair is not as straight as 1A after being air-dried. They have a tousled look to them. But because it is mostly on the flatter side after drying up, it lies under the category of straight hair. Because this hair type is course & thick, it is prone to frizziness, which may happen because of the environment or climate of a place.

Wavy Hair

It is a never-dying trend in women to have slight bends in their hair to get a bold yet sophisticated look. While this hair type can look messy at times, it can ace the formal look as well. Wavy hair is basically neither straight nor curly and can be styled in both textures. There are 3 types of wavy hair. Let’s know the difference between each of them.

Types

Type 2A

This hair type is almost like straight hair, but because of the subtle waves it forms after being air-dried, it comes under wavy hair. This hair type forms a slight ‘S’ shape and little volume if looked at carefully; however, the root is straight. They can also hold further curls or waves formed using styling tools.

Type 2B

In this hair type, the waves are defined when compared to type 2A. This hair type provides more volume as well. While some frizz may be noticed on the top of your head, the root is still straight.

Type 2C

This type of hair is coarser and thicker than type 2A and 2B. The ‘S’ shape is more defined in this. The waves are tighter, helping you highlight your waves more. There is usually no need to style this hair type if you want wavy hair, as it is enough.

Curly Hair

Do you have twisted hair? Do they take the shape of loose springs? If yes, then you have curly hair. If you go by the hairstyle trends, curly hairstyles top the charts. Women are preferring curly hair extensions and wigs over any other hair type as the curls give your face a slim look, while the hair looks fuller. There are 3 types of curly hair. Read on to know about them.

Types

Type 3A

This hair type usually has loose curls that are as big as a wine cork. They are prone to frizziness, so you wouldn’t want to touch them or even slightly disturb them once styled. One touch, and you will have a lion mane to tame. This is because this type of hair is sensitive to the environment and climate. If you want to style them, it is best to do so when your hair is sopping wet. Because the curls are defined in this hair type, scrunch them further with a cotton t-shirt to get the best result.

Type 3B

This hair type is comparatively tighter than type 3A. When noticed, this hair type is comparatively thicker, coarser, and springier, and the curls are more defined. Although this hair type is drier, it is able to hold further defined curls, giving you more volume. Unlike type 3A, this hair type is not sensitive to the environment or climate, so you can play with them as much as you want. Because this hair type is comparatively drier, you may need to focus on hydrating these curls from time to time.

Type 3C

This hair type has curls as tight as a corkscrew. If you love denser and voluminous hair, then this hair type is the best. This hair type is sensitive to frizz, and so they need to be taken care of more in that area.

Coily Hair

If we say in general terms, coily hair is the ultimate curls. They can go from tight springs to zig-zag right from the root! As dense as they sound, they can shrink to a good extent. The good news is that this hair type eradicates the use of most of the styling products as the hair naturally provides you with well-defined curls and volume. There are 3 types of coily hair. Read on to know more about them.

Types

Type 4A

This type of hair is dense, has tight s-patterned coils, and gives more volume. This hair can have a fine texture or can be wired. Even if your hair is type 4A and is fine-textured, the density will give it a thicker look.

Type 4B

The shape of this hair type is more towards a zig-zag, which means that while type 4A forms a tight s-shape, this hair type forms a z-shape. While your 4B hair may be thicker, denser, and voluminous, it may still shrink to a great extent due to the pattern of the strand. This hair type is usually soft.

Type 4C

4c hair is almost similar to type 4B. What distinguishes them from each other is the more defined z-shape. While type 4B is z-shaped, this hair type has a more defined z-shape.

Prepare Your Hair for Styling

There are a lot of hairstyles you would want to try, but what is important here is that your hair should not be damaged in the process. Using a lot of styling products, techniques, and tools may take a toll on your hair. This doesn’t mean that you cannot try hairstyles. There are many ways in which you can prepare your hair for the styling procedure. This preparation starts right from washing your hair.

 

Shampoos and conditioners may look like very ordinary elements in your daily routine, but they hold the utmost importance for your hair. Using the right shampoo and conditioner and using them rightly is very important in order to manage your hair health.

Use the Right Shampoo & Conditioner

The first step toward styling your hair is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for it. If these things are not right, your hair will be damaged right from the wash. Now the question is how to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair? The answer is right here.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo

Shampoo plays a crucial role in managing your hair health, as it is the product you use the most. It can actually make or break your hair. Therefore, choosing the right shampoo is important. There are certain things you need to take into consideration before you choose a shampoo. These are as follows:

Know Your Scalp

It is said that charity begins at home, and this phrase fits well when it comes to your hair. Your scalp is home to your hair. The natural oils and protein present in your hair are all supplied from your scalp through the roots. Therefore it becomes important to know what kind of a scalp you have. There are different types of scalps, and there is a different type of shampoo for each of them. These are as follows:

Normal Scalp

If your scalp is neither too oily nor too dry, then consider yourself one of the lucky women because you have a normal scalp. While other scalp types may encounter certain problems, a normal scalp is usually free of excessive greasiness, dandruff, or dryness.

 

Which Shampoo to use?

Use a shampoo with an evenly balanced formulation of conditioning agents and detergents that will maintain the right amount of oil, keeping your scalp healthy.

Oily Scalp

If you feel your hair is too oily despite frequently shampooing it, your scalp is oily. You can try lessening the hair wash days and see if the oil reduces to some extent. Give your scalp a break from hair wash by washing it every 2-3 days.

 

Which Shampoo to Use?

Shampoos with non-moisturizing formulation are the best for oily scalp. You can also opt for a clarifying shampoo once a week. Make sure you are giving a gap of 2-3 days to your hair wash.

Dry Scalp

If your scalp is dry, itchy, or flaky after you wash your hair, then you have a dry scalp. If you are not using the right shampoo, then it may only worsen the situation.

 

Which Shampoo to Use?

Choose a moisturizing or hydrating shampoo, as your hair lacks it—shampoos comprising tea tree oil or menthol work well for your scalp. Avoid volumizing, hair strengthening, and sulfate-containing shampoos, as they can make your hair even drier.

Know Your Hair Type

Now you know what kind of shampoo you need to use for your scalp, but it doesn’t end here. Before you choose a shampoo, it is important also to consider your hair type. Your hair can be of many types, be it frizzy, oily, curly, straight, damaged, etc. Let us have a look at the types of shampoos you can choose from:

Shampoo for Silky Straight Hair

If you want silky straight hair, go for moisturizing shampoos. They help seal your cuticles to retain moisture. They also work well if you want to reduce flyaways.

Shampoo for Curly Hair

As you read the types of hair, you know that curly hair is more on the dry side. A shampoo with deep moisturizing and hydrating agents helps reduce the frizz in your hair, retain moisture and make your hair manageable.

Shampoo for Damaged/Chemically Treated Hair

It may happen that you have already dry, damaged hair, or you might have gone through certain chemical treatments for your hair, or you might have used hair color. Any of the above elements can lead to damaged hair.

All you need is a shampoo that promotes hair strengthening and comprises proteins. This helps retain the nourishment required by your hair.

If your hair is damaged because of colors, choose a sulfate-free shampoo comprising soy extracts and amino acids.

Shampoo for Treating Dandruff

Dandruff is white flakes in your hair caused by dryness. It is very common in people, but if it is persistent, then it is a matter of concern. You can opt for anti-dandruff shampoos. There are many methods with which you can cure dandruff if it is still there. If dandruff doesn’t go away, you should consider a dermatologist.

Shampoo for Oily Hair

If your hair is oily, it may be difficult for you to have voluminous hair. To achieve volume and have the right amount of oil in your hair, go for dry shampoos. They absorb excess oil from your hair, giving you gorgeous-looking hair.

Spray this shampoo a few inches away from your scalp to avoid any kind of itchiness. Make sure you wash your hair in 1-2 days of using the shampoo as it is not like your regular shampoo.

How Much Shampoo is the Right Amount of Shampoo?

Usually, the amount of shampoo to be used depends on many factors, like the length, texture, hair wash frequency, etc., but using about 10 milliliters (about 2 teaspoons) of shampoo is generally suitable.

Another indicator that you are using the right amount of shampoo is the amount of lather formed during your hair wash. If the lather is covering your hair, then you are good to go.

Now that you know what shampoo and how much of it you have to use, let us move on to the product you apply right after it, conditioner.

How to Choose the Right Conditioner

Shampoos are not the sole caretakers of your scalp and hair. Conditioners are equally important when it comes to managing them. You can consider conditioners as a backup if your shampoo fails by any chance. But if the backup is not right, it is as good as zero for your hair.

Unlike shampoos, conditioners can be chosen only on the basis of your hair type, as it is applied on the strand and not the scalp. Your hair is capable of getting used to a type of conditioner. To keep seeing its effects on your hair, change brands every month.

You already know your hair type, as discussed above. Here’s what kind of conditioner you should choose according to your hair type:

• If you have healthy hair, go for a conditioner made for normal hair.
• If you have dry or curly hair (especially 4C hair), go for a deep moisturizing conditioner.
• If you have fine hair and desire volume, go for a volumizing conditioner.
• If you do not want to take a break from conditioners available in the market, go for natural conditioners like olive oil or mayonnaise.
• If you have chemically treated/colored dry hair, go for a moisturizing conditioner.

 

While there are different conditioners for all types of hair, there are some exceptions that need to be considered. These are as follows:

• If you have chemically treated/colored oily hair, focus on using the right shampoo and the right amount of shampoo.
• Do not go for silicone-based conditioners if you have colored hair, as it strips the color of your hair.
• If you have light hair, using a conditioner can weigh them down. You can go for a volumizing conditioner if you desire, but keep your focus on the shampoo.
• If you have baby fine hair, you may not want to use a conditioner as using even a small amount of it may flatten the roots.

Best Hair Styling Products for You

It can be boring to wear the same hairstyle every day. The phrase ‘change is the only constant’ applies to your hairstyles as well because trying different hairstyles is what keeps you going.  

Now that your hair is prepared to be styled let’s check out the best hair styling products.

Curl Enhancing Cream

Curls are topping the trend charts for long. As gorgeous as they look, it is as difficult to keep them on.

• If you have straight hair and want to get gorgeous waves in it, then curl-enhancing creams come in handy. Apply the cream and scrunch your hair to get the best results.
• If you have wavy hair, you can go for those curls or even make well-defined waves.
• If your hair is already curly, you can use curl-enhancing cream to achieve well-defined curls.

 

Other products like styling gels can make your hair hard when they dry up, ruining the hairstyle you applied it for, whereas curl-enhancing cream holds your hair firmly even after it dries up, as it is cream-based.

Mousse

Foam-based mousse is the jack of all trades. It can be used for styling your hair and giving more volume as well. Apply it from roots to ends. Using it on semi-damp hair brings the best results. Once you have applied it, use a hairdryer to style your hair further.

Heat Protectant

Heating tools damage your hair to a great extent if you use them often. The best way to protect your hair while you achieve the desired hairstyle is to use a heat protectant before you use a heat styling tool. The silicone present creates a wall that doesn’t let the heat styling tools damage your hair.

All you got to do is apply a tinge of heat protectant before using a heat styling tool. It not only protects your hair against the damage the heat can cause but also make your hair soft and shiny.

Sea Salt Spray

You may style your hair well before going out, but once you step out of your house, your hair is unable to retain the style for long. All they need is a sprinkle of freshness. Use a sea salt spray to bring your hair back to life in just minutes! You can keep it in your purse/bag and use it on the go. Just spray some of it, and your hair is back to being gorgeous!

Pomade

While other hair styling products can be used on any hair length, pomade is the best if you have short hair. Because of the short length, it may become difficult to maintain your hair, which may end up with flyaways or frizz. Applying some pomade keeps these problems at bay, helping you carry your hairstyle with confidence. You can also check out short hairstyles at Indique Hair to look the best from the rest!

It can also be used on long and medium-length hair.

Hair Spray

Women usually use hair sprays are a moisturizer, while it is a hair styler! Just like a pomade or mousse, hair sprays, too, hold your hairstyle so that you can show it off without any worries.

Using a hair spray in the right amount is important as using too little can fail to show any effect, and using too much of it can make your hair look wet and dull.

How to Apply Hair Styling Products Rightly?

Just like shampoo can be a game maker or breaker when it comes to maintaining your hair health, hair styling products can be the same when it comes to styling your hair and protecting it from the damage heat styling tools can cause. Therefore, it becomes even more important to use these styling products rightly and in the right amount. So here are some tips on how to apply hair styling products to your hair and in what quantity.

How Much Hair Product should be Applied?

The biggest factor in applying an amount of hair styling products is the length of your hair. If your hair is short, it needs a minimal amount of the product, increasing as the length increases.

• For short hair: Use a dime-sized amount of the product.
• For medium-length hair: Use a nickel-sized amount of the product.
• For long hair: Use a quarter-sized amount of the product.

When to Apply?

The best time to apply these hair styling products is when your hair is semi-damp. Towel dry or air dry your hair and apply the product. This is because the excess amount slips off as your hair becomes dry and the required amount stays. If your hair is curly, scrunch those curls to get the best result.

Where to Start Applying from?

The ritual says that you apply right from the front end of your hair, but that is not true. The best way to apply a hair styling product is to take some of it in your hands and starting from the back of your head. Your hair is the thickest here. If you apply from the front end, the back hair may not be able to receive the proper amount of the product.

Don’t Forget to Comb Your Hair

Although you can apply or spray the chosen hair styling product and run your fingers through it, it is important to ensure that all your hair strands are being covered. The best way to do so is by combing your hair with a hairbrush or a wide-toothed comb.

Massage the Product Well into Your Hair

To get the best results, massage the cream-based, gel-based, or spray product into your hair well. This will make sure that all the strands have been covered by the product.

Conclusion

To a woman, her hair means the world to her. And it is important to protect them from the harmful pollutants and chemicals out there. Be it straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, there is a way to pamper them while you style them. Hairstyling products are a blessing when it comes to this.

It is also important to first prepare your scalp and hair with the basics, i.e., shampoo and conditioner, to make your hair healthy. They also protect your hair from any damage-causing pollutants in the air and allow you to achieve the desired hairstyle using hair styling and heat styling products further.

Now you know some of the best hair stylings products. You can also check out the premium version of these products at Indique hair! What’s the wait for? Go grab your favorite product and show off your hairstyle!