Which Hair Product for Your Hair Type?

Are you using the right hair products for styling your hair? Hair products generally fall into one of three categories depending on the ingredients that actually act to hold the hair. Each type is suitable for different hair types and styling purposes.

Water-based hair products: (e.g. gels, mousses and foams)
These deliver the styling polymers in a water base, so they tend to dry relatively slowly. They coat the hair in a film which, as it dries, becomes sticky. This lends friction to the hair, making it easier to style. Once the product dries on the hair it forms a hard film that holds the hair in place. This film is rigid and non-flexible, so further brushing or disrupting the hair style will potentially break the bonds that hold the hairstyle in place, although the product on the hair shaft will still provide some degree of friction which will help with further styling until the product is washed out.


Gels are thick water-based styling products that are particularly good for increasing hair stiffness and providing a texturized look. Gel is popular for short, spikey hairstyles because it provides good root lift.

Mousses and foams deliver the water-soluble styling ingredients with the aid of liquid propellant. The propellant quickly evaporates once the mousse is dispensed into the hand leaving the styling concentrate. Because the styling concentrate is essentially "whipped up", it is able to be easily dispensed throughout the hair and spread thinly so that it doesn't weigh down hair or create areas of excessive rigidity. 

Wax-based hair products: (e.g. waxes and pomades)
Wax based styling products differ from water based products in that they don't actually dry (since they're not wet in the first place — just waxy). This enables you to create the same thick, defined, piecey look as with gels, but without the rigidity. Since these products remain pliable, you're able to fix and restyle your hair throughout the day just by running your fingers through your hair.

Waxes and pomades are highly flexible and provide great definition, but can be heavy when used in inappropriate quantities, or on hair that is fine or prone to oiliness. They can also be difficult to wash out, so it is beneficial to use a good clarifying shampoo if you're using waxes or pomades regularly.

Alcohol-based hair products: (e.g. hairspray)
Alcohol based styling products, such as hairspray, deliver styling product to the hair as a mixture of styling product and alcohol. The alcohol component of the mix evaporates very quickly, which means that these products will dry on the hair much faster than their water-based counterparts. Alcohol-based products typically use aerosol propellants which enable the styling product to be delivered in very small droplets, which dry faster and provide a more even, thorough coverage. Alcohol-based stylers are excellent for finishing off a style because they do not rewet the hair (which can be detrimental to the style), and because they effectively seal off the hair from the weakening effect of external moisture and humidity.

The firmest hair wax

There are more and more styling and finishing products on the market each week to cater to every hair styling need. We have tried to simplify them into six main categories but these are only ment as an aid to understanding there use they are gels, mousses, hair sprays, waxes, pomades and oils/drops.

As a general guide hair styling products go into wet hair to give hold and help retain style. Hair finishing products go onto dry hair after you have finished blow-drying or between shampoos to recreate your style daily. Some products can be used for both. We have listed on our website the use (styling or finishing) next to each product type when you see on a selection, you will get more detai

Spice Neo Hair Wax (Finishing)

What's it for? Wax creates natural texture by clumping strands of your hair together. Best for shorter layered styles.
How's it used? Take a small portion onto the end of your finger then work around your palms in a washing type motion. Many waxes will go white or foam slightly when you do this. Now work your hands through your hair roughly to distribute. Finally, place your hair how you want it.
How does it feel in your hair? "greasyish" but moveable without flopping.
Alternative ideas: Good for spikes and defining shapes.

How to Choose Hair Product

We hate our hair, and so should you. Really. It doesn't do anything, doesn't spike up or slick back by itself—unless we're talking cowlicks and oil problems, in which case you have bigger fish to fry. In fact, without any outside help, hair would suffer a limp and dreary existence, with nothing but a periodic scissoring to spice up its pitiful life. That's why a huge hair-care market exists in those salons and drugstore aisles: to liven things up. But how can we be expected to wade through all the stuff that's out there? Waxes, gels, mousses, pomades…it's enough to make us want to switch to dreadlocks and stop washing altogether. But help is on the way. We broke down the ABCs of hair glop for you. Now go forth and style. Carefully.





Gel
The workhorse of the bunch, with a utilitarian purpose: keeping hair stationary. Applied to wet hair, it holds shape and leaves hair shiny, and it comes in varying hold strengths from light to strong. Go with a strong-hold gel if you want stiffness; to make your hair more manageable or emphasize waviness, a lighter gel is a better option. Take heed: Some gels produce white flakes if you brush or comb your hair after the gel has dried, so don't be too hands-on.

Cream
To add extra shine and control without sacrificing your hair's natural look, creams are the way to go. Ideal for thick, coarse or curly hair, they may contain moisturizing ingredients like silk amino acids, olive oil or chamomile. The uni-named Pirkko, artistic director of New York City's Paul Labrecque Gentlemen's Salon, uses creams on dry or damp hair to give flexibility and strength and to tame flyaway hair without greasiness or stiffness.

Wax
One of the newest products to hit the scene. It's extremely versatile, good for everything from messier bed-head looks to more structured styles. It can have a matte or shiny finish and is applied to hair that's dry or slightly damp to define and control select pieces or areas. I use wax for almost everything. It's perfect for anything spiky, or it can be skimmed over the top of the hair for a neatly groomed style. He recommends wax for straight or slightly wavy hair, as it tends to clump in curly hair. Wax is more pliable than gel, allowing hair to be restyled ad infinitum—perfect for indecisive types or for someone who needs to go right from the office to the bar.

Mousse
Not a popular choice for men; there's a reason mousse is associated with the mall-rat Valley Girl look of the '80s. It's foamy and surrounds the hair strand with chemical compounds called polymers, resulting in a fuller appearance. Even though men may not be chasing that thick look, some mousses are specifically formulated to thicken fine hair with agents like rice protein and rosemary—making it perfect for foliage that's starting to thin up top.

Serum
Also called gloss, polish or smoothing fluid, it has a slick consistency and is used to reduce frizz and impart silkiness and sheen with silicone and various oils. Machen leans toward using serum on long, curly or brittle hair—its coating mechanism can soften the hair. For a quick shine fix, put a few drops on wet shampooed hair and then rinse it out.

 The type of product you choose should be determined by your hair's length and texture. If you have short, fine hair and want it to stand up, use waxes or strong gels. Longer hair gives you more options, depending on how full you want it to look. For thinning hair, avoid heavier products, like creams and non-water-based pomades, as they'll weigh down your hair. Never just slap product onto the hair; put some in your palm and rub your hands together, then apply from the back of the head forward. And if you screw up your work of art, don't sweat it—it's a washable canvas.

Some Hair Care Products and Tools Every Woman Needs

Are you overwhelmed by all the mousses, gels, irons and other hair care products vying for your attention? What you really need boils down to some basic tools. Here are the hair care products and tools every woman should have on hand.

1. A good brush.
   The higher quality your hairbrush, the healthier your hair. We've found the best brushes have rubber bases with boar's head bristles. These allow bristles to flex, cutting down on the damage to your hair. Here, you'll find brushes for $10.95. 
   
   2. The rightshampoo for your hair type.
   Caretricco Shampoos work by cleansing hair of dirt and oil. Picking the correct shampoo is all about the ingredients. Extra tip: More shampoo is not better. All you need is a half-dollar-sized dollop, perhaps a bit more if you have long hair. And although it says on the back of every shampoo bottle, "rinse & repeat," you don't need to if you did a good job the first time around. Beauty experts tout Pantene as the best basic shampoo on the market. We tend to agree, having tried dozens of different shampoos from the fabulously pricey to the basics. Check out their various products from moisturizing to volumizing.
   
   3. Conditioner.
   Unless you have baby fine hair that goes limp at the sight of creamy conditioners, you need to a conditioner. Hair pros will tell you conditioner can help repair heat- & chemical-damaged hair. The truth is conditioners protect your hair from these things (and harsh brushings). More than conditioning, we like how conditioners have moisturizing agents that coat hair leaving it tangle-free. Want to spend less time brushing out long wet hair? Condition the ends. Your comb will zip right through.
   
   4. A wide-toothed comb.
   Never, ever, ever, never use a brush to comb out wet hair. That's why they call it 'combing out' - a wide-toothed comb is the only equipment that should touch your wet head.
   
   Spice-Neo Shine serum.
   Here is where you may say, 'what?' But really, who would turn down a shiny mane if promised one? These shine serums really do work. If you have fine, straight hair, forgo the serums for the spray & don't use too much. Shine products will weigh down fine hair, so a quick spritz will do you. If your hair is thick, try the serums, which help smooth the hair & give it an added gleam, or just use more of the spray.