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Choosing a Hair Product (3)
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Shine enhancers are also great for damaged hair, in that they add shine and luster where
there may be none currently. These products are generally made from light fruit oils and are usually partly absorbed by the hair in
addition to coating the exterior of the shaft. You should use caution when using shine enhancers in combination with heat styling
appliances such as curling irons or flat irons. The presence of oil on the hair can literally result in cooking the hair when a hot
iron is put in contact with it. If you are going to use shine enhancers on heat styled hair, do so sparingly, or else apply the shine
sprays only after the hair has been styled.
Styling Gels/Mousse/Setting Lotions
These make up the lion’s share of styling products sold and used in the world today. These
products are used in a wide range of styling practices, from blowing the hair straight, to wet roller sets. The products differ
primarily in the “state” in which they come – foam, liquid, or gel.
The foam products, called mousses, are the lightest of the styling products and generally
make for voluminous, soft styles. Mousses are great for blow-dry styling because they can help create lasting styles without
stiffness. They can also be used for “wet look” styling, without being overly stiff or sticky.
The liquids, often referred to as setting lotions, are great for use with roller sets and
for blow-dryer styling when a stronger hold is needed. Many women who have their hair set using a liquid setting lotion enjoy a
style that will last for several days, or until the next shampoo. The setting lotions are great for creating durable styles.
Styling gels are thick, viscous products that give maximum hold and are ideal for creating
those styles that need exceptional hold and strength. Styling gels are especially good for hair that is hard to manage and styles
that need the most hold possible.
Hair Spray/Spritz
Hair spray is the staple of the hair care product line, dating back to yesteryear when
stylists used turpentine and resins to hold the hair after styling. Hair sprays can be found in aerosol or non-aerosol varieties,
and the non-aerosol varieties are sometimes referred to as spritzes. Both varieties contain ingredients that cause the spray to dry
rapidly on the hair to provide the needed hold without “wetting” the hair.
The aerosols are packaged in metal canisters under extreme pressure from propellants that
are typically flammable. You must use caution with aerosol hairsprays and never use these products around an open flame (such as a
candle) or around anyone who is smoking.
The non-aerosol hair sprays typically contain alcohol in order to allow the hair spray to
dry more rapidly. They are applied using a mechanical applicator – a pump sprayer. These non-aerosol hair sprays must be used
carefully as they may cause the hair to be overly dampened if applied to heavily, lacking the propellant to generate a finer mist.
Hair sprays are versatile, in that they can be used to create styles (in conjunction with
curling irons and flat irons) or to give a final set to a finished style. Because the hair sprays will leave a residue on the hair
shaft (this is how they work) you may experience product build-up with repeated use.
Stacy - Stylist ©Hairfinder.com
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