Differences between Hairstyling Products
Can’t tell the difference between your pomade and your wax? Not surprising. In a recent survey done by The Hair Thread, only 68% were able to briefly explain the differences between the different types of hair styling products. Worst still, some respondents admitted to using oil-based products on their already oily hair (imagine: a piece of KFC chicken dipped in hot sizzling oil – after it’s already been fried to perfection). Here, we list down for you which hair styling products do what, so that you’d know which products to use, and which to avoid. (click on tabs below to explore)
Redken Stand Tough Extreme Gel
Gel
Usually water based, hair gels come in various strengths (from light to strong) and can be used for styling techniques such as freezing, sculpting molding and scrunching.
Pros: Hair gel gives you control over your hair and hairstyle, regardless of what look you’re planning to go for. Good quality gels will moisturize and condition your hair for many days. Hair gel also cements your hairstyle for many hours, even in the face of strong winds. Furthermore, as hair gel is water-based, it can be easily washed off from the hair.
Cons: Gels that contain alcohol will dry out and damage your hair, just as how cheap gels have a tendency to dry the scalp and generate flaking. Hair gel also makes your hair stiff, making it difficult should you want to restyle your hair.
Conclusion: Works best for wavy and curly hair; a light version can enhance natural curls.
Gatsby Moving Rubber Spiky Edge
Wax
Hair waxes are hair styling products that are used to define hair into textured pieces or chunks and manipulate hair into multiple hairstyles.
Pros: Wax based products can create the same styles and give the same shine as a gel or mousse, but the hair will remain pliable, unlike gels or mousses which cause the hair to be stiff. The flexibility of wax-based hair styling products allows users to fix and restyle their hair throughout the day by just running their fingers through their hair.
Cons: Because these products don’t have water in them, they don’t wash out easily. They may also look greasy on certain hair types.
Conclusion: Textured hairstyles will work well with wax-based hair products. They are also best for creating spiky and edgier styles. Wax/ clay should only be used on dry hair because the wax base makes it insoluble.
Osis Session Extreme Hold Hairspray
Spray
Usually water based, hair gels come in various strengths (from light to strong) and can be used for styling techniques such as freezing, sculpting molding and scrunching.
Pros: Hair gel gives you control over your hair and hairstyle, regardless of what look you’re planning to go for. Good quality gels will moisturize and condition your hair for many days. Hair gel also cements your hairstyle for many hours, even in the face of strong winds. Furthermore, as hair gel is water-based, it can be easily washed off from the hair.
Cons: Gels that contain alcohol will dry out and damage your hair, just as how cheap gels have a tendency to dry the scalp and generate flaking. Hair gel also makes your hair stiff, making it difficult should you want to restyle your hair.
Conclusion: Works best for wavy and curly hair; a light version can enhance natural curls.
Sebastian Professional Mousse Forte
Mousse
Mousse is great for any man's hairstyle and it can create practically any desired look.
Pros: When used on wet hair, mousse will give you a sleek, wet look, with shine. When used on dry hair, it will help shape, mold and hold your hair in place with a more natural look. Mousse can also provide volume for men with thinner or fine hair. When used on a daily basis, it creates a natural and easy-to-manipulate hairstyle. Moreover, mousse allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day without the stickiness factor.
Cons: Quality hair mousse doesn't come cheap and it might lack holding strength for those who need more grip. Some low quality mousses can be more watery than foamy, which only serves to make hair stiffer rather than fuller.
Conclusion: Works best for flat, thin or fine hair to create volume. Also works well for dull-looking hair that lacks shine and texture.
Osis Session Extreme Hold Hairspray
Pomade
Most pomade products provide a combination of conditioning, styling, shinning, and texture-enhancing ingredients, and is generally used for holding, shaping and defining your hairstyle.
Pros: Pomade allows you to have a natural look and adds texture. It gives short, texture ‘dos a smart and glistening look. Only small quantities are needed to give your hair great texture.
Cons: When too much is applied, it may give your hair a greasy look. In some cases, pomade may require multiple shampooing in order to remove the product.
Conclusion: Works best for keeping longer hairstyles in place. Pomade has a creamier texture than wax and so works well for curlier and thicker hair too.
Renati Extrene Hair Play Paste
Clay / Paste
Hair clay and hair paste are basically wax-based products which are generally similar to each other - the only difference lies in the content of wax present in each product. In comparison to hair paste, hair clay usually has a higher content of wax, thus giving it a stronger hold but less shine. Paste on the other hand,is comparatively more water-based & has less wax content, making it easier to wash off.
As both products are wax based, they have the same pros and cons as a hair wax.
