This product does what now?!

Have you ever looked in your cupboard and realised it’s full of spritzes, waxes and mousses for your hair that you’re not sure how to use, or what they’re used for?

I mean, they must be good for something, right? Of course they are! The trick is knowing how to get the most out of these styling products and how to make them work for your hair. For this, we’ve called upon the help of the experts, people who can give you all the tips and tricks you need to be sure that you’ll never misuse a mousse again.

Kérastase Paris Powder Bluff

Expert explainer: Kérastase Paris Styling Expert, Sarah Laidlaw

What does it do?

It is incredibly versatile and perfect for all hair types. Firstly, it works as a dry shampoo - minimising oily roots and making hair look fresh between washes - but it doesn't leave that weird powdery feeling on your hands if you put your fingers through your hair. It's light, invisible and fabulous! Secondly, it is an amazing finishing product to give you that "straight off the pages of a magazine"-look.

How do I use it?

Spray through the lengths of the hair when dry; it makes your hair feel and look thicker – like there's more air in your hair! Those with fine hair will really notice how much lightness and lift it gives, and everyone (with any hair type) will love the added body and matte-look it provides.

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Keratin Mousse

Expert explainer: Schwarzkopf's National Technical Educator, Grant Withnell

What does it do?

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Keratin Mousse has liquid keratin that smoothes the cuticle layer of your hair, successfully reducing frizz and making hair appear softer and shinier.

How do I use it?

Mousse should always be applied to wet hair - they are used as a foundation product to create volume and long-lasting hold. Mousse is blow-dried into hair and gives structure while providing elasticity. The average amount needed for shoulder-length hair would be a small tennis ball-sized amount.  

label.m Thickening Cream, $39.95, labelm.com.au

Expert explainer: Head Technician and Toni&Guy Artistic Team Member, Richi Grisillo

What does it do?

label.m Thickening Cream is a great product to promote plump, fuller hair. This heat-activated cream can be applied from the roots to the ends, depending on the area that needs fullness. label.m Thickening Cream is great for people with finer hair textures that shy away from the mousses due to their stickiness but want something that gives a natural volume to hair while still providing moisture and shine.

How do I use it?

The label.m Thickening Cream swells the hair shaft, physically creating fuller denser looking hair. Apply to damp hair and comb through for best results prior to blow-drying. As well as providing heat and UV protection, this is a great all-rounder product for clients who colour their hair or spend a lot of time in the sun.

JOICO Texture Boost Dry Spray Wax

Expert explainer: JOICO's Master Educator, Richard Watson

What does it do?

This ultra-dry finishing spray wax is ideal for carefree, tousled styles. It delivers malleable, movable, effortless texture to your hair with incredible, long-lasting shine.

How do I use it?

JOICO Texture Boost should be applied to dry hair. Apply directly from the mid lengths of your hair to the ends from a distance of at least 30cm. Tilt your head forward (or use a hairdryer on low) to aerate your hair. Pinch, twist and roll the tips of the hair between thumb and forefingers to create beautiful modern movement. For shorter, more textured styles, apply to your hands first and then rake hands through the hair in different directions; perfect for feminine pixie cuts and masculine quiffs.
 

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Touch of Gloss

Expert explainer: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Artistic Master, Mark Rippon

What does it do?

The Shu Uemura Art of Hair Touch of Gloss is for all hair types and is the finishing touch to any hairstyle. It contains Rose Sakura Essence, an ingredient rich in essential fatty acids, which regulates hydration and also restructures the hair fibre while leaving your hair with brilliant shine.

How do I use it?

Squeeze a small amount to your fingertips and apply lightly to your hair to create a smooth, high-gloss finish. It can be used to finish any look, whether it’s to add shine to a wet-look or to smooth the ends of a beautiful blow-dry.

Which product would you be most likely to try and why? Have we helped you find a new product you might like to start using? Which styling product are you not sure how to use?