Different hair styling products cater to different styling goals, depending on the desired texture and hold. Here's a breakdown of common types of products:

•Mousse: Provides volume, hold, and texture, especially beneficial for fine or thin hair.

•Hair gel: Offers strong hold and control for shaping and defining hairstyles, ideal for slicked-back looks or taming frizz.

•Hairspray: Used to set and lock in a finished style, available in various hold strengths from flexible to firm. It also protects against humidity and wind.

•Hair Putty & Pomade: Adds shine, control, and texture, often used for sleek, polished looks or defining curls. They can also come in matte finishes for hold and texture without the shine.

•Cream: Offers moisture, frizz control, and definition, particularly helpful for curly or wavy hair.

•Heat protectants: Help protect hair from damage caused by hot styling tools, like hair straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers.

The choice of hair styling products depends on your desired look and hair type. Depending on the hairstyle you are creating, it may be necessary to use several of these. For example, if you are using a curling iron, we recommend using a heat protectant before styling and hairspray to hold your curls.

Pre-styling products prep your hair for the perfect look. Mousse adds volume and texture before blow-drying or diffusing. Creams smooth and detangle, creating a base for various styles. Heat protectants shield hair from heat damage caused by styling tools. These products applied before styling, enhance the effectiveness of your chosen styling method and promote healthy-looking hair.

To keep your hair styled all day, look for hair styling products that offer long-lasting hold and control. Hair gels like Head Lock Mega Gel provide a strong hold and shine, keeping your style in place for hours. Products like pastes and hair putty offer reworkable hold and flexible control. Applying products to slightly damp hair and using appropriate styling tools, such as blow dryers or curling irons, can further enhance all-day hold. For added staying power, consider layering these hair styling products, starting with lighter formulas and finishing with a final spritz of hairspray.

Styling products build the foundation of your hairstyle, providing hold, volume, and texture, and are typically applied to damp hair before styling, while finishing products add the final touch, enhancing shine, controlling frizz, and setting the style. While distinct, they often overlap. For instance, a mousse can add volume (styling) and also define curls (finishing). The key difference lies in their primary purpose: building a hairstyle versus perfecting it.

Choosing the best hair styling products depends on your hair type and desired style. Here’s a general guideline:

•Wavy Hair: The best styling products for wavy hair include lightweight gels, hair creams, or leave-in conditioners that can enhance natural waves while controlling frizz.

•Curly Hair: Curly hair styling products include deeply conditioning mousses and creams that hydrate and define curls.

•Straight Hair: Those with straight hair can use styling products to add volume, texture, or to create sleek, polished looks. An excellent option for those with straight hair is the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, which protects hair during heat styling and achieves a smooth, sleek finish.

•Thick Hair: The best hair styling products for thick hair are anti-frizz styling products that provide control and manageability. Gels, pomades, and creams, such as the Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Hair Styling Cream, can help tame thick hair and create defined styles.

•Fine Hair: The best styling products for fine hair are volumizing products, such as the L'Oréal Paris BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse.

•Oily Hair: Those with oily hair should opt for lightweight styling products that will not weigh hair down or contribute to excess oil. Volumizing sprays and mousses can add lift without adding grease.

•Dry Hair: Dry hair benefits from hydrating styling products that replenish moisture and smooth frizz. Creams, oils, and leave-in conditioners can add moisture and enhance manageability.

Read more about hair products on product detail pages to decide whether they are the best choice for your hair type.

Yes, hair styling products do expire. Unopened products generally last for 2-3 years. Once opened, their shelf life decreases. Hair styling products such as gels, mousses, and hairsprays typically last for 1-2 years after opening. It's important to check for changes in texture, color, or smell, as these can indicate expiration. Always store your hair styling products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong their shelf life.

You can purchase L’Oréal Paris hair styling products for all hair types at various retailers, including both in-store locations at major drugstores and supermarkets, as well as online through retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Ulta Beauty. Click the “Buy Online” button on the product pages to see where to shop hair styling products online, or use our Store Locator to find an in-store option near you.