Hair styling products de-coded – part two

If you’re guilty of not doing all that you could for your hair, then you may be suffering a case of what I like to call ‘product cluelessness’. It’s not your fault, mind you – with so many products on the market with so many different uses, it can be a minefield to try and manoeuvre through them. Which is why we’ve made it easier for you. Following our last batch of styling products explained, we’ve got a fresh new bunch for you to better understand before you buy, with a little help from the experts, of course…

Fudge Membrane Gas

Expert explainer: Fudge Freelance Session Stylist, Michele McQuillan

What does it do?

Fudge Membrane Gas is a strong, reliable hairspray that’s great for holding the shape of your style and keeping it in place for a long time. It’s also great for ponytails, as it keeps all of those fluffy hairs around your hairline in place. The product is mainly used in two ways: as a texturising blow dry spray and as a finishing hairspray.

How do I use it?

To use it as a texturising blow dry spray, simply spray a little on damp hair from the roots to the ends with your hair flipped over before drying as normal. This is perfect for when you want to build up the texture in your hair for a chignon, plait, fuller braid or thicker ponytail.  As a finishing hairspray, simply blow dry or style your hair right up to the finished result, instead of using your normal hairspray, blast your hair with membrane gas, as this will cement your finished look and hold the style in place. Remember not to hold the bottle too close to your head when spritzing.

KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost

Expert explainer: KMS California’s International Artistic Director and owner of Our Place Salon, Clive Alright

What does it do?

Style Boost is a great product to use as a base, before applying the styling product you desire. Think of it as a primer for your hair. When Style Boost is used it will double the holding power of the product used afterwards. Style Boost is best used when extra support for your style is required, perfect if you’re going to the races, a wedding or a red carpet event. It is considered the wonder product against wind and humidity.

How do I use it?

It is best applied to dry hair and can be used from root to tip.

Goldwell Colorance Soft Colour Refresher for Highlights

Expert explainer: Monica White, Goldwell Specialist Educator Australia.

What does it do?

This refresher for highlighted hair is formulated to work with cool or warm blonde tones. The new-release Clear Gloss Refresher is a universal, all encompassed shade, which is perfect for keeping your colour fresh and vibrant between salon visits and giving hair extra gloss and shine.

How do I use it?

Use to boost your colour and condition your hair between salon visits by applying anywhere from once to three times a week. Apply a tennis ball-sized amount to shampooed, towel-dried hair, massage into your hair and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing and styling as normal.

V05 Instant Oomph Powder

Expert explainer: Creative Director Unilever Haircare, Sam Overton

What does it do?

This powder is a matte, multi-tasking marvel that can be used to create a number of different styles, specialising in those that need volume at the roots or are a bit ‘dishevelled’ – think 90s grunge with a modern twist. It's also perfect for a next day styler and if you hair is a little greasy as it will absorb the excess oil.

How do I use it?

Powder can be used in a few ways, the most common way is in dry clean hair to dirty it up and create volume at the root of the hair. It can also be used in the mid lengths and ends of the hair to create a really dry, beachy tousled texture.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion

Expert explainer: John Frieda Senior Brand Manager, Claire Peake

What does it do?

The Luxurious Volume range of products has been specially designed to work together as a complete volume-boosting regimen for fine hair. The formulations are beautifully light so you won’t be left with hair that feels sticky or full of product. Using the Luxurious Volume Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion in conjunction with the other products in the range will ensure that you’re left with natural, all over fullness and texture that is soft to touch.

How do I use it?

Spray Root Booster Blow-Dry Lotion on damp hair, specifically targeting the roots, then gently massage in.

Which product do you think you'd be most likely to try after reading the explanations? Do you have a styling product you're not sure how to use?