Okay, so many people have asked me about how I style my hair. Therefore, I sat down this afternoon to write this little hairstyling tutorial. Honestly, I highly recommend watching the short video below first. It’s really short (just 2 minutes) and will help you understand the process much better. Afterwards, this post will provide explanations about the various styling products used and link to Amazon. Enjoy!
Pre-Styling:
Pre-styling refers to the initial steps taken to prepare the hair before the main styling process. This stage is absolutely crucial as it sets the foundation for the final look. It typically involves washing and conditioning the hair, followed by applying various pre-styling products like mousses, serums, or creams – all before blow-drying! Allmost all hair-styling products can be used for pre-styling as long as they are not too solid and stiff. The best pre-stylers come with liquid or creamy consistency. Essentially, pre-styling is all about preparing the hair and ensuring it’s in the best possible condition to achieve a great final style. It’s also pivotal step for adding volume to the hair, as most pre-styling products are activated by the heat of blow-drying. This activation not only helps in achieving the desired volume but also ensures that the hair maintains its shape and texture throughout the styling process. Don’t skip!
Here are my favorite products:
- Lockhart’s Enigma Hair Cream: As the name suggests, Enigma is a cream applied before blow-drying your hair. It has a relatively thick consistency and is probably one of the strongest pre-stylers on the market. This product will give you MASSIVE volume and lots of hold. However, application can be tricky; you have to be careful not to use too much due to its potency. Sadly, it doesn’t wash out as easily as other products, but if you prioritize volume and strength above all else, Enigma is the product for you.
- Flagship Black Water: This pre-styler is very similar to Enigma but less creamy and more liquid. It’s applied in the same way, and I must say, it’s an absolutely great product! While the volume and hold aren’t as intense as Enigma, Black Water still provides ample volume for a short men’s haircut. What I really love about Black Water is its ease of use. You don’t have to be extremely careful about using too much – it always looks great! Plus, it washes out easily, thanks to its liquid nature. Honestly, it’s my favorite pre-styler, with the only downside being its limited availability in Germany.
- Lodestar Shoreline Sea Salt Spray: What exactly is a Sea Salt Spray? Unlike the previous products that mainly boost volume, a sea salt spray adds a bit of volume while giving your hair a certain ‘crispy’ texture. I recommend trying a cheap sea salt spray from your local supermarket to see if this type of product appeals to you. The advantage of a premium sea salt spray like Lodestar Shoreline is that it doesn’t dry out your hair, unlike cheaper options. Personally, I like to use sea salt sprays when I’m going for a more relaxed look.
Post-Styling
Post-styling is the final stage in achieving your desired hair look. After applying a pre-styler and using a blow dryer to infuse your hair with volume and shape it, the hair is now dry and ready for the finishing touches. Post-stylers, such as waxes, pomades, clays, or hairsprays, are used on dry hair to finalize the style. These products provide texture, hold, and definition, allowing you to sculpt your hair into the exact style you want. They can range from providing a matte finish for a more natural look to a glossy shine for a sleek appearance. The choice of post-styler depends on your hair type and the style you’re aiming for. For instance, a wax or clay is ideal for a textured, matte finish, while a pomade might be better for a slick, shiny look. It’s important to use the right amount; too little might not hold the style effectively, while too much can weigh the hair down. The beauty of post-styling products is their versatility – whether you’re aiming for a sharp, structured look or a more relaxed, tousled style, the right post-styler can make all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve tested many different products and found two that really work well for me.
- Arcadian Matte Paste Heavy Dry Cream: Don’t be intimidated by the long name! It actually describes the product quite accurately. Arcadian is a dense and very dry paste that leaves your hair with a nice matte finish – meaning no shine at all! What’s cool about this product is that it’s water-based, so it’s not greasy and super easy to wash out of your hair. When applying, you really don’t need much. Remember the video? I just used a tiny amount, warmed it up in my hands, and then distributed it evenly through my hair. It ticks all the boxes for me in terms of look: matte, non-greasy, lots of texture, and a good feel in the hair. It’s my favorite.
- Moroccanoil Texture Clay: Okay, I admit this product is quite expensive, but I think it’s worth it! Why? If you refer back to the video, you’ll see that this product was used as a pre-styler, which is part of its beauty. The Texture Clay from Moroccanoil has the perfect consistency for both pre- and post-styling. It’s a clay, but very smooth and creamy. As a pre-styler, it provides nice hold and volume, and as a post-styler, it offers lots of texture and a nice finish. While it doesn’t excel in any particular area, it’s versatile enough to replace various dedicated products. Personally, this is my go-to product whenever I travel and want to pack lightly.
Volume Dust
My secret weapon in achieving the perfect hairstyle is volume dust, an incredibly effective product for those looking to add an extra boost of volume while also achieving a very matte finish. This fine, powdery substance works wonders by drying out the hair slightly and soaking up any remaining oil, which not only enhances volume but also leaves the hair with a distinctly matte and textured appearance. It’s particularly useful for styles that require lift at the roots or for those days when your hair feels a bit too slick or oily. The beauty of volume dust lies in its subtlety and ease of use; a small sprinkle at the roots, a gentle tousle, and you instantly notice a fuller, more voluminous look. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a product that delivers a natural, yet noticeably fuller hairstyle without the weight or greasiness of heavier products. It’s also a great emergency tool, when, for whatever reason, you can’t wash you hair the next day but need to look fresh. I personally, always use the Osis+ Texture Dust as it works great for me. But honestly, Volume dusts are all very much the same – just go for the cheapest!
Check out the following Resources:
Final Words
In wrapping up this hairstyling tutorial, I want to emphasize the joy and creativity involved in the process. Styling your hair is a personal journey, one that allows you to express yourself and experiment with different looks. From the essential steps of pre-styling to the final touches of post-styling, each phase is an opportunity to explore what works best for your unique hair type and style. And don’t forget to have fun with it – after all, the best hairstyles often come from a place of experimentation and enjoyment. So, dive in, try new techniques, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your hairstyling adventure!
