Guide to hair styling products

Every styling product has a hold (light, medium, strong) and a finish (matte, natural, shiny). Choose it based on your hair type, length, and the effect you want to achieve.

Main styling products

  • Wax: moldable, natural to shiny finish, ideal for short and medium hair. Hair waxes.
  • Paste and clay: medium-strong hold with a matte finish, for messy looks and texture.
  • Gel: strong hold, wet or defined effect; also great for defining curls. Hair gels.
  • Mousse (foam): light, provides volume from the roots and is suitable for fine and wavy hair. Hair mousses.
  • Hairspray: sets the finished hairstyle; available in flexible or strong hold. Hairsprays.
  • Spray: texturizing, sea salt, shine, or volumizing sprays. Hair sprays.
  • Heat protectant: always use before blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Heat protectants.

Which product for which hair

  • Fine hair: volumizing mousses and sprays; avoid heavy waxes.
  • Thick or unruly hair: pastes, waxes, and disciplining creams.
  • Curly hair: creams, gels, and mousses for curls (see the curly hair guide).
  • Men's short cuts: wax, pomade, or clay. See men's styling.

How to apply them

Cream products (waxes, pastes) should be warmed between your palms and distributed through dry or slightly damp hair. Mousse and gel should be applied to damp hair before drying. Hairspray is sprayed at the end, from about 20–30 cm away. Always start with a small amount and add more if needed.

For blow-drying and heat styling: hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.

Do you have doubts about which product to choose? Write to us at customercare@capellimonelli.it. All guides: Hair care guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between wax and paste?

Wax usually has a shinier finish and is very moldable; paste has a matte finish and a more structured hold, suitable for messy looks.

Which product gives the most volume to fine hair?

Volumizing mousses and sprays applied to the roots on damp hair, followed by blow-drying.

Does gel damage hair?

No, if you rinse it out well at the end of the day. Modern gels are formulated not to dry out the hair.

Can you use hairspray on wet hair?

No, hairspray should be applied as the final step of styling on dry hair.