What is the Best Product to Keep Hair in Place?
Finding a product that keeps your hair in place can be tricky. Different hair types need different levels of hold, and what works great for one person might leave another with stiff, flaky hair. Whether you’re battling flyaways, trying to tame curls, or keeping a style looking fresh all day, there’s a hair-holding product out there for you. Let’s look at the different options and help you find the best one for your needs.
Types of Hair-Holding Products
Hairsprays
Hairspray is one of the most common products for keeping hair in place. It comes in aerosol cans or pump sprays and works by coating your hair with a fine mist that dries quickly. Hairsprays come in different hold levels, from light to extra-strong. Light hold sprays let your hair move naturally while still fighting frizz, while strong hold sprays can keep elaborate styles in place for hours.
Most hairsprays these days are designed to brush out easily and avoid the “helmet head” look of old-fashioned sprays. Some even contain ingredients that add shine or protect against humidity. For the best results, hold the can about 8-10 inches from your head and spray in short bursts. If you want extra hold, let each layer dry before adding more.
Hair Gels
Hair gel has been used for decades to create slick looks and hold styles in place. Gels contain polymers that coat the hair and harden when dry, creating a firm hold. They work great for sleek styles, defining curls, or taming wild hair. Gels range from light hold formulas that leave hair touchable to extra-strong versions that won’t budge even in wind or rain.
The trick with gel is using the right amount. Start with a small dollop, warm it between your palms, and work it through damp hair. Too much gel can make hair look wet or crunchy, while too little won’t provide enough hold. For curly hair, scrunch gel into wet curls and let them air dry or dry with a diffuser for bounce and definition.
Pomades
Pomades give hair a sleek, polished look with medium to strong hold. Traditional pomades were oil-based and hard to wash out, but modern versions come in water-based formulas too. Oil-based pomades provide more shine and stronger hold but can be greasy and require multiple washes to remove. Water-based pomades are easier to wash out but might need to be reapplied during the day.
Pomades work best on short to medium-length hair and are perfect for slicked-back styles, pompadours, or controlling thick, coarse hair. Apply pomade to dry hair, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. Warm it between your palms first, then work it through your hair from roots to ends.
Waxes and Pastes
Hair wax and paste are thicker than pomades but lighter than gels. They give hair texture and separation with a matte to semi-matte finish. Waxes work well for creating piece-y, textured looks and work especially well on short hair. Pastes are slightly lighter and more flexible, making them good for medium-length styles that need some movement.
Both wax and paste should be applied to dry hair. Rub a small amount between your fingers to warm it up, then work it through your hair, focusing on the areas that need the most control. These products are great for second-day hair or adding definition to layers.
Creams and Lotions
Hair creams and lotions provide light hold with added moisture and frizz control. They’re great for wavy or curly hair that needs some control without stiffness. Hair creams often contain oils or butters that condition the hair while lightly holding it in place. They won’t give you the strong hold of a gel or spray but work well for natural-looking styles.
Apply hair cream to damp hair, working it through from mid-lengths to ends. It helps define natural texture while fighting frizz and flyaways. These products are also good for smoothing straight hair without making it stiff or crunchy.
| Product Type | Hold Level | Finish | Best For Hair Type | Application Method | Washing Ease | Weather Resistance | Common Ingredients | Price Range | Best For Style Type | Reapplication Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hairspray | Light to Extra Strong | Natural to Shiny | All types | Spray 8-10″ away | Easy | Good to Excellent | Alcohol, polymers, panthenol | $5-$30 | Updos, finished styles | Sometimes for all-day events |
| Gel | Medium to Strong | Wet to Natural | Straight, wavy, curly | Apply to damp hair | Moderate | Very good | Polymers, alcohol, glycerin | $3-$25 | Slick styles, defined curls | Rarely needed |
| Pomade | Medium to Strong | High shine to Matte | Short to medium, thick | Apply to dry hair | Hard (oil-based), Easy (water-based) | Good | Waxes, oils, water | $8-$25 | Slicked back, pompadours | Sometimes mid-day |
| Wax | Strong | Matte to Semi-matte | Short, textured | Apply to dry hair | Moderate | Good | Beeswax, lanolin, oils | $10-$30 | Piece-y texture, spikes | Rarely needed |
| Paste | Medium | Natural to Matte | Short to medium | Apply to dry hair | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Clay, wax, water | $10-$30 | Natural texture, casual styles | Sometimes needed |
| Cream | Light to Medium | Natural | Wavy, curly, coarse | Apply to damp hair | Easy | Poor to Moderate | Oils, butters, silicones | $8-$25 | Natural waves, curls | Often needed in humidity |
| Mousse | Light to Medium | Natural | Fine, wavy, curly | Apply to damp hair | Easy | Moderate | Polymers, glycerin, proteins | $5-$20 | Volume, soft curls | Rarely needed |
| Clay | Medium to Strong | Matte | Short to medium, thick | Apply to dry hair | Moderate | Good | Bentonite clay, waxes | $10-$30 | Textured, messy styles | Rarely needed |
| Fiber | Strong | Matte | Short | Apply to dry hair | Moderate | Very good | Fibers, waxes | $15-$25 | Spiky, textured styles | Rarely needed |
| Sea Salt Spray | Light | Matte, textured | All types | Spray on damp or dry hair | Easy | Poor | Salt, polymers, oils | $8-$25 | Beach waves, texture | Often needed |
Choosing by Hair Type
Products for Fine or Thin Hair
Fine hair can be weighed down easily by heavy products. Look for lightweight options like mousse, light hold hairspray, or volumizing powders. These add hold without flattening your style. Avoid creams, waxes, and oil-based products, which can make fine hair look greasy faster.
Volumizing mousses are especially good for fine hair because they add both hold and body. Apply to damp roots before blow-drying for the best lift. Texturizing sprays and dry shampoos can also add grip and volume to fine hair while keeping it in place.
Products for Thick or Coarse Hair
Thick, coarse hair often needs stronger products to stay in place. Strong hold gels, waxes, and pomades work well because they have enough power to control heavy hair. Look for products specifically made for thick or coarse hair, as they’ll have stronger holding ingredients.
For everyday wear, hair creams with some hold can help tame frizz and weight down flyaways without making thick hair too stiff. On days when you need serious control, layer products – start with a cream or lotion, then add pomade or wax to the areas that need the most control.
Products for Curly or Textured Hair
Curly hair needs products that hold without creating crunchiness or flaking. Gels designed for curly hair, curl creams, and mousses can all work well. These products help define curl patterns while fighting frizz and keeping shape all day.
The key for curly hair is moisture – look for holding products that also contain hydrating ingredients. Apply products to soaking wet hair, then scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Let curls air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to avoid disrupting the curl pattern.
Products for Straight Hair
Straight hair has many styling options depending on the look you want. For sleek, smooth styles, serums and light creams help control flyaways without weighing hair down. For more volume and texture, mousses and texturizing sprays work well.
If you’re trying to keep straight hair in an updo or special style, hairspray is usually your best bet. It provides hold without changing the texture of your hair. For sleek looks like low ponytails or buns, a small amount of pomade can tame baby hairs and flyaways around the hairline.
Styling Techniques for Long-Lasting Hold
Prepping Hair for Better Hold
How you prepare your hair before applying holding products makes a big difference in how long your style lasts. Always start with clean hair – product builds up on dirty hair and won’t work as well. For most styles, using a lightweight conditioner helps prevent static and flyaways.
If you’re blow-drying, use a heat protectant that doubles as a styling primer. These products create a base that helps styling products grip better. For updos or special styles, day-old hair often holds better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is very slippery, try using a texturizing spray at the roots before styling.
Layering Products for Maximum Hold
Sometimes one product isn’t enough, especially for complex styles or difficult hair types. Layering products in the right order can give you better hold without heaviness. Start with a lightweight product like mousse or cream on damp hair, then style as usual. Once hair is dry, add your stronger holding product like pomade, wax, or spray.
For example, if you want beachy waves with staying power, start with a salt spray on damp hair, blow dry or air dry, then finish with a light hairspray. For a slicked-back look that lasts all day, apply gel to damp hair, blow dry in place, then seal with a small amount of pomade.
Heat Styling for Longer-Lasting Results
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can help set your style for longer-lasting hold. The heat reshapes the hair’s hydrogen bonds temporarily, and when combined with the right products, can make styles last much longer.
For the best hold with heat styling, apply your styling product to damp hair, then blow dry in the direction you want hair to stay. Once hair is completely dry, use your iron if needed, then let hair cool completely before adding a finishing spray. The cooling process helps lock in the style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between flexible hold and firm hold?
Flexible hold products allow your hair to move naturally while still maintaining some control. They’re great for everyday styles and hair that you want to run your fingers through. Firm hold products lock your style in place with minimal movement. They’re better for special occasions, elaborate styles, or when you need your hair to stay put no matter what.
How can I prevent my hair from feeling crunchy when using holding products?
Crunchiness usually comes from using too much product or not applying it correctly. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed. For products like gel that can feel crunchy when dry, try “scrunching out the crunch” – once your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch it with your hands to break up the stiff coating while maintaining the hold.
Why does hairspray make my hair look dull?
Some hairsprays, especially stronger hold formulas, can leave a dull finish because of the polymers they contain. Look for hairsprays labeled “shine” or “luminous” if you want hold with shine. Another trick is to use a light shine serum before applying hairspray, or choosing a different type of holding product like a glossy pomade.
Can I use holding products on wet hair?
It depends on the product. Gels, mousses, and some creams are designed to be applied to damp hair before drying. Hairsprays, waxes, pomades, and clay products work best on dry hair. Using the wrong product at the wrong time can result in less hold or a different finish than expected.
How do I remove strong hold products from my hair?
For water-based products like most gels and hairsprays, a regular shampooing should remove them. For waxes, pomades, and oil-based products, you might need to shampoo twice or use a clarifying shampoo. A trick for stubborn products is to apply conditioner to dry hair first, leave it for a few minutes, then shampoo as usual.
Are natural alternatives available for holding hair in place?
Yes! Flaxseed gel is a popular natural alternative that provides medium hold without chemicals. You can make it at home by boiling flaxseeds in water until a gel forms. Aloe vera gel provides light hold and is good for curly hair. For light hold and shine, a tiny amount of coconut oil or shea butter works on the ends of hair or to smooth flyaways.
How do I keep my style in place during humid weather?
Humidity is the enemy of many hairstyles. Look for products specifically labeled “anti-humidity” or “weatherproof.” Products containing silicones can help seal the hair cuticle against moisture. For maximum protection in humid weather, layer an anti-humidity serum under your regular holding product, then finish with an anti-humidity hairspray.
