2024 Average Hair Stylist Cost with Price Factors

Table Of Content

• FAQ: Prom Hairstyles
• Hair Extensions
• Striking Prom Hairstyles to Elevate Your Look
• Hair Stylists on Thumbtack cost$100 - $150
• Super Fun New Year's Eve Hairstyles (Tutorials Included)
• Braided Bun with Twists
• Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show - New Orleans

This simple chignon is twisted to complement the loose waves of your tresses. Letting some strands of your locks hang around your face adds a softer touch to this entire low chignon. A side-braided loose ponytail for prom is perfect if you plan to dance all night long! This style keeps your hair glamorous throughout and off your face for a fresh look. The two braids on either side give it just the right amount of detail without going overboard, and the relaxed curls give it the just right amount of texture.

FAQ: Prom Hairstyles

Professional stylists can also add hair extensions to create volume or length, and many pros offer additional beauty services, such as makeup, along with hairstyling. To create this look, blow-dry your hair with a styling aid (I used a liquid texture spray). Then add dry texture spray throughout your hair to give your hair some ‘grip’. Section out the sides, backcomb to the middle section, and take into a low ponytail, then back pull out through the top to give a ‘textured’ look.

Hair Extensions

This double braided bun is a long hair updo perfect for any elegant-themed events. Sweep your hair back into an embellished barrette for a quick and elegant prom hairstyle. Look for pearl or jewel-encrusted ones that match the details of your outfit. Keep it simple with effortlessly pretty tousled curls or waves.

Striking Prom Hairstyles to Elevate Your Look

Hairstylist Meg Schipani points out that root touch-ups and toner will be necessary to keep this shade looking glossy. But just because we’re coveting easy styles and effortless color doesn’t mean we’re playing it safe. Those with bold proclivities are experimenting with antique blue and color-dipped pixie cuts.

If you struggle to create volume in thin hair, try coifs and styles with volume-boosted roots. You can create a variety of stunning prom hairstyles that cater to your unique long hair length and texture. Short hairstyles are convenient in every-day wear, but what about prom when most girls are planning to rock luxurious curls and fancy updos? Here are fresh trendy ideas for prom hairstyles for short hair worthy to show off at your senior ball. You can do so many different hairstyles for prom- look for ones that compliment your facial features, dress, and hair type. Some of the more popular hairstyles include variations of loose, romantic braids and twists, long voluminous curls, and gorgeous embellishments.

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To be able to get the volume they would need, I recommend this hairstyle to a client who has below-the-shoulder-length hair or longer, as well as thick hair. I would recommend volume and texture products to hold the volume at the root, so it’s not weighed down by the sheer amount of hair. A lightweight hairspray is helpful for those pesky flyaways, too. While creating your prom hairstyle, you may encounter some challenges or issues. With patience and perseverance, you can overcome these obstacles and achieve a stunning prom hairstyle. To maintain the silky appearance of your hair, trim your ends regularly and avoid using razors or gliding scissors.

Super Fun New Year's Eve Hairstyles (Tutorials Included)

This hairstyle is perfect for girls with long or medium-length hair. It’s a night to dress up, dance, drink punch and have fun with your friends. Prom is one of those moments in life where we want everything to be perfect, and that includes our hair. In order to look your best, it’s important that you have the right hairstyle for this special occasion.

Recreate it with teased volume near the nape of the neck to fill it out a bit. Soft, brushed waves will help you channel your inner vintage Hollywood vixen on prom night! This look is classic and gorgeous on hair from shoulder-length and beyond. Part it just off-center or go with a deep side part to complete the look.

Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show - New Orleans

This will also help to create some volume for the rest of your hair. Use vibrant colored string to transport your ponytail to the early 2000s. AHP recommends confirming details before making travel arrangements. If you know of an upcoming show or event that should be on this list, please send an email to Melissa Kreps, , with show dates and contact information. Stylists in large cities may charge more for their services than those located in smaller, more rural areas. The cost of doing business in large cities is often much higher than that in smaller areas, so the stylist must charge accordingly.

"The two-piece sequined Miu Miu look Elsa Hosk wore at the 2022 British Fashion Awards is also a fun reference for a prom look," Weittrech suggests. Sleek buns are a great hairstyle for girls that want to keep their hair out of their face. You can always add some glamour to any hairstyle with sparkly jewelry.

Tiny French braids follow along the sides and lead into hanging braids in the back just below the crown. The braids are coiled into spirals and pinned in place to add a polished touch to this sleek half-up style. One more thing to keep in mind to build an absolutely gorgeous prom hairstyle is varied texture. Adding multiple or defined textures in your look will take it from cute to knockout. This‍ glamorous look features soft, cascading curls ‌that are perfect for a vintage-inspired⁣ prom theme.

However, some stylists are willing to travel for special events for an additional fee. The fee is usually based on the amount of time and expense required for the travel. They may also offer styling services for special events, such as weddings or proms.

Backcomb the ponytail to increase volume, then smooth it out and pin it to one side of your head. Then pull it back across to the other side and pin it in to create a bun shape. Take the sides in next by twisting them slightly to create some detail, overlap, and pin them into your bun, leaving a few delicate ends out around your bun. Leave some hair out around your face to frame, and use a medium or firm hairspray to set your look. Adequate preparation of your hair for prom is key to achieving optimal results. It’s recommended to wash and dry your hair the night before the event, ensuring that your hair is clean and free from any product buildup.

Gorgeous prom hairstyles for long hair don’t have to be complicated. It’s important to place your ponytail high on the crown for added height and volume. Try spraying your hair with a light-hold hairspray, such as Pureology’s Soft Hold. Do this before you curl and your waves will stay put all night. Try Pureology’s Lock It Down and you’ll have effortless waves that won’t droop. As prom season is approaching, all seniors are excited about the choice of chic outfits, accessories and matching hairstyles.

As the academics return to the classroom this fall, we’re following suit with our hair. Ribbons and bows have an "Upper East Side prep" vibe, says Reyes, who likes them in lace, micro satin, or a moody velvet. Tie one large bow at the top of a ponytail Skai Jackson, or wear multiple tiny baby bows throughout your style. Part bob and part pixie, the bixie is a sexy 1920s-inspired hybrid that feels very modern.

We know this process can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. From sleek and straight to big and bouncy curls, we’ve got you covered. Every girl wishes to be admired on her prom night, and this simple but absolutely gorgeous wavy hairdo is the perfect style to consider.

Trade Shows and Events for the professional hair industry

Table Of Content

• Make an Entrance With These 20 Gorgeous Prom Hairstyles
• Glossy Hollywood Waves
• Flirty Half-Up Waves
• #25: Stylish Boho Chic Pony

This ​will not only protect your hair from‍ damage but also help your style‍ last longer. When curling or straightening your hair, take your time and work in small sections. This will ensure that each piece of hair is styled ⁢properly and will hold its shape throughout the night. No matter what style ⁣you choose, be sure to schedule a trial run with your hairstylist ⁢to​ ensure that everything ​looks ‌perfect for your big night. Please don’t use too many products, and make sure to part your hair while it’s still wet.It’s important to make sure that your hair is completely dry by the time you need to style it.

Make an Entrance With These 20 Gorgeous Prom Hairstyles

2023 Trending Mid-length Hairstyles for Women (Top 15) - Styles At Life

2023 Trending Mid-length Hairstyles for Women (Top .

Posted: Fri, 24 Aug 2018 01:45:14 GMT [source]

On the other hand, if your dress has a low ‌or open back, cascading curls or a half-up,⁣ half-down style can draw attention to this feature. For those looking⁤ for a more modern look, the sleek ⁢ponytail is a great option. It’s a ​simple yet ⁣chic ⁤style that can be⁢ worn ⁤high or low, depending on your preference. To add some extra flair, consider wrapping ⁣a small section of ⁣hair around the hair tie to conceal it or adding a bold hair accessory. While you can rock a sparkly mini dress for the big night, Weittrech also predicts that gowns and longer styles will pop off this prom season. This is a classic prom hairstyle that will never go out of style.

Glossy Hollywood Waves

We love prom hairstyles that are actually much more simple than they appear. This tucked look is created with two French braids that begin low, just above the ears. Narrowing down your prom hairstyle options and gathering a little inspiration will make the decision a lot easier so you can focus on having fun! The first thing to consider when you’re picking out the perfect prom hairstyle is what types of styles will look good with your dress. As prom season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the⁤ perfect hairstyle to complement ‌your dress‍ and overall look.

Flirty Half-Up Waves

Here’s a modern French twist prom style that suits your glamorous gown! The movement in this look is beautiful, with the matching wavy strands from the hairline. The combination of brown and blonde shades seems satisfying and unbeatable. A hairstyle that is classic, polished, and for every woman who wants an elegant chic style.

Leave your curls to flow effortlessly or add a braided detail to one side to open your face. We can’t get over this chunky side plait for prom – so textured yet smooth. If you have naturally straight hair that hardly holds a curl, this hairstyle is your best bet. If updo hairstyles are not your thing and half ups aren’t special enough for the big night, go for this relaxed and effortless look. You may wish to use clip-in extensions to add some fulness and length to your own hair. If you are clueless about how to wear your hair for your prom, look no further.

($) (*) Premiere International Beauty Event - Orlando

If you want a hairstyle that is both romantic and voluminous, try this one. This is a sleek and elegant low bun that will look great with any dress. Isn’t this style a literal illustration of the phrase that your hair is your best accessory! If you fancy something more dramatic to complement a simple dress, this look is all you need. While any braided detail always adds to the style, this elaborate design will certainly attract a lot of attention on the dance floor.

To nail this look, opt for loose, brushed-out waves and avoid too tight curls. The devil is in the details, and prom hair is that central element that complements the dress and puts all your look together. It’s truly overwhelming when it comes to making choices, especially when you can’t afford to make a mistake.

While some stylists charge a flat rate for formal hairstyles, others charge a fee based on the style requested and other factors, such as hair length, hair thickness, and add-ons. Hair professionals offer styling services for individuals or groups—for bachelorette or bridal parties, for example. People get their hair professionally styled for special events, parties, weddings or just as routine care. As routine care, pros also offer hair-cutting and coloring services. Coloring services include enhancing color, adding highlights or lowlights, covering grey hair.

Are you still undecided which of the prom updos to pick for your big night? Go for this chic, classic chignon and add a few pearl pins to accessorize it. Sophisticated and elaborate hairstyles are excellent to complement open shoulder sparkly dresses.

The side bun is one of those hairstyles that flatter almost all women. It's a fun, flirty and versatile updo allowing you to feel pulled together without looking fussy. There are so many ways to rock the side 'do, and whatever you choose depends on your personal style, preference and occasion. If you need a little inspiration to see just how classy a side style can be, feel free to check out the stunning and innovative looks below. If wearing your hair straight makes you feel more confident, you should do that.

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15 Best Traditional Chinese Hairstyles Female 2023.

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What better time to experiment with your hair color than prom night? Contrasted with dark hair, these blonde, face-framing highlights make quite the statement. Simple yet stunning, this is a great way to pull your hair off of your face without committing to a full updo. Once your hair is prepped and ready,‌ use a​ heat protectant spray before using any hot ‍tools.

The cost of haircuts, color and highlights varies depending on the stylist’s experience, geographic location, the stylist’s reputation and more. Hair coloring services range in price from $65 to $200 or more, depending on the products used and the stylist’s reputation. Friedman expects to see buns of all types this season — single top knots, bantu knots, and low-key chignons.

It⁤ works best on medium to long hair and can be achieved⁤ with a curling iron or hot rollers. With its cute and stylish appeal, the wavy ponytail stands out as the perfect hairstyle for your final high school celebration. Additionally, you can apply some blonde streaks to accentuate the beauty of your natural hair color. Half up half down is one the most requested hairstyles for prom as it virtually suits any hair type and length. This minimalistic style is one of the many popular variations of this look. Quick and easy, this hairstyle doesn’t require much prepping and can be done on straight hair in literally half an hour.

Shampoo and conditioning services are usually included with a blowout, and the hair is styled after the blowout is complete. Brazilian blowouts usually cost a flat rate, though many stylists charge more for thicker or longer hair. If someone can’t check their makeup in your hair, is it shiny enough? Until you have shiny, glossy, glass hair — you need up your reflective powers. Dua Lipa’s look is most effective on long, straight hair, but with a flat iron, you achieve the same sleek look on wavy textures. Start with a gloss treatment at your salon and use hair oil (we like Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil) when styling to maintain shine.

I recommend this textured, perfectly imperfect hairstyle as it’s a perfect way to showcase balayage and ombre highlighted hair. Finally, remember that less is more when it⁣ comes to touch-ups. Avoid playing with your hair or brushing it out too much, as this can cause your style to fall. If you need to fix any pieces,‍ use your fingers or a comb to⁤ gently reshape them and add a little more‍ hairspray if necessary. With these tips, your prom hairstyle will stay looking flawless all night long.

Real-life Rapunzel claims longest hair record with stunning 8-ft locks

Table Of Content

• Tresemmé Extra Hold Styling Gel
• Oribe Signature Gel Serum
• Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel
• Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Don't Shrink Curling Gel
• Best Curly Hair Gel for Protective Styles

It's lightweight, non-sticky, and silicone-free, so it'll help define your wavy hair without weighing it down. Rub a squeeze of gel between your palms, flip your sopping-wet hair over, and gently scrunch the gel to encourage your wave/curl pattern. Get the 411 on the styling gels you need, all tailored to different hair types and styles. Frizz is public enemy number one for ladies who have naturally wavy hair.

Tresemmé Extra Hold Styling Gel

“I typically recommend it for both normal and dry scalp types and those who have damaged, dry hair that is prone to breakage,” says trichologist and hairstylist Helen Reavey, founder of haircare line Act + Acre. If you have fine hair, keeping oil on your scalp and ends for an extended period of time can possibly weigh your hair down (more on this below, though). Anyone can use hair gel, whether your hair is short, long, straight, curly, fine or thick.

Oribe Signature Gel Serum

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin or damaged hair, this gentle hair gel still provides a flexible, flake-free hold that’s great for everyday looks. The lightweight, spreadable gel can define curls in natural hair, lift roots in fine hair, and generally add dimension to all hair types without getting crunchy or stiff. The copolymer used as the binding ingredient is strong enough to control your curls but flexible enough to avoid crunchiness or flakiness that you’ll get from other hair gels. The cream gel is formulated to be a wash-and-go formula that you can leave in your hair without worrying about drying or damage.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel

While the styling product has long been a staple in Black beauty cabinets to perfect protective styles like braids, or slick, thick, coily strands into a ponytail, hair gels seem to have taken a back seat. Those follicle-stimulating ingredients are blended into a strong yet flexible copolymer gel that can add volume and definition, all while being lightweight enough to avoid flattening your hair or becoming too stiff. While it’s made with thin hair in mind, the volumizing, lightweight formula is also great for fine hair or looser curls that tend to go flat with heavier gels. Hair gel is having a major moment in the hair world right now. As one of our OG hair care products, it’s certainly been around for a long time but has seen a resurgence with the wet look hairstyles that have been dominating trends for the past few seasons. And while the best hair gel is out there in your drugstore, you also have to consider what hair gel to get based on your hair type and what type of hold you are looking for.

Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Don't Shrink Curling Gel

They're a little creamier, often nourishing, totally versatile, and offer a flexible hold that lasts for hours. What's more, you can count on all-around better-looking hair. For those rocking a pixie, slick back, cropped cut, sleek updo, or scrunchy curls—and anyone wanting to explore the wet hair look—gel is your friend. “I do not colour my hair, I use only natural products and very rarely I use henna, I apply natural masks and oils on my hair, mostly preparing the masks by myself, and I never brush my hair when it’s wet or use a hairdryer. Beyoncé first launched her acclaimed hair care line Cécred on Feb. 20, and it boasted of strengthening and soothing all types of hair, as well as protecting it from damage.

This non-irritating formula is great for anyone whose scalp often itches or peels when exposed to ordinary styling products. Reviewers also note that it’s great for laying edges without causing a breakout on your forehead. Hair gel is a styling product specially made to harden your hair to make it suitable for creating any style you desire. It is quite great for helping you stay out of the salon for a period, while you experiment with styles you love to rock best with your hands, comb or styling gadgets. Both organic and cruelty free, this gel smells like honey and orange blossoms. A little bit goes a long way for all-day hold, touchably soft curls, and an ingredient list you can feel good about.

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We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal. The coconut oil might have tipped you off, but Francis loves this formula because of its ultra-hydrating properties. Plus, he says, it "has lightweight hold, and it's great for doing high shine or wet looks." There are traditional transparent gooey gels, nourishing gel creams, lightweight gelées, and balms, which fall somewhere between gel and pomade.

Using a fine-tooth comb, apply some of the gel throughout your locks to evenly distribute from root to mid-shaft. Leave your ponytail gel-free for an airy and light finish. After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls?

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Aveda makes a hair care product that is not only top of the line but also is infused with quality ingredients for the health of your hair. This liquid hair gel comes with Morikue protein formula, which works to fortify and create great definition. It is excellent for fine to medium hair types and will help you create the required control for any style you want. Leave it to Tracee Ellis Ross' beloved haircare line to have a hair gel that defines curls while also nourishing them.

As the hair continues to dry, you need to decide on the exact style you want and get your styling tool ready. Use the comb to manipulate your hair into the style you want. If you want your hair packed tight, then use your hair to press down the hair. For more height, lift your hair from the scalp.Other Hair Gel Tips• You can get a beachy hairstyle by applying hair gel to every part of your hair, from the root to the tips.

“For sensitive or acne-prone skin, either frequent pillowcase changes or wearing a hair bonnet after serum application may be helpful,” she says. Hair gel often gets a bad rep for containing drying alcohols and other ingredients that can be hard on hair. The good news is, these days there are gentle, non-drying hair gel formulas designed to support—not sabotage—hair health. Glycerin is great for adding moisture and shine to your hair.

Smooth and condition hair quickly and efficiently with this spring-ready hair treatment. If you've been spending a lot of time with the blow dryer over the winter, it's a good idea to part with it and try something a little different. After all, humidity and frizz can destroy a great look in minutes. Your hair also needs to take some time to get used to the changing temperatures, so don't scorch it even further by applying heat when it isn't needed.

11 Best Hair Growth Serums to Address Thinning Hair

Table Of Content

• Welcome the warm weather by adopting a spring-friendly hair care routine that'll leave you with luscious locks.
• Aveda Pure Abundance Volumising Shampoo
• TRESemmé TRES Two Mega Firm Control Gel
• Expand beauty menu
• Beyoncé shows fans her long natural hair and reveals wash day routine using Cécred products

Remember to wait until your hair is 100 percent dry, though, before breaking the cast or "scrunching out the crunch," lest you awaken the frizz demons. This cream-gel hybrid is pure moisturizing goodness in a jar, and basically, every reviewer swears by its wash-and-go powers. It's incredibly thick and rich (thanks to the zillion different oils in the formula), so a little goes a long way, but even if you go overboard, your coils won't be left with any crunch or flakes. Rake it through your sopping-wet hair in sections, re-wetting each section as you work (trust the process), then air-dry or diffuse. To be clear, we're not talking about those dry, crunchy gels that make your hair look like it hopped right out of 2003.

Welcome the warm weather by adopting a spring-friendly hair care routine that'll leave you with luscious locks.

15 Best Natural Hair Dyes of 2024, Per Hair Experts and Reviews - Cosmopolitan

15 Best Natural Hair Dyes of 2024, Per Hair Experts and Reviews.

Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Thicker hair, whether curly or straight, usually needs a stronger hold formula, regardless of how you want to style it. For fine hair, though, a strong hold can weigh down your locks, making it tough to get lasting volume. For dry or thinning hair, strong hold gels can make your hair prone to breakage, so you may want to stick with light or medium hold gels. The hair gel category is undeniably vast, catering to every hair type and trend. Fortunately for all, hair gels have undergone a significant upgrade over the years.

Aveda Pure Abundance Volumising Shampoo

We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet. Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Gel is formulated to smooth, define, and keep flyaways in check while delivering a reliable hold and an enhanced texture for curls, coils, spirals, kinks, and waves. Biolage's Styling Gelée is an all-purpose, pro-level product formulated to deliver not just control but also body, shine, and nourishment. We conducted hours of research on the best gels, evaluating each on formula type, active ingredients, and how it feels in your hair.

TRESemmé TRES Two Mega Firm Control Gel

And, because it's glycerin-free (a rarity in hair gels), it won't cause intense frizzing if you live in humid areas. This is the best choice for fine hair that’s been subjected to a lot of styling products – dry-shampoo addicts, we're talking to you. Not only will it deeply cleanse overloaded roots, sweeping away every last trace of oil, grease and residue, but it’ll leave your lengths feeling noticeably swishier. It’s not the most moisturising of shampoos, but that’s what the matching conditioner is for. "A gel will provide that separation that you like to see when you have curls, and it's also going to give you a little bit more definition," says Leigh Hardges, a Chicago-based hair stylist.

The 8 Best Hair Gels For Flake-Free Styling

You can also use this method to get wavy hairstyles.• For spiky short hairstyles, put some of the gel on your hands and rub them together. Then use your hands to comb your hair from the front to the back. After applying it all through your hair, run your fingers from the side of your head to the top. Breaking the gel cast is pretty self-explanatory and simple.

"On the worst most humid day, I use this and it always works," says one reviewer. "[It] leaves my hair feeling soft and not sticky or crunchy. Perfect gel for soft but strongly held curls." This humidity-resistant gel doesn't feel sticky and controls frizz and flyaways. "I've been using this product for some time now after experimenting with many others," one reviewer says. "This is the only one that holds the curls in place the longest and feels the softest." This styling gel is a great pick if your hair is on the finer side.

Expand beauty menu

Similarly, if you have dandruff, avoid oiling your scalp, says Reavey. “Malassezia, the bacteria that causes dandruff, feeds on the oils secreted by your scalp," she says. "Adding more oil to your scalp increases the chance of an inflammatory response.” Um, no thanks! While hair oiling is generally safe, there are some potential risks to keep in mind. First, “leaving hair oil on for too long can lead to occlusion of the follicles and can contribute to seborrheic dermatitis,” says Dr. Spann.

I Started Using This Hair Mask Instead of Gel For Slicked Back Do's And My Hair Has Never Felt Better - NewBeauty Magazine

I Started Using This Hair Mask Instead of Gel For Slicked Back Do's And My Hair Has Never Felt Better.

Posted: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

"Because of the way it coats the hair, it's going to help prevent frizz." According to Hardges, hair gel works best on 3A (loose, springy ringlets) to 4A (tight, defined, S-shaped curls) hair types. This custard is on the lighter end of the custard spectrum, so it won't feel as heavy on finer hair types. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more low-key, then you’ll want to opt for a gel serum. The best gel for curly hair that falls within Type 3-4 curl types is Emerge Style Goals Gel.

Beyoncé shows fans her long natural hair and reveals wash day routine using Cécred products

It's super lightweight, so your curls won't feel crunchy or heavy. "This does a really good job at taming the frizz and not weighing my curls down as a lot of products seem to do," says one reviewer. As a gel and serum hybrid, this GH Beauty Award winning pick doesn't just work double-duty on your curls, it's also affordable. By combining the benefits of a gel and a serum together, it works to smooth your strands while also defining and shaping your curls, all without any crunchiness. “I applied this on my damp hair before drying, and loved how well it defined and boosted my curls — and the subtly sweet scent,” says one tester. If you have curly hair, chances are you want to define your curls without weighing them down or causing frizz.

An influential style maker, Cody has been featured in Vogue, People, InStyle, and Oprah Daily, to name a few. Katelyn Ellsworth is a hairstylist as well as a natural color and extension specialist. She’s the founder of The Roslyn salon and Style Icon in San Diego.

It’s the stiff, hardened coating that stronger-hold gels often leave behind on curly hair. As your hair dries, the gel forms a crunchy shell around each of your curls/waves, defining it while protecting it from humidity and frizz. Step two is to “scrunch out the crunch” or “break the cast." But this formula uses aloe and mallow extract to define thinner, drier curls and create a strong gel cast—all without weighing them down. It's Curly Girl Method-approved (as are all of these gels on this list), safe for low-porosity hair, and under $10.

That’s because factors like genetics, your nutrition, stress and anxiety, and changes in your hormones, metabolism, or medications can all contribute to thinning hair. And the cause of your hair loss can help you determine the right ingredients for you—and, with that, the best hair growth serum. Therefore, “the best guidance is to ask questions and rely on trusted sources for scientific evidence and advice that is tailored to your individual need,” she instructs. With that in mind, consider these the serums worth trying to achieve your unique hair goals. Alberto VO5® began as a conditioning hairdressing created by a chemist and a hairdresser, Alberto, in Culver City, California.

Using their advice and building off our research, we curated a list of the top 15 hair gels, including drugstore and high-end options and a mix of formulas such as gel-cream textures and more traditional true-gel ones. If it's definition you're after, pick up a tub of Curl Cloud. With neem, tea tree, castor, and pimento oils, this antioxidant-rich hair gel accentuates coily and kinky hair and creates a soft hold for loose curls, twist-outs, and braid-outs. If you're interested in dipping your toes (or rather, your tips) back into the gel pool, we've got good news. Today's formulas aren't like the goopy blue hues of decades past.

Correctly described as a frizz-fighting and moisturizing hair gel, this is one product that should be part of your hair care kit. It contains ingredients like capuacu butter, nourishing oils and a blend of humectants to give you the best results possible. You can use this hair gel for medium and thick hair texture to moisturize and control your mane.

If you're looking to do a gel cast, protective style, twist/braid-out, or any other sleek and/or really defined look, you should be using a curl gel. On the other hand, if the look you're going for requires more of a lighter hold—yet still a bit of definition—you should be using a curl mousse. If you have finer hair, a curl gel can also be used on top of a mousse. Waves and loose curls fall into a very finicky territory where the right products can magically enhance their texture...while the wrong products can fully straighten them out.

Coat your hands with gel then rake and scrunch it through your soaking-wet hair section by section (here’s a gel cast tutorial I love, if you need a visual). Thinner locks crave volume, so make sure to use products that don’t weigh your hair down or leave them prone to going limp midday. Lightweight styling gels, such as Suave Professionals Define & Shine Serum Gel are a fun, useful innovation, since most of these coat hair strands evenly while providing some bounce. Thick hair types arguably benefit the most from an efficacious gel to lock every strand in place, even if you must work in sections to do so. Parker, whose clients include stars from Natasha Lyonne to brands like Coach and Collina Strada, explains that a good gel shouldn’t flake, and shouldn’t contain alcohol (which often results in dryness and breakage). Application-wise, her tip is to put a bit of product onto her fingertips to gauge its tackiness and hold—that way she can determine if the gel will work with her client’s hair type.