Hair Styling Products
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Manufacturers of hair styling products design specific formulas to tame different manes. Shampoos, conditioners, rinses and styling gels are formulated to cleanse, treat, revitalize, add volume, or control the appearance of hair for men, women and children of all ethnicities. As a multi-billion dollar industry, cosmetology capitalizes on human beings' desire to change their appearance. Curly-headed people are seldom content with spiraled strands; while those with born with bone straight locks long for waves and crinkles. And although gentlemen prefer blonds, natural blonds prefer being redheads and brunettes. The ethnicity of hair also creates a styling dilemma. African American and Caucasian pates can run the gamut from straight to kinky; while European coifs tend to be a mixture. But most Asians are born with sleek and straight strands which defy curling irons but may occasionally yield to chemical processing to achieve bends and spirals. Long tresses are luxurious, while others prefer short-cropped styles. "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given to her for a covering" (I Corinthians 11:15).
Fortunately, twenty-first century hair styling products are capable of leaping ethnic and cultural bounds to make the impossible possible through chemical and non-chemical processing of natural strands. While everyone knows that shampooing is the first step towards a healthy mane, most are unaware of the number of different types of cleansers. Shampoos are developed to work with the pH or chemical makeup of strands, which determines the amount of alkaline in strands. Some will make curls and waves more or less alkaline, while others are meant to simply remove dirt, oils and product buildup. After shampooing, conditioners are applied to soften or make strands more susceptible to coloring and styling. Conditioners applied to wet strands penetrate the cuticle, or outer layer, and change the chemical structure.
Hair styling products that add volume make cuticles swell to create the appearance of more fullness; while some gels, creams and waxes afford more flexibility and manageability of specific designs or protect strands from potentially damaging heated appliances or chemical processes. Teens love adding gels and waxes to achieve styles that make curls stand on end, like Mohawks usually worn by heavy metal performers. Creams also soften and hydrate brittle or damaged hair, which tends to break easily; while waxes and pomades can add definition to frizzy or kinky curls. Popular natural styles like dreadlocks, twists, and braids rely on pomades and creams to tame curls and coax unruly strands into shape.
When it comes to color, the possibilities are almost unlimited. Hair styling products that add varying hues to lackluster locks or completely change an individual's nature-made mane are an industry all their own. From permanent dyes to temporary tints, glazes, cellophanes, and metallic sprays, men and women can turn back the hands of time or create a whole new persona just with a little bit of color. Mahogany highlights, purple streaks, or a hint of henna goes a long way in enhancing a naturally beautiful mane or creating drama for a special occasion. But coloring is not something that should be attempted at home. Cosmetologists are expert at applying the right formula to create a desired look. Instead of winding up with ghastly green locks, individuals should rely on the professionals to use exacting coloring applications for the best results.
The process of turning straight strands to curly and curly to straight requires hair styling products, such as chemical relaxers or permanent wave creams. Improving on nature is an art in itself. Regardless of ethnic background, everyone has one or more of three distinct wave patterns: curly, wavy, or straight; and different patterns can actually exist on the same head. Curly strands create spirals in varying degrees of tightness -- from loose to extremely curly, or what some term as kinky. Asians, Europeans, and Caucasians generally have straight or wavy strands, while an African American pattern is typically curly to kinky. However, exceptions to the rule are individuals of African American descent that have bone straight strands and Caucasians with nappy or kinky locks. There are literally hundreds of products on the market which can either release the wave pattern to make curly and kinky strands straighter or tighten the pattern to make sleek manes cascade in voluminous spirals.
Other than using relaxers, cold waves, shampoos, and conditioners to tame an unruly mane, cosmetologists also rely on heated appliances. Curling irons, flat irons, crimping irons, pressing combs, blow dryers, hot curlers, and clippers are all part of a hair styling products arsenal to coax resistant strands into submission. Because the cuticle is primarily composed of protein, when heat is applied wave patterns are temporarily altered. However, chemicals permanently change wave patterns or textures and altered strands must grow out from the scalp in order for original textures to be restored. A skilled beautician or barber will know the right amount of heat and the right chemical to use to lessen damage, prevent breakage, and maintain styles.
Without the availability of hair styling products that provide versatility and the ability to change the texture of one's mane, men and women would be bound to wave patterns and features they find unbecoming. Thanks to professional stylists and innovative beauty techniques and products, anyone from any ethnic background can attain a more self-satisfying appearance. For those who prefer their natural, God-given beauty, certain hair styling products can enhance and strengthen naturally kinky or straight locks. Today almost any look: from bald, to cropped, curly, kinky, dreadlocked, sleek and straight are totally acceptable. The key to attaining healthy, vibrant strands -- no matter what the length, texture, or color -- is using the right products specifically made for uniquely individual types.
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