The Best Products for Every Hair Type
A few products are all you need to make your hair bend—or straighten—to your whims.

Photo: Jeff Harris
If Your Hair is Thin and Straight
John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer ($10; drugstores) fits in your bag, so you can always get rid of flyaways. Brush the wand over your hair to smooth problem spots.
The extrastrong hold in L'Oréal Paris Studio Mega Hairspray ($5; drugstores) will keep your style in place but leave your hair soft and shiny.
Soy and wheat proteins in Ojon Thickening Spray ($24; ojon.com) add lots of volume. Ginseng extract conditions.
The extrastrong hold in L'Oréal Paris Studio Mega Hairspray ($5; drugstores) will keep your style in place but leave your hair soft and shiny.
Soy and wheat proteins in Ojon Thickening Spray ($24; ojon.com) add lots of volume. Ginseng extract conditions.

Photo: Jeff Harris
If Your Hair is Thick and Straight
The collagen and folic acid in Suave Volumizing Root Boost Spray ($3; drugstores) give your hair volume when it falls flat and feels weighed down. The nozzle applicator allows you to spray directly onto roots, where you need the most lift. Spray two-inch sections, then blow-dry.
Very thick hair can look dry and dull. The lightweight formula of Kérastase Chroma Cristal ($37; kerastase.com) contains vitamin E to protect color from fading and silicones to add shine. Spray from roots to ends on damp or dry hair.
Very thick hair can look dry and dull. The lightweight formula of Kérastase Chroma Cristal ($37; kerastase.com) contains vitamin E to protect color from fading and silicones to add shine. Spray from roots to ends on damp or dry hair.

Photo: Jeff Harris
If Your Hair is Wavy
To give soft waves more definition, try Bumble and Bumble Texture ($26; bumbleandbumble.com). The cream holds a wave pattern without giving hair a wet look. Apply a quarter-size amount on damp hair, let sit for a minute, then use your fingers to scrunch and tousle.
Pureology Colour Stylist Antisplit Blowdry ($28; pureology.com for salons) is packed with oils (including orange, olive, camelina, and coriander) to moisturize and smooth, making it easier to blow-dry your hair straight.
Pureology Colour Stylist Antisplit Blowdry ($28; pureology.com for salons) is packed with oils (including orange, olive, camelina, and coriander) to moisturize and smooth, making it easier to blow-dry your hair straight.

Photo: Jeff Harris
If Your Hair is Curly
A blend of plant extracts in Aveda Be Curly Style-Prep ($24; aveda.com) moisturizes and seals the hair cuticle to keep your curls intact.
Alberto VO5 Perfect Hold Styling Gel ($2; drugstores) gives you good control, and the long-lasting formula won't leave hair stiff or sticky.
SoftSheen-Carson Optimum Care Heat Protection Polisher ($7; drugstores) strengthens hair, safeguards it from heat-styling damage, and blocks humidity to prevent frizz.
Next: How to get—and maintain—perfect eyebrows.
Alberto VO5 Perfect Hold Styling Gel ($2; drugstores) gives you good control, and the long-lasting formula won't leave hair stiff or sticky.
SoftSheen-Carson Optimum Care Heat Protection Polisher ($7; drugstores) strengthens hair, safeguards it from heat-styling damage, and blocks humidity to prevent frizz.
Next: How to get—and maintain—perfect eyebrows.
Published 02/14/2011