Top Hair Product Mistakes

Bad hair days are not always a result of the weather. In fact, more often than not, you have yourself to blame. As it turns out, many of us are misusing our hair products -- applying too much, too little or simply applying them the wrong way. For a future full of happy hair days, read on for the right way to use your favorite styling product.

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Flat, heavy hair is not your conditioners wrongdoing. It's yours. "The most frequent misuse of conditioner is too much at the roots and not enough on the ends," says celebrity stylist Patrick Melville from the Patrick Melville Salon and Spa in New York City. "Most conditioners require no more than a quarter size for long hair," he adds. The best way to apply for the most manageable results: run a small amount from length to ends, then comb through for even distribution.
Product Suggestions:
font color="#52C2E6">Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Conditioner
font color="#52C2E6">Redken All Soft Conditioner

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Got yourself in a crunch? Applying a styling gel to dry hair or using too much will leave your locks looking and feeling brittle. According to Daniele Petrulli, a senior stylist at the Oscar Blandi Salon in Manhattan, work a quarter size through wet hair (starting at the back and working your way forward and up) for results that offer hold and flexibility.

Phyto Pro Soft Holding Gel
http://www.drugstore.com:80/products/prod.asp?pid=217525&catid=9593&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=9593&trxp2=217525&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Clearly Defined Style Holding Gel
http://www.drugstore.com:80/products/prod.asp?pid=184815&catid=9593&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=9593&trxp2=184815&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

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Your dirty little secret is hardly a secret thanks to white residue. According to Petrulli, the biggest misuse of dry shampoo is not rubbing it in properly. "People tend to use too much and don't rub it in, which leads to obvious white flakes," she says. The best (and most discreet) way to apply is to deposit the powder directly at the roots, then thoroughly massage the head until there's no trace of residue.
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo
http://oscarblandi.com/newproducts/pronto.html

Courtesy of Oscar Blandi

The most common misuse of hairspray is holding the bottle to close to the head. Oversaturation (especially with a strong hold formulation) creates stiff, sticky strands. Melville suggests holding the can at least 12 inches from the hair to create a light mist, which allows the hair to move, but still offers a natural hold.
Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=137623&catid=111&brand=7809&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=111&trxp2=137623&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND&cmbProdBrandFilter=7809
Nexxus Comb Through Hairspray
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=227859&catid=142114&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=142114&trxp2=227859&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

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When applied to dry hair, a shine serum works wonders by adding luster and controlling frizz. But too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect: oily-looking locks. "You only need one pump for the entire head," says Petrulli. For best results, rub the serum between the palms of your hands, then finger comb the product through the hair.
Ken Paves Healthy Hair Shine Serum
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=202825&catid=142120&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=142120&trxp2=202825&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT
BioSilk Shine On
http://www.drugstore.com:80/products/prod.asp?pid=140414&catid=32542&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=32542&trxp2=140414&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

Courtesy of Ken Paves Salon

"Using too much styling cream will weigh the hair down and make it feel greasy," says Petrulli. The right amounta pea size for short hair; a dime size for longer lengthswill tame the cuticle for a style that lasts longer. Before applying, warm the product in the palms of your hands. "This will emulsify the product and allow for better distribution throughout the hair," she adds.
Garnier Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Styling Cream
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2144117&productId=prod2144117&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120028
Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream
http://www.ojon.com/products/N00E-01-0001

Courtesy of Kiehl's

Haphazardly blow-drying the hair can cause major friction to the hair shaft, leaving you with a frizzy mess rather than a smooth finish. When using a blow dryer, always direct the airflow downward (root to end) to help seal the cuticle for a sleek finish. Securing the nozzle attachment also helps to concentrate the airflow, making it even easier to achieve unruffled results.
Conair Lightweight Ionic Ceramic Styling Dryer
http://www.conair-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CON+121X&HDR=HAIR#back

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Looking for a little lift, but always seem to fall flat? Application is essential with a volumizer. Instead of applying it all over (like you do with most other products), it's best to apply directly to the roots. Once applied, massage thoroughly to enhance lift, then blow dry using a round brush for a va-va-va-voom finish.
Suave Professionals Volumizing Root Lifter Spray Gel
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=163515&catid=26724&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=26724&trxp2=163515&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT
Ted Gibson Build It
http://estore.conceptheaven.com/clients/tegi/estore/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=21

Courtesy of Ted Gibson Salon