What it does: Gel locks in your style while delivering a glossy, wet-look shine (adjustable by quantity). Perfect for slick short cuts or combing hair back flat. Pro tip: Once applied, hands off to avoid disrupting the hold.
How to apply: Use on dry or damp hair (damp is easier). Start at the hairline, then comb through or distribute with fingers.
Our favorite: Extreme Splash Wet Domination, L'Oréal Professionnel, €17.45.
What it does: Sea salt mimics post-swim texture, adding waves, matte finish, and light hold.
How to apply: Mist lightly on dry or damp hair (dry gives subtler results). Avoid over-spraying to prevent clumps, then scrunch with fingers.
Our favorite: Spray de la Mer Coiffé Décoiffé, Dessange, €7.50.
What it does: Foam formula boosts volume at roots or enhances curls (check product label for best use).
How to apply: On damp hair only. Dispense into palm, comb from roots for lift or lengths for curls. Blow-dry upside down, scrunching to activate.
Our favorite: Structuring Mousse, Nioxin, €27.90.
What it does: Provides flexible hold without stiffness or visible residue—brushes out easily.
How to apply: On dry hair. Spray from 20-30 cm away, using a light touch (layer as needed to avoid buildup).
Our favorite: Pro Expert Volume Hairspray, Franck Provost, €6.
What it does: The only styler that nourishes hair, smoothing frizz and coating strands. Skip on fine hair to avoid weighing it down.
How to apply: Warm a pea-sized amount in palms, glide over mid-lengths to ends on damp or dry hair (blow-dry if damp).
Our favorite: Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Cream, Aveda, €33.
What it does: Builds body and gloss without rigid hold. Best for short styles; may weigh down longer hair.
How to apply: Warm a small dab in palms, then caress through mid-lengths and ends (skip roots).
Our favorite: Wax Top Coat Styliste Ultême, Schwarzkopf, €5.50.
What it does: Coats roots to add grip, texture, and visible fullness.
How to apply: Sprinkle directly at roots (head inverted) or massage in from palm for targeted lift. Style with fingers—no brushing.
Our favorite: Height Riser Volumizing Powder, Matrix, €9.95.
Expert advice from Fabien Provost, Artistic Director at Franck Provost.
