Style Like a Pro: The Secrets Behind Great Hair
Ever wonder why your hair looks so much better when a stylist does it? It's not just skill — it's the products they use and the order they apply them. The good news is that with the right techniques and professional-grade products, you can recreate that salon finish at home.
Here's your complete guide to styling every hair type like a pro.
The Golden Rules of Hair Styling
Before we dive into hair-type-specific tips, here are a few universal rules every great style starts with:
- Start with clean, conditioned hair. Styling products work best on a clean base. Use a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Browse our shampoo and conditioner collections.
- Apply products to damp hair. Most styling products — creams, serums, and leave-ins — are designed to be applied before heat styling, while hair is still damp.
- Use heat protectant. Always protect your hair before using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand.
- Less is more. Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed. Too much product can weigh hair down or leave it looking greasy.
Styling Tips by Hair Type
Fine or Thin Hair: Add Volume Without Weight
The biggest challenge for fine hair is getting volume that lasts without weighing strands down. The key is lightweight products that lift at the root.
Pro tips:
- Apply a volumizing mousse or lightweight styling cream at the roots before blow-drying.
- Flip your head upside down while blow-drying to maximize lift.
- Finish with a light-hold hair spray to lock in volume without stiffness.
Recommended products: Living Proof Full Styling Cream and Aquage Finishing Spray — both deliver volume and hold without heaviness.
Thick or Coarse Hair: Tame and Define
Thick hair has volume to spare but can be difficult to manage and prone to frizz. The goal is to smooth the cuticle and add definition without making hair feel stiff or crunchy.
Pro tips:
- Apply a smoothing cream or serum to damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush.
- Use a diffuser attachment if you prefer to air-dry — it reduces frizz while enhancing natural texture.
- Finish with a flexible-hold spray to keep style in place without rigidity.
Recommended products: Joico Smooth Cure Styling Crème and Eufora Style Finishing Spray for all-day smoothness and control.
Curly or Wavy Hair: Enhance and Define Curls
Curly hair thrives on moisture and definition. The right products will enhance your natural curl pattern and fight frizz without making curls crunchy or stiff.
Pro tips:
- Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to soaking wet hair, scrunching upward to encourage curl formation.
- Avoid touching your hair while it dries — this causes frizz.
- Once dry, scrunch out any crunch with a small amount of lightweight oil or serum.
Recommended products: Aquage Curl Defining Crème defines and moisturizes curls, while Living Proof Curl Spray locks in shape and fights humidity.
Color-Treated Hair: Style Without Fading
Color-treated hair needs extra care during styling. Heat and harsh products can accelerate color fading, so it's important to use color-safe formulas and always apply heat protection.
Pro tips:
- Always use a heat protectant spray before any heat styling.
- Keep heat tools at a moderate temperature (below 375°F) to minimize color damage.
- Use color-safe styling products that won't strip pigment.
Recommended products: Keune Style Brilliant Gloss Crème adds shine and protects color, while Joico Color Endure Spray locks in style and color vibrancy.
Build Your Styling Routine
The best styling routine is one you'll actually stick to. Here's a simple framework:
- Wash and condition with products suited to your hair type.
- Apply a styling cream or leave-in to damp hair for manageability.
- Blow-dry or air-dry using the technique that works for your hair type.
- Finish with a hair spray to lock in your style and add shine.
Shop Professional Styling Products at Beauty Gables
We carry a full range of professional styling products from the brands stylists love — including Aquage, Joico, Living Proof, Keune, and Eufora. Whether you need hold, smoothness, volume, or curl definition, we have the right product for you.