What Products Can You Apply to Dry Hair?
Photo: Getty Images
Is oil the new hairspray? That’s the question that got us to this story in the first place. So what is the finishing cream du jour? The one product you can apply to dry hair that keeps everything in place, lends polish, and doesn’t weigh it down? Turns out, it’s still very much hairspray.
Kylee Heath, who tends to the heads of Diane Kruger, Sofia Vergara, and Jennifer Garner, always applies hairspray to styled hair (Oscar Blandi’s Lacca Hair Spray ($25) and Serge Normant’s Meta Luxe ($25) are her current favorites.) “Hair spray is always safe,” she says. “It polishes the hair and adds hold and shine.” But it’s not the only thing you can use. Check out Heath’s tips below.
Cream Products
“A cream product isn’t my first go-to,” Heath says. “Although I use Kevin Murphy’s Easy Rider ($33) all the time. Just make sure it’s a finishing product; I only use ‘wet’ creams on curly, thick, damp hair.” Try L’Oreal Paris Sulfate-Free Finishing Crème ($6) or John Frieda’s Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème ($6).
Mousse
“If I want to freshen up day two hair, I will apply a mousse or volumizing spray to the roots, brush the product through, and blow dry,” says Heath. Kerastase Volumactive Mousse ($42) is her favorite.
Oil
For post-dry shine, reach for a dry oil like Garnier’s Triple Nutrition Miracle Oil ($6) or Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($36). “The trick with oils is to use a very small amount,” says Heath. “You work it into your hands and only apply from mid-shaft through the ends. I currently love the Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum ($35).”
Dry Shampoo
When experimenting with any new product, it’s better to start with less and build up, once you know what your hair can handle. But if you start to look a little greasy, Heath says to spray a dry shampoo (she loves Klorane’s Dry Shampoo ($20) with oat milk) to absorb the extra oil. “Otherwise, change the style into a cool ponytail or updo to make it seem intentional.”
