Styling Aids

Styling aids, or fixatives, are products designed to provide benefits which first enable the hair to be combed or set into a desired style and then allow it to remain in that style for a considerable length of time. The primary purpose of fixatives, whether in the form of hair sprays, styling gels, spray gels or pomades is to control and improve the appearance of the hair.

The difference in styling aids is primarily that of a difference in carrying agents. The primary ingredient in any styling aid is its film-forming agent. A common film-forming agent that is used in these types of products is Fixate. Fixate is widely used in quality commercial hair preparations for its effective holding and hair shining properties as well as the ease to which it is later removed from the hair when shampooing.

Styling Gels:
A mix of carbomer resins which when neutralized will form clear gels, styling gels come in a variety of “holds” for soft styling as well as heavy hold looks, as well as a variety of styles including traditional hair gel as well as spray gel.

Hair Sprays:
Hair Sprays can come in either pump or aerosol form. A mix of alcohol, conditioners and film forming agents (Fixate), they are easily adjusted to suite needs of the manufacturer. More water can be added (replacing alcohol) to give the spray more styling time, or the level of Fixate can be adjusted, down for less hold and up for more.

Pomades, Waxes, Putty’s & Styling Mud:
Often called many different names, these types of products are usually made using waxes and other emulsifiers, petrolatum and fixative ingredients such as Fixate, and are designed to control the hair, eliminate fly away and help to sculpt and define a style and hold it there. Depending on the type of ingredients used, you will find some commercial products that will resemble a wax, while some will look like Petroleum Jelly and others the appearance of a heavy cream.