You may be forgiven, for not having heard of styling powder. The many avenues of hair styling products are as varied as they are wide. Therefore, we’re going to take a look at the who, what, where and why of hair styling powder.
The Who
Although it may have eluded you, that is not to say that it hasn’t been around for a long time. The first recorded use of powders for pruning, were way back in the 16th Century by France’s King Henry IV. He used a brown powder to cover his grey hairs.
As the news and popularity spread of this age-defying technique, other benefits came to light. Initially made with flour and starch, the powder also reduced greasiness. During these early days of modern civilisation, that was a great help as hair was not washed nearly as frequently as it is today.
Anyway, lets close out history books there, and look into the modern wonder that is known as hair styling powder. AKA texturizing powder, volumizing powder, mattifying powder, or simply hair powder.
The What
Our modern hair powders are of course, a little more advanced than throwing flour in your hair. Still looking similar to baby powder, it contains rough particles that stick to the hair increasing friction. Comprising of rice powder, silica silicate or similar, hair powder provides both volume and texture.
A balance of chemicals helps reduce moisture in the hair, which just like the 1600s, helps with greasiness. This also adds further to the volume and texture and means its styling properties can usually be refreshed by simply running your fingers through your hair.
The Where
When using a styling powder, you need to apply it to dry hair. If you apply it to wet hair, you’ll end up looking like a baker’s rolling pin, post-pastry-prep. Always follow the golden rule of hair-products – sing it with me – start with a little, as its easier to apply more, than to remove.
You should start at the roots and work the powder up through the hair. If you have longer hair, you may want to flop your head over, so you can get to the roots easily, then work outwards.
The Why
Hair powder is perfect for the pompadour. It’s also great for wavy, straight or curly hair. Whatever look you’re going for, if you need some extra lift, hair powder should be your go to. If you find you’re not getting the results you were after, consider using some sea salt spray beforehand.
As the powder has moisture absorbent properties, there are plenty of chaps out there who use the powder in the evening. Dry shampoos tend to be way too dry so hair powders are convenient substitute. Perfect for revitalising your look before heading out to your evening endeavours.
What to Look for
As for recommendations, we asked our barbers what brands they prefer. Here’s what we found.
STMNT Staygold – both vegan and animal test free, STMNT’s Staygold uses a super lightweight formula offering excessive volume, a matte finish and impressive texture and grip.
LabelM Resurrection Dust -boosting root lift, superb textures and with a long hold, LabelM’s Resurrection Dust is one of their best-selling products.
Evo Haze Styling Powder – offering touchable textures, this powder presents a firm hold with a matte finish. It comes in a refillable pump to save the environment, but also provides an even distribution or targeted application.
If you’re still unsure if hair powder is the product for you, speak to one of our specialists on your next visit. To book in you can choose a location here. Or click here for our list of services.
However you style it, remember to #KeepItHandsome
You may be forgiven, for not having heard of styling powder. The many avenues of hair styling products are as varied as they are wide. Therefore, we’re going to take a look at the who, what, where and why of hair styling powder.
The Who
Although it may have eluded you, that is not to say that it hasn’t been around for a long time. The first recorded use of powders for pruning, were way back in the 16th Century by France’s King Henry IV. He used a brown powder to cover his grey hairs.
As the news and popularity spread of this age-defying technique, other benefits came to light. Initially made with flour and starch, the powder also reduced greasiness. During these early days of modern civilisation, that was a great help as hair was not washed nearly as frequently as it is today.
Anyway, lets close out history books there, and look into the modern wonder that is known as hair styling powder. AKA texturizing powder, volumizing powder, mattifying powder, or simply hair powder.
The What
Our modern hair powders are of course, a little more advanced than throwing flour in your hair. Still looking similar to baby powder, it contains rough particles that stick to the hair increasing friction. Comprising of rice powder, silica silicate or similar, hair powder provides both volume and texture.
A balance of chemicals helps reduce moisture in the hair, which just like the 1600s, helps with greasiness. This also adds further to the volume and texture and means its styling properties can usually be refreshed by simply running your fingers through your hair.
The Where
When using a styling powder, you need to apply it to dry hair. If you apply it to wet hair, you’ll end up looking like a baker’s rolling pin, post-pastry-prep. Always follow the golden rule of hair-products – sing it with me – start with a little, as its easier to apply more, than to remove.
You should start at the roots and work the powder up through the hair. If you have longer hair, you may want to flop your head over, so you can get to the roots easily, then work outwards.
The Why
Hair powder is perfect for the pompadour. It’s also great for wavy, straight or curly hair. Whatever look you’re going for, if you need some extra lift, hair powder should be your go to. If you find you’re not getting the results you were after, consider using some sea salt spray beforehand.
As the powder has moisture absorbent properties, there are plenty of chaps out there who use the powder in the evening. Dry shampoos tend to be way too dry so hair powders are convenient substitute. Perfect for revitalising your look before heading out to your evening endeavours.
What to Look for
As for recommendations, we asked our barbers what brands they prefer. Here’s what we found.
STMNT Staygold – both vegan and animal test free, STMNT’s Staygold uses a super lightweight formula offering excessive volume, a matte finish and impressive texture and grip.
LabelM Resurrection Dust -boosting root lift, superb textures and with a long hold, LabelM’s Resurrection Dust is one of their best-selling products.
Evo Haze Styling Powder – offering touchable textures, this powder presents a firm hold with a matte finish. It comes in a refillable pump to save the environment, but also provides an even distribution or targeted application.
If you’re still unsure if hair powder is the product for you, speak to one of our specialists on your next visit. To book in you can choose a location here. Or click here for our list of services.
However you style it, remember to #KeepItHandsome
