Hair Styling: Technology and Formulations

Hair styling aids, including products like hairsprays, gels, mousses, creams, waxes, lotions, and brilliantines, as well as heated tools like blow-dryers and curling irons, were used to arrange and maintain hair in a groomed position while providing conditioning, shine, body, and manageability. Key ingredients in these products included polymers, which bonded hair strands for hold, and emollients and waxes, which increased hair fiber interaction, smoothed cuticles, and reduced frizz. While generally safe, misuse of these products could lead to hair damage. Styling aids could also improve the appearance of hair affected by dermatologic conditions causing thinning, dullness, or unruliness.