There are an abundance of hair styling products on the market. Professional hair styling products are sold in salons and discount hair styling products manufactured by various national brands are sold in drug stores and at mass merchandising retailers. The most notable difference between professional and discount hair styling products is price, but some professional products are worth the price.

While many people have a brand preference, many more people are simply overwhelmed by the selection of hair styling products. Trying to discern what each product is and what it is intended for can be complicated and often the labels don’t help. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of hair styling products, you will be able to make quicker selections and find the right products for your hair.

A basic overview of the many different kinds of hair styling products is as follows:

• Mousse - Mousse, sometimes called styling foam, is a styling product that is packaged under pressure and expands when released. Mousse is much lighter than other styling products and some brands are created as a combination leave-in conditioner and styling product. Mousse works well for most hair types, but if you have dry hair, then avoid mousse that contains alcohol. Also if you require strong hold or are looking to maintain a short, molded hairstyle, try gel or pomade.

• Gel - Gel is a hair styling product that can be quite versatile. It's available as either a spray or direct application. Spray gel is good for a quick, overall covering, but generally provides less hold than direct application hair gel. Direct application hair gel requires you to work it in evenly by hand, but typically provides a stronger hold. Hair gel works well for “scrunching” curls and helping create sleek shapes. Again, if you have dry hair avoid hair gel containing alcohol.

• Pomade - Pomade and wax are generally the same product. These hair styling products are great for short hair, dry hair, and are essential for sculpted hairstyles. Pomade is a waxy-like substance that may feel greasy in the container and on the hands, but once worked into hair provides sheen. Though it feels heavy and may take more than one shampoo to wash out, pomade and hair wax do not dry hair out like some styling products do. You get superior hold with pomade and hair wax.

• Glossing or Polishing Drops - Glossing or polishing drops, also retailed as anti-frizz serum among other names, are silicone-based hair styling products that are designed to smooth rough hair shafts, thus reducing or eliminating frizz. Most products are applied in small amounts and can be used on wet or dry hair. If you struggle with fly-away or frizzy hair, try using a hair gloss product.

There are of course other hair styling products available. Finishing products refer to hair spray or any product that is applied to the hair after it is styled to maintain it. Protecting products, such as heat protectants, are applied to the hair before using any heat-styling tool. The best way to find hair styling products that work for your hair type is to experiment with different ones. If you have a trusted hair stylist, ask them which types of products they recommend.