Finishing Products: Final styling products applied after styling

ByDr. Celestine (Certified Trichologist)

What are Finishing Products?

Finishing products are styling aids that you apply as the final step to lock in your hairstyle and add polish. They are the last layer of defense against frizz, flyaways, and humidity, sealing your look in place. Think of them as the topcoat for your hair, providing that final touch of shine, texture, or hold.

Most people don’t realize that many finishing products work by creating a microscopic film over each hair strand. This film smooths the cuticle, which is the hair’s outer layer, to reflect light and create shine. I see clients use far too much product, which ironically creates dullness instead of the desired finish.

Finishing Products That Tame the Frizz Monster

Frizz is simply hair absorbing moisture from the air, causing the cuticle scales to swell and lift. Finishing serums and oils work by coating the hair to block this moisture absorption. They act like a raincoat for each strand, keeping humidity from getting in and ruining your smooth style.

Think of your hair’s cuticle like shingles on a roof. When they lie flat, your hair is smooth. Frizz makes them stick up. A good finishing product smooths those shingles back down. I always advise applying these to mid-lengths and ends first, as putting them directly on the roots can make hair look greasy.

Finishing Products for Unshakeable Hold

Strong-hold hairsprays and finishing sprays use polymers that form a flexible web over your hair. This web holds the style without making it feel stiff or crunchy. Your hair can still move naturally, but it resists falling flat or losing its shape throughout the day.

These polymers are like a lightweight, invisible net. I tell my patients to spray from about 10 inches away for an even application. Holding the can too close is the number one reason for that undesirable “helmet head” look. A light mist is almost always more effective than a heavy dousing.

Finishing Products That Create Illusionary Volume

Volumizing sprays and texturizing powders add body by slightly roughening the hair’s surface and creating space between strands. They contain ingredients that increase the diameter of each hair, making your whole head of hair appear thicker. This is a game-changer for people with fine or flat hair.

Texturizing powder works like microscopic scaffolding, propping hair up from the roots. I warn clients with dark hair to use a light hand and brush it out thoroughly to avoid a grayish cast. A little truly goes a very long way with these products.

Finishing Products for Ultimate Shine

Shine sprays and glossing serums work by filling in microscopic imperfections on the hair’s surface. This creates a smoother surface that reflects light uniformly, making your hair look glossy and healthy. They often contain silicones or light-reflecting particles to maximize this effect.

Think of a dull, damaged hair strand like a rough, gravel road that scatters light. A shiny, healthy strand is like a smooth glass surface that reflects light perfectly. I never recommend using pure oil as a shine product, as it can easily overwhelm fine hair and attract dirt.

Will It Work For You?

Yes

  • If you want to extend the life of your blowout or style for an extra day or two.
  • When you need to combat frizz in humid climates or during seasonal changes.
  • If your hair lacks polish and looks a bit unfinished after styling.

No

  • If your hair is already overloaded with product buildup and feels heavy or greasy.
  • When you have very low porosity hair that repels product and gets weighed down easily.
  • If you are experiencing significant scalp issues like flaking or sensitivity, as some products can irritate.

From My Experience

The biggest mistake I see is using a finishing product to try and fix a bad foundation. If your blow-dry is flat or your curls are limp, no amount of finishing spray will correct it. These products are designed to enhance and preserve, not to rebuild a style from scratch.

I always recommend applying finishing products in a well-lit area. This helps you see where the product is landing and avoid over-application. Start with a small amount, distribute it evenly, and then decide if you need more. You can always add product, but it’s much harder to take it away.

My clinical insight is to pay attention to the weather. On dry days, you may only need a light hold spray. On humid days, a stronger anti-frizz serum is crucial. Your finishing product should be the most adaptable part of your routine, changing with your environment for the best results every day.

Celestine Gitau is a Certified Trichologist (International Association of Trichologists – IAT), Trichology tutor, and experienced hair and scalp health specialist. She has extensive expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing hair loss across all hair types, with a focus on afro-textured hair. Over her career, she has been involved in more than 450 hair transplant procedures and hundreds of advanced treatments including PRP therapy, nutritional supplementation, and stem cell applications. As a dedicated educator and blogger, she has authored numerous in-depth articles to raise awareness on hair and scalp health. Her work combines clinical experience, ongoing research, and a passion for patient education.
Note: The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.