How to layer hair products like a pro using Paul's top 5 salon 'recipes'
Ever wondered why you can't quite recreate your salon hair style at home? You might not be making full use of your hair product stash! Salon stylists are masters of mixology — knowing how to mix and layer hair products to create bespoke blends.
Paul is here to share 5 of his go-to product blends, developed to help him achieve reliable, long-lasting styles in salons, on set, and backstage. So if you've got no time for a blow-dry before your next engagement, Paul's potions are the answer to your self-styling prayers!
Why salon experts love layering hair products
It's common for salon professionals to mix hair products when styling clients. Hair artistry depends on the stylist's ability to invent bespoke blends to capture their client's perfect finished style. This may mean blending several products into one magic mix that can create the desired effect for that individual.
Paul says, "One of the things that we've been trying to talk to our clients about is that not one product will fit all hair types. You need to build it up and use it in different areas."
Some hair brands have even created entire product lines designed to be layered and mixed. The most notable is Shu Uemura the Art of Styling, which is inspired by 'haigo' — the Japanese art of blending and layering pigments.
Paul's ability to layer salon hair products means he can create a quick, guaranteed outcome for any hair type, style, and situation. They're one of the secrets to fail-safe results that can withstand long hours.
Look 1: covetous curls
Do you find it impossible to tame your unruly curls? Paul has a go-to method for fighting frizz and shaping your locks into defined, springy curls that last and last.
What you'll need:
- Hair dryer with diffuser
- Wide toothed comb
- Favourite conditioner or Shu Uemura Overnight Serum
- Shu Uemura Kaze Wave
- Shu Uemura Essence Absolue
- Shu Uemura Kumo Hold
Paul says: "To tame unruly curls, apply a small amount of your normal conditioner and leave it in your hair or apply Shu Uemura Overnight Serum to the mid lengths and ends.
"Next, take a tennis ball size amount of Shu Uemura Kaze Wave mousse and two pumps of Essence Absolue and apply it to your hair, then comb through with a wide-toothed comb.
"Gently define your curls using your fingers and then spray with Shu Uemura Kumo Hold to plasticise the curls and stop them from frizzing. Finish by drying the hair with a diffuser attachment."
Look 2: straight and sleek
Nothing quite takes the polish off a sleek home blow-dry like little wisps of fluff and frizz. Paul has a two-product mix that he uses to keep those straight blow-dries looking chic.
What you'll need:
"To stop those frizzy, fluffy bits that stick out when you blow-dry your hair straight, I like to apply Awa Volume mousse to the hair and overlay it with a small amount of Ishi Sculpt," says Paul.
"Take a small amount on your fingertip, break it down by rubbing it between the palms of your hands. Then, wipe the blend through the hair, paying special attention to the areas which are prone to frizz."
Look 3: top of the crops
Amp up the volume in shorter hairstyles with Paul's fail-proof blend for texture and va-va-voom. This 'recipe' also works wonders on men's hair when extra shine is needed.
What you'll need:
- Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Hydro Texturising Mist
- Shu Uemura Umou Hold
- Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil In Cream
For extra volume, lift, and texture on shorter hairstyles, I like to use Moroto Volume Mist in the roots followed by Umou Hold," says Paul. "You can also use Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil In Cream on semi-dry hair or to create a glossy look on men's hair."
Look 4: effortless and romantic
This look is perfect for anyone wanting to appear effortlessly put together. Paul's simple two-product blend gives polish and hold to finished styles while allowing plenty of movement.
What you'll need:
"Apply a blend of Awa Volume and Essence Absolue to achieve soft hold with free movement," says Paul.
Look 5: the glossy blow-dry
No time to book a blow-dry appointment? Use Paul's two-product blend to mimic the same glossy finish at home.
What you'll need:
Paul says: "For a full, glossy blow-dry, I'd use Davines Oil Non Oil combined with a dash of Replumping Hair Filler Superactive in the roots. They give me outstanding results every time."
Book a blow dry at our salons and let our experts craft your look, or visit the online shop to recreate Paul's 'recipes' using our salon hair products.
Want to see Paul's alchemy in action? Visit our YouTube channel to watch him using his bespoke blends.