The 3-Product Rule That Will Transform Your Hair Routine
You’ve ever wondered why your hairstyles don’t turn out like they do at the salon, the answer isn’t your hair styling skills—it’s your product strategy.
Most women own 7-12 hair styling products but only use 3 regularly. The rest sit untouched because nobody’s explained when and how to use them for different hairstyles. The beauty industry has made hairstyling feel complicated, but creating salon-quality hairstyles at home doesn’t have to be.
Here’s the secret: Every hairstyle—whether it’s sleek straight hair, voluminous hair, beachy waves, curly hairstyles, or a smooth blowout—is built using just THREE types of hair styling products.
Think of it like a hairstyling formula. Get the product order right, and you can create any look you want.
THE 3-PRODUCT FORMULA FOR ANY STYLE
1. PREP PRODUCT (Hair Prep for Heat Styling)
Apply to damp hair before heat styling with blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron.
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair serum
- Hair oil
- Leave-in treatment
What it does: Protects hair from heat damage, reduces frizz, creates a smooth base for styling, and helps hair products work better. It also can add hydration and nourishment. Skip this step, and your hairstyle won’t last.
My Prep Product Recommendations
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For those prone to tangling
ADD TO CARTLightweight leave-in mist that instantly smooths and softens hair, making knots and tangles easy to brush out.
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For those prone to frizz
ADD TO CARTSmooths the hair cuticle to control frizz and flyaways while adding instant shine.
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For dry, damaged hair
ADD TO CARTDeeply nourishes and hydrates the hair while enhancing natural shine.
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For curly hair
ADD TO CARTHelps reduce frizz, improve softness and elasticity, and leave curls smooth, bouncy, and well-moisturized throughout the day.
2. STYLING PRODUCT (Creates Your Desired Look)
This is what makes your hair achieve volume, texture, curls, or smoothness.
- Volumizing mousse (for lift and body)
- Smoothing cream (to tame frizz)
- Curl cream (for definition and bounce)
- Texturizing paste (for piece-y, lived-in texture)
What it does: Transforms your hair texture and creates the specific hairstyle you want—whether that’s adding volume to flat hair, defining natural curls, smoothing frizzy hair, or creating textured waves. It pretty much helps your hair do what it can't do naturally.
My Styling Products Recommendations
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For those prone to fine, flat hair
ADD TO CARTAdds texture and lift while keeping hair soft and touchable, helping fine or flat hair look more voluminous and styled with long-lasting hold.
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For defined, voluminous curls
ADD TO CARTHelps control frizz, add elasticity, and leave curls smooth, flexible, and naturally shaped with a healthy-looking finish.
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For those prone to unruly hair
ADD TO CARTImproves manageability and shine, leaving hair sleek, polished, and protected without feeling heavy.
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For piecey structure
ADD TO CARTIt helps shape and control hair without shine, keeping styles looking full, clean, and touchable throughout the day.
3. FINISHING PRODUCT (Locks in Your Hairstyle)
This seals the deal and keeps your style intact all day.
- Hairspray (for hold)
- Shine spray (for gloss and polish)
- Texture spray (for grip and separation)
- Anti-Humidity spray to block your hair from frizz-producing moisture
What it does: Provides hold, adds shine, controls frizz throughout the day, and ensures your hairstyle doesn’t fall flat. The right finishing spray makes salon hairstyles last.
My Finishing Product Recommendations
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For piecey texture
ADD TO CARTEnhances movement and body while leaving hair lightly tousled, touchable, and full of airy, lived-in texture.
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For maximum body
ADD TO CARTBoosts body and lift while absorbing excess oil, leaving hair looking fuller, matte, and perfectly tousled with flexible hold.
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For eco-friendly, clean finishing
ADD TO CARTSet styles without stiffness, leaving hair touchable, polished, and long-lasting.
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For strongest hold
ADD TO CARTProvides long-lasting control to lock styles in place while resisting humidity and frizz.
You're not alone
Tell our experts about your hair and we will recommend the best volumizing product for you.
EXTENDING YOUR STYLE (Day 2, 3, and Beyond)
You don’t need to start from scratch every day. Two products keep your style going strong:
Dry Shampoo – Absorbs oil at the roots and adds freshness.
Dry Conditioner or Hair Serum – Restores softness, shine, and moisture to your mid-lengths and ends while eliminating frizz
HAIRSTYLING TIPS: THE BOTTOM LINE
You don’t need dozens of hair care products. You need the right styling products in the right order for your specific hair type and desired hairstyle.
Prep → Style → Finish. That’s the formula for every hairstyle.
Once you master this three-product rule for hair styling, creating salon-worthy hairstyles at home becomes intuitive. You’ll know exactly which products to use for volume, curls, straight hair, or texture—and those forgotten styling products will finally make sense.
Any hairstyle you want is just three products away.
Written by Natalie Palomino
Natalie Palomino Is a Master Stylist, educator and Founder of MANEPRINT. Through advanced education and commitment to her craft, she built a vast clientele providing haircare education and hair services.
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