When it comes to styling, the right product can make the difference between a style that falls flat and one that lasts all day. With so many options—foams, gels, creams, pomades, sprays—it can feel overwhelming to know what to reach for. At Gordon Salon, we use and recommend Aveda products that are designed to work with your hair type, texture, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown to help you find your perfect match.
Foams & Mousses: Lightweight Volume and Lift
Foams (also called mousses) are ideal if you’re looking for weightless body and bounce. They work especially well on fine to medium hair that needs extra oomph without being weighed down.
Use foams and mousses when you’re styling damp hair right after a shower. Apply them evenly from roots to ends before blow-drying or air-drying. This timing allows the lightweight formula to expand the hair shaft as it dries, giving you maximum volume and lift without heaviness.
They’re especially great before:
- Blowouts → Adds bounce and structure.
- Curling/Styling → Helps hold shape while keeping movement.
- Everyday wear → Perfect if your hair tends to go flat by midday.
What our stylists use:
- Invati Ultra Advanced™ Thickening Foam – Perfect for anyone with thinning or fine hair, this foam expands strands for instant fullness.
- Be Curly Advanced™ Curl Perfecting Primer – A lightweight leave-in spray that creates the foundation for defined, frizz-free curls.
Gels: Control and Definition
Gel is all about hold and structure. It’s the go-to for sleek styles, curls that need definition, or short hair that needs shape.
Use gel on damp or towel-dried hair when you want long-lasting shape and structure. Work it through evenly to lock in sleek looks, define curls, or add polish to short styles. For curls, scrunch it in to enhance definition without frizz; for sleek looks, smooth it from roots to ends before combing into place.
Best times to reach for gel:
- Sleek ponytails or updos → Keeps every strand in place.
- Defined curls or waves → Enhances texture while controlling frizz.
- Short hair styling → Shapes and sculpts effortlessly.
What we love using:
- Be Curly Advanced™ Coil Definer Gel – Adds long-lasting definition to coily textures without crunch.
- Confixor™ Liquid Gel – A lightweight gel that gives flexible hold, great for fine to medium hair.
- Brilliant™ Retexturizing Gel – Provides strong hold for more structured looks.
- Flax Seed Gel – A plant-based favorite for strong hold and natural shine, recommended for medium to coarse hair types.
- Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Firm Hold Gel – Designed for men’s styles that demand structure and staying power.
Creams & Whips: Softness and Smooth Control
Creams are all about touchable texture. They smooth, define, and condition while taming frizz—great for medium to coarse hair.
Apply creams or whips to damp or dry hair when you want softness with light control. They’re perfect for smoothing frizz, adding hydration, and keeping your style touchable rather than stiff. Work a small amount through mid-lengths and ends for conditioning benefits, or distribute evenly for all-over polish.
Best times to reach for creams & whips:
- Frizz control on humid days → Keeps hair sleek and smooth.
- Natural, lived-in styles → Enhances texture without stiffness.
- Medium to coarse hair → Conditions while adding subtle definition and shine.
Our go-to products include:
- Be Curly Advanced™ Curl Enhancer Cream – Adds softness, moisture, and frizz control for wavy to curly textures.
- Botanical Repair™ Bond-Building Styling Creme – Strengthens damaged hair while providing light styling control.
- Brilliant™ Universal Styling Creme – Adds body and shine, perfect for blow-drying.
- Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme – Great for separation and movement with natural finish.
- Light Elements™ Defining Whip™ – Provides airy, weightless hold that’s perfect for soft, pliable styles.
Pomades & Pastes: Texture, Shine, and Flexibility
Pomades are fantastic for creating definition, taming flyaways, and adding either shine or matte texture depending on the formula. These work well for short styles, curls, or finishing touches.
Use pomades or pastes on dry or slightly damp hair when you want detailed definition and flexible hold. They’re great for finishing touches—whether you’re smoothing flyaways, adding piecey texture, or creating polished separation. Depending on the formula, you can choose high shine for a sleek finish or matte for a more natural, effortless look.
Best times to reach for pomades & pastes:
- Short styles → Perfect for shaping and refining.
- Finishing touch → Smooths edges or adds controlled texture to complete your style.
What we reach for first:
- Brilliant™ Anti-Humectant Pomade – Ideal for high-humidity days; prevents frizz in straight styles.
- Brilliant™ Humectant Pomade – Adds moisture and definition in drier climates—amazing for curly hair.
- Control Paste™ – Adds texture, definition, and a medium hold with a matte finish.
Sprays: Finishing, Hold, and Protection
Sprays lock your look in place and can provide everything from flexible movement to rock-solid hold.
Use sprays as the final step once your style is in place. They seal everything in and can be tailored to the finish you want—whether that’s a flexible, touchable hold or a strong, all-day set. Many formulas also add heat or humidity protection, making them a must-have for keeping your look polished.
Best times to reach for sprays:
- Finishing styles → Locks in curls, waves, or sleek looks.
- Flexible hold → Keeps hair in place while still allowing movement.
- Strong hold → Secures updos or statement styles that need staying power.
- Protection → Shields against heat tools and humidity.
- Air Control™ Light Hold Hair Spray – Gives flexible hold that brushes out easily.
- Brilliant™ Medium Hold Hair Spray – Provides working hold with natural shine.
- Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray – For maximum hold that resists humidity.
- Firmata™ Firm Hold Hair Spray – A classic firm-hold spray for lasting style.
- Heat Relief™ Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist – A two-in-one spray that shields from heat while conditioning hair.
Fluids & Protectors: Sleek and Smooth Finishes
These lightweight products add polish and protection, perfect for finishing touches or heat styling.
Use fluids and protectors before heat styling or as a final polish. Their lightweight formulas shield hair from damage while adding a sleek, glossy finish. A few drops go a long way—apply sparingly to mid-lengths and ends to smooth frizz, boost shine, and protect from flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers.
Best times to reach for fluids & protectors:
- Before heat styling → Defends against damage while enhancing results.
- Final polish → Smooths flyaways and adds a glossy finish.
- Everyday protection → Keeps hair looking healthy despite daily stressors.
- Light Elements™ Smoothing Fluid – Adds shine and smoothness without weight.
- Brilliant™ Damage Control™ – A must-have prep spray for heat and UV protection.
How to Choose the Right Product for Your Hair Type
- Fine Hair: Look for lightweight foams, mousses, and sprays that add volume without heaviness.
- Curly/Coily Hair: Opt for gels, curl creams, and humectant pomades to enhance definition and fight frizz.
- Thick/Coarse Hair: Creams, pastes, and firm-hold sprays help control and shape.
- Frizz-Prone Hair: Anti-humectant pomade or firm hold sprays keep humidity at bay.
- Heat Stylers: Always start with a protector like Heat Relief™ or Damage Control™ before styling.
Final Thoughts
The best styling product depends on your hair type, your desired look, and the environment you’re in. At Gordon Salon, our stylists are here to guide you to the right Aveda products and show you how to use them for salon-worthy results every day.
Book a consultation or styling session today and let’s find your perfect product match!
