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About This Quiz
One hundred years ago, hair care was pretty simple: You just scrubbed your scalp and cleaned your strands with the same soap you used for your body. In fact, liquid shampoo as we know it today didn't become popular in the U.S. until the early 1930s, when the first non-stripping, soap-free formulas were introduced to the masses.Â
Since then, the hair-care industry has exploded. It's nearly impossible to count the number of products that are made specifically for your mane, from shampoos and conditioners to hairsprays, mousses and gels. There are special formulas for every hair type and issue (dry, oily, thick, thin, damaged and color-treated, to name just a few), plus hundreds of products to nourish and style, such as deep-treatment masks, dry shampoos, straightening sprays and curling serums.
How big of a hair-product junkie are you? Are you on top of the latest trends when it comes to hair care? Do you research the latest and greatest brands and eagerly await the release of new and innovative formulas? If so, this is a quiz you have to take. It's filled with hair care and styling products, and we want to know if you can you name them all. Whether you're a professional stylist or an at-home hair guru, test your hair-care know-how by answering all of the questions below!
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Let's start with a simple one! This product is typically used to set a finished hair style.
Hair spray
Hairspray shields your strands from wind, humidity and other external elements that might mess up your style. For best results, choose a hairspray designed for the kind of hold you're looking for — light (if you still want your hair to move naturally), medium (allows a little flexibility while keeping your hair in place) and strong (you don't want anything to budge).
Mousse
Gel
Conditioner
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What is this specially colored shampoo used for?
Getting rid of grey hair
Brightening blonde tones
Purple shampoo helps keep blonde hair from turning dull and brassy. Because purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, the violet pigments in the shampoo cancel out any yellow, brassy tones and restore its original bright, cool color.
Repairing damaged hair
Getting rid of dandruff
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Liz / YouTube
When you use this kind of cleanser, you can "wash" your hair without stepping into the shower.
Brightening spray
Shine serum
Dry shampoo
While dry shampoo is thought to have been around since at least the 15th century, the first commercially produced version, called "Minipoo," didn't hit shelves in the U.S. until the 1940s.
Charcoal mask
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itsjustmejamie / YouTube
This product is a must-have for any curly-haired person who likes to heat-style their hair at home.
Deep conditioner
Protein mask
Straightening spray
Not only do most straightening sprays help cut down blow-drying time significantly, they also protect your hair from heat damage while minimizing frizz, preventing static and adding shine.
Leave-in conditioner
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Corrie Side / YouTube
This non-permanent treatment is a life-saver for people who color their hair and can help you disguise the need for a touch-up.
Purple shampoo
Charcoal hair mask
Root concealer
Temporary root concealers come in a wide range of shades and are especially handy for covering up grays. Most formulas wash out after one shampoo and come easy to apply as a spray, a pen or a blendable powder.
Glossing serum
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Wiki Commons by Frisko
While this hair-styling product is still used today, it was massively popular when it first hit the market in the 1980s.
Styling gel
Styling hair spray
Styling mousse
This creamy foam styler originated in France and was brought to the U.S. by L'Oreal in the early 1980s. Along with other products designed to add volume, it was widely used in the '80s due to the decade's ubiquitous "big hair" trend.
Styling serum
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Applied after you shampoo and condition, but before your style your hair, it takes just a few drops for this multipurpose product to provide big benefits.
Hair serum
Most hair serums are loaded with vitamins and minerals to moisturize your strands, so a little bit can go a long way. If you want to add extra shine, rub one or two drops between your palms and apply it to soaking-wet (versus towel-dried) hair.
Leave-in conditioner
Sea salt spray
Dry shampoo
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Schmocter MED / YouTube
This type of shampoo is specially formulated to fight white, scaly flakes that can accumulate on the scalp.
Purple shampoo
Anti-aging shampoo
Highlight-activating shampoo
Dandruff shampoo
Though Head & Shoulders is one of the most popular brands of dandruff shampoo, there are plenty of other effective formulas to choose from, including Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T-Sal and Redken Scalp Relief.
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Natalia Simmons / YouTube
This product is a temporary treatment that can be done at home or in the salon and is great for reviving dull, faded color and boosting shine.
Hair gloss
These semi-permanent treatments typically last four to six weeks and are designed to improve shine by coating and sealing your hair's cuticles. They can also be specially formulated to correct unwanted color tones, such as brassiness and redness.
Keratin treatment
Henna
Deep conditioner
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Andriane Tucker / YouTube
This natural beauty remedy is thought to strengthen strands, promote hair growth and balance the scalp's pH levels.
Argan oil
Almond oil
Castor oil
Castor oil is a natural a humectant, which makes it highly effective at sealing in moisture and improving hair health. It also has anti-fungal properties that are believed to clear clogged hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.
Coconut oil
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Particularly popular in the summertime, this texturizing spray is easy to DIY.
Shimmer spray
Glitter spray
Wax spray
Sea salt spray
Sea salt spray gives your hair that messy, beachy-wave look. To make it at home, combine 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of melted organic coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of leave-in hair conditioner and a 1 cup of warm water in a clean spray bottle. Shake well, then spritz!
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somegirljess / YouTube
While Sun In was once the most popular brand of this product, these sprays are now made by many hair-care companies, including John Frieda, Klorane and Sun Bum.
Detangling spray
Leave-in conditioner spray
Straightening spray
Hair-lightening spray
Hair-lightening sprays have come a long way since Sun In ruled the drugstore shelves. Most formulas now incorporate natural ingredients such as chamomile and honey, and many steer clear of hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching agents, which can lead to unwanted brassiness or red tones.
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Khichi Beauty / YouTube
Over the past couple of years, this gritty ingredient has been popping up in more and hair-care products.
Charcoal
Also found in many skin care products, charcoal is great for detoxification. It helps keep your scalp clean by lifting impurities such as dirt and oil. It's also exfoliating and can help clear clogged-up hair follicles.
Mud
Sand
Oats
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Wiki Commons by Bladeofgrass
If you're going for a "wet look," this is the hair styling product to use.
Mousse
Hair spray
Gel
While hair gel can be used to style a variety of different 'dos, it's known for its ability to create shiny, sleek looks. When applying gel, use it sparingly — alcohol is often an ingredient in this potent styler, which can damage and dry out your locks.
Conditioner
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This styler is similar to hair gel but remains soft after its applied.
Mousse
Wax
Hair wax is very thick and ideal for short hair and spiky styles. It works best when applied to dry hair and is a good alternative to gel if you're hair tends to get damaged and/or dry out easily.
Pomade
Clay
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Alberto V05 / YouTube
Popularized by V05 in the 1970s, this type of hair treatment works wonders on dry, damaged strands.
Dandruff shampoo
Scalp spray
Conditioning rinse
Hot oil
Hot-oil treatments are great for reversing damage caused by heat styling and overexposure to sun. They also help fight frizz, reduce breakage and seal split ends. Hot-oil treatments provide the best results when used weekly .
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If your hair is naturally dry, you should steer clear of products with the following ingredient:
Alcohol
Ethanol, Isopropyl and propyl are three of the most drying types of alcohol commonly found in hair care products. Cetearyl, behenyl and lauryl — which are known as fatty alcohols — are less problematic and can actually smooth the hair shaft. Nevertheless, if your hair is dry and damaged, alcohol-free hair-care products might be the best for you.
Glycerin
Shea butter
Aloe vera
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Formerly for skin only, these creams have recently been reformulated by a number of brands to help soften and style hair.
Acne creams
Under eye creams
Hand creams
BB and CC creams
Like BB and CC creams for the skin, these products are designed to address multiple issues as once. Typically, they can be used on wet or dry hair, offer moisturizing, softening and texturizing properties and can protect against dryness and sun damage.
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This specially formulated hair-styling product is ideal for people with thin hair.
Volumizer
Volumizers add temporary body to naturally thin hair. They come in a variety of forms, including mousses, sprays and creams. You can also help boost body by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which are formulated with light ingredients that won't weight hair down.
Conditioner
Serum
Pomade
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Sulfate-free shampoos are beneficial for which of the following hair types?
Dry and damaged
Color-treated
Dandruff-prone
All of the above
Sulfates are the cleansing agents that create a shampoo's thick, frothy lather. While they are great at removing build-up, they are harsh and can strip hair of its moisturizing oils. They also tend to fade color-treated strands and can irritate scalps that are dry and dandruff-prone.
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bMUR's Bearded Experiences / YouTube
Available in both scented and unscented formulas, this hair-care product is also designed to soothe the skin.
Mousse
Dry shampoo
Beard oil
Beard oils are specially formulated to soften and tame facial hair while also conditioning the skin underneath it. Many also contain ingredients designed to promote hair growth and thickness.
Conditioner
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The Knight's Squire / YouTube
Commercials for this old-school hair product claimed that just "a little dab will do ya!"
Murray’s Pomade
Vitali's Hair Tonic
Wildroot shampoo
Brylcreem
First introduced to the hair-care market back in 1928, this multipurpose cream is still sold today. It's great for adding shine, conditioning strands and creating slick, sleek styles.
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While technically not a hair product, this household item can help fight frizz and prevent tangles while you sleep.
Silk pillowcase
Unlike cotton, silk does not absorb moisture, so it won't dry out your hair and cause frizz while you sleep. Silk also gives your hair a smooth, frictionless surface to slide across while you toss and turn, leaving it more manageable when you wake up in the morning.
Terrycloth towel
Hair net
Shower cap
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This topical solution is used to treat hair loss.
Olaplex
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which is a type of medication that opens and widens blood vessels. When applied topically to the scalp, monoxidil is thought to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
Pomade
Nair
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In a pinch, this common condiment can be used as a hair mask to soften strands and add shine.
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise contains a number of natural softening and strengthening agents, including lemon juice, soybean oil, egg and vinegar. The best way to use is as a hair mask is to apply it evenly all over wet hair, just as you would apply a conditioner. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.
Ketchup
Hot sauce
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Gothamista / YouTube, Marla Aufmuth / Photodisc / Getty Images, lacaosa / Moment Open / Getty Images
This highly moisturizing natural hair oil can also be used to soften and smooth the skin.
Marula Oil
Argan oil
Avocado oil
All of the above
All three of these oils are high in amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that are beneficial to both the hair and skin. When used on the hair, they help restore shine, boost elasticity, protect against UV damage and sooth irritated, dry scalps.
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When you spritz this spray on your hair before you blow dry, you shield your strands from excess dryness, damage and color-fade.
Heat-protectant spray
In addition to protecting your hair from damage, heat-protectant sprays also replenish moisture, add shine and keep color from fading or becoming brassy. There are also some formulas designed to help extend the life of your blow out.
Detangling spray
Leave-in conditioner spray
Dry shampoo
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This creamy styling product comes in oil-based and water-based formulas.
Gel
Mousse
Pomade
While typically marketed to men, pomades can be used by anyone looking for a hairstyle that's sleek, shiny and flexible. While oil-based pomades offer more hold than water-based formulas, they are harder to wash out of your hair, so choose your formula wisely.
Wax
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Perfect for giving hair a messy, "bed-head" look, this pliable product provides a reworkable hold that can be adjusted throughout the day.
Texturing paste
Texturing paste is an excellent multi-purpose styler. It can be used on hair that's wet or dry, long or short and adds body, definition and separation while leaving hair soft and flexible.
Gel
Mousse
Shine spray
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While similar to dry shampoo, this type of spray replaces absorbent powders with moisturizing oils.
Shine spray
Thickening spray
Dry conditioner
Rather than contain powders and starches to sop up oil and dirt around the scale, dry conditioners are designed to hydrate dry hair, as well as add texture, volume and shine, without getting it wet. Dry conditioners are also great for sealing split ends.
Hair gloss
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Here's another technically-not-a-hair-product, but-it-does-just-as-much-good item. This type of towel is a must for drying curly hair.
Egyptian cotton
Microfiber
Curly hair is particularly delicate when it’s wet, and cotton and terrycloth towels are coarse and abrasive. They can snag at your strands, causing breakage, frizz and split ends. A microfiber towel, on the other hand, is soft, smooth and lightweight — it absorbs water quickly and easily without any rubbing — so friction is kept to a minimum.
Bamboo
Pima cotton
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If your hair is dry, brittle and experiences a lot of breakage, this homemade hair mask can work wonders.
Honey mask
Apple-cider-vinegar mask
Peanut-butter mask
Avocado mask
Avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are both mega-moisturizing nutrients that add shine while they hydrate. Making an avocado mask as home is easy! Simply rub half a mashed avocado (or whole, if your hair is very long) onto damp hair from the roots to ends. Cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then rinse.
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You can use this handy at-home tool to recreate the amazing scalp massage you get at the salon.
Shower cap
Foot massager
Tingling conditioner
Scalp shampoo brush
Scalp shampoo brushes feel amazing, but they also offer big benefits: They help get rid of dandruff, sooth itchy scalp and prevent product buildup both on your scalp and in your hair.
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This product is great for instantly boosting volume when a hairstyle has gone flat.
Dry conditioner
Gel
Root-lifting spray
Just a few spritzes of root-lifting spray can give your entire look an instant body boost. It's also a good option for people with fine hair, who may find other common volumizers like mousse to be too heavy and weight hair down.
Volumizing shampoo
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Wiki Commons by Stephanie (strph) from Oklahoma City, USA
When used in shampoo, this natural ingredient, which is also effective for treating acne, can help soothe dry scalp and get rid of dandruff.
Bark
Mint
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a plant extract with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. It's also gentle and non-drying, which makes it an excellent treatment for dry scalp and dandruff.
Honey
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These popular brushes are specially designed to carefully comb through wet hair without causing breakage or other damage.
The Dry Brush
The Wet Brush
The Wet Brush is designed with innovative IntelliFlex bristles that effortlessly run through the hair, brushing out tangles in wet or dry hair without pulling, tugging or snagging.
The Tangle Teaser
A boar-bristle brush
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In addition to protecting hair from heat damage, this prepping product hydrates, detangles and reduces blow-out time.
Serum
Glossing treatment
Leave-in conditioner
Hair primer
Typically formulated as sprays or cremes, hair primers work much like foundation primers do: They ensure your hair is perfectly prepped for styling. They also fight frizz, shield against humidity and provide UV protection.
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Whether your hair is straight, curly, oily or thin, these special stylers will help prevent hair loss, breakage and split ends.
Banana clips
Snag-free elastics
Most elastics do not have your hair's best interests in mind. They will snag, tangle and tug, which can cause damage over time. Avoid this by looking for snag-free elastics the next time you're at the drugstore. They're made of unique elastic fibers that glide through the hair without getting stuck.
Bobby pins
Alligator clips
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This frizz-minimizing blow-dryer attachment is a must for heat-styling curls.
Diffuser
When attached to a blowdryer, a diffuser circulates hot air AROUND the curl, rather than on top of it. This not only helps minimize frizz, it also adds body by boosting curls rather than flattening them.
Concentrator
Pick nozzle
Thermo nozzle
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In a pinch, you can stash this household product in your purse to help fight frizz when you're out and about.
Hand soap
Air freshener
Fabric-softener sheets
If you can't get your hands on professional hair-perfecting sheets (only a few brands currently make them), stuff a few sheets of fabric softener in your purse. Their static-fighting properties give them the power to tame frizz and flyaways with just a quick swipe.
Hand sanitizer
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