When it comes to styling your hair, there are so many products out there that it can be difficult to know where to start. Waxes, pastes, gels, mousses, serums ... you can end up wasting money on a heap of stuff and still be plagued with bad hair days.

So, before you buy your next product, here’s a little expert advice to help you.

What product?
Suffering from product confusion? Me too! Thankfully Emma Ecott, a stylist at Servilles in Auckland’s Takapuna, is on hand with some straightforward and helpful advice.

“The first thing you need to know is what type of hair you have,” says Emma. “Ask your stylist to diagnose it for you. The product you choose also depends on the type of style you have.”

Gels 
People often think these are just for guys with short hair but some gels can be good for mid-length hair. They’re great for hold and movement – so perfect for flicky styles – but should be blow dried in, otherwise they can be crunchy.

Waxes
If you have coarse hair and a choppy, layered style, then a shiny, sticky wax can work well. They’re good for hold and texture and you can dry them into the roots for body. Don’t put a shiny wax onto shiny hair, though, as it can look lank – the drier matte ones are better.

Mousses
These are great for volume, added body and hold as they don’t weigh down the hair. They can also be used to control curls effectively.

Serums
Use to smooth out frizzy, curly hair you want to blow dry straight.

Heat protectors
If you’re using straightening irons, these are needed as well as your main styling product.

“Every time you visit your stylist, get them to try different products on your hair,” suggests Emma. “Then you can wear them for a while and go back to buy them if you like them.”

How much is too much?
Celebrity hair stylist Nathan Kake has a rule – three styling products at a time only.

“For example, you could start with a mousse to blow dry, a little styling serum on the ends for extra shine and direction, then finish with a light mist of hairspray.

"Overusing products is a no-no,” adds Nathan, “because you can end up making the hair look dirty, dull, flat and greasy.”

What else do you need?
A shine or gloss spray is great to finish off sleek styles. Use it on styled hair instead of hairspray, whenever it needs extra shine.

A heat protector is a must for anyone who regularly uses straightening irons. Lightly spray hair prior to using a straightener. You can also use it on wet hair before blowdrying.

A hairspray is the finishing touch for hold and control.