Four Hair Products Many People Use Wrong (and How to Fix It)

It’s easy to blame “bad hair days” on weather, hard water, or your cut — but in salons, one of the most common culprits is far more everyday: using the right products in the wrong way. The result can look like flatness, frizz, dullness, greasy roots, heavy ends, or limp curls — and it often leads people to over-wash, over-style, or keep switching products without ever fixing the real issue.

A recent UK lifestyle piece put a spotlight on four familiar staples that can quietly sabotage your results when they’re misapplied: mousse, hairspray, dry shampoo and leave-in oil/serum. None of these is “bad” — in fact, they’re salon essentials — but each has rules around amount, placement, and timing. Below, Hairporium breaks down the most common mistakes and what many stylists recommend instead, so you can get the benefits without the build-up.

1) Mousse: brilliant for body — but placement matters

Mousse has had a renaissance for good reason: it can create lift, hold and a thicker-looking finish without the heaviness that some creams and waxes bring. For fine hair in particular, it’s often one of the most reliable ways to build volume and shape.

The common mistake: applying mousse all over, especially through the mid-lengths and ends, or using a “golf-ball” amount regardless of hair length and density. When mousse is over-applied, it can leave hair feeling coated, sticky, or oddly dry once it’s heat-styled — and it can make ends look rougher than they are.

What many stylists recommend instead: treat mousse like a root-and-crown tool. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the first 5–10cm from scalp (particularly crown and hairline areas), then comb lightly to distribute what’s left through the top layer. For ends, consider a lighter leave-in conditioner or heat-protecting spray rather than piling on more mousse.

• Start small: for fine hair, begin with an amount closer to a large grape; for thicker hair, work up in sections.
• Apply on damp, not dripping hair: too much water can dilute product and encourage over-application.
• Lift at the root: blow-dry with a nozzle attachment and direct airflow from root to end for smoother shine.

2) Hairspray: “more” isn’t more — it’s usually just crunch

Hairspray is often used as a final flourish, but the most polished results usually come from using it with intention. Modern sprays range from flexible hold to high-hold and humidity resistance; the technique should change depending on the finish you want.

The common mistake: spraying too close to the hair or saturating one area until it feels wet. That’s when you get stiffness, a sticky surface texture, and the kind of helmet effect that makes hair look less healthy on camera and in daylight.

What many stylists recommend instead: use distance and layering. Hold the can around 20–30cm away and mist in short bursts. If you need extra hold at the front or on a curl set, build it in light layers rather than drenching. For sleek styles, apply spray to a brush (or a clean spoolie) and smooth the surface lightly — a classic backstage technique that prevents patchiness.

• For volume: lift sections and mist underneath rather than blasting the top.
• For flyaways: spray onto your hands or brush first, then smooth gently.
• For curls: allow hair to cool fully before misting; warm curls plus heavy spray can drop faster.

3) Dry shampoo: not a “day-of” fix — it’s a timing tool

Dry shampoo is one of the most misunderstood products in British bathrooms. Used well, it can extend a blow-dry, soften the look of oily roots, and add texture. Used poorly, it can leave hair dull, dusty, itchy-feeling, or oddly greasy — especially when it’s layered over old product.

The common mistake: waiting until hair looks visibly oily, then applying a lot at once and immediately brushing. This tends to create a chalky build-up at the scalp and can make roots feel heavier by evening.

What many stylists recommend instead: apply it before oiliness is obvious — often the evening of wash day or the night before you need your style to last. Give it time to absorb. In the morning, brush thoroughly (or blast briefly with cool air) and then consider a quick scalp massage at the roots to remove excess residue.

• Section your hair: light sprays along the parting and crown beat one heavy cloud.
• Wait 1–2 minutes: let it absorb oil before brushing or rubbing.
• Use a reset cadence: if you’re relying on dry shampoo for several days, plan a proper cleanse to prevent residue build-up.

Practical next step: tonight, apply a small amount of dry shampoo to clean-ish roots (not oily roots), sleep on it, then brush out thoroughly in the morning and see how much longer your style lasts.

4) Hair oil/serum: it’s a finishing product — not a conditioner replacement

Hair oils and serums can be transformative for shine, frizz control and smoothing ends — but they’re also the quickest route to “why do my roots look greasy?” if used incorrectly. Many formulas are highly concentrated and designed to sit on the surface of the hair fibre, not to moisturise in the same way a conditioner does.

The common mistake: applying oil too close to the scalp, starting with too much, or using it on wet hair without understanding the formula. For finer hair types especially, this can collapse volume, make hair look stringy, and encourage people to wash more frequently than they’d like.

What many stylists recommend instead: warm a tiny amount between palms, then apply from mid-lengths to ends first. Only take what’s left (almost nothing) to the outer layer if you need extra polish. If your hair tends to be dry, pair oil with a proper rinse-out conditioner and adjust your shampooing so the scalp feels clean without stripping the lengths.

• Use micro-doses: think 1–2 drops for fine hair; add gradually for thicker hair.
• Target the right areas: mid-lengths and ends are usually where shine and softness are needed.
• Choose the moment: many people find oil works best on dry hair as a finisher, rather than on soaking-wet hair.

Key Takeaways

• Mousse is most effective at the roots and crown; too much through the ends can make hair feel coated or rough.
• Hairspray should be misted from a distance in light layers; spraying too close often leads to crunch and dullness.
• Dry shampoo works best preventatively (often the night before), with proper sectioning and time to absorb.
• Hair oil/serum is a concentrated finisher; apply mid-lengths to ends first and avoid the scalp unless the formula is designed for it.
• Better results rarely require more products — just better placement, timing, and smaller amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m using too much styling product?
Common signs include hair feeling tacky, looking dull, losing movement, or going limp quickly. If the hair feels coated even after drying, reduce the amount and apply in sections.

Should I apply mousse before or after heat protectant?
Many stylists suggest applying heat protection first on damp hair, then mousse where you need lift. If your heat protectant is also a styling primer, keep mousse lighter and more targeted.

Why does hairspray make my hair look frizzy or dusty?
Over-spraying or spraying too close can leave visible residue on the surface. Try misting from further away and brushing lightly once it’s dry, or use a flexible hold spray for a softer finish.

Can dry shampoo cause build-up?
It can, particularly if used daily for long stretches or layered with other styling products. Most professionals recommend ensuring you cleanse the scalp properly at regular intervals and brush out residue thoroughly.

Is hair oil bad for fine hair?
Not inherently. Fine hair typically needs a smaller amount, applied from mid-lengths to ends, and often works best with lightweight formulas and a “less is more” approach.

What’s the simplest routine reset if my hair feels product-heavy?
Try a thorough double shampoo focused on the scalp, then condition only from mid-lengths to ends. On the next styling day, reintroduce one product at a time using smaller amounts so you can pinpoint what’s weighing hair down.